OTTAWA, Ontario — The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association voiced support for the launch of a Global Safeguard Investigation by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.

The CITT’s probe, formally requested by the Canadian Wood Products Alliance, will determine how much the Canadian cabinet, flooring, and furniture sectors might have been injured by imported products.  

Additionally, the CKCA urged the government to implement a provisional tariff during the safeguard investigation to prevent further harm. Without a provisional tariff, CKCA said Canada’s safeguard investigation risks being undone by massive inventories of product into the Canadian market resulting in many Canadian producers to close and continue layoffs in the coming months.

According to the CKCA, the Canadian kitchen cabinet manufacturing industry employs more than 25,000 people and generates more than $4.7 billion in annual revenue. The association contends that Canadian manufacturers are facing a flood of imports and that a safeguard is necessary to restore balance and protect domestic manufacturing capacity from imminent collapse.

“Since 2023, the kitchen cabinet industry has experienced an estimated 47% decline in revenues, with a further 20% decline anticipated in 2026,” said Amrita Bhogal, CKCA president. “Behind these numbers are skilled workers, families, and communities who depend on a strong domestic manufacturing sector. Many companies have already closed, faced layoffs, deferred investments, and suffered price depression. Today’s step by government is an important signal of support and is welcomed by our members, but continued assistance will be essential to ensure multi-generational Canadian manufacturers like my own can continue investing in people and communities for decades to come.”

Luke Elias, CKCA vice-president, said “Canadian manufacturers have no difficulties with competition. But the unfair trade practices from imports have hit us hard. In the last two years there has been a 36% increase of low-priced imports from various countries, and this has undercut domestic manufacturers by approximately 10%. These imports are taking larger percentages of the market away from Canadian manufacturers every year, making it increasingly hard for Canadian businesses to be competitive. Some interim measures must be taken immediately as manufacturers are in need of relief now.”

In a statement, François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of finance and national revenue, said, “
“In response to a formal request from the Canadian Wood Products Alliance, the government has directed the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to conduct an inquiry on global imports of solid and engineered wood cabinets and vanities, solid and engineered hardwood flooring, and engineered wood storage furniture.

“The Tribunal will have 270 days to determine if increased imports of these products are causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury to Canadian wood product manufacturers, and to make recommendations to the government on appropriate remedies.”

CITT initiated the investigation of imported cabinets and related wood products one week after it launched an investigation of decorative and other non-structural plywood from China.