[GT0132]

Originally Posted by XG_Falcon

Another thing I've been thinking about is whether there is a moral consequence to our consumer-based society. For example, Apple inc. has been manufacturing their iPhones in China since the start and they are notorious for placing far higher emphasis on quality of manufacturing - rather than maintaining safe working environments for their employees. They wouldn't get away with using toxic solder in California, that's for sure.

I've tried to support local manufacturers but it's quite apparent that barely anything is made here.

Spot on.

I think with a reputable brand like Apple (or even Dunlop or Goodyear if they are now having tyres made there) deciding to source labour, and perhaps parts, from China - they will insist on a particular degree of quality and have procedures in place to assess quality levels . If those standards aren't met they will simply move to another source. It's the unheard of brands, or even those with their origins firmly entrenched in China, that are a worry. Whatever the case I find it unbelievable that some of the products we get here from China pass AUS/NZ standards. Either they are being let through so we keep in good with the Chinese or else the standards are too weak to begin with.