Made in USA Television: A Look at the Current State of Domestic Production

Donald Trump’s claim that the U.S. “doesn’t make television sets anymore” reflects a complex reality about the domestic television manufacturing industry. While technically there are a few companies performing some assembly in the US, the overwhelming majority of televisions sold in America are made overseas. This article delves into the current state of Made In Usa Television production.

The “Made in USA” Standard and the Television Industry

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sets stringent requirements for products claiming to be “Made in USA.” For a product to earn this label, “all or virtually all” of its components must be made and assembled within the United States. This standard proves challenging for the television industry, as the intricate electronics and components necessary for modern TVs are primarily manufactured in Asia.

Industry experts, such as Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, confirm the difficulty of producing a truly “Made in USA” television. The necessary components are simply not readily available domestically.

American Companies and Television Assembly

Despite the challenges, a few companies are engaged in some level of television assembly within the United States. Element Electronics, the most prominent example, assembles televisions in South Carolina for major retailers like Walmart and Target. However, the extent of their domestic manufacturing is limited. Reports suggest their process primarily involves inserting a memory board into pre-assembled televisions imported from China.

Two other companies, specializing in niche, high-end televisions, also conduct assembly operations in the US. However, their production volume is negligible compared to the overall market dominated by international brands. These companies often focus on specialty screens, importing most of their components.

The Decline of American Television Manufacturing

The American television manufacturing landscape was once vastly different. In the mid-20th century, dozens of American companies produced millions of television sets annually. Iconic brands like Sylvania and RCA were household names. However, the rise of international competition, particularly from Asian manufacturers, led to a gradual decline in domestic production. By the 1980s, most major American manufacturers had moved production overseas or ceased operations entirely.

The Future of “Made in USA” Televisions

While the current outlook for a resurgence of large-scale American television manufacturing appears dim, there are glimmers of hope. Discussions around potential investments in domestic display production could potentially shift the landscape in the future. However, for the present, the reality remains that finding a television truly “Made in USA” is highly unlikely. The market remains dominated by foreign brands utilizing globally sourced components.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s assertion that the U.S. no longer makes television sets is largely accurate. While some limited assembly occurs domestically, the vast majority of televisions sold in America are made overseas. The “Made in USA” label, with its strict requirements, remains elusive for the television industry due to the global nature of component manufacturing. The future may hold possibilities for a renewed focus on domestic production, but for now, consumers seeking American-made televisions face a challenging search.