SAFEGUARD INQUIRY: CERTAIN WOOD GOODS
CITT TO DETERMINE WHETHER IMPORTS THREATEN CANADIAN PRODUCERS
On April 21, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (“CITT”) issued a Notice of Commencement of Safeguard Inquiry (the “Notice”) under the Canadian International Trade Tribunal Act in respect of imports of certain wood goods (“Subject Goods”). The matter was referred to the CITT by the Government of Canada through an Order in Council on April 20, 2026, which was prompted by a formal request from the Canadian Wood Products Alliance.
Contextual Background
It is worth noting that one potential catalyst for the CITT’s safeguard inquiry into the Subject Goods is the fact that United States (“US”) has placed 25% tariffs on similar wooden products (i.e., upholstered wooden furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities, etc.) since October 14, 2025, through a Presidential Proclamation. It is possible, if not likely, that many of these products destined for the US market have been diverted to the Canadian market to avoid the US tariffs.