In the wake of former U.S. President Trump’s heavy tariffs on China, entrepreneur Ramon van Meer had a radical idea to test American consumers’ loyalty to domestic products. His query: would shoppers actually pay more for a locally-made item—specifically a high-quality shower head with advanced filtration technology—over a cheaper Chinese version?

Van Meer, a seasoned entrepreneur known for pitching a successful color-changing kitty litter on 'Shark Tank', was curious yet skeptical. "I wondered if people truly would vote with their wallets,” he admitted, but he was taken aback by the indifference.

Upon launching a unique sales experiment through his brand, Afina, based in Austin, Texas, van Meer offered consumers a choice: a ‘Made in the USA’ shower head priced at $239, or a ‘Made in Asia’ version at $129. With an advertising blitz on social media, the campaign attracted over 25,000 clicks—yet the results were disheartening.

A staggering 584 shoppers selected the Asian product, but shockingly, only 24 even contemplated the American-made option—and not a single one completed the purchase. Van Meer confirmed, "Literally zero. We triple-checked." His experiment revealed a stark disconnect between what consumers claim to support and their actual purchasing behavior.

This revelation poses serious implications for policymakers as Trump’s tariffs become a contentious point amid dwindling public support. Van Meer highlights the challenges for businesses: "As a business owner, I must seek alternatives outside the U.S. and China. Manufacturing here is fraught with obstacles.”

Despite his desire to create jobs domestically, van Meer faced hurdles finding local manufacturers. The essential components he uses are sourced from American companies, but skilled labor and manufacturing ability in the U.S. remain limited. The reality starkly contrasts with plans touted by politicians focusing on job creation in American manufacturing.

Currently racing against time as his stock dwindles, van Meer is searching for new manufacturing avenues. He plans to attend the Canton Fair in China, hoping to connect with firms from Vietnam, India, and others that could potentially meet his production needs away from China.

Even with new prospects, he concedes that China will still play a crucial role in his supply chain: "Most suppliers I know still rely heavily on materials sourced from China." Van Meer also criticizes the abrupt implementation of Trump’s tariffs, calling them "devastating" for small businesses, citing stories of delayed shipments trapped in U.S. customs due to soaring fees.

Contrary to the narrative that vilifies companies for offshore manufacturing, van Meer reveals a striking truth: "Sixty percent of my expenditures support the U.S. economy, including payments to local workers and services. We cannot ignore this reality." As businesses navigate this complex global landscape, one thing becomes clear: the consumer choice between American-made and cheaper imports is far from straightforward.