Whirlpool Accuses LG and Samsung of 'Dumping' Washers

In a statement, Whirlpool said it had asked the U.S. government to investigate the two companies' production of washing machines in South Korea and Mexico, "which are being sold in the United States at substantially less than fair value."

"This action undermines competition, causes material injury to the appliance manufacturing industry, threatens American jobs and ultimately harms consumers who are left with fewer product choices," the firm said.

The anti-dumping petitions were filed with the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission.

Whirlpool said it also filed a companion petition for anti-subsidy duties against the same products from South Korea.

In October, Whirlpool won duties from the Department of Commerce on refrigerators it alleged were being dumped by LG and Samsung, and also by Mexican firm Mabe and Swedish competitor Electrolux.

Benton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool employs 3,500 people at its washer manufacturing plant in Clyde, Ohio.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2011