Whirlpool Plans To Ask The Government For Broad Barriers On Washer Imports

Whirlpool is taking the next step in its long-running washing machine battle against South Korea-based rivals Samsung and LG.

Morningstar reports that Whirlpool will ask the U.S. government to impose broad barriers on household washing machine imports. Whirlpool says that Samsung and LG are violating free trade rules by dumping their washing machines in several countries.

If the U.S. International Trade Commission finds an increase in washer imports that may be a substantial cause of serious injury, then the Trump administration may being to impose broad tariffs or other punitive measures.

Whirpool accounts for 35 percent of U.S. washing machine sales, down from 40 percent in 2012. Samsung and LG’s combined share has risen from 22 percent to 35 percent during that same time.

"This heartland of America icon is grappling with a practice called country hopping, in which two of its South Korean competitors, LG and Samsung, simply move their production to another country each time Whirlpool wins an anti-dumping case against them," said Mr. Navarro, one of Mr. Trump's most hawkish advisers on trade.

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