On October 7, 2024, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (the “CITT”) issued a notice that it was beginning an expiry review in respect of certain hot-rolled carbon steel plate and high-strength low-alloy steel plate originating in or exported from the Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Romania (the “Subject Goods”).  On October 8, 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (the “CBSA”) similarly gave notice of the initiation of their parallel expiry review investigation.

More details on the technical definition of the Subject Goods can be found here.

What is an Expiry Review

Expiry reviews are conducted by the CITT (with the investigative assistance of the CBSA) to review any prior Anti-Dumping Duty (“ADD”) or Countervailing Duty (“CVD”) finding or order made by the CITT (“Order”) under the Special Import Measures Act (“SIMA”).  They generally occur every five years following the original Order or subsequent renewal.

Expiry reviews are designed to allow the CITT to determine whether the prior Order remains necessary.  First the CBSA determines the likelihood of resumed/continued dumping/subsidizing if the Order expires, and then the CITT determines the likelihood of injury arising from the resumption/continuation of dumping/subsidizing.

Background

The original investigation of the Subject Goods was initiated by the Commissioner of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (the “Commissioner”) on June 13, 2003, in response to a complaint from an Ontario producer of like goods.  On June 16, 2003, the CITT began its parallel injury inquiry.

The Commissioner issued their final determination on December 9, 2003, concluding that there was dumping. The CITT then made its final finding that said dumping had caused injury to the domestic industry on January 9, 2004.

Three previous Expiry Reviews took place in 2008, 2013, and 2019, and each concluded with the CBSA determining that there was a likelihood of continued or resumed dumping of the Subject Goods and the CITT issuing orders on January 8, 2009, January 7, 2014 and October 31, 2019 continuing without amendment, its original finding of material injury. 

The current expiry review will determine whether the ADD measures will be renewed for another five years or allowed to expire.

How do I Get Involved?

Foreign producers and Canadian importers of Subject Goods should consider participating in the expiry review, particularly if they are interested in requesting an exclusion for their products!  Canadian producers should also consider participating if they wish the CITT to renew the current ADDs.  If interested in participating, a Notice of Participation must be filed by October 22, 2024!

The CBSA will provide Canadian producers, importers, and foreign producers questionnaires in order to gather information – responses and other information are due on November 14, 2024.

The CITT has tentatively scheduled a public hearing for June 2, 2025, and their Order and Reasons are expected by August 13, 2025.

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