Preliminary Dumping Finding: Wire Rod Imports

Summary#

On June 6, 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made a preliminary finding that some imported wire rod from the People’s Republic of China, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam appears to be dumped into Canada under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA). The finding means provisional duties can be charged while a full injury inquiry is completed by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal. The decision was signed by Doug Band.

What it does#

• Declares a preliminary determination of dumping for certain hot-rolled wire rod (coiled, carbon or alloy steel, up to 25.5 mm diameter) imported from the three named countries.
• Starts provisional duties on subject shipments released from the CBSA from June 6, 2024 until the investigation ends, the Tribunal issues its decision, or an undertaking is accepted.
• Says the provisional duties will not exceed the estimated dumping margin.
• Asks the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to hold a full inquiry into whether the dumping has caused injury, and to make an order or finding within 120 days after it receives the notice.
• Notes that the Customs Act rules apply to accounting and payment of provisional duties (including interest for late payment).
• The CBSA will publish a Statement of Reasons within 15 days and make it available on its website.

Who's affected#

• Importers, customs brokers and distributors who bring in the specified wire rod from the three named countries.
• Canadian steelmakers and other domestic producers of wire rod, who asked for the investigation or may be protected if injury is found.
• Canadian businesses that buy wire rod for manufacturing, construction or other uses — they could face higher costs if duties are imposed.
• The notice lists many tariff classification numbers that cover both subject and non-subject goods; the exact scope (and specific models/types excluded, such as certain tire-cord, stainless, tool-steel, high-nickel, ball‑bearing wire rod and rebar) is set out by the CBSA.

Why it matters#

• If provisional duties are charged, importers will pay more for affected shipments right away. That can raise costs for manufacturers and projects that use wire rod.
• A final Tribunal finding could lead to lasting anti-dumping duties, which would protect some Canadian producers but could keep prices higher for users.
• The inquiry sets a timeline: provisional action began on June 6, 2024, the CBSA’s detailed reasons will follow within 15 days, and the Tribunal aims to conclude its inquiry within 120 days, so parties and buyers will know the likely outcome within a few months.