Washer Safeguard to Switch to Quarterly Quota
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced that beginning in February 2020, quotas on imported washing machines will be administered quarterly. President Donald Trump decided to change how the quotas are allocated to “shore up the effectiveness of the…
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relief provided in 2018 to U.S. manufacturers injured by surging imports of large residential washers.” The emailed press release, which came out one minute before the close of business on Dec. 20, said it was based on developments in the domestic washing machine industry since the safeguards went into effect. The International Trade Commission found that there was some improvement in the financial performance of domestic washing machine producers, increased production and employment, and progress in implementing adjustment plans. Imports have declined, but overall, sales have declined (see 1908080054). Foreign companies argue sales declined because of higher prices caused by the tariffs; Whirlpool said it was a consequence of fewer sales 10 years ago, since people tend to replace their washing machines on a 10-year cycle. In-quota tariffs are 18 percent and will drop to 16 percent in February, but out of quota tariffs are 45 percent.