CBSA trade actions on Chinese imports

Summary#

• The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced three trade actions related to imports from the People’s Republic of China in early January 2026: a final finding of dumping and subsidizing for cast iron soil pipe, an extension of the preliminary phase for thermoformed molded fiber tableware investigations, and the start of an investigation into forged grinding media.
• The cast iron soil pipe decision keeps provisional duties in place until the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) decides by February 6, 2026; the tableware preliminary phase was extended to 135 days with a decision due by February 27, 2026; the grinding media probe was opened on January 9, 2026.

What it does#

• Cast iron soil pipe (decision on January 7, 2026)
  • The CBSA made final determinations that cast iron soil pipe from China was dumped and subsidized under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA).
  • Provisional duties will continue to apply to those goods until the CITT finishes its injury inquiry by February 6, 2026.
  • If the CITT finds injury, formal antidumping and/or countervailing duties will be applied to future imports and importers will have to pay them.
  • The CBSA will publish a Statement of Reasons within 15 days.
• Certain thermoformed molded fiber tableware (decision on January 6, 2026)
  • The CBSA extended the preliminary phase of its SIMA investigation from the normal 90 days to 135 days because the case is complex and involves many parties.
  • A decision on whether to make preliminary dumping/subsidy determinations or to end parts of the investigation is expected on or before February 27, 2026.
• Forged grinding media (initiation on January 9, 2026)
  • The CBSA started a SIMA investigation into alleged dumping and subsidizing of forged grinding media from China.
  • The full product description and tariff numbers are on the CBSA website; a Statement of Reasons will be available within 15 days.

Who's affected#

• Importers and exporters who handle:
  • Cast iron soil pipe from China.
  • Thermoformed molded fiber tableware from China (pending the outcome of the extended preliminary phase).
  • Forged grinding media from China (under investigation).
• Canadian manufacturers and distributors of these products who compete with imports.
• Businesses that buy these products (construction firms, plumbing suppliers, food-service or retail businesses using molded fiber tableware, and industrial users of grinding media) could see price or supply effects.
• It is unclear from the notice how many companies are involved or exactly which brands or tariff lines will be affected; the CBSA web pages hold the detailed product and tariff information.

Why it matters#

• These actions can raise the cost of imported goods if duties become final, which may increase prices for businesses and consumers.
• They protect Canadian producers by imposing duties when dumping or subsidies are found and injury to domestic industry is demonstrated.
• Provisional duties can already change import behaviour before a final ruling, affecting contracts and supply chains.
• If you import, sell, or use these specific products, you should check the CBSA’s detailed product lists and keep an eye on the CITT and CBSA timelines for final decisions.