📊Executive Summary

The recent announcement by the Trump administration to impose a 25% tariff on steel derivative products, including appliances like washing machines, is set to significantly impact South Korean manufacturers. The new tariff, effective from April 6, 2026, simplifies the previous complex tariff structure but raises costs for manufacturers, as steel constitutes about 30% of the production cost for large appliances. This could lead to reduced profit margins for companies operating in the low single-digit profit range. While U.S. manufacturers like GE and Whirlpool may face limited competitive impacts due to their own OEM operations, the overall demand for appliances may decline due to inflationary pressures. Procurement teams should monitor these developments closely as they could affect sourcing strategies and cost structures....