SouthernWorldwide.com – The Small Business Administration (SBA), in conjunction with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), is in the process of removing nearly two dozen foreign products from its official catalog. This catalog serves as a supplier for government agencies, and the action is being taken due to concerns that some products may be misrepresenting their country of origin.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler has expressed worries that companies based in China were falsely marketing their products as “made in America” on the Advantage! platform. This platform is utilized by the government to connect vendors with various agencies needing supplies.
Loeffler stated that the SBA, under the Trump administration, is committed to revitalizing American industries and supply chains. She emphasized that every taxpayer dollar spent by the federal government should be directed towards supporting American businesses, workers, and products.
This move by the SBA is an extension of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to bolster American manufacturing. It also aims to mitigate the risks associated with procuring or implementing goods sourced from China that could potentially be compromised.
The concerns initially surfaced during the White House Small Business Summit. At this event, a small business from New York named Sherrill Manufacturing brought suspicions to the SBA’s attention. They indicated that some China-based companies were only partially assembling or finishing their products within the United States, thereby misleading the “Made in America” designation.
Sherrill Manufacturing is recognized by the SBA as the sole producer of stainless steel flatware that is entirely manufactured in America.
Loeffler explained that President Trump directed the SBA and GSA to take decisive action upon learning that foreign companies were falsely claiming “Made in America” status within the federal procurement system.
The push for prioritizing domestically sourced materials for federal use is not new and predates the Trump administration. Even in his first term, President Trump issued executive orders aimed at maximizing the use of raw materials like iron, aluminum, and cement sourced from within the U.S. He also issued a similar executive order earlier in the year.
However, the foundation for sourcing protections for federal materials was laid much earlier. The Berry Amendment, enacted in 1941, mandates that the Department of War purchase only American-sourced steel for security reasons.
Similarly, the Buy American Act (BAA), a law established during the Great Depression and passed in 1933, requires federal agencies to give preference to American-made goods when they meet certain value thresholds.
Loeffler elaborated that companies like Sherrill Manufacturing could inadvertently be put at risk of violating these regulations if vendors are not transparent about their product sourcing. This could lead to them unknowingly participating in non-compliance.
The Trump Administration, through these actions, is sending a clear message. Loeffler emphasized that they will not tolerate foreign entities falsely using “Made in America” labels or undercutting legitimate, long-standing American small businesses such as Sherrill Manufacturing.
Matthew Roberts, the CEO of Sherrill Manufacturing, lauded the SBA’s efforts and expressed his gratitude to the Trump administration for their commitment to this issue.
Roberts highlighted that the factory where Sherrill Manufacturing and Liberty Tabletop produce their flatware has a significant manufacturing history. This history includes supplying America’s armed forces during World War I.
He further conveyed his deep appreciation for President Trump, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, and GSA Administrator Ed Forst, along with their respective offices. Roberts acknowledged their ongoing work in preserving American manufacturing and restoring pride in products made within the USA.
The SBA has not yet disclosed the specific vendors that have been removed from the Advantage! platform.
