Pretty sure 97% of smokeless powders are made out of country thanks to the EPA, BATF, CDC, DOT,......and the DNC.
As far as the higher cost- you can thank the FTC in large part for that.
I see no blame caused by the EPA, BATF, CDC as the components used for the manufacture of ball powder are essentially the same for extruded powder mostly nitrocellulose with various other components common to extruded powder.
I sort of remember, and possibly I am wrong on this, is that some of the processes of making ball powder are done under water. Other steps in making ball powder might provide more safety than making extruded powder.
This is where OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Act stuff comes into the powder manufacturing process. Apparently, other places make extruded powder - Switzerland, Sweden, UK, Australia (that wonderful H4350), Belgium, and possibly Israel. Those places probably do not have as tough worker protection laws as the USA
The FTC, Federal Trade Commission, is charged with regulating fair trade and an avenue to address cheating, fraud, and deceptive business practices. Not knowing about FTC practices regarding tariffs on imported products I would need to see FTC involvement on importation and tariffs of foreign made stuff. Also to be considered are labor costs, transportation costs involving non-USA carriers (those foreign powder boats from foreign places). I am uncertain of DOT regulations involving extra USA transportation. I would imagine the DOT has lots of regulations involving storing and shipping USA ball powder within the USA.
My policy is to avoid blaming various agencies for stuff that I don't like until I get all the facts, then my politicians get lots of emails and such.
Comments are welcome and expected.
11/19/17 Forgot to include Canada for IMR powders
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