SBA Collaborates with GSA to Remove Foreign Products from Government Catalog

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is joining forces with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to eliminate nearly twenty foreign products from the official catalog available to government agencies. The decision comes amid concerns that some of these products might be misrepresenting their origins.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler raised alarms about companies from China that are purportedly advertising their goods on the Advantage platform as “Made in America.” This platform serves as a listing service designed for government entities to connect with vendors.

“In our efforts to revitalize American industries and supply chains, the Trump SBA believes that every dollar spent by the federal government ought to support American businesses, workers, and products,” Loeffler stated.

The SBA’s initiative aims to bolster the Trump administration’s goals of doubling U.S. manufacturing and minimizing risks linked to the purchase or introduction of infringing Chinese products.

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The issue initially came to light during the White House Small Business Summit. Here, a New York small business, Sheryl Manufacturing Co., voiced its suspicions regarding China-based firms that might be only partially assembling and finishing products within the U.S.

According to the SBA, Sherrill stands out as the sole manufacturer of stainless steel dinnerware that is entirely American-made.

“President Trump instructed the SBA and GSA to take strong measures against foreign firms caught falsely claiming ‘Made in America’ status in federal procurement programs,” Loeffler mentioned.

Even during his first term, Trump had issued an executive order aimed at maximizing the use of domestically produced materials like steel, aluminum, and cement. In fact, he issued a similar order at the beginning of this year as well.

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Yet, efforts to ensure federal procurement integrity didn’t start with him. For instance, the Berry Amendment of 1941 mandated that the War Department purchase only American steel. Similarly, the Buy American Act, enacted during the Depression in 1933, requires federal agencies to prioritize American-made goods.

Loeffler explained that dishonest sourcing by vendors could put companies like Sherrill Manufacturing at risk of inadvertently breaching these requirements.

“The Trump administration is clearly indicating that it will not accept foreign fraud undermining the integrity of the Made in America label, nor will it tolerate the exploitation of honest, long-standing American small businesses like Sherrill,” she emphasized.

Matthew Roberts, CEO of Sherrill, expressed appreciation for the SBA’s actions and acknowledgment of the Trump administration’s support.

“The factories where Sherrill Manufacturing and Liberty Tabletop produce tableware have a rich history, even dating back to supplying the U.S. military during World War I,” Roberts added.

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He further stated, “We are immensely thankful to President Trump, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, GSA Administrator Ed Forst, and their teams for their ongoing commitment to preserving American manufacturing and instilling pride in American-made products.”

The SBA has not disclosed the specific vendors that have been removed from the Advantage! platform.