U.S. starts antidumping investigation of Chinese washers

The U.S. Commerce Department on Wednesday initiated an antidumping investigation of certain large residential washing machines from China.    The U.S. Commerce Department on Wednesday initiated an antidumping investigation of certain large residential washing machines from China.
   Dumping occurs when a foreign company sells a product in the United States at less than fair value.
   The investigation was requested by Whirlpool Corp. of Michigan. 
   In 2014, U.S. imports of residential washing machines from China were valued at $899.4 million.
   The U.S. International Trade Commission is scheduled to make its preliminary injury determination in this investigation by Feb. 1. If the ITC determines there’s a reasonable indication that imports of washing machines from China unfairly harm U.S. manufacturers, then the antidumping investigation will continue. If not, the investigation will be terminated.