Why are washing machines more expensive?

Washing machines face a 20-25% tariff — one of the first categories hit by Section 301 tariffs in 2018. A $700 washer includes roughly $140-175 in tariff costs. The tariffs were designed to protect U.S. manufacturers but raised prices for consumers.

Are Samsung and LG appliances affected?

Yes. While Samsung and LG have shifted some production to the U.S. and Mexico in response to tariffs, many models and components are still imported from China and South Korea, facing tariffs of 10-25%.

Do small kitchen appliances have tariffs?

Yes. Blenders, toasters, coffee makers, and other small appliances from China face tariffs of 15-25%. A $50 blender includes roughly $8-12 in tariff costs.

Tariff Rates

Tariff on Home Appliances: The Tariff Running Up Your Kitchen Budget

U.S. tariffs on imported appliances add 10-25% to the retail price. The average household pays $150-400 per year in hidden tariff costs on appliances. These duties are eligible for refund through the CBP CAPE program.

10-25%

tariff rate range

$150-400/year

avg. household impact

$50 billion

total U.S. imports

How Much Do Tariffs Add to Home Appliances Prices?

Here's what tariffs actually cost you on common home appliances purchases.

Product	Tariff Rate	Price Impact
Refrigerators	10-25%	$100-300 per unit
Washing Machines	20-25%	$100-250 per unit
Dishwashers	15-25%	$80-200 per unit
Microwaves	15-25%	$20-60 per unit
Air Conditioners	10-25%	$50-150 per unit

The bigger picture: According to the Yale Budget Lab, U.S. tariffs cost the average American household $3,800 per year across all product categories. Home Appliances accounts for an estimated $150-400/year of that total.

Which Home Appliances Products Are Most Affected?

Refrigerators

Medium impact

10-25%

tariff rate

This adds $100-300 per unit to the price you pay.

Washing Machines

High impact

20-25%

tariff rate

This adds $100-250 per unit to the price you pay.

Dishwashers

Medium impact

15-25%

tariff rate

This adds $80-200 per unit to the price you pay.

Microwaves

Medium impact

15-25%

tariff rate

This adds $20-60 per unit to the price you pay.

Air Conditioners

Medium impact

10-25%

tariff rate

This adds $50-150 per unit to the price you pay.

Where Does Home Appliances Come From?

Tariff rates vary by country of origin. Here are the top countries exporting home appliances to the United States.

1China

2South Korea

3Mexico

4Vietnam

5Thailand

China faces the highest tariff rates (up to 145% on some goods) due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs. Other countries face varying rates under IEEPA “reciprocal” tariffs.

Can You Get This Money Back?

For Importers

CAPE Tariff Refund Recovery

If you import home appliances, your entries may qualify for refund through the CBP CAPE program. Tariffi prepares your declaration data; your licensed customs broker partner files it.

Start your claim

For Consumers

B2B2C Refund Distribution

Individual consumers can't file CAPE declarations directly, but Tariffi's distribution program connects you with importers recovering refunds — so a portion of those savings can flow back to you.

Calculate your impact

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are washing machines more expensive?: Washing machines face a 20-25% tariff — one of the first categories hit by Section 301 tariffs in 2018. A $700 washer includes roughly $140-175 in tariff costs. The tariffs were designed to protect U.S. manufacturers but raised prices for consumers.
Are Samsung and LG appliances affected?: Yes. While Samsung and LG have shifted some production to the U.S. and Mexico in response to tariffs, many models and components are still imported from China and South Korea, facing tariffs of 10-25%.
Do small kitchen appliances have tariffs?: Yes. Blenders, toasters, coffee makers, and other small appliances from China face tariffs of 15-25%. A $50 blender includes roughly $8-12 in tariff costs.

Related resources

All tariff rates by product & country — browse tariff impacts across all categories
Tariff recovery by industry — refund pools for 30+ import sectors
IEEPA & Section 301 refund guides — step-by-step recovery guides
Tariff impact calculator — estimate your overpayment and potential refund

Calculate your tariff impact on home appliances

See exactly how much tariffs add to the home appliances you import or buy — and how much you could recover.

Calculate Your Tariff Impact

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