[Formulajones]

A lot of people don't care what they buy, and many don't bother with an oil analysis either, or even know what that is. Which would tell you if your oil filter is even doing a good job or not, and also tell you if your air filter is doing its job or not, another recent discussion with no data to back up claims.
If you aren't at least cutting filters open, doing oil analysis, etc... who's to say.

Now I say these things and all Ive ever had in my hands, done oil analysis on and cut open for years to date are USA made wix filters. At least that is what it says on the filter. I haven't seen one yet that says it's made in another country but I'm sure they exist and would be reasonable to think there might be constructional differences.
Not to imply USA made us better, as I stated it doesn't mean whole lot these days. But cutting them open to inspect regularly and doing an occasional oil analysis will at least give you some clues.