The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) supports the Government of Canada’s launch of a safeguard investigation into imported kitchen cabinets and related wood products, an important step toward restoring a fair and level playing field.
Read the full media statement: Minister of Finance requests safeguard inquiry into imports of certain wood products Canadian manufacturers are facing a flood of imports into Canada. A safeguard is necessary to restore balance and protect domestic manufacturing capacity from imminent collapse.
As a member of the Canadian Wood Products Alliance, CKCA supports efforts to maintain a strong and competitive domestic manufacturing base and urges the government to implement a provisional tariff during the safeguard investigation to prevent further harm. The investigation alone will not be sufficient to provide the stability our industry needs.
Without a provisional tariff, Canada’s safeguard investigation risks being undone by massive inventories of product into the Canadian market, and many Canadian producers will close and continue layoffs in the coming months. Canadian producers have enough excess capacity to supply the Canadian market.
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will engage manufacturers as part of this process. CKCA encourages full industry participation.
Amrita Bhogal, CKCA president said: “Since 2023, the kitchen cabinet industry has experienced an estimated 47% decline in revenues, with a further 20% decline anticipated in 2026. 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.”
The Canadian kitchen cabinet manufacturers are a significant part of the country’s economy. They employ more than 25,000, generate more than $4.7 billion in annual revenue, and have been manufacturing in Canada for more than 50 years. The workforce is highly skilled, producing quality, functional spaces that turn houses into homes. Many cabinetry companies are family-run, generational businesses. This fact carries a unique sense of pride, ownership and longevity to continue the legacies started by the original owners many of whom came from other countries choosing to settle and build their lives and successful businesses in Canada. Learn more with this short video: We Build In Canada!
