Canadian steel industry executives were expressing frustration and disappointment at the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) following its recent safeguard hearings into imports of nine classes of steel products into Canada.
The CITT did find that the Canadian steel industry had been seriously injured from high levels of imports of reinforcing bars, angles, shapes and sections of standard pipe, but ruled that there is no current or threat of serious injury from imports of hot rolled sheet and coil.
The CITT did not take into account recent U.S. safeguarding action that many in the Canadian industry believe will divert hot-rolled steel to Canada and harm producers such as Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, which recently emerged from bankruptcy protection.
Though disappointed with the CITT's findings, an official with the Hamilton-based Stelco Inc. says he is confident the Canadian government will closely monitor foreign imports and ensure Canada does not become a dumping ground again for cheap foreign steel.
The company expects the government will move as fast as possible to introduce appropriate remedies for the products where injury was found, the company official says.
