The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has announced that safeguard measures are warranted for two steel products:
- Heavy steel plate (other than goods originating in Korea, Panama, Peru, Colombia and Honduras)
- Stainless steel wire (other than goods originating in Korea, Panama, Peru, Colombia and Honduras)
These two products are included in the seven categories of steel products that were assigned a 25% tariff surtax for imports beyond a certain quota, effective October 2018.
The duration of the safeguards is unknown, but they could be extended for three years.
With respect to the other five product categories, the Tribunal concluded that safeguard measures are not warranted:
- Concrete reinforcing bar
- Energy tubular products
- Hot-rolled sheet
- Pre-painted steel
- Wire rod
It is reasonable to expect that the provisional safeguard measures will be discontinued and a process will be established for the prompt refund of import surtaxes that have been paid by importers during the provisional period.
For more information, contact Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs.