Planet Money What "Made in China" actually means
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May 7, 2025 
Maureen Thorson, a poet and international trade lawyer, blends art and law to explore the complexities of product origins. She reveals how 'Made in China' can be misleading, with products often having intricate global journeys. The discussion dives into the Substantial Transformation Test that determines a product's real origin, and the perplexing sticky note dilemma highlights the challenges of classification. Thorson illustrates how trade laws are not just legal jargon, but also shaped by philosophical nuances.
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Meaning of "Made in China"
- "Made in China" doesn't necessarily mean most parts or manufacturing occurred there.
- U.S. law focuses on where the last substantial transformation happened, not shipment or ingredient origin.
Substantial Transformation Test
- Country of origin depends on where the last substantial transformation occurred.
- Transformation is defined as giving a new name, use, or character to a product.
Hairbrush Case: Transformation Example
- Hairbrush wooden handles from Japan got bristles added in the U.S., creating a new hairbrush.
- The court ruled this assembly was a substantial transformation, making it a product of the U.S.