On April 20, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT), on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance, announced a safeguard inquiry into the importation of certain wood products.
The CITT will investigate whether increased global imports of these goods are causing or threatening serious injury to Canadian manufacturers, a development that may impact future import requirements and tariffs for importers of the following product types:
The Department of Finance Canada news release can be found here.
A statement from the Department of Finance can be found here.
The Order in Council can be found here.
Further details on the goods potentially affected can be found here.
Potentially Affected Commodities: Global imports of solid and engineered wood cabinets and vanities, solid and engineered hardwood flooring, and engineered wood storage furniture.
The Tribunal has 270 days to determine whether these increased imports are causing or threatening to cause serious injury to Canadian wood product manufacturers.
If the Tribunal finds evidence of injury or threat thereof, it must recommend the most appropriate remedy to address the issue over a period of three years.
The CITT is required to report its findings to the Minister of Finance by January 15, 2027.
Any interested person, association, or government that wishes to participate in the inquiry may do so by filing a Form I—Notice of Participation with the Tribunal.
Should the Tribunal find that safeguard measures are warranted, the Canadian government will take appropriate action in accordance with international trade rules.
