The recent rash of highly publicized recalls and alerts on Chinese-made toothpaste, tires, and toys has shaken confidence in the safety of Chinese imports, with the media calling for consumer boycotts and stricter trade regulations to discourage U.S. businesses from dealing with China.

The danger presented by Chinese imports has been highly exaggerated, however—recalled goods are estimated at less than one percent of total U.S. goods imported from China.

Contrary to what media reports have led consumers to believe, China is far from being the only country with a questionable product-safety record. On the Food and Drug Administration’s current list of “Import Alerts,” issued to prevent entry of certain products from certain countries, Mexico is currently in the lead with 20 alerts, followed by another next-door neighbor and prime trading partner, Canada, which is tied with China at 16 alerts.

Never mind that in the last few months the United States has seen numerous recalls for domestically manufactured products such as pet food, spinach, seafood, and dietary supplements. Earlier this year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled approximately 2.3 million dishwashers, 3.7 million candles, 620,000 pressure washers, and 72,000 air compressors—all made right in the United States.

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