Tariffs Haven’t Shifted Consumer Spending yet, but 79% Say They’re Watching, Finds DuraPlas

New report explores what drives U.S. consumers to consider American-made products

While tariffs have been a key topic in economic and political discussions, their impact on everyday consumer behavior remains limited—at least for now. DuraPlas, a leading provider of innovative plastic solutions in the agriculture industry, reveals in its latest research that most Americans have yet to shift their shopping habits in response to tariff policies, though many are watching closely and prepared to adjust if prices rise further.

The 2025 DuraPlas Made in America Survey, conducted in February 2025 via the third-party survey platform Pollfish, gathered responses from 600 U.S. adults to explore attitudes toward tariffs, domestic manufacturing and purchasing priorities. The findings reveal that while quality and affordability remain top priorities, a growing number of consumers recognize the long-term benefits of buying American-made products.

Key findings include:

• Only 14% of shoppers have changed their buying habits in response to tariffs.
• 79% say they would be more likely to buy American if tariffs significantly impacted prices.
• 23% say they will permanently shift toward buying more U.S.-made goods if tariffs persist, while 50% would consider doing so based on cost differences.
• 82% of consumers prioritize quality and durability when shopping, with price ranking second at 79%.
• 70% say it is at least somewhat important that the products they buy are made in the USA.
• 51% report that purchasing American-made goods has become more important to them in recent years.
• 62% believe U.S.-made products are more durable than imports, but 30% see no difference in quality.
• Most shoppers are willing to pay up to $10 more or travel up to 10 miles farther to buy American-made products.

"What we’re seeing in this data is that American consumers care about quality, affordability, and where their products come from—but in that order,” said Paul Phillips, president of DuraPlas. “People want to support American-made goods, but price and convenience still drive their decisions. That means domestic manufacturers have an opportunity—not just to compete, but to win—if they can emphasize durability and craftsmanship while keeping costs within reach. The desire to buy American-made products is there; the challenge for businesses is making it an easy choice, not a difficult one."

For U.S. brands, the opportunity lies in making American-made products the clear choice—by reinforcing durability and affordability while ensuring they remain as accessible as their imported counterparts.

For the complete survey results and additional insights, visit the 2025 DuraPlas Made in America Survey.

About DuraPlas

For more than 50 years, DuraPlas has upheld a rich legacy of pioneering innovative plastic solutions for industries worldwide. With a well-established reputation for excellence and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, the company takes pride in its ability to deliver products that not only meet the highest quality standards but also uphold responsible business practices. Utilizing state-of-the-art injection molding equipment, DuraPlas meticulously manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of industry-specific products – from the newly launched condenser mounting pad for the HVAC industry to egg transport systems in agriculture. The company's expansive 200,000-square-foot headquarters in Addison, Texas, also includes specialized divisions for custom metal fabrication and custom plastic fabrication, enabling DuraPlas to meet the diverse needs of its global clientele, including some of the largest brands in the world. To learn more, please visit https://duraplasinc.com/.

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