Environmental and Social impact of bicycle goods

There's something that I have been thinking about for quite sometime now.

I've been working in the bicycle industry for just over ten years now, and
like everything else I see the shift of US produced bicycle goods to places
like China, Taiwan and Mexico.

We all understand why production is moving away from here, lower wages, lack
of environmental restrictions, etc. It all comes down to cheaper production.

Ok, but at what costs? Do or should cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts
care more about where and how there goods are produced? Especially the
effects the production cycle and extra transportation required to get the
goods here has on the environment? Should that be a concern?


I'm not trying to spark some kind of anti or pro global market debate or
anything along those lines. I'm more curious if faced with a choice would
"enthusiasts" pay 15%-20% more for a US produced product made with
environmentally safe methods. I look at a company like Chris King and say
yes, but then I think has a king headset become more of a status symbol? How
many people purchase a king headset or hubs based on their manufacturing
process? I'm personally a big fan of King components for several reasons
including performance, durability, manufacturing process and their continued
support of trail building efforts.

I know my question is entrenched in a lot more then just a persons
recreational activities and more in the way of American life.

Thanks
Chris