Key Takeaways:
- FTC issued warning letters to four companies over questionable “Made in USA” labeling
- Amazon and Walmart were also contacted regarding deceptive third-party seller claims
- Products labeled “Made in USA” must be “all or virtually all” made domestically
- Violators could face legal action including lawsuits and civil penalties
- FTC is spotlighting U.S.-origin labeling enforcement throughout July
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a clear signal on July 8, 2025, that it is intensifying enforcement of its “Made in USA” labeling requirements. Warning letters were sent to four domestic manufacturers and sellers—Americana Liberty, Oak Street Manufacturing, Pro Sports Group, and USA Big Mountain Paper—over potentially misleading claims about the origin of their products.
Additionally, the FTC reached out to online retail giants Amazon and Walmart. The agency flagged third-party sellers on their platforms that appear to be advertising products as “Made in USA” without meeting federal criteria. These letters also emphasized that such deceptive claims may violate both the FTC Act and the terms of service of each marketplace.
According to FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson, “’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.” He added that consumers deserve assurance that these claims reflect genuine domestic production.
Under the FTC’s Made in USA Labeling Rule, a product advertised as “Made in the USA” must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. That means the final assembly or processing must take place in the U.S., and all significant parts or materials must be of U.S. origin. The companies receiving letters have been instructed to discontinue such marketing or provide documentation proving compliance.
While the names of specific third-party sellers on Amazon and Walmart were not disclosed, the FTC’s outreach suggests that platforms may also bear some responsibility for monitoring claims made by merchants using their marketplaces.
Legal consequences for violations can include administrative subpoenas, federal lawsuits, court-ordered injunctions, and civil penalties.
The FTC noted that its focus on U.S.-origin claims will continue throughout July, part of an awareness campaign to reinforce transparency in product labeling. The agency continues to provide businesses with guidance on how to comply with the Made in USA rule, urging companies to take the requirements seriously or risk regulatory action.
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Aside from his role as CEO of TMC and chairman of ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW Feb 10-12, 2026, Rich Tehrani is CEO of RT Advisors and a Registered Representative (investment banker) with and offering securities through Four Points Capital Partners LLC (Four Points) (Member FINRA/SIPC). He handles capital/debt raises as well as M&A. RT Advisors is not owned by Four Points.
The above is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy/sell any security or sector mentioned. No companies mentioned above are current or past clients of RT Advisors.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the participants. While believed to be reliable, the information has not been independently verified for accuracy. Any broad, general statements made herein are provided for context only and should not be construed as exhaustive or universally applicable.
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