By Sid Gaffar
With the growing demand for “Made in the USA” products, creators and small businesses are asking, “Can we actually produce direct-to-film (DTF) T-shirts using American-made components?” One key factor complicating this effort is the current tariff landscape, which affects the cost and availability of imported raw materials and equipment, particularly from Asia, making full domestic sourcing both more desirable and more challenging. Here are the parts of the DTF printing process that can be sourced and executed within the US – and where the current limitations exist.
Why ‘Made in America’ Still Matters
According to a Retail Brew survey cited by NetChoice, nearly half of US consumers say they are willing to pay more for products made in America – a clear signal that shoppers are rethinking where their goods are sourced and produced.
Benefits of purchasing products made in the US:
- Transparency and ethical labor
- Shorter supply chains and faster delivery
- Environmental sustainability
- Boosting local economies
How Much of the DTF Workflow Can Be ‘Made in the USA?’
Here’s a breakdown of the DTF T-shirt production process and what can be sourced domestically:
Heat Press Machines
Though pricier than imports, at Mugsie, we have found American-made heat presses are built to last. We have used the same Geo Knight heat press for more than seven years with zero breakdowns.
DTF Printing
All of our DTF transfers are printed in California. This supports local jobs, reduces emissions, and ensures fast, reliable delivery.
USA-Made Blank T-Shirts
Brands like Bayside offer 100-percent “Made in USA” shirts. While they cost more ($5 to $15), they allow you to deliver a fully American-made, high-quality product.
Fulfillment and Application
Applying DTF transfers and shipping from the US closes the loop on local production. At our company, our customers’ shirts are printed, pressed, and packed right in our California facility with US-based customer support.
DTF Equipment and Supplies Made Out of the US
- DTF Printers: Manufactured mostly in China and Japan
- DTF Ink: Many are imported from Asia
- DTF Film: PET transfer film is heavily imported from South Korea, China, and Japan
Why US-Based Vendors Matter
You may not be able to control every part of the supply chain, but choosing a US vendor ensures:
- Fast turnaround times
- Support for domestic jobs
- Expert US-based print guidance
Is a ‘Made in the USA’ DTF Workflow Possible?
Yes (mostly)! While printers and consumables are still globally sourced, the majority of your DTF process can be fully executed within the US. For businesses that care about sustainability and transparency, this model is absolutely within reach.
Bio: Sid Gaffar is the founder of Mugsie.com, a provider of DTF transfers printing technology and sublimation printing. Starting in a UK print shop at 17, Sid evolved from screen printing to advanced DTF technology. Since launching Mugsie in 2017, his focus has been on helping creators and businesses grow through high-quality products and strong partnerships.
