Beijing Hits Canada With 73.5% Pea Starch Levy

Beijing has issued a preliminary verdict finding that pea-starch products imported from Canada were dumped in China, following Ottawa’s anti-dumping investigation into Chinese-made steel racks.

“Relevant authorities have made a preliminary determination that imported pea-starch products originating in Canada have been dumped,” the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Tuesday. “The dumping acts have caused material damage to the domestic pea-starch industry.” Starting on Wednesday, importers bringing pea starch from Canada must post cash deposits equivalent to 73.5 per cent of the goods’ customs-assessed value.

 Commerce authorities launched the anti-dumping probe in August following a complaint filed by six domestic pea starch manufacturers.

Pea starch is primarily used in the food industry as a stabiliser to improve product consistency and texture.

 The move comes as Ottawa proceeds with the anti-dumping investigation that authorities initiated in April, targeting steel-rack imports from manufacturers based in or shipping goods from China.

The Canada Border Services Agency is investigating whether the imports are being sold in Canada at unfair prices or subsidised, with preliminary decisions expected by July 20.