Federal trade tribunal says barriers must remain on dumped U.S. drywall imports
CALGARY — Higher construction costs across Western Canada, including in fire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Alta., stand to continue under a ruling by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal released Wednesday.
In its decision, the tribunal found that American-made drywall dumped at less than normal prices into Western Canada over the past few years have injured the Canadian industry.
The ruling means that preliminary duties of up to 276 per cent imposed by the Canada Border Services Agency on imports from the U.S. last September will end, but will be replaced by permanent variable duties on any imports that fall below a floor price established last month.
“In terms of competitiveness, of course we want Canada to be at the top of its ability and, if this assists that, that would be fine, except that we get hurt in the process,” said Fort McMurray Mayor Melissa Blake.