Even the most casual observer would have to take notice that much of what he or she buys each and every day is made outside of the U.S. Without even looking for a label, this should be evident by the numerous closed factories in every city across America. But what many Americans may not realize is that some of the most iconic products from their childhood, quintessential American things like Levi jeans and Chuck Taylor sneakers, are no longer made in the U.S.A. either.

Newsweek details a slew of once-American made products that are at once recognizable and conjure up thoughts of a simpler time. A time when America was a manufacturing powerhouse, making nearly all the products its citizens needed domestically and employing millions with well-paying jobs that afforded workers the luxury to purchase the products they had just made.

With the era of globalization and all the free trade agreements that it ushered in, America’s manufacturing prowess is no more. Instead, America now relies on Third World nations for manufacturing. That reliance, however, costs a heavy price in terms of jobs, wealth, prestige and, as Newsweek points out, a bit of history.

Despite its American-centric “Go Forth” advertising campaign, featuring fireworks and amber waves of grain, Levi jeans are no more American than Honda. Since 2003, production of the iconic denim brand has taken place in Latin America and Asia. After a 150-year run of being made in America, the nation’s most famous pants are no longer made in the U.S.A.

For years, basketball, an American creation, was synonymous with Converse, and specifically the Chuck Taylor sneaker. Since 1917, Converses and Chuck Taylors were made in America. However, with Nike’s 2003 purchase of the company, production was moved overseas.

NBA players no longer wear Chuck Taylors. Nor do they wear American-made uniforms. Supplied by Adidas, the uniforms are manufactured in Thailand after an announcement by the company late last year that it would cut a contract with an American manufacturer short and instead opt for the cheaper labor that Thailand has to offer.

Once considered “America’s pastime,” the official balls of baseball are no longer made entirely in America. Rawlings baseballs are stitched together in Costa Rica, although much of the material used is American.

The guitar made famous first by Buddy Holly and then Jimmy Hendrix and Eric Clapton is no longer an American creation either. The Fender Stratocaster is now manufactured in Mexico.

The Etch-a-Sketch, Radio Flyer wagons, Craftsman tools, IBM computers and even two percent of all American flags are made overseas.

In fact, in 2009, 60 percent of the value of all goods sold in the U.S. was imported compared to just eight percent in 1960.

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