Whirlpool questions Samsung, LG, and other companies' underreporting of import prices to avoid tariffs.

Appliance manufacturer Whirlpool (WHR.US) claims that its overseas competitors may be avoiding U.S. tariffs by undervaluing imported goods. Whirlpool stated that federal data generated from import documents showed a significant decrease in the declared values of some appliances since June, resulting in reduced tariffs paid. Reportedly, garbage disposals imported from China had an average declared value of $21 from January to May, but dropped to $9 in June and was even lower than $8 in July. Gas stoves imported from Thailand saw a decrease of over half to $175, while the declared value of washing machines from Korea plummeted from $838 to $73. However, Whirlpool noted that the retail prices of these appliances subject to tariffs ranging from 13% to 60% did not decrease. Whirlpool stated that it is cross-referencing this data with its knowledge of competitors' production facilities to identify companies that may be undervaluing imported goods. These companies include Samsung, LG, and GE Appliances. Samsung declined to comment on the allegations. LG stated that they are committed to complying with all U.S. laws. GE Appliances, on the other hand, claimed that these allegations were not accurate. Furthermore, Whirlpool mentioned that it has expressed concerns to Customs and Border Protection and relevant departments of the Trump administration, but has not formally filed a complaint yet.