South Carolina now requires U.S. and state flags bought by cities, counties, public schools and state agencies to be made entirely in the USA, SC Daily Gazette reported on April 7, 2026.
The law
Rep. Chris Wooten (R-Lexington) filed the bill after David McGehee, head of Columbia Flag & Sign Co., noticed a China-made flag flying at the Governor’s Mansion in 2024. Both chambers passed it unanimously and Gov. Henry McMaster signed it. Flags must be completely manufactured in the USA with materials and supplies produced in the USA. State purchasing officials must now rewrite contracts.
“Honestly, it’s un-American to sell an American flag that’s not made by Americans.”
David McGehee, Columbia Flag & Sign Co., to SC Daily Gazette
Why it matters for Made in USA
Flags are a long-running origin-claim problem. The Flag Manufacturers Association of America told Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in a letter that more than 100,000 U.S. flags sold on the platform each month are imported and falsely marketed as USA-made, in violation of federal textile labeling law. The group put those sales at more than $1.5 million a month.
South Carolina’s 100% standard is stricter than many state buy-local rules. It also helps in-state makers: Valley Forge Flag Co. runs five plants in the state, the SC Daily Gazette noted.
FAQ
Who must buy USA-made flags?
Cities, counties, public schools and state agencies in South Carolina.
What counts as USA-made under the law?
Flags must be completely manufactured in the USA with materials and supplies produced in the USA.
Does it apply to private buyers?
No. It covers public purchases.
Source & credit
Originally reported by SC Daily Gazette (Jessica Holdman), April 7, 2026, via GoLaurens: “SC schools, government agencies must buy US-made flags under new state law”