Stefanik Demands FTC Take Action Against Chinese Flag Manufacturers Falsely Labeling American Flags “Made in the USA”

Saratoga, N.Y. -Congresswoman Elise Stefanik led a letter with Representatives Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Nick Langworthy (R-NY) expressing concern to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan about an influx of companies based in the People's Republic of China (PRC) falsely labeling their American flags as "Made in the USA" across online retail platforms and urging the FTC to issue complaints and take actions against violators.

"Our domestic U.S. Flag Industry is being decimated and American consumers are being deceived. A majority of the American flags sold in the online marketplaces are fraudulently advertised as Made in America, when in fact, they are Made in China. In Upstate New York, we have seen a 100% increase of China-made American Flags in circulation. The FTC needs to immediately start enforcing current U.S. laws to stop the flood of imported "counterfeit" U.S. Flags. Congresswoman Stefanik, and her dedicated staff, are fierce advocates for our American Flag and our domestic industry of U.S. flagmakers. We are thankful for Stefanik's exemplary leadership to "Sound the Alarm" to Save Our American-Made USA flag industry, its workers, and the symbol of our nation,"said Julye Spinelli of Saratoga Flag Company.

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the members of Congress urging the Federal Trade Commission to enforce Textile Labeling Laws and the INFORM Consumers Act. These crucial measures, particularly regarding online third-party marketplaces, are vital for securing the future of domestic U.S. flag manufacturing and safeguarding American jobs. By promoting transparency and accountability, such enforcement significantly contributes to the preservation of domestic U.S. flag manufacturers for generations to come. As a next generation leader in the industry and proud employee of Valley Forge Flag, I am committed to protecting our revered industry and paving the way for other young leaders who share my passion for 100% Made in the USA flags, with the integrity and honor our national symbol deserves," said Lauren VandenBosch, National Account Manager of Valley Forge Flag Company.

"We sincerely thank Congresswoman Stefanik for her leadership on this critical letter, calling on the FTC to take swift and immediate action to crack down on Chinese-made flags that are falsely labeled and advertised as Made in USA and being sold on online marketplaces. The U.S. flag industry and textile industry as whole is facing economic distress-having lost 21 plants in the last 18 months-due to a flood of cheap, falsely labeled and subsidized imports, a lack of trade enforcement, and the gaping de minimis loophole that is allowing these bogus products to enter the U.S. from China duty free and uninspected. That is why it is imperative that the FTC act immediately to put a stop to illegal labeling and advertising practices by Chinese companies that are duping American consumers who take pride in displaying authentic American-made flags, and undermining a strategic and critical American industry, producing flags, thousands of items for the U.S. military and PPE,"said Kim Glas President and CEO of National Council of Textile Organizations.

In the letter, the lawmakers state,"This fraudulent behavior deceives American consumers seeking to show their patriotism, threatens our domestic flag industry, and undermines the integrity of "Made in the USA" advertising and labeling. We urge the FTC to promptly hold these PRC companies and online retailers accountable for violating trade laws and undermining our domestic American flag manufacturers."

The lawmakers continued,"The FTC has the responsibility to prevent deception in the marketplace specifically relating Made in USA advertising. Additionally, pursuant to the FTC Act, the FTC has the authority to bring complaints and law enforcement actions against misleading claims surrounding the origin of a product. However, a simple internet search exposes the widespread use of deceptive advertising practices by Chinese companies that intentionally mislead consumers into believing PRC-made American flags are made in the United States. We urge the FTC to implement enforcement measures without delay, open Made in USA complaints against these fraudulent companies, and increase collaborative efforts with major online platforms to verify seller claims and uphold truthful advertising standards."

Stefanik also introduced H.R. 4137 the bipartisan Make American Flags in America Act to require the U.S. government to purchase and display American flags that were 100% made in the United States from American materials.

Read the full letter HERE. <_o3a_p>

Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2024/11/stefanik-demands-ftc-take-action-against-chinese-flag-manufacturers-falsely-labeling-american-flags-made-in-the-usa