Canada Launches Probe Into Chinese Nonstructural Plywood Imports

On April 10, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) initiated investigations into whether decorative and other nonstructural plywood imports from China are being sold in Canada at unfair prices, subsidized, or both.

The investigation follows a complaint filed by Columbia Forest Products and the Canadian Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association (CHPVA), which allege that increased volumes of dumped imports have caused material injury. Reported impacts include lost sales, reduced market share, price undercutting and suppression, weaker financial performance, lower capacity utilization, and job losses.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will conduct a preliminary inquiry to assess whether the imports are harming domestic producers, with a decision expected by June 9. Meanwhile, the CBSA will determine whether dumping or subsidization has occurred, with a preliminary ruling due by July 9.

Under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA), Canada applies trade remedies to protect domestic industries from unfair competition. In 2025, SIMA duties covered approximately $3.3 billion in imports across industries employing 43,728 people, with 185 measures currently in force.