The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) will impose tariffs on some imported appliances — this after it ruled on Monday that some appliances are being dumped on the U.S. market, according to Appliance Magazine.
The DOC made a preliminary determination in an anti-dumping investigation of large residential washing machines being imported from South Korea and Mexico. The investigation came in response to a petition filed by Whirlpool Corp. in December 2011. "Dumping" happens when a foreign company sells a product in the United States at less than fair value.
The DOCestimated 2011 imports of large residential washers from Mexico were valued at $434 million and imports of washers from Korea were valued at $569 million.
As a result of the ruling, producers who make the appliances in Mexico and South Korea — such as Electrolux, LG, Samsung, and Daewoo — will be required to pay cash deposits to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on washers imported to the U.S. starting in August at the rates found in the preliminary determination.
The anti-dumping investigation is ongoing, and the DoC will undertake an in-depth audit of the information provided by the appliance makers before issuing the final determinations in December.
The final step will come in February when the Doc and U.S. International Trade Commission issue final orders based on the determinations.
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