Canadian tribunal says wheat gluten dumping is likely hurting industry

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has determined that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that wheat gluten being dumped from Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom is negatively impacting the domestic Canadian industry. An investigation into this issue began on June 19, with a preliminary determination expected by September 17.

Dumping occurs when goods are sold in Canada at prices lower than those in the exporting country or at unprofitable prices, potentially affecting market share, sales volume, and profitability. According to Statistics Canada, the total production of durum wheat in Canada for 2024-25 is estimated at 5.9 million tonnes, with a projected supply of 6.3 million tonnes. Domestic consumption is expected to account for 13 percent of the total supply.

In the fiscal year ending at the end of the first quarter of 2026, the United Kingdom and Italy's combined trade amounted to £53.7 billion, making Italy the UK's 10th largest trading partner and responsible for 2.8 percent of total UK trade. The CITT has also initiated a preliminary injury inquiry into a complaint filed by Great Pacific Enterprises Limited Partnership (Genpak), a Mississauga, Ontario-based company.

Genpak claims that it has suffered injury due to the dumping and subsidizing of paperboard cups and containers originating from China. The CITT will decide by October 16 whether there is a reasonable indication that these actions have caused or threatened injury, with the investigation scheduled to conclude by November 16.