On May 18, 2018, the Canada Border Services Agency initiated investigations under the Special Import Measures Act, respecting the alleged injurious dumping and subsidizing of certain sucker rods from China. Sucker rods, commonly used in the oil industry, are steel rods used to connect the surface and downhole components of a rod pumping system. They are typically threaded at both ends to enable the downhole components to be run and retrieved easily.

The investigations follow a complaint filed by Dover Canada ULC – Alberta Oil Tool Division.