The more I read opinions like these, the more it becomes clear to me that people have no clue how markets or consumerism works. Questions are never considered. Like:
Where are the raw materials for those local trailers and park benches coming from?
What is the impact if some of the raw material used for local trailers and park benches are diverted towards making $139 low quality computer cases?
Most importantly that even though "someone in America can sell the customer a box of some sort for $139", is there a market where people want to buy these low quality boxes?
The answer is that the time for sub par quality products is coming. Just not American made. If companies cannot import a decent quality box to sell for $139 and instead need to get a "barebones case" costing $70 and then mark it up to $139 to cover for tariffs -- that is what is going to happen. And given that lot of consumer protections like EPA, CFPB, FDA etc are being gutted - there is no going back if the box breaks down within the warranty period and you need or refund. Or worse yet, it contains lead or other harmful chemicals and it is going to be costly to remove those chemicals.
The answer is that the time for sub par quality products is coming. Just not American made. If companies cannot import a decent quality box to sell for $139 and instead need to get a "barebones case" costing $70 and then mark it up to $139 to cover for tariffs -- that is what is going to happen. And given that lot of consumer protections like EPA, CFPB, FDA etc are being gutted - there is no going back if the box breaks down within the warranty period and you need or refund. Or worse yet, it contains lead or other harmful chemicals and it is going to be costly to remove those chemicals.