Investigations into Chinese Wind Towers

Summary#

On April 21, 2023, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) opened investigations under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) into alleged dumping and subsidizing of certain wind towers from China. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will decide within 60 days whether there is a reasonable indication of injury to the Canadian industry.

What it does#

• Starts investigations into alleged injurious dumping and subsidizing of certain wind towers imported from China.
• Identifies the goods mainly under tariff number 7308.20.00.00, and also potentially 8502.31.00.00 when imported with other turbine parts.
• Asks the CITT to hold a preliminary inquiry and make a decision within 60 days.
• Says if the CITT finds no reasonable indication of injury, the investigations will stop.
• Invites written submissions from interested parties. Submissions must be received by August 29, 2023 to be considered.
• Notes a public "Statement of Reasons" will be issued within 15 days after the CITT decision.
• Explains information submitted is public unless clearly marked confidential; confidential submissions must include a non‑confidential edited version.

Who's affected#

• Businesses that make wind towers in Canada (Canadian producers) and those who import or sell them.
• Companies that buy wind towers (for example, wind farm developers and turbine assemblers) may be indirectly affected.
• Exporters in China who ship these specific wind towers to Canada.
• Customs brokers and freight handlers dealing with the listed tariff numbers.
• The exact product scope is not fully detailed in the notice; the CBSA says the full product definition is on its website.

Why it matters#

• If the CITT and CBSA find dumping or unlawful subsidies plus injury to Canadian industry, the case could lead to import measures (such as duties) on the specified wind towers — but that is not decided yet.
• Importers could face higher costs, delays, or extra paperwork while the investigations proceed.
• Canadian wind-turbine projects and suppliers may see price or supply impacts depending on the outcome.
• The process has clear deadlines for participation; businesses with a stake should consider submitting information by August 29, 2023.