At the end of May, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) announced an investigation into whether or not certain cold-rolled steel in coils or cut lengths — originating in (or exported from) China, South Korea and Vietnam — is being sold at unfair prices in Canada.

It will also investigate whether or not subsidies are being applied to cold-rolled steel originating in (or exported from) those three countries.

These investigations are the result of a complaint filed by Arcelor Mittal Dofasco GP, which is located in Hamilton, Ontario.

It alleges that the Canadian steel industry is facing declining market shares, loss of sales, price undercutting, price depression and declining production.

There are currently 99 special import measures in force, covering a wide variety of industrial and consumer products, from steel products to refined sugar — measures that the CBSA says have helped to protect the Canadian economy and jobs in Canada.

These investigations will examine cold-rolled steel commonly used in the production and manufacture of a range of goods, including household appliances, drums, tubing, furniture and strapping, but not cold-rolled steel for automotive production.

The CBSA and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal both play a role in investigations; the latter will issue a decision on whether the steel imports are harming Canadian producers by 24 July.

In 2017, the Canadian steel industry employed more than 23,000 Canadians and contributed $4.2 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The Canadian aluminium industry employed 10,500 workers, while contributing $4.7 billion to Canada’s GDP.