NATIONAL REPORT — Following the imposition of a tariff on gypsum drywall sold in Western Canada, reports of shortages are coming in from as far away as Ontario. Suppliers in Ontario have confirmed that product is being shipped out west, creating shortages locally. One supplier calls the current state of affairs “complete chaos” as builders and contractors look for new sources of supply.
They are also faced with huge increases in raw materials for jobs that would have been quoted on previous to the imposition of the tariffs. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal found reasonable evidence of gypsum dumping by U.S. suppliers selling into Western Canada and imposed the tariff on drywall imports to that part of the country. This action is increasing drywall costs by as much as 50% to 60%.
Meanwhile, CertainTeed Gypsum Canada, which pointed the spotlight on illegal dumping of gypsum wallboard in Western Canada, is drawing criticism. The company’s leadership says they are “disappointed and surprised at the recent call for boycotts of our drywall products.” The statement maintains that “dumping creates material injury to domestic manufacturers,” and that the company’s actions are “meant to stop this practice and bring a level playing field and fair competition to the Western Canadian marketplace.”
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