Some really sneaky ways to say made in USA//albeit chinese parts .
For example marc jacobs purses ...Made in Italy ..
Well not really ..according to the made in italy rules the handle is assembled and tags attached is all it takes to make it ...MADE IN ITALY
Never mind that one of the largest populations of chinese in Europe is in Milan ITALY ...So it appears people don't want to pay Italian workers to even put the handle on .....Huh... go figure ..
You need "all or virtually all" of the manufacturing costs produced in the USA for it to be labeled as "Made in the USA," however, it must be assembled here. That's how the FTC defines it.
I researched it back when I learned most bicycle brands are now being manufactured in China and Taiwan. Even high-end Specialized and Cannondale have moved to Taiwan factories. My 1996 Specialized Stumpjumper was "Made in the USA" and a newer model read "Assembled in the USA."
New Maglites seem pretty good. Modern emitters and easy to find batteries, but I’ve heard problems with the Minimag and unreliable switching after you drop it.
Pelican and Streamlight are also US made, and their smaller lights are cheaper.
I guess it would depend on if there is a new definition of “Budget” since 2012 and if the pre-owned market is an option
If you can find one, Peak Eigers are a very nice option that could probably be found in basic form for under $50. Designed, manufactured and assembled in the US (AZ).
Not the copper one but perhaps the aluminum.
Probably $50 for a single-AAA flashlight isn’t on most people’s lists for “budget”. I usually think of budget as $20-$30 for 18650 lights, but that’s just me. It’s all relative and opinion-based. To some, buying every new Imalent as they come out is well within budget!
Maglite is still the go to for USA budget lights. It’s hard to beat the AAA Solitaire for $10, the 2 AAA Mini Mag LED for around $15 and the 2 or 3C ML25 for under $20.