U.S. Government Buys Cheaper, Foreign Condoms
Posted by: Annika Harris
Filed in:
news
1:30PM, Tuesday March 24th 2009
Would you use a foreign-made condom because it was cheaper than an American-made condom? I know, you’re probably thinking, “Wait, does it matter where my condoms are made?” Perhaps. There was a time when the “Made in America” stamp on a condom box meant its contents were high quality and would perform their function. But the federally-funded United States Agency of International Development, which has distributed an estimated 10 billion condoms overseas, recently chose to replace its contract with Alatech, a condom manufacturer in Alabama, with manufacturers in China and Korea. The overseas condom makers can sell their product to USAID for 2 cents, whereas Alatech sells its condoms for 5 cents. The change came after Congress omitted “buy American” language from a recent appropriations bill. This switch threatens 300 jobs in Eufala, Alabama where Alatech is located, but could it also give the people USAID is trying to help a false sense of security?
Let’s face it, Chinese manufacturers haven’t had the best track record in recent years. Pet food, toothpaste, toys, and drywall exported from China have had problems, making Americans wary of the “Made in China” label. So should we expect a recall of Chinese condoms in the future? USAID says no because condoms made in China are just as durable as U.S.-made condoms.
But condom industry insiders disagree. A consultant to the condom industry, who has worked for Alatech, said China is “learning” to make better condoms, but their products are “notoriously suspect.” He added that China doesn’t have the high level of integrity that Alatech has developed over the years. Even Chinese condom manufacturers have admitted that Chinese buyers have complained about their county’s condoms, saying the condoms were too thick and low quality. Americans have also had complaints about Chinese-made condoms. AIDS groups in Washington, D.C. passed out free Chinese-made condoms in 2007. The condoms had unreadable expiration dates, and the groups alleged that just tearing open the package damaged the condoms.
Do you check where your condoms are made or the expiration date? Are you hesitant to use condoms made in China? Should the government have a responsibility to buy American whenever possible?
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sassyladybird25
wrote on March 24 2009 @ 01:41 pm: [report]
Government agencies should most definitely be required to “buy American.” The government constantly nags American citizens to buy American made products. Unemployment rates are rising due to the recession as well as private companies choosing to outsource jobs overseas. How unpatriotic of the US Government to distribute any products overseas (especially to citizens serving this country) that are not American made.
There’s no way in hell I would use a condom made overseas. And if my partner came back from his duty station overseas with condoms made there, I would refuse to use them.
I’m all about choice when it comes individuals’ purchases (I’d buy a European made car over an American made car anyday)—however, the American Government shouldn’t have a choice at all especially with all the drug pushing level of “Buy American” campaigns.
doridori
wrote on March 24 2009 @ 01:46 pm: [report]
With economic times being as they are and stimulus + bail out packages going out, I think that our government should have stayed in country. It seems to me that the pros to stay with Alatech totally out way whatever the government may have saved by outsourcing. The only pro with going with the Chinese condoms seems to be the cost.
Chelle
wrote on March 24 2009 @ 02:00 pm: [report]
@sassyladybird25- The USAID distributes condoms to people in underdevoloped countries (like some countries in Africa with high AIDS statistics)not to people in the military. Either way, it was a very stupid move on their part. The last thing we need is for another company to start laying people off. Helping the economy in this country is going to help the government save money in the long run. Saving a little now is going to cost them more later.
Goldfinch86
wrote on March 24 2009 @ 02:00 pm: [report]
I always check the expiration date, I have never checked where it’s made, but I don’t want Chinese condoms. Everything they make is shotty and contains lead, or kills my pet. I was so scared when there were pets dying from pet food that was made with bad products. I got so upset when that happened, my cats food was not one of the one’s that contained it thankfully, but it made me think. Why would I trust something like my sexual healthy and reproductive health to people with a #&@$% track record. I won’t. From now on I’m checking my condoms. Outsourcing for greed is a bad thing, plus no more Americans should lose their jobs. Thats a low bow government.
Humble Bee
wrote on March 24 2009 @ 03:39 pm: [report]
that’s why we should just legalize weed already, geez.
Stimulate me, I mean.., the economy.
I really hope those people don’t loose their jobs, thats so heartless.
crazychica
wrote on March 24 2009 @ 08:34 pm: [report]
Wow, seriously, US Govt? If anyone should be forced to buy American, it should absolutely be the US govt. What does that say to the condom company in Alabama? “Thanks, American company, but we, the American company, would like to save 3 cents and import even MORE from China.”
As for the other question… I don’t even trust children’s toys made in China. I would sure as hell NOT trust a Chinese condom (sounds like there should be a joke in there somewhere…)
crazychica
wrote on March 24 2009 @ 08:35 pm: [report]
Correction: We, the American govt…
Alison Wonderland
wrote on March 24 2009 @ 08:52 pm: [report]
Don’t skimp on quality birth control. It’s cheaper than the alternative…
retro chic
wrote on March 24 2009 @ 09:20 pm: [report]
...AND I wonder how much $$$ *our* government spent on studies to arrive at this whopping savings, that, as you guessed, will end up costing more in the future anyway due to increased disease and accidental pregnancies?
Have no fear, the China-made condoms will be recalled too. I will not be buying them in the meantime. It used to be you’d hear about CEOs of companies with recalls would “disappear” or be executed. Don’t hear that so much now. Beware.
fair&balance;
wrote on April 6 2009 @ 08:11 am: [report]
Even though I am a Chinese American, I certainly would not buy cheapy chinese products until they get their quality control inproved to match the US standard. I always look for US made products but had a hard time finding them. US companies have to do better marketing to the US consumers, stressing their quality advantage and be competitive in price (does not mean cheaper. Gnerally, you get what you pay for. Some US products,like airplanes,HP products and other famous brand consumer products are doing well but others are not. Why, you go figure it out. It boils down to management and pride in their products. GM is a good example.I would only trust US condoms and are glad to pay only a few more cents for it.
I would really like to see more US made products available to give us a choice to choose.