The Federal Trade Commission has sent warning letters to four companies reminding them to comply with the FTC’s “Made in the USA” requirements, as well as to Amazon and Walmart regarding third-party sellers who appear to be making deceptive “Made in the USA” claims on their online marketplaces.
Warning letters were sent to flagpole retailer Americana Liberty, footwear maker Oak Street Manufacturing, football equipment company Pro Sports Group and personal care products manufacturer USA Big Mountain Paper, all of which claim their goods are of U.S. origin. However, FTC investigations have found indications that the products are imported, either wholly or in part, which violates the Made in the USA Labeling Rule (MUSA Labeling Rule).
Additionally, Amazon and Walmart have received warnings that sellers on their marketplaces have been reported to be falsely advertising products as being made in the U.S., violating various truth-in-advertising laws. The letters ask both companies to monitor, identify and take corrective action against third-party sellers who make false or misleading “Made in USA” claims on their marketplaces.
FTC: ‘Made in the USA’ is More than a Slogan
“‘Made in the USA’ is not just a slogan — it’s a sign that a product connects us to the workers and businesses that make America great,” said FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson in a statement. “Consumers want to have confidence that when they buy something labeled ‘Made in the USA’ they are actually supporting American workers and the American economy. Companies that falsely claim their products are ‘Made in the USA’ can expect to hear from the FTC.”
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The warning letters explain that the FTC Act and the MUSA Labeling Rule require that products advertised as “Made in the USA” must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. The FTC warned these companies to discontinue such claims or provide substantiation that the products at issue are in fact “all or virtually all” made in the U.S. Companies that violate the FTC Act and the MUSA Labeling Rule may be subject to legal action, including the issuance of an administrative subpoena, the filing of a federal lawsuit, injunctive relief and civil penalties or other monetary relief.
Interest in Made in the USA products has skyrocketed this year amid the trade tensions and economic concerns spurred by President Trump’s tariff policies. Google searches for “Made in USA” have roughly doubled since the start of 2025, and 43% of Americans say their interest in this segment of products has increased over the past year, according to Traceone. Searches for American-made products on Amazon specifically also have increased dramatically since the start of the year.
The FTC said it will be highlighting the importance of the “Made in the USA” requirements throughout July to ensure that Americans can trust that products advertised or labeled as “Made in the USA” are actually American-made. Additional guidance on compliance can be found here.
