Investigation: Decorative Plywood from China

Summary#

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) started investigations on June 11, 2020 under the Special Import Measures Act into alleged dumping and subsidizing of decorative and other non-structural plywood from the People’s Republic of China. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will hold a preliminary inquiry and must decide within 60 days whether there is a reasonable indication of injury to Canadian industry.

What it does#

• Launches formal CBSA investigations into imports of decorative and other non-structural plywood from China for alleged dumping and subsidizing (initiated June 11, 2020).
• Asks the CITT to run a preliminary injury inquiry to decide if the evidence shows a reasonable indication of injury. The Tribunal has 60 days to decide.
• Invites written submissions to the CBSA. Because of COVID‑19, submissions must be sent electronically and should be received by October 19, 2020 to be considered.
• Sets deadlines for participation in the Tribunal’s preliminary inquiry: notices of participation and of counsel by June 24, 2020; submissions opposing the complaint by noon, July 9, 2020; and replies from complainants by noon, July 16, 2020.
• Treats submitted information as public unless clearly marked confidential; confidential information must include a non‑confidential summary.

Who's affected#

• Importers and distributors who bring in decorative and other non‑structural plywood from China.
• Canadian plywood manufacturers and suppliers who compete with those imports.
• Businesses that buy plywood (for furniture, cabinetry, shelving, etc.) may notice supply or price changes if measures are later imposed.
• The notice does not make final findings; it is a preliminary step. If unclear who exactly is affected, interested parties are encouraged to submit information.

Why it matters#

• If the Tribunal and CBSA find dumping or subsidizing and injury, Canada could impose duties or other trade remedies. That can raise the price of the imported plywood.
• Producers in Canada may gain protection from unfairly priced imports.
• Importers and buyers could face new costs or paperwork if measures are applied.
• This is an early, investigatory stage — the outcome is not decided yet.