This goes on alot and is tough to pin down. About the only time anyone can stop this is if they notice a shipment of someting that is far too high in quality for the purpose, like buying a valve made of alloy with Viton seals when cast iron and Buna-N would do just as well.

The rational of the seller is, "Well, someone is going to sell it to them, Why not me?"

Very shortsighted, and illigal, if you ask me.

On the other hand, they could buy this stuff from any country but they perfer US equipment. In a sick kind of way that speaks well for the quality of US products.

Pooka