12-3-2975 Purchaser Questionnaire

OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 12-3-2975; Expiration Date: 6/30/2014
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. PURCHASERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
BRASS SHEET AND STRIP

This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by no later than November 23, 2011
See page 4 of the Instruction Booklet for filing instructions.
The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its review of the antidumping duty orders concerning C20000-series brass sheet and strip from France,
Germany, Italy and Japan (Inv. No. 731-TA-313, 314, 317, 379 (Third Review)). The information requested in the
questionnaire is requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure
to reply as directed can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records or information in
your possession (19 U.S.C. § 1333(a)). Further information on this questionnaire can be obtained from Amelia
Preece (202-205-3250, [email protected]).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

World Wide Web address
Has your firm purchased C20000-series brass sheet and strip (as defined in the instruction booklet) from any
source (domestic or foreign) at any time since January 1, 2005?

NO

(Sign the certification below and promptly return only this page of the questionnaire to the Commission)

YES

(Read the instruction booklet carefully, complete all parts of the questionnaire, and return the entire
questionnaire to the Commission so as to be received by the date indicated above)

CERTIFICATION
I certify that the information herein supplied in response to this questionnaire is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge
and belief and understand that the information submitted is subject to audit and verification by the Commission.
By means of this certification I also grant consent for the Commission, and its employees and contract personnel, to use the
information provided in this questionnaire and throughout these reviews in any other import-injury proceedings or reviews
conducted by the Commission on the same or similar merchandise.
I acknowledge that information submitted in this questionnaire response and throughout these reviews may be used by the
Commission, its employees, and contract personnel who are acting in the capacity of Commission employees, for developing or
maintaining the records of these reviews or related proceedings for which this information is submitted, or in internal audits and
proceedings relating to the programs and operations of the Commission pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Appendix 3. I understand that all
contract personnel will sign non-disclosure agreements.

Name of Authorized Official

Title of Authorized Official

Date

Phone:
Signature

E-mail address
Fax

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
The questions in this questionnaire have been reviewed with market participants to ensure that issues of
concern are adequately addressed and that data requests are sufficient, meaningful, and as limited as
possible. Public reporting burden for this questionnaire is estimated to average 40 hours per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering the data needed,
and completing and reviewing the questionnaire. Send comments regarding the accuracy of this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the
burden, to the Office of Investigations, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20436.
I-1a.

OMB statistics.--Please report the actual number of hours required and the cost to your firm of
preparing the reply to this questionnaire and completing the form.
hours

dollars

I-1b.

OMB feedback.--We are interested in any comments you may have for improving this
questionnaire in general or the clarity of specific questions. Please attach such comments to your
response or send them to the above address.

I-2.

Establishments covered.--Provide the name and address of establishment(s) covered by this
questionnaire (see page 3 of the instruction booklet for reporting guidelines). If your firm is
publicly traded, please specify the stock exchange and trading symbol.

I-3.

Ownership.--Is your firm owned, in whole or in part, by any other firm?

I-4.

No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

Address

Extent of
ownership

Related SUBJECT importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either
domestic or foreign, that are engaged in importing C20000-series brass sheet and strip from
France, Germany, Italy and Japan into the United States or that are engaged in exporting C20000series brass sheet and strip from France, Germany, Italy and Japan to the United States?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

Address

Affiliation

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 3

PART I.--GENERAL INFORMATION--Continued
I-5.

Related NONSUBJECT importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either
domestic or foreign, that are engaged in importing C20000-series brass sheet and strip from
countries other than France, Germany, Italy and Japan into the United States or that are engaged
in exporting C20000-series brass sheet and strip from countries other than France, Germany, Italy
and Japan to the United States?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name and country

I-6.

I-7.

Address

Affiliation

Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of C20000-series brass sheet and strip?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

Address

Affiliation

Business plan.-- Does your company or any related firm have a business plan or any internal
documents that describe, discuss, or analyze expected market conditions for C20000-series brass
sheet and strip?
No

Yes--Please provide the requested documents. If you are not providing the
requested documents, please explain why not.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 4

PART II.--PURCHASES
Please identify the individual to be contacted regarding the confidential information requested in parts II
to IV?
Name and title:
Please indicate the manner by which Commission staff may contact the individual responsible for
parts II to IV with questions regarding the submitted confidential information.
E-mail:

Telephone:

Fax:
II-1.

Purchases.--Report, as indicated below, your firm’s purchases (either directly or through a sales
agent or broker) of C20000-series brass sheet and strip. Report based on delivery date, not order
date.

Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Item
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Purchases of C20000-series brass sheet and strip produced in-The United States:
Quantity
Value
France:
Quantity
Value
Germany:
Quantity
Value
Italy:
Quantity
Value
Japan:
Quantity
Value
All other countries:1
Quantity
Value
1
Please identify these countries:

2010

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 5

PART II.--PURCHASES--Continued
II-2.

Changes in purchasing patterns.-- Please indicate how the relative levels of your firm’s
purchases of C20000-series brass sheet and strip from different sources (both domestic and
foreign) have changed since 2005.
Source of purchases

The United States

France

Germany

Italy

Japan

All other countries

Trend
Decreased
Increased
Constant
Fluctuated
Did not purchase
Decreased
Increased
Constant
Fluctuated
Did not purchase
Decreased
Increased
Constant
Fluctuated
Did not purchase
Decreased
Increased
Constant
Fluctuated
Did not purchase
Decreased
Increased
Constant
Fluctuated
Did not purchase
Decreased
Increased
Constant
Fluctuated
Did not purchase

Explanation for trend

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 6

PART II.--PURCHASES
II-3.

Purchases from one country only.--If your firm has purchased C20000-series brass sheet and
strip from only one country, please explain the reasons for doing so.

II-4.

Supplier identification.--Please identify below the names and addresses of your firm’s FIVE
largest suppliers for C20000-series brass sheet and strip since 2005. Please also provide the name
and telephone number of a contact person and the share of the quantity of your firm’s total
shipments of C20000-series brass sheet and strip that each of these customers accounted for in
2010.
Supplier’s
name

No.
1

2

3

4

5

City and state

Contact person

Share of
Telephone number
2010
or e-mail address purchases
(%)

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 7

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES
III-1.

Firm type.--Which of the following best describes your firm as a purchaser of C20000-series
brass sheet and strip (check all that apply)?
End user
Reroller
Distributor
Other (Describe:

III-2.

)

Competition for sales.--If you are a distributor or reseller of C20000-series brass sheet and strip,
do you compete for sales to your customers with the manufacturers or importers from which you
purchase C20000-series brass sheet and strip?
No

Yes--Please describe

III-3.

Types of customers.--If your firm is a distributor or reseller of C20000-series brass sheet and
strip, what are the major types of consumers to which you sell C20000-series brass sheet and
strip?

III-4.

End uses.--If your firm is an end user of C20000-series brass sheet and strip, list in order of
quantity of C20000-series brass sheet and strip consumed, the top 3 products for which your firm
purchases C20000-series brass sheet and strip as a component part or input. Please indicate what
percentage of the total cost is accounted for by C20000-series brass sheet and strip and other
inputs.
Share of total cost in each of the product(s)
you produce accounted for by

Product(s) you
produce
1.

C20000-series brass
sheet and
strip(percent)
%

Other inputs (percent)
%

Total
100%

2.

%

%
100%

3.

%

%
100%

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 8

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-5.

Demand for end use products.-(a)

If your firm is an end user of C20000-series brass sheet and strip, has the demand for
your firm’s final products incorporating C20000-series brass sheet and strip changed
since 2005?
Increased

(b)

Decreased

Yes--Please describe.

Anticipated changes in end uses.--Do you anticipate any changes in terms of the end uses of
C20000-series brass sheet and strip?
No

.

Yes--Please describe.

Changes in end uses.--Have there been any changes in the end uses of C20000-series brass sheet
and strip since 2005?
No

III-7.

No change

Has this had any effect on your firm’s demand for C20000-series brass sheet and strip?
No—Please explain.

III-6.

Fluctuated

Yes--Please describe.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

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PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-8.

Substitutes.--Can other products be substituted for C20000-series brass sheet and strip?
No

Substitute product

Yes--Please fill out the table below.

Description of applications
or end uses

Have changes in the prices of this substitute
affected the price of C20000-series brass
sheet and strip since January 1, 2005

No

1.

Yes

Please explain.

No

2.

Yes

Please explain.

No

3.

Yes

Please explain.

III-9.

Changes in substitutes.--Have there been any changes in the number or types of products that
can be substituted for C20000-series brass sheet and strip since 2005?
No

Yes--Please explain.

III-10. Anticipated changes in substitutes.--Do you anticipate any changes in terms of the
substitutability of other products for C20000-series sheet and strip?
No

Yes--Please describe.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 10

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-11. Demand trends.-(a)

How has the demand within the United States for C20000-series brass sheet and strip
changed since 2005? What principal factors affect changes in demand?
Increased

(b)

No Change

Decreased

Fluctuated

Don’t Know

How has the demand outside the United States for C20000-series brass sheet and strip
changed since 2005? What principal factors affect changes in demand?
Increased

No Change

Decreased

Fluctuated

Don’t Know

III-12. Anticipated demand trends.-(a)

How do you anticipate demand will change within the United States for C20000-series
brass sheet and strip? What principal factors that will affect these changes in demand?
Increase

(b)

No Change

Decrease

No change

How do you anticipate demand will change outside the United States for C20000-series
brass sheet and strip? What principal factors that will affect these changes in demand?
Increase

No Change

Decrease

No change

III-13. Market studies.--Please provide as a separate attachment to this request any studies, surveys, etc.
that you are aware of that quantify and/or otherwise discuss C20000-series brass sheet and strip
supply (including production capacity and capacity utilization) and demand in (1) the United
States, (2) each of the other major producing/consuming countries, including France, Germany,
Italy and Japan, and (3) the world as a whole. Of particular interest is such data from 2005 to the
present and forecasts for the future.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 11

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-14. Changes in factors affecting supply.--Have any changes occurred in any other factors affecting
supply (e.g., changes in availability or prices of energy or labor; transportation conditions;
production capacity and/or methods of production; technology; export markets; or alternative
production opportunities) that affected the availability of U.S.-produced C20000-series brass
sheet and strip in the U.S. market since 2005?
No

Yes--Please provide details.

III-15. Importance of purchasing domestic product.--Is buying a product that is produced in the
United States an important factor in your firm’s purchases of C20000-series brass sheet and strip
(check ALL that apply)?
No
Yes-- Purchases of domestic product are required by law or regulation (for example,
government purchases under “Buy American” provisions). This involves
percent of
all our purchases of C20000-series brass sheet and strip.
Yes--Purchases of domestic product are not required by law or regulation, but are by our
customers. This involves
percent of all our purchases of C20000-series brass sheet
and strip.
Yes--Purchases of domestic product are required for other reasons (please specify these
reasons below). This involves
percent of all our purchases of C20000-series brass
sheet and strip.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 12

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-16. Conditions of competition.-(a)

Is the C20000-series brass sheet and strip market subject to any business cycles or is it
subject to special conditions of competition?
No

(b)

Yes--Please explain and estimate the duration of any such cycle.

Have the business cycles or conditions of competition for C20000-series brass sheet and
stripchanged since 2005?
No

Yes--Please explain any such changes.

III-17. Decisions based on producer.--Does your firm, and to the extent that you know, do your
customers make purchasing decisions involving C20000-series brass sheet and strip based on the
producer of the C20000-series brass sheet and strip you purchase?
Your firm:

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

Your customers:

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

If at least sometimes, please discuss how your firm or your customers determine the producer and
why this information is important.
Your firm:

Your customers:

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 13

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-18. Decisions based on country-of-origin.--Does your firm, and to the extent that you know, do
your customers make purchasing decisions involving C20000-series brass sheet and strip based
on the country of origin of the C20000-series brass sheet and strip you purchase?
Your firm:

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

Your customers:

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

If at least sometimes, please discuss how your firm or your customers determine the source and
why this information is important.
Your firm:

Your customers:

III-19. Purchasing frequency.-(a)

How frequently do you make purchases?
Daily
Other (specify

(b)

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

Annually

)

Do you expect this purchasing pattern to change in the next two years?
No

Yes-- How and why do you expect these changes to occur?

III-20. Number of suppliers contacted.--How many suppliers do you generally contact before making a
purchase?
firms
III-21. Supplier negotiations.-(a)

Do purchases of C20000-series brass sheet and strip usually involve negotiations between
supplier and purchaser?
No

Yes--Please describe these negotiations. In your response, please
comment on whether purchasers generally quote competing
prices as part of the negotiation process.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 14

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
(b)

Does your firm tend to vary its purchases from a given supplier within a specified time
period based on the price offered for that period?
No

Yes--Specify the time period.

III-22. Product bundling.--Have any suppliers indicated that you should purchase C20000- series brass
sheet and strip in order to obtain other products from that supplier?
No

Yes—Identify supplier and describe the circumstances.

III-23. Change in suppliers.--Have you changed suppliers since 2005?
No

Yes--Please list the supplier or suppliers and indicate whether the firm was
added or dropped as a supplier. Also give the reasons for the change
and how frequently you change suppliers.

III-24. New suppliers.-(a)

Are you aware of any new suppliers, either foreign or domestic, that have entered the
market since 2005?
No

(b)

Yes--Please identify the firms.

Do you expect new C20000-series brass sheet and strip suppliers to enter the U.S.
market?
No

Yes--Please provide details.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 15

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-25. Supplier qualification
(a) Do you require your suppliers to be or to become certified to ASTM or other standards to sell
C20000-series brass sheet and strip to your firm?
No

Yes--

percent of value of purchases in 2010

Yes--all purchases

List the standards you require?
(b) Do you require any other qualification for suppliers to sell C20000-series brass sheet and strip
to your firm?
No

Yes--

percent of value of purchases in 2010

Yes--all purchases

(c) Please provide a general description of the qualification process. Briefly describe the factors
that you consider when qualifying a new supplier (e.g., quality of product, reliability of supplier,
etc.)

(d) How long does it take to qualify a new supplier?

days.

III-26. Failure to certify.--Since 2005, have any domestic or foreign producers failed in their attempts to
certify or qualify their C20000-series brass sheet and strip with your firm or have any producers
lost their approved status?
No

Yes--Please identify these firms, the countries where they are located, and the
reasons why they failed the certification/qualification.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 16

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-27. Purchasing factors.--For the factors listed below, please rate each in terms of its importance in
your purchase decision for C20000-series brass sheet and strip.
Very
Important
Availability .......................................
Lead time required for orders..........
Deep drawability..............................
Delivery terms .................................
Delivery time ...................................
Discounts offered ............................
Extension of credit...........................
Global sourcing ...............................
Manufactures to my specifications ..
Minimum quantity requirements ......
New product development ..............
Packaging .......................................
Partnering........................................
Price ................................................
Product consistency ........................
Product range..................................
Quality meets industry standards....
Quality exceeds industry standards
Reliability of supply .........................
Responsive to emergency requirements
Special alloys ..................................
Supplier financial security ...............
Surface finish ..................................
Technical support/service ...............
Toll processing ................................
U.S. transportation costs .................
Vendor managed/on-hand inventories
Other (specify):

............. ........
........

Somewhat
important

Not
important

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 17

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-28. Major purchasing factors.--Please list, in order of their importance, the three major factors
generally considered by your firm in deciding from whom to purchase C20000-series brass sheet
and strip for any one order (examples include availability, extension of credit, contracts, price,
quality, range of supplier’s product line, traditional supplier, etc.).
1.
2.
3.
Other factors or comments:

III-29. Quality characteristics.--What characteristics does your firm consider when determining the
quality of C20000-series brass sheet and strip?

III-30. Use in your production process.—Does the suitability of brass sheet and strip differ between
country sources in your production process?
No

Yes--Please report products and their sources.

III-31. Frequency of decisions based on price.--How often does your firm purchase the C20000-series
brass sheet and strip that is offered at the lowest price?
Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

III-32. Price leaders.— A price leader is defined as (1) one or more firms that initiate a price change,
either upward or downward, that is followed by other firms, or (2) one or more firms that have a
significant impact on prices. A price leader does not necessarily have to be the lowest priced
supplier.
Please list the names of any firms you considered price leaders in the C20000-series brass sheet
and strip market since 2005. Please describe how the firm(s) exhibited price leadership.

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Page 18

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-33. Changes in U.S. industry.-(a)

Please identify and discuss any improvements/changes in the U.S. C20000-series brass
sheet and strip industry since 2005 and explain the factor(s), including the order(s) under
review, that was/(were) responsible for each improvement/change.

(b)

Please discuss any improvements/changes that you anticipate in the future in the U.S.
C20000-series brass industry. Identify the time period and causes for these
improvements/changes.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 19

PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-34. Effect of revocation.--What do you think will be the likely effects of any revocation of the
antidumping duty order for imports of C20000-series brass sheet and strip from France, Germany,
Italy and Japan? As appropriate, please discuss any potential effects of revocation of the
antidumping duty order on (1) the future activities of your firm and (2) the U.S. market as a
whole. Please note the future time period to which you are referring. Attach additional pages if
necessary.
(1) Activities of your firm:

(2) Entire U.S. market:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 20

PART IV.-- PRODUCT COMPARISIONS
IV-1.

Country knowledge.--Please indicate the countries of origin for C20000-series brass sheet and
strip for which your firm has actual marketing/pricing knowledge.
United States

France

Germany

Italy

Japan

Other countries (Please specify
IV-2.

)

Interchangeability by country-pair.--Is C20000-series brass sheet and strip produced in the
United States and in other countries interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same
applications)? Please indicate below, using “A” to indicate that the products from a specified
country-pair are always interchangeable, “F” to indicate that the products are frequently
interchangeable, “S” to indicate that the products are sometimes interchangeable, “N” to indicate
that the products are never interchangeable, and “0” to indicate no familiarity with products from
a specified country-pair.1
Country-pair

France

Germany

Italy

Japan

Other countries

United States
France
Germany
Italy
Japan
1

For any country-pair producing C20000-series brass sheet and strip that is sometimes or never
interchangeable, please explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 21

PART IV.-- PRODUCT COMPARISIONS--Continued
IV-3.

Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (i.e., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between C20000-series brass sheet
and strip produced in the United States and in other countries a significant factor in your firm’s
purchases of the products? Please indicate below, using “A” to indicate that such differences are
always significant, “F” to indicate that such differences are frequently significant, “S” to indicate
that such differences are sometimes significant, “N” to indicate that such differences are never
significant, and “0” to indicate no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair.1
Country-pair

France

Germany

Italy

Japan

Other countries

United States
France
Germany
Italy
Japan
1

For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant factor in
your firm’s purchases of C20000-series brass sheet and strip, identify the country-pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 22

PART IV.-- PRODUCT COMPARISIONS--Continued
IV-4.

Availability of merchandise.--Are certain grades/types/sizes of C20000-series brass sheet and
strip available from only a single source (domestic or foreign, including both subject and
nonsubject countries)?
No

IV-5.

Availability of merchandise.—Do you use certain C20000-series brass sheet and strip (alloy,
dimensions, finisher, etc.) that are not available from or that are difficult to get from all suppliers
in a single country (domestic or foreign, including both subject and nonsubject countries)?
No

IV-6.

Yes--Please identify the source and the grade/type/size.

Yes--Please identify the source and the grade/type/size.

Choice of product not based on price.--If you purchased C20000-series brass sheet and strip
from one source although a comparable product was available from another source at a lower
price, please explain your reasons for doing so (please specify by country, including the United
States and both subject and nonsubject foreign countries). Possibilities might include transaction
characteristics such as length of time to fill orders, minimum order size, reliability of supply, etc.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 23

PART IV.-- PRODUCT COMPARISIONS--Continued
Factor country comparisons.--For the factors listed below, please rate how C20000-series brass
sheet and strip produced in each country you identified in your response to the first question in
Part IV compares with C20000-series brass sheet and strip produced in each of the other countries
you identified (including the United States and both subject and nonsubject foreign countries).

Availability .......................................
Lead time required for orders ..........
Deep drawability..............................
Delivery terms .................................
Delivery time ...................................
Discounts offered ............................
Extension of credit...........................
Global sourcing ...............................
Manufactures to my specifications ..
Minimum quantity requirements ......
New product development ..............
Packaging .......................................
Partnering ........................................
Price ................................................
Product consistency ........................
Product range..................................
Quality meets industry standards....
Quality exceeds industry standards
Reliability of supply .........................
Responsive to emergency
requirements
Special alloys ..................................
Supplier financial security ...............
Surface finish ..................................
Technical support/service ...............
Toll processing ................................
U.S. transportation costs .................
Vendor managed/on-hand
inventories
1

A rating of superior on price and U.S. transportation costs indicatees that the first country generally has lower
prices/U.S. transportation costs than the second country.

Inferior

Comparable

Product from
United States
compared to
product from
Japan

Superior

Inferior

Comparable

Product from
United States
compared to
product from
Italy

Superior

Inferior

Product from
United States
compared to
product from
Germany
Comparable

Inferior

Comparable

Quality

Superior

Product from
United States
compared to
product from
France

Superior

IV-7.

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PART IV.-- PRODUCT COMPARISIONS--Continued
Continued.

Availability .......................................
Lead time required for orders ..........
Deep drawability..............................
Delivery terms .................................
Delivery time ...................................
Discounts offered ............................
Extension of credit...........................
Global sourcing ...............................
Manufactures to my specifications ..
Minimum quantity requirements ......
New product development ..............
Packaging .......................................
Partnering ........................................
Price ................................................
Product consistency ........................
Product range..................................
Quality meets industry standards....
Quality exceeds industry standards
Reliability of supply .........................
Responsive to emergency
requirements
Special alloys ..................................
Supplier financial security ...............
Surface finish ..................................
Technical support/service ...............
Toll processing ................................
U.S. transportation costs .................
Vendor managed/on-hand
inventories
1

A rating of superior on price and U.S. transportation costs indicatees that the first country generally has lower
prices/U.S. transportation costs than the second country.

Inferior

Comparable

Superior

Inferior

compared to
product from

Comparable

compared to
product from

Superior

compared to
product from

Inferior

compared to
product from

Comparable

product from

Superior

product from

Inferior

product from

Comparable

Quality

product from

Superior

IV-7.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 25

PART IV.-- PRODUCT COMPARISIONS--Continued
IV-8.

Minimum quality.-(a)

How often does domestically produced C20000-series brass sheet and strip meet
minimum quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses?
Always

(b)

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely or never

How often does imported subject C20000-series brass sheet and strip meet minimum
quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses?

Source

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely or
never

France
Germany
Italy
Japan

(c)

How often does imported nonsubject C20000-series brass sheet and strip (i.e., C20000series brass sheet and strip from countries other than France, Germany, Italy and Japan)
meet minimum quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses?

Source
Netherlands
Poland
Mexico

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely or
never

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Brass Sheet and Strip

Page 26

PART IV.-- PRODUCT COMPARISIONS--Continued
IV-9.

Change in price.-(a)

Since 2005, has there been a change in the price of C20000-series brass sheet and strip?
If so, has the price of U.S.-produced C20000-series brass sheet and strip changed more or
less than the price of imported C20000-series brass sheet and strip from France,
Germany, Italy and Japan?
No change in price
Prices have changed by the same amount
Price of U.S.-produced C20000-series brass sheet and strip has changed relative to the
price of C20000-series brass sheet and strip from France.
Price of U.S.-produced C20000-series brass sheet and strip has changed relative to the
price of C20000-series brass sheet and strip from Germany.
Price of U.S.-produced C20000-series brass sheet and strip has changed relative to the
price of C20000-series brass sheet and strip from Italy.
Price of U.S.-produced C20000-series brass sheet and strip has changed relative to the
price of C20000-series brass sheet and strip from Japan.

(b)

If the price of U.S.-produced C20000-series brass sheet and strip has changed relative to
the price of C20000-series brass sheet and strip from France, Germany, Italy and Japan,
the price of U.S.-produced C20000-series brass sheet and strip is now relatively
Higher

Lower – than those from France.

Higher

Lower – than those from Germany.

Higher

Lower – than those from Italy.

Higher

Lower – than those from Japan.