The Canada Border Services Agency has launched investigations into whether steel racks imported from China are being sold in Canada at unfairly low prices or subsidized, potentially harming domestic producers.

The agency says the probes, initiated April 20, follow a complaint from several Canadian manufacturers, including Arpac Storage Systems, Etalex Inc., Industries Cresswell Inc., Econo-Rack (2015) Group Inc. and North American Steel Equipment Inc..

The complainants allege a surge in low-priced and subsidized imports has led to lost sales, lower prices and negative impacts on production, employment and overall financial performance.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will conduct a preliminary inquiry into whether the imports are causing harm to Canadian industry, with a decision expected by June 19. Meanwhile, the CBSA will assess whether dumping or subsidizing is occurring and is set to issue preliminary findings by July 20.

The investigations fall under the Special Import Measures Act, which is designed to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices.

Steel racks, commonly used in warehouse storage systems, represent a Canadian market estimated at about $415 million annually. Officials say a detailed statement of reasons will be released within 15 days of the investigation’s launch.

The CBSA says Canada currently has 185 special import measures in place, covering billions of dollars in imports, as part of efforts to ensure fair competition and protect domestic jobs.