Whirlpool says LG, Samsung dumping washers

Appliance maker asks Trump administration for import barriers

Appliance maker Whirlpool has asked the U.S. government to impose trade barriers on washing machines imported from South Korean companies, escalating a trade dispute that has been ongoing for years.

In filing a petition to the U.S. International Trade Commission Wednesday, the Benton Harbor, Mich.-based manufacturer is seeking remedy from U.S. regulators on its claim that Samsung and LG are selling their washing machines in the U.S. at prices below those charged by American companies or below their cost of production.

If the commission finds U.S. manufacturers have been subject to serious harm by the actions of foreign exporters, the Trump administration can impose penalties, including tariffs on specific goods. Whirlpool’s petition could get friendly treatment by President Trump, who has promised to improve international trade for American companies.

Samsung couldn’t be reached for comment. But in a statement, LG said it “strongly disagrees” that imports are causing serious injury to Whirlpool. Whirlpool is seeking government protection because it’s unable to compete in the U.S. with imports, LG said. “In light of their apparent inability to compete with leading global brands like LG in the U.S. market, Whirlpool has decided to seek government restrictions to limit consumer choices,” LG said. LG “will vigorously defend this case.”

The U.S. government has twice found that Samsung and LG were selling in the U.S. at unfairly low prices. But Samsung and LG responded by “relocating their production facilities to other foreign countries in order to circumvent the U.S. government’s rulings,” Whirlpool says.

“This filing addresses unprecedented behavior by two serial violators of U.S. trade laws,” Whirlpool CEO Jeff Fettig said in a statement. “If not for this unlawful behavior, we believe our washer category would have thrived.”

Whirlpool says it expects the International Trade Commission to reach a decision on its latest petition by November.