China, South Korea Oppose US decision on import duty on washing machines and Solar cells

Washington Jan 24: In a move to protect American market from imports from China and South Korea the USA president Trump had imposed heavy tariffs on imports of Washing machines and Solar cells.

The decision was taken after a recommendation was made by The US Trade Representative (USTR). USTR had found out that increased imports of washers and solar cells and modules are a substantial cause of serious injury to domestic manufacturers.

"The relief will include a tariff of 30 percent in the first year, 25 percent in the second year, 20 percent in the third year, and 15 percent in the fourth year.Additionally, the first 2.5 gigawatts of imported solar cells will be exempt from the safeguard tariff in each of those four years" USTR said.

However, China and South Korea have strongly opposed the move.South Korea said that " it would complain to the World Trade Organization (WTO), calling the tariffs excessive and regrettable."

Currently, South Korean Samsung and LG, compete in the washing machine market with US firms such as Whirlpool.

China, the world's biggest solar panel manufacturer, said: "the move would further damage the global trade environment."