Heavy Steel Plate Anti‑Dumping Investigation

Summary#

The Canada Border Services Agency began an investigation on May 27, 2020 under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) into the alleged injurious dumping of certain heavy steel plate imported into Canada from several countries. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will do a preliminary inquiry and must decide within 60 days whether there is a reasonable indication of injury.

What it does#

• Opens an anti-dumping investigation into certain hot-rolled carbon steel heavy plate and high-strength low-alloy steel heavy plate (see full product definition on the CBSA website).
• Covers imports from: Chinese Taipei (the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu), Germany, South Korea, Malaysia and Turkey.
• Lists the likely tariff classification numbers for the goods: 7208.51.00.10, 7208.51.00.93, 7208.51.00.94, 7208.51.00.95, 7208.52.00.10, 7208.52.00.93, 7208.52.00.96.
• Sends the question of injury to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) for a preliminary inquiry. The CITT must decide within 60 days of the start date.
• States that the CBSA will issue a Statement of Reasons within 15 days after the CITT decision.
• Invites written submissions from interested parties; because of COVID‑19, submissions must be sent electronically to simaregistry@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca and to be considered should be received by October 2, 2020. Confidential information must be accompanied by a non-confidential summary.

Who's affected#

• Canadian steel producers and any businesses that make or sell heavy steel plate in Canada.
• Importers and distributors who bring this type of heavy plate into Canada.
• Companies that buy heavy plate (for example, fabricators, construction, manufacturing and infrastructure-related businesses) may notice changes in supply, prices, or sourcing.
• The notice does not list every potentially affected business; interested parties were invited to file submissions.

Why it matters#

• If the CITT finds a reasonable indication of injury, the investigation could lead to anti-dumping measures (for example, duties) on imports of the listed heavy plate.
• That could protect some Canadian steelmakers, but it could also affect the cost and availability of heavy plate for companies that use it.
• There is a limited time and a clear process for affected parties to provide evidence or arguments; the deadline to submit non-confidential material was October 2, 2020.