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Why South Carolina Wants Trump to Reject Samsung Sanctions

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has written to President Donald Trump in a personal appeal to reject recommendations to penalize Samsung, the South Korea-based home appliance manufacturing giant preparing to open a major plant in the Palmetto State.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has written to President Donald Trump in a personal appeal to reject recommendations to penalize Samsung, the South Korea-based home appliance manufacturing giant preparing to open a major plant in the Palmetto State.

In a Nov. 30 letter obtained by McClatchy, McMaster, a Republican, said South Carolina could help Trump “cement (his) legacy as America’s Greatest Jobs President” if the Samsung plant in Newberry can proceed without interference.

“South Carolina has a rich history of attracting foreign direct investment, and with the support of your ‘America First’ trade agenda, there is no limit to South Carolina’s potential,” McMaster wrote. “South Carolina stands ready to serve as a shining example of your commitment to rebuilding our American manufacturing base.”

The International Trade Commission voted before Thanksgiving to recommend slapping Samsung with three years of tariffs on imports of large residential washing machines exceeding 1.2 million units — punishment for the company’s alleged squashing of domestic competitor Whirlpool by importing goods and parts from abroad for U.S. sales at cheaper prices.

Trump now has to decide whether to impose these sanctions, which many fear could force Samsung to scrap plans to proceed with its forthcoming Newberry, South Carolina plant on track to employ more than 1,000 workers.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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