(image: LG Electronics)
SEOUL, Oct. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean washers topped product reviews by major U.S. consumer evaluators, industry watchers said Thursday, as Washington’s trade commission moves to take protectionist steps.
Earlier this month, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determined that products made by Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. are exerting an adverse impact on the domestic industry. The announcement was made after a safeguard petition was proposed by U.S.-based Whirlpool Corp.
Samsung and LG, along with supporters of free trade, have been claiming that potential safeguard measures by Washington will limit consumers’ choices and infringe on their rights to choose.
Industry watchers also said Washington should take the fact that Samsung’s and LG’s products are receiving positive reviews from U.S. consumers.
The Sweethome, product evaluator, chose LG Electronics’ WM3770HWA washer as “Our Pick” among “The Best Washer.” A major IT media CNET also designated LG Electronics’ 1801HVA as one of “Best Washing Machines of 2017.”
Digital Trends named Samsung Electronics’ FlexWash as a washer with “Best Overall Versatility.”
Industry watchers said a higher tariff on import washers will only result in burdening U.S. consumers.
Whirlpool said Samsung and LG should be slapped with a tariff of 50 percent over the next three years and that Washington should come up with strong protectionist policies to induce Samsung and LG to produce washers in the United States.
(Yonhap)
