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What "Made in China" actually means

Overview

Shownote

Highlights

Transcript

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What "Made in China" actually means

Planet Money

2025/05/07
Planet Money

Planet Money

2025/05/07
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

Virtually every product brought into the United States must have a so-called "country of origin." Think of it as the official place it comes from. And this is the country that counts for calculating tariffs. But what does it really mean when something is ...

Highlights

In today's global economy, understanding the true origin of products is more complex than it seems. This podcast dives into the intricacies of determining a product's country of origin, particularly in light of tariffs and trade policies. It explores how businesses navigate these challenges and the philosophical questions that arise from defining substantial transformation.
02:00
Companies face millions in tariff-related decisions
03:05
US law lacks a one-size-fits-all test for country of origin.
09:32
The Substantial Transformation Test determines product origin based on the last place of significant change.
12:44
The substantial transformation test states a product needs a new name, character, or use.
21:26
Customs ruled that sticky notes' origin is based on paper source, not glue or assembly.

Chapters

How Tariffs Are Shaping Product Origins?
00:00
What Does 'Made in USA' Really Mean?
03:05
The Philosophy Behind Substantial Transformation
09:32
From Hairbrushes to Shoes: A Historical Journey
12:44
Can Modern Trade Keep Up With Old Rules?
18:30

Transcript

Speaker 5: A quick note before we start today's show. You may have heard that. President Trump has issued an executive order seeking to block all federal funding to NPR. Whatever changes this action brings, NPR's commitment to reporting the news will never...