The CBSA investigates the dumping of certain carbon steel plate and high-strength low-alloy steel plate

Ottawa, Ontario, July 6, 2009 ― The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it is initiating an investigation into the alleged injurious dumping of certain carbon steel plate and high-strength low-alloy steel plate originating in or exported from Ukraine.

The investigation follows a complaint filed by Essar Steel Algoma Inc. of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The complainant alleges that the dumping of these goods is harming Canadian production by causing the following: lost orders, discounted sales, price depression, the underutilization of capacity and a decline in financial performance.

Dumping occurs when goods are sold to importers in Canada at prices that are less than their selling prices in the exporter's domestic market or at unprofitable prices. The Special Import Measures Act protects Canadian producers from the damaging effects of such unfair trade.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will now conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the imports are harmful to Canadian producers and will issue a preliminary decision by September 4, 2009. While the Tribunal is examining the question of injury, the CBSA will investigate whether the imports are being dumped and will make a decision by October 5, 2009.

If the Tribunal determines that an unusually large increase in harmful imports has occurred prior to the CBSA's decision and that the retroactive application of anti-dumping duty is therefore justified, duty could be levied on the goods brought into Canada as of today.

A copy of the statement of reasons, which provides more details about this investigation, will be available on the CBSA's Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi within 15 days. More information on the CBSA's Anti-dumping and Countervailing Program and the Special Import Measures Act can also be found on this site.

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For media information:

Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
613-957-6500