Whirlpool charges Korean competitors with unfair trade practices

The filings come as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle would like to see Congress approve a trade pact between the United States and South Korea. The Obama administration has signaled that deal is basically ready for Congress to consider, but has not yet sent implementing legislation to Capitol Hill. 

Some congressional Republicans have suggested holding up the Korea deal unless President Obama submits separate trade agreements with Colombia and Panama. On Monday, Rep. Sandy Levin (D-Mich.), the ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, said the administration should send up draft implementing legislation immediately and that he wanted to see Congress pass the Korea deal before Memorial Day. 

In its release, Whirlpool said it supported all three of those trade deals. The company also said it turned to legal channels after a thorough investigation into Samsung and LG’s actions, and that it wants authorities to look into both the production of bottom-mount refrigerators and subsidies that the Korean government gives to the two corporations.