China launches anti-dumping probe on colza seed imports from Canada

China on Monday launched an anti-dumping investigation into colza seed imports from Canada, saying that preliminary evidence and data showed that colza seeds originated from Canada are being sold in China at prices lower than normal, suggesting dumping practices.

In addition, colza seeds exported from Canada into the Chinese market have surged significantly, with continuously lower price, which has reduced and contained the price of the same kind of products in China and caused material harm to the Chinese industry, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said in a statement posted on its website on Monday.

The probe will examine colza seeds originating from Canada from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. It will also investigate any damage done to domestic Chinese industry from between January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023.

"Evidence has shown that Canada dumps colza seeds in China and has caused material harms to China's domestic industry. In line with relevant Chinese laws and regulations as well as WTO rules, related Chinese investigative agencies decided to launch an anti-dumping investigation into colza seeds imported from Canada," a MOFCOM spokesperson said on Monday.

China's anti-dumping probe on colza seed imports from Canada, which is in line with WTO rules, is a justified trade measure to protect domestic industry. The probe is fundamentally different from Canada's discriminatory measures against Chinese products because it violates WTO rules, according to a separate statement on the ministry's website.

In line with China's laws and WTO rules, a country can launch anti-dumping investigations under two circumstances, namely relevant industry players file applications and investigative agency has the power to initiate an investigation within its capacity. However, with low industry concentration and many growers in the industry in China, it is difficult for industry players to file an application. Under these circumstances, the Chinese investigative agency, having gathered sufficient evidence, has initiated an investigation in accordance with the law, the spokesperson stated.

The investigation will proceed in line with legal procedures, and in compliance with WTO rules. The agency will conduct the probe openly and transparently, fully ensuring the rights of all involved parties, and will issue a fair and impartial ruling based on the findings of the investigation.