American-made farm implements, like tractors, medical supplies and electrical equipment are fattening the bottom lines of U.S. firms doing business in China where sales of U.S.-made goods are up 17 percent, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. U.S. aircraft sales to China rose 30 percent this year and plastics were up 37 percent.

"These are the kinds of things for which the U.S. continues to hold a lead in know-how," said Erin Ennis, vice president of the U.S.-China Business Council.

Despite the bumpy domestic economy, "Made in the U.S.A." remains a sales plus for niche products where U.S. manufacturers are known for quality and reliability, the Post said.