In celebration of nearly 250 years of the American flag, industry leaders traveled to Washington, DC, to advocate for domestic manufacturing and fair-trade protections. During their visit, they met with Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler and Lyndsey Barnes, senior policy advisor to Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), to discuss the most pressing challenges facing American flag makers. Carrot-Top’s CEO and second-generation business owner, Liz Morris, joined the group to share her perspective. 

At Carrot-Top, we believe small individual actions can lead to lasting change. If you’d like to help protect the legacy of domestic American flag manufacturing, consider writing to your representative in support of legislation like the Make American Flags in America Act. You can also support the industry by choosing FMAA-certified American flags, available at Carrot-Top Industries. 

What Are the Biggest Issues Facing Domestic Flag Production? 

Purchasing an American flag is now more convenient than ever. In addition to shopping at brick-and-mortar stores, customers can now purchase their flags online from hundreds of retailers, including marketplaces like Amazon.  

While this makes expressing patriotism convenient, online marketplaces do not have to follow the same rules as traditional retailers. For example, foreign sellers are not required to display the country of origin on the products they sell. Many list their products without including that information. Others, looking to exploit a patriotic American’s deep respect for their flag, will falsely advertise imported products as “Made in the U.S.A.” 

How is this allowed to happen? De minimis shipments, small imports valued under $800, are exempt from routine inspections. This loophole permits low-cost foreign-made flags to enter the country without oversight. However, effective May 2, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order removing de minimis eligibility for goods from China and Hong Kong. We believe this is an excellent first step toward protecting American manufacturing.  

While American manufacturers have lost significant market share to foreign sellers, we remain optimistic. New executive orders and growing bipartisan support give us hope for preserving our industry and protecting the long legacy of American craftsmanship.  

Promoting American Manufacturing, One Flag at a Time 

To highlight the importance of American-made flags, leaders from the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA) and the National Independent Flag Dealers Association (NIFDA) took part in a ceremonial flag-raising outside the Small Business Administration’s headquarters. The group watched the SBA retire the building’s old flag and replace it with one made entirely in the U.S.A. 

For those in attendance, the moment was deeply symbolic. It wasn’t just about replacing fabric on a pole; it was about reaffirming national values and honoring the American workers and families who keep our flag industry alive.  

Larry Severini, President and Co-Owner of Embroidery Solutions, spoke at the ceremony, reflecting on the flag’s upcoming 250th anniversary and the rich legacy of U.S. flag makers. “[The American flag industry] represents small businesses across the country employing over 5,000 American workers,” he emphasized. “These aren’t faceless factories in foreign countries. These are proud Americans, running and working at family-run businesses, many multi-generational.”  

Like many well-intentioned customers deceived into buying imported products, the SBA was shocked to learn that many flags at its headquarters had been manufactured overseas. Following the flag-raising ceremony, the SBA can look at its building with pride, knowing its American flag was made in America. 

The Key Priorities for American Flag Makers 

In addition to the flag-raising ceremony at the SBA, industry leaders also met with Lyndsey Barnes, senior policy advisor to Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). Both meetings discussed policy recommendations that would reduce unfair competition and promote customer transparency.  

These recommendations aim to protect domestic flag makers and ensure that the American flag is made by the people it represents. 

Close the De Minimis Loophole Completely 

While closing the de minimis loophole for China and Hong Kong is a great first step, foreign sellers can still bypass U.S. laws by importing their products through other countries. Closing the de minimis loophole completely is the only way to ensure products from foreign countries adhere to labeling laws.  

Require Country of Origin Disclosure on Online Products 

Current FTC regulations require country-of-origin labeling for products sold in brick-and-mortar stores. NIFDA and the FMAA are advocating for online products to be held to the same standard by passing legislation like the COOL Online Act and pushing for executive actions to protect American businesses. 

Require the Federal Government to Purchase American Flags Made in America 

The All-American Flag Act, passed in the summer of 2024, requires federal agencies to buy American flags 100% manufactured and produced in the U.S.A. However, this law only applies to purchases above $200,000. The Make American Flags in America Act would go even further, requiring every single flag purchased and flown by the federal government to be American-made. Senator Tammy Baldwin has become the first Democrat to co-sponsor the bill in the Senate.  

Together, these policy priorities represent a bold and necessary step toward protecting American manufacturers, honoring national craftsmanship, and upholding the integrity of our most enduring national symbol. 

Join our Movement: Support HR 1421 and Other Key Legislation 

Joining our advocacy efforts doesn’t require a trip to DC. Even small actions like posting on social media or writing to your representative can make a lasting difference. Here are some small suggestions on how you can help us keep the American flag made in America.  

• Share relevant social posts – Organizations like the United States Trade Representative and the FMAA have made several social media posts raising awareness of false labeling practices. Following and sharing these organizations’ social posts can spread their message. 
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• Write to your legislator – the NIFDA website has a pre-written letter that you can download and send to your representative in support of the Make American Flags in America Act. While HR 1421 continues to have bipartisan support, advocacy from everyday citizens can help ensure the bill becomes law.  
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• Buy Genuine American-Made Flags – When it comes to purchasing your American flags, choose a trusted source like Carrot-Top Industries. We partner with top U.S. flag manufacturers, such as Valley Forge Flag Company, Annin Flagmakers, and Eder Flag, to deliver thousands of high-quality, U.S.-made flags to patriotic Americans nationwide. Why choose a company like Carrot-Top? It is not uncommon to see untrustworthy vendors list flags that appear to come from genuine American companies that are dupes. These websites will even go as far as stealing the company’s branding, packaging, and marketing materials to make the listing appear authentic. 
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Let’s honor the flag by ensuring it’s made with the integrity, craftsmanship, and pride it deserves—right here in America. 

Shop Carrot-Top for Genuine Made-in-the-U.S.A. Products 

As a proud member of the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA), Carrot-Top Industries is committed to upholding the highest standards of authenticity, craftsmanship, and transparency. We’re the second-largest independent flag retailer in the country and a second-generation, family-run business dedicated to supporting American manufacturing. Nearly every flag on our website, from U.S. and state flags to military and specialty flags, is made by a trusted American company. When you shop with Carrot-Top, you’re not just buying a flag—you’re preserving a legacy.