Mattresses from China Under Investigation

Summary#

On February 24, 2022, the Canada Border Services Agency opened investigations under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) into alleged dumping and subsidizing of mattresses from the People’s Republic of China. The investigations cover goods usually classified under tariff numbers 9404.21.00.00 and 9404.29.00.00, and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will hold a preliminary injury inquiry within 60 days.

What it does#

• The Canada Border Services Agency is investigating claims that mattresses from China are being dumped or subsidized and harming Canadian industry.
• The goods in scope are identified mainly by tariff numbers 9404.21.00.00 and 9404.29.00.00 (full product details are on the CBSA website).
• The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will decide whether there is a reasonable indication of injury within 60 days of the investigation start. If it finds no indication of injury, the investigations stop.
• A written Statement of Reasons will follow within 15 days after the Tribunal’s decision.
• The CBSA is inviting written submissions from interested parties. Submissions must be electronic during the COVID‑19 pandemic and must be received by July 4, 2022 to be considered.
• Information submitted is public unless clearly marked confidential; confidential submissions must include a non‑confidential edited version.

Who's affected#

• Canadian mattress manufacturers and domestic mattress industry stakeholders who say they are harmed by cheaper imports.
• Importers, wholesalers and retailers who bring mattresses from China into Canada.
• Chinese mattress exporters whose shipments to Canada may be examined.
• Freight, customs brokers and other businesses involved in mattress imports.
• Consumers could be indirectly affected if measures change import costs or product availability.
• It is not always clear which specific brands or sellers are targeted; the CBSA’s web product definition gives more detail.

Why it matters#

• If the inquiry finds dumping or subsidizing and injury, it could lead to anti‑dumping or countervailing duties on certain mattress imports. That may raise import costs and could affect retail prices or supply choices for consumers and retailers.
• The process gives Canadian industry a chance to present evidence of harm and gives importers a chance to respond.
• Deadlines and public availability of submissions mean businesses should act quickly if they want to take part or protect their interests.