Rebar Anti‑Dumping Probe Extended

Summary#

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced on December 14, 2020 that it has extended the preliminary phase of an investigation under the Special Import Measures Act into the alleged injurious dumping of certain concrete reinforcing bar (rebar). The usual 90 days for the preliminary phase has been extended to 135 days, so the CBSA will decide on or before February 4, 2021 whether to make a preliminary finding or end the investigation.

What it does#

• Extends the preliminary investigation period from 90 days to 135 days under the Special Import Measures Act.
• Covers alleged injurious dumping of certain concrete reinforcing bar imported from Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
• Sets a new deadline: the CBSA must either issue a preliminary determination of dumping or terminate the investigation on or before February 4, 2021.
• States the extension was made because, in the CBSA’s view, there were circumstances making it unusually difficult to reach a decision within the normal 90 days.

Who's affected#

• Importers and sellers of concrete reinforcing bar in Canada — especially ones importing from Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
• Canadian producers of reinforcing bar and businesses in the construction sector that buy rebar.
• Exporters and manufacturers in the listed countries who sell rebar to Canada.
• Consumers and builders could notice effects indirectly if the investigation leads to duties or supply changes.

Why it matters#

• A preliminary finding of dumping can lead to provisional duties on imported rebar. That could raise costs for importers and for construction projects that use rebar.
• The extension means more time before a decision, so businesses that trade in or buy rebar should watch for the CBSA’s outcome by February 4, 2021.
• This is a procedural step in a trade remedy investigation; it does not yet say whether dumping occurred or whether duties will be applied.