Photo: LG Tromm washer-dryer tower. Credit: LG Electronics.
On April 28, the World Trade Organization confirmed the ruling in favor of South Korea in a dispute against the United States’ protectionist measure on residential washing machines implemented during the Donald Trump presidency.
In February 2018, the Trump administration imposed a 20% tariff on South Korean washing machines for up to 1.2m units, and a 50% tariff for imported washing machines beyond that number. The Joe Biden administration renewed the measure in 2021, albeit with lower rates - a 14% tariff for up to 1.2m units, and 30% for those in excess - then let the measure lapse in February 2023.
The WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body appointed a panel in July 2019, and issued a report finding in favor of South Korea on February 8, 2022. The DSB endorsed the report on April 28 and concluded the action after the United States decided not to appeal the ruling following a consultation with South Korea.
