First, about 80% of what Whirlpool sells in the U.S. is produced in the U.S. By contrast, only about 25% of the rest of the industry's production is domestic, Bitzer said on the earnings call. In addition, only 5% of what Whirlpool sells in the U.S. is sourced in China. This gives the company a key edge in tariffs imposed on imports to the U.S.

Former Georgia Republican Sen. David Perdue was sworn in as U.S. ambassador to China May 7, 2025, with President Donald Trump remarking on the timing of the ceremony as trade talks between the two nations are set to kick off.