2008 Woodie Awards
Unsafe because of greed
Editorial
DI Editorial Board
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: Opinions
- Page 1 of 2 next >
That the greatest threat to a child's well-being might be within his or her toy chest is an obvious reason for concern. Toys and countless other Chinese-made products have recently been found to have dangerous defects, resulting in numerous recalls and widespread alarm. It seems the problem is rooted in China's reliance on cheap labor and manufacturing processes - a union too profitable to inspire government reform. Ideally, U.S. companies would step in to ensure the questionable safety of these goods. But, unfortunately, healthy profits take precedent over healthy consumers in the eyes of a corporate accountant. Until these companies feel a stronger economic reaction to these oversights, it seems that breached consumer safety will remain an unnecessary byproduct of their actions.
According to the State Department, China is America's third-largest source of imports, accounting for just under 15 percent of all imported goods. However, China also accounts for 60 percent of all product recalls and 81 percent of all counterfeit goods in the United States, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Of course, the problem begins with Chinese producers, whose cheap imports are often the result of low manufacturing standards. The now-booming economy is fueled by cheap labor and the production of simple goods. However, because China is so riddled with companies that produce low-quality or counterfeit goods, it seems unlikely that China's government will address the problem while buyers remain willing.
"China will never properly tackle the issue of product safety without addressing the tidal wave of counterfeit goods. This is a war that China must win," EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said in an interview with the Associated Press.
As such, it should be clear that the flow of improper goods must be stopped at the receiving end. However, this message appears to have fallen on the deaf ears of many U.S. companies, who appear unmotivated about improving their safety standards. This carelessness has manifested itself in the many recalls of hazardous Chinese toys, toothpaste, and pharmaceuticals. Mattel, for example, was recently forced to issue a recall of nearly 11 million toys - while, of course, reasserting the quality of its "rigorous standards."
According to the State Department, China is America's third-largest source of imports, accounting for just under 15 percent of all imported goods. However, China also accounts for 60 percent of all product recalls and 81 percent of all counterfeit goods in the United States, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Of course, the problem begins with Chinese producers, whose cheap imports are often the result of low manufacturing standards. The now-booming economy is fueled by cheap labor and the production of simple goods. However, because China is so riddled with companies that produce low-quality or counterfeit goods, it seems unlikely that China's government will address the problem while buyers remain willing.
"China will never properly tackle the issue of product safety without addressing the tidal wave of counterfeit goods. This is a war that China must win," EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said in an interview with the Associated Press.
As such, it should be clear that the flow of improper goods must be stopped at the receiving end. However, this message appears to have fallen on the deaf ears of many U.S. companies, who appear unmotivated about improving their safety standards. This carelessness has manifested itself in the many recalls of hazardous Chinese toys, toothpaste, and pharmaceuticals. Mattel, for example, was recently forced to issue a recall of nearly 11 million toys - while, of course, reasserting the quality of its "rigorous standards."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
stephen-radosevich
Steve R.
posted 11/29/07 @ 4:30 PM CST
This is the direct results of "Free Trade" vs "Free & Fair Trade." God forbid we would require any minimum standards such as health, labor, environmental impact, etc. (Continued…)
Dave
posted 11/29/07 @ 7:46 PM CST
Yes greed it is, and Americans asleep at the wheel. Nothing wrong with cheap products right? Well in the long run Chinese products are not cheap. They are still a brutal regime that works against us, but now they do it with our money! Buy American look at this site for help finding Products made in the USA http://www. (Continued…)
DumbAmericanConsumer
posted 11/30/07 @ 1:44 AM CST
Dave, you're so right, but America isn't smart enough to agree.
All we care about are cheap prices. Snip our noses to save our faces. WalMart is king, even though they dish a constant stream of toxic Chinese s##t, because they're cheap. (Continued…)
Post a Comment