Preliminary Finding: Heavy Steel Plate Dumping

Summary#

On July 27, 2020, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal found there is a reasonable indication that certain imports of heavy steel plate from the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Chinese Taipei), Germany, South Korea, Malaysia and Turkey are being dumped and have caused or threaten injury to Canadian producers. The Tribunal also started an expiry review of its existing anti‑dumping order on certain whole potatoes imported from the United States of America for use in British Columbia.

What it does#

• Heavy steel plate
  • Finds preliminary evidence that dumping of certain wide, heavy, hot‑rolled carbon and HSLA steel plate may be harming the domestic industry. This is under the Special Import Measures Act.
  • The subject plate is described as cut lengths in widths greater than 72 inches up to 152 inches, and thicknesses from 0.375 inches up to 4.5 inches. It excludes plate in coil form, floor plate, and some products already covered by earlier findings.
• Whole potatoes expiry review
  • Begins an expiry review (to decide whether the anti‑dumping order should continue) of the Tribunal’s order made on September 9, 2015, covering certain whole potatoes imported from the United States of America for use in British Columbia, with many specific exclusions (for example, seed potatoes, certain varieties, and some sizes and packaging).
  • The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will first decide whether expiry would likely lead to a resumption of dumping and will notify the Tribunal on December 24, 2020.
  • If CBSA says dumping would likely resume, the Tribunal will decide whether that dumping would likely cause injury and will issue its order and reasons by June 2, 2021.
  • Participation and timing notes:
    • Deadline to file a notice of participation or counsel representation: January 11, 2021.
    • Hearing expected during the week of March 22, 2021.

Who's affected#

• Steel sector
  • Domestic steel plate producers are directly involved. Importers, distributors, and large users of wide heavy plate (construction, shipbuilding, heavy equipment, oil and gas infrastructure) may also be affected.
  • Exporters and manufacturers in the named foreign territories could face investigations and later duties if dumping is confirmed.
• Potato trade and BC market
  • Growers, packers, importers and retailers dealing with the specific categories of potatoes imported from the United States of America into British Columbia.
  • Consumers in British Columbia could see effects on supply or price if the order is maintained or changed.
• Other parties
  • The CBSA and interested businesses or governments that want to participate in the expiry review.

Why it matters#

• For steel buyers and makers: a preliminary finding can lead to anti‑dumping duties or other trade measures later. That may raise costs for companies that use large steel plate or protect Canadian steelmakers from low‑priced imports.
• For potato producers and shoppers in British Columbia: the expiry review could keep trade restrictions in place or remove them. That decision affects who supplies potatoes to BC and can influence prices and market access for U.S. and Canadian producers.
• The notices set clear dates for decisions and for industry to take part. Parties with a stake must act by the listed deadlines if they want to be heard.