Canada Considers Safeguard Probe on Wood Products

The federal government is reviewing a request to launch a trade safeguard inquiry into several categories of imported wood products, including storage furniture.

In a March 13 statement, Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Finance and National Revenue, confirmed that the government is assessing a request submitted by the Canadian Wood Products Alliance.

The request calls on the government to direct the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to determine whether imports of engineered wood storage furniture, wood cabinets and vanities, and hardwood flooring are causing or threatening serious injury to Canadian manufacturers.

Industry stakeholders have raised concerns that shifts in global trade flows could result in increased volumes of imported finished wood products entering the Canadian market. Trade diversion can occur when tariffs or restrictions in other countries redirect exports into alternative markets like Canada.

If a trade safeguard inquiry is launched, the tribunal would conduct an in-depth investigation. Should the tribunal find that injury is occurring or imminent, it may recommend trade remedies, such as temporary tariffs, quotas or other import controls, in line with international trade rules. Any resulting safeguard measures would be temporary and aimed at stabilizing domestic industries facing sudden pressure.