ITC to Recommend Extending Safeguard Duties on Large Residential Washers

The International Trade Commission will recommend leaving in place current safeguard tariffs on large residential washers, it said in a Nov. 25 news release. The tariff rate quota, in place since 2018, “continues to be necessary to prevent or remedy serious injury to the U.S. industry,” and “the domestic industry is making a positive adjustment to import competition,” the ITC said.

Whirlpool has requested a three-year extension of the safeguard, until February 2024 (see 1801230052). If not extended, the safeguard is set to expire in February 2021 (see 2008110051). Whirlpool also requests “minimal liberalization” of the quota and over-quota tariff rates.

The ITC will now forward its report to President Donald Trump, who will “make the final decision on whether to extend the import relief,” the ITC said. The report will be sent by Dec. 8, and will be made public Dec. 29. All five members of the ITC voted in favor of extending the safeguards.