Gypsum industry news
Canada: The federal government has asked for a faster review of anti-dumping tariffs on gypsum wallboard imports. However, the new schedule isn't expected to immediately reduce the duties, according to the Canadian Press. The Finance Department says it wants to help middle-class families in Western Canada, especially those involved in the reconstruction of Fort McMurray, Alberta following wildfires earlier in 2016 that destroyed large numbers of buildings.
"I am grateful to hear the federal government is responding to our concerns and the concerns of people across Fort McMurray with the recent ruling by Canada Border Services Agency that effectively closed Western Canada from imported drywall,'' said Brian Jean, the leader of the opposition Wildrose Party in a statement. He added that his party will continue to ask the government to suspend the tariff during its review or exempt wallboard coming into Fort McMurray from the tax.
In September 2016 the Canada Border Services Agency imposed preliminary tariffs of up to 277% cent on US gypsum wallboard imported into Canada for use in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon and Northwest Territories. The agency said it was responded to a complaint by CertainTeed Gypsum Canada.
Cuba: Rose Petroleum has targeted Euro1m towards developing opportunities to process and manufacture gypsum and associated building materials. The natural resources company said in a statement that it was in direct discussions with a government-owned gypsum company and the relevant ministries regarding a potential transaction. No terms or specific timing of any transaction have been agreed.
"The Cuba project is a very exciting development for Rose which we believe could deliver significant value in the short term, in isolation of the oil price environment," said Matthew Idiens, chief executive officer. "It is worth noting that, at present, there is no domestic supply or production of gypsum panels or wallboard for the construction of internal walls and providing domestic sources is naturally very important for Cuba and its development."
The opportunity was introduced to Rose Petroleum by Earth Source Investment, who had made initial contacts with the Cuban government, in return for shares in Rose Petroleum and non-executive board seats should the deal compete successfully.
