U.S. backs Whirlpool in unfair-trade case

3/20/2012

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp. welcomed a preliminary decision by the government Monday that affirms that the company and other U.S. appliance makers are being harmed by competitors importing certain refrigerators from South Korea and Mexico.

The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Samsung Electronics Co., LG Electronics Inc., AB Electrolux, and other smaller brands were illegally "dumping" some of their foreign-made appliances in the United States by selling the products at less than fair value.

The case now goes back to the U.S. International Trade Commission, which is scheduled to make its final ruling by April 30. The companies face higher tariffs as a result of Monday's decision.