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OTTAWA—The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has ruled that dumped and subsidized tableware imports from China caused injury to Canada's domestic industry, a decision that protects the jobs of Unifor members at CKF Inc., ensuring that import duties remain in place.
“The ruling is a win for Canadian workers and for the principles of fair trade,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “When foreign producers break the rules and flood our market, Canadian communities pay the price. We are pleased with the Tribunal’s ruling and support fair trade regulation.”
The Tribunal issued its findings on June 26, 2026, following a final determination by the Canada Border Services Agency on May 28, 2026 that thermoformed molded fibre tableware from China, including plates, platters and bowls, was being both dumped and subsidized.
Under Canada's trade remedy system, duties cannot be imposed unless the Tribunal finds the domestic industry was injured. Unifor members at CKF in Hantsport, Nova Scotia are the only workers in Canada that make this type of product, including the well-known Royal Chinet paper products.
“With a level playing field, Canada’s manufacturing sector can thrive,” said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “This decision means we can keep doing work we are proud of in Hantsport for years to come.”
Unifor took an active role in the case, with members who work at the Hantsport plant and Unifor National Representative Adam Hersey delivering testimony, completing questionnaires and taking part in the hearings. The Canada Border Services Agency has set duties ranging from 80 to 350 percent on certain Chinese imports of these goods. The Tribunal will release its full statement of reasons within 17 days.
