Anti-dumping Probe: Concrete Rebar Imports

Summary#

The Canada Border Services Agency initiated an anti‑dumping investigation under the Special Import Measures Act on September 22, 2020 into certain concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) imported from several countries. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will hold a preliminary inquiry and decide within 60 days whether there is a reasonable indication of injury to Canadian industry; interested parties were invited to make written submissions by January 29, 2021.

What it does#

• Opens an investigation into the alleged injurious dumping of certain concrete reinforcing bar (hot‑rolled deformed steel rebar) from Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
• Notes the subject goods are normally captured under certain tariff numbers (listed in the notice) and excludes some products (for example, plain round bar and some 10‑mm‑diameter rebar meeting specific standards).
• Causes the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to conduct a preliminary inquiry into whether the dumping has caused, is causing, or threatens to cause injury. The Tribunal must decide within 60 days of the investigation start.
• If the Tribunal finds no reasonable indication of injury, the investigation will end.
• Invites written submissions from interested parties; submissions should be sent electronically (during COVID‑19) to the CBSA and must be received by January 29, 2021 to be considered.
• States that the CBSA will issue a Statement of Reasons within 15 days after the Tribunal’s decision and gives a contact phone number (613‑948‑4605) and an email (simaregistry@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) for information.

Who's affected#

• Domestic steel and rebar manufacturers in Canada who claim to be injured by dumped imports.
• Importers and distributors of rebar in Canada.
• Construction companies and other buyers of reinforcing bar who may see supply or price changes.
• Exporters and producers of the specified rebar in the listed exporting countries.
• It is unclear from the notice how large the trade flows are or which specific Canadian firms will be involved until parties come forward.

Why it matters#

• If the investigation and Tribunal inquiry find dumping and injury, Canada could impose anti‑dumping duties on the imported rebar. That can raise import prices and protect domestic producers.
• If no injury is found, imports will continue without new duties.
• The outcome could affect construction costs and supply for projects that use rebar across Canada.