The United States has imposed duties on imports of Chinese wind towers, accusing Beijing of unfairly subsidizing them.

The U.S. Commerce Department said Wednesday that the United States will collect cash deposits from importers of Chinese wind towers at ports of entry. The tall towers hold the blades and other parts used to harness the wind to generate electricity.

U.S. officials accuse the Chinese government of subsidizing wind tower manufacturers, making the Chinese products cheaper on world markets compared to American goods.

The United States imported about $222 million worth of Chinese towers last year.

Two weeks ago, the United States imposed stiff anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese solar panels also because of charges of unfair subsidies. China criticized the tariffs, saying the United States is pursuing protectionist trade policies.

The Commerce Department also announced duties on South Korean-built home washing machines. Again, it blamed unfair government subsidies for the tariffs. Washers by South Korea's Daewoo Electronics are hardest hit. U.S. manufacturer Whirlpool brought the complaint against the Korean companies.