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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 14‐2‐3310; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
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U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
MELAMINE FROM CHINA AND TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by NOVEMBER 26, 2014
See last page for filing instructions.
The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its countervailing duty and antidumping investigations concerning melamine from China and Trinidad &
Tobago (Inv. Nos. 701‐TA‐526‐527 and 731‐TA‐1262‐1263 (Preliminary)). 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 firm’s
possession (19 U.S.C. § 1333(a)).
Name of firm
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Website
Has your firm imported melamine (as defined on next page) from any country at any time since January 1, 2011?
NO
(Sign the certification below and promptly return only this page of the questionnaire to the Commission)
YES
(Complete all parts of the questionnaire, and return the entire questionnaire to the Commission)
Return questionnaire via the U.S. International Trade Commission Drop Box by clicking on the
following link: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: MEL14)
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 this proceeding in any other import‐injury proceedings conducted by
the Commission on the same or similar merchandise.
I acknowledge that information submitted in this questionnaire response and throughout this proceeding 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 this proceeding 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
Fax:
Email address
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background. This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on November 12, 2014 by
Cornerstone Chemical Company, Waggaman, Louisiana. Countervailing and/or antidumping duties may
be assessed on the subject imports as a result of these proceedings if the Commission makes an
affirmative determination of injury, threat, or material retardation, and if the U.S. Department of
Commerce makes an affirmative determination of subsidization and/or dumping. Questionnaires and
other information pertinent to this proceeding are available at
http://usitc.gov/trade_remedy/731_ad_701_cvd/investigations/2014/melamine/prelimphase.htm.
Melamine covered by these investigations is melamine in crystal form. Melamine in crystal form is a
fine white crystalline powder typically used to manufacture melamine formaldehyde resins.
The subject merchandise is provided for in subheading 2933.61.00 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States (“HTSUS”). Although the HTSUS subheading is provided for convenience and customs
purposes, the written description of the scope is dispositive.
Importer.‐‐Any person or firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary,
in importing melamine (as defined above) into the United States from a foreign manufacturer or
through its selling agent.
Reporting of information.‐‐ If information is not readily available from your records, provide carefully
prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire (i.e., a producer, importer,
and/or purchaser questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.‐‐The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. '1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Verification.‐‐ The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.‐‐The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. '1677f) and section 207.7 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR '207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import‐injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
I‐1a.
I‐2.
Page 3
OMB statistics.‐‐Please report below the actual number of hours required and the cost to your
firm of completing this questionnaire.
Hours
Dollars
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, gathering data, and
completing and reviewing the questionnaire.
We welcome comments regarding the accuracy of this burden estimate, suggestions for
reducing the burden, and any suggestions for improving this questionnaire. Please attach such
comments to your response or send to the Office of Investigations, USITC, 500 E St. SW,
Washington, DC 20436.
Establishments covered.‐‐Provide the name and address of establishment(s) covered by this
questionnaire. If your firm is publicly traded, please specify the stock exchange and trading
symbol.
“Establishment”‐‐Each facility of a firm involved in the importation of melamine, including
auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate from) such
facilities.
I‐3.
Ownership.‐‐Is your firm owned, in whole or in part, by any other firm?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information
Firm name
Address
Extent of
ownership
(percent)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
I‐4.
I‐5.
Page 4
Related importers/exporters.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing melamine from China and/or Trinidad & Tobago into the
United States or that are engaged in exporting melamine from China and/or Trinidad & Tobago
to the United States?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
Related producers.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of melamine?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
I‐6.
Importing operations.‐‐Please indicate the nature of your firm’s importing operations on
melamine. More than one answer may be applicable.
Importer of record
Takes title to the
imported product(s)
Consignee of the
imported products(s)
Customs broker or
freight forwarder
I‐7.
Consignee.‐‐If your firm is an importer of record of melamine but is not the consignee, please
list the consignees below (firm name, address, telephone number, and individual to contact).
Firm name
Address
Contact person
and phone
number
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
I‐8.
Page 5
FTZ, TIB, or bonded warehouses.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm enters melamine into, or
withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses. Also indicate
whether your firm imports melamine under the TIB (temporary importation under bond)
program.
“Foreign trade zone” is a designated location in the United States where firms utilize special
procedures that allow delayed or reduced customs duty payments on foreign merchandise, as
well as other savings. A foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in the Foreign‐Trade Zones Act.
I‐9.
“Bonded warehouse” is a secured facility supervised by U.S. customs, where dutiable landed
imports are stored pending their re‐export, or release after payment of import duties, taxes, and
other charges. A bonded warehouse must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in 19 U.S.C. 1555.
“Temporary Importation under Bond (“TIB”) program” is a procedure whereby, imported
merchandise may be entered under certain conditions for a limited time into the United States
free of duty. Under the program, an importer posts a bond for twice the amount of duty, taxes,
etc. that would otherwise be owed on the importation and agrees to export or destroy the
merchandise within a specified time or pay liquidated damages. This program is restricted to
certain categories of merchandise listed in subheadings 9813.00.05 through 9813.00.75 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
No
Yes
Foreign trade zones
Bonded warehouses
Temporary importation under bond
Third‐country trade activities.‐‐To your knowledge, have the products subject to this
proceeding been the subject of any other import relief proceedings in the United States or in
any other countries?
No
Yes–Please specify.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 6
PART II.‐‐TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Amy Sherman (202‐205‐
3289, [email protected]). Supply all data requested on a calendar‐year basis.
II‐1. Contact information.‐‐ Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part II.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
II‐2. Changes in operations.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the importation of melamine since January 1, 2011.
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
Office/warehouse openings
Office/warehouse closings
Relocations
Expansions
Acquisitions
Consolidations
Prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments
Revised labor agreements
Other (e.g., technology)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
II‐3.
Page 7
Arranged imports.‐‐Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of melamine for
delivery on or after September 30, 2014?
“Arranged imports” are imports for which your firm has placed an order with a foreign producer
for subject merchandise, but delivery of those imports is not scheduled to occur until after the
date listed above.
No
Yes–Fill out the table below.
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds)
Period/Source
China
Trinidad & Tobago
1
Other sources:
Oct‐Dec 2014
Jan‐Mar 2015
Apr‐Jun 2015
Jul‐Sep 2015
1
Identify your other sources:
II‐4.
Reasons for importing.‐‐If your firm also produces melamine in the United States, please
indicate the reasons for importing this product. If your firm’s reasons differ by source, please
elaborate.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 8
Definitions
“Imports” –Those products identified for Customs purposes as imports for consumption for
which your firm was the importer of record (i.e., was responsible for paying any import duty) or
consignee (i.e., to which the merchandise was first delivered).
“Import quantities” –Quantities reported should be net of returns.
“Import values”—Values reported should be landed, duty‐paid values at the U.S. port of entry,
including ocean freight and insurance costs, brokerage charges, and import duties (i.e., all
charges except inland freight in the United States).
“U.S. Commercial shipments”— Shipments made within the United States as a result of an
arm’s length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net values (i.e.,
gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of
returned goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment.
“Internal consumption” –Product consumed internally by your firm.
“Transfers to related firms” –Shipments made to related domestic firms. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“Related firm” –A firm that your firm solely or jointly owns, manages, or otherwise controls.
Such transactions are valued at fair market value.
“Export shipments”— Shipments to destinations outside the United States, including shipments
to related firms.
“Inventories” ‐‐Finished goods inventory, not raw materials or work in progress.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
II‐5.
Page 9
IMPORTS FROM CHINA.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of melamine imported from China by your firm during the specified periods. +Link to definitions
CHINA
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
2011
2012
January‐September
2013
2013
2014
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
End‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (J)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (quantity)
(K)
1
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal
consumption/company
transfers:
Quantity (F)
2
Value (G)
3
Export shipments:
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
To end users (quantity) (L)
1
Please identify the foreign producers, if known: :
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 10
II‐5. IMPORTS FROM CHINA.–Continued
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line J) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line A),
plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, and H). Please ensure that any differences
are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your firm’s records;
and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record systems
issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
2011
A + B – D – F – H – J = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
2012
0
January‐September
2013
0
0
2013
2014
0
0
1
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate.
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines K and L) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. commercial
shipments (i.e., line D) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero
(i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
January‐September
Reconciliation item
K + L – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2011
2012
0
2013
0
2013
0
0
2014
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
II‐6.
Page 11
IMPORTS FROM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments
and inventories of melamine imported from Trinidad & Tobago by your firm during the specified
periods. +Link to definitions
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
2011
2012
January‐September
2013
2013
2014
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
End‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (J)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (quantity)
(K)
1
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal
consumption/company
transfers:
Quantity (F)
2
Value (G)
3
Export shipments:
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
To end users (quantity) (L)
1
Please identify the foreign producers, if known: :
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 12
II‐6. IMPORTS FROM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO.–Continued
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line J) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line A),
plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, and H). Please ensure that any differences
are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your firm’s records;
and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record systems
issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
2011
A + B – D – F – H – J = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
2012
0
January‐September
2013
0
0
2013
2014
0
0
1
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate.
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines K and L) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. commercial
shipments (i.e., line D) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero
(i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
January‐September
Reconciliation item
K + L – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2011
2012
0
2013
0
2013
0
0
2014
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
II‐7.
Page 13
IMPORTS FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments
and inventories of melamine imported from all other sources combined by your firm during the
specified periods. . +Link to definitions
ALL OTHER SOURCES COMBINED
(list sources:
)
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
2011
2012
January‐September
2013
2013
2014
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
End‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (J)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (quantity)
(K)
1
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal
consumption/company
transfers:
Quantity (F)
2
Value (G)
3
Export shipments:
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
To end users (quantity) (L)
1
Please identify the foreign producers, if known: :
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
II‐7.
Page 14
IMPORTS FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES.–Continued
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line J) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line A),
plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, and H). Please ensure that any differences
are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your firm’s records;
and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record systems
issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
2011
A + B – D – F – H – J = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
2012
0
January‐September
2013
0
0
2013
2014
0
0
1
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate.
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines K and L) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. commercial
shipments (i.e., line D) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero
(i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
January‐September
Reconciliation item
2011
2012
2013
2013
2014
K + L – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.
0
0
0
0
0
II‐8. Other explanations‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 15
PART III.‐‐PRICING AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Lauren Gamache (202‐205‐
3489, [email protected]).
III‐1. Contact information.‐‐ Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part III.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
PRICE DATA
III‐2. This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2011 of the following products your firm imported
from China, Trinidad & Tobago, Germany and/or Netherlands:
Product 1.— Unground melamine crystal unpackaged in bulk.
Product 2.‐‐ Unground melamine crystal in bags of 1,000 to 3,000 pounds.
Product 3.‐‐ Unground melamine crystal in bags of 50 to 60 pounds.
Please note that values should be f.o.b., U.S. point of shipment and should not include U.S.‐inland
transportation costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid to your firm (i.e., should be net
of all deductions for discounts or rebates).
During January 2011‐September 2014, did your firm import from China, Trinidad & Tobago,
Germany and/or Netherlands and sell to unrelated U.S. customers any of the above listed
products (or any products that were competitive with these products)?
Yes.‐‐Please complete the following pricing data tables as appropriate.
No.‐‐Skip to question III‐3.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 16
III‐2a. Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from China
and sold by your firm.
CHINA
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Period of shipment
2011:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2012:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2013:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2014:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
1
Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods), f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2 Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
Note.‐‐If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product,
provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 17
III‐2b. Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from Trinidad
& Tobago and sold by your firm.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Period of shipment
2011:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2012:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2013:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2014:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
1
Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods),
f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
Note.‐‐If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product,
provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 18
III‐2c. Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
Germany and sold by your firm.
GERMANY
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Period of shipment
2011:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2012:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2013:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2014:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
1
Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods),
f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
Note.‐‐If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product,
provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 19
III‐2d. Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
Netherlands and sold by your firm.
NETHERLANDS
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Period of shipment
2011:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2012:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2013:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2014:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
1
Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods),
f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
Note.‐‐If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product,
provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
III‐3.
Price setting.‐‐ How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of melamine
(check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample pages of a recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction
Contracts
Set
price
lists
Other
If other, describe
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
III‐4.
Page 20
Discount policy.‐‐ Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that
apply).
Quantity
discounts
Annual
total
volume
discounts
III‐5.
No
discount
policy
Other
Describe
Pricing terms.‐‐
(a)
What are your firm’s typical sales terms for melamine imported from China and/or
Trinidad & Tobago?
Net 30
days
Net 60
days
2/10 net 30
days
Other
Other (specify)
(b)
III‐6.
On what basis is your firm’s prices of imported melamine from China and/or Trinidad &
Tobago usually quoted (check one)?
Delivered
F.o.b.
If f.o.b., specify point
Contract versus spot.‐‐Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of melamine imported
from China and/or Trinidad & Tobago in 2013 was on a (1) long‐term contract basis, (2) annual
contract basis, (3) short‐term contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?
Long‐term
contracts
(multiple
deliveries for
more than 12
months)
Share of your
2013 sales
%
Type of sale
Short‐term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for 12
less than 12
months)
months)
%
%
Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)
%
Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)
0.0
%
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
III‐7.
Page 21
Contract provisions.— Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
melamine from China and/or Trinidad & Tobago (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not
sell on a long‐term and/or short‐term contract basis).
Typical sales
contract provisions
Item
Short‐term
contracts
(multiple deliveries
for less than 12
months)
Average contract
duration
# of days
Annual contracts
Long‐term contracts
(multiple deliveries (multiple deliveries for
for 12 months)
more than 12 months)
365
Yes
No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes
No
Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)
Fixed quantity
and/or price
Meet or release
provision
Not applicable
III‐8.
Lead times.‐‐What is your firm’s share of sales of melamine imported from China and/or
Trinidad & Tobago both from inventory and produced to order and what is the typical lead time
between a customer’s order and the date of delivery for your firm’s sales of melamine?
Share of
Lead time
Source
2013 sales
(days)
From your firm’s U.S. inventory
%
From foreign manufacturers’ inventory
%
Produced to order
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
0.0 %
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
III‐9.
Page 22
Shipping information.—
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of melamine imported
from China and/or Trinidad & Tobago that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation
costs? percent.
Who generally arranges the transportation to your firm’s customers’ locations?
Your firm Purchaser (check one)
When your firm sells melamine imported from China and/or Trinidad & Tobago, from
where is it shipped?
Point of importation Storage facility (check one)
Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of melamine imported from
China and/or Trinidad & Tobago that are delivered the following distances from your
firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
Distance from your firm’s U.S. point of shipment
Share
Within 100 miles
%
101 to 1,000 miles
%
Over 1,000 miles
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
0.0
%
III‐10. Geographical shipments‐‐In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold melamine
imported from subject countries since January 1, 2011 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
China
Northeast.–CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT.
All Other
Countries
Midwest.–IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD,
and WI.
Southeast.–AL, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN,
VA, and WV.
Central Southwest.–AR, LA, OK, and TX.
Mountains.–AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, and WY.
Pacific Coast.–CA, OR, and WA.
Other.–All other markets in the United States not
previously listed, including AK, HI, PR, and VI, among
others.
Trinidad &
Tobago
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 23
III‐11. End uses‐‐List the end uses of the melamine that your firm imports from China and/or Trinidad
& Tobago. For each end‐use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by
melamine and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
End use product
Melamine
Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)
Other inputs
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
III‐12. Substitutes.‐‐ Can other products be substituted for melamine?
No
Yes‐‐Please fill out the table.
End use in which this
substitute is used
Substitute
Have changes in the prices of this substitute
affected the price for melamine?
No Yes
Explanation
1.
2.
3.
III‐13. Demand trends.‐‐ Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for melamine has changed since January 1, 2011. Explain any trends and
describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.
Market
Explanation and factors
Within
the United
States
Outside
the United
States
Overall
No
Overall Fluctuate with
increase change decrease no clear trend
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 24
III‐14. Product changes.‐‐Have there been any significant changes in the product mix or marketing of
melamine since January 1, 2011?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe.
III‐15. Conditions of competition.—
(a) Is the melamine market subject to business cycles (other than general economy‐wide
conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to melamine?
Check all that apply.
Please describe.
No
Skip to question III‐16.
Yes‐Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes‐Other distinctive
conditions of competition
(b) If yes, have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition for
melamine since January 1, 2011?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
III‐16. Supply constraints.‐‐Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply melamine since
January 1, 2011 (examples include placing customers on allocation or “controlled order entry,”
declining to accept new customers or renew existing customers, delivering less than the
quantity promised, been unable to meet timely shipment commitments, etc.)?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 25
III‐17. Raw materials.‐‐ How have melamine raw materials prices changed since January 1, 2011?
Fluctuate
with no
clear
Overall
No
Overall
trend
increase change decrease
Explain, noting how raw material price changes
have affected your firm’s selling prices for
melamine.
III‐18. Interchangeability.‐‐Is melamine produced in the United States and in other countries
interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same applications)?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = the products from a specified country‐pair are always interchangeable
F = the products are frequently interchangeable
S = the products are sometimes interchangeable
N = the products are never interchangeable
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country‐pair
Country‐pair
United States
China
Trinidad &
Tobago
Germany
Netherlands Other countries
China
Trinidad &
Tobago
Germany
Netherlands
For any country‐pair producing melamine that is sometimes or never interchangeable, identify the
country‐pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 26
III‐19. Factors other than price.‐‐Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between melamine produced in
the United States and in other countries a significant factor in your firm’s sales of the products?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = such differences are always significant
F = such differences are frequently significant
S = such differences are sometimes significant
N = such differences are never significant
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country‐pair
Country‐pair
United States
China
Trinidad &
Tobago
Germany
Netherlands Other countries
China
Trinidad &
Tobago
Germany
Netherlands
For any country‐pair producing for which factors other than price always or frequently are a
significant factor in your firm’s sales of melamine, identify the country‐pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 27
III‐20. Customer identification‐‐List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for melamine since January 1, 2011. Indicate the share of the quantity of your firm’s
total shipments of melamine that each of these customers accounted for in 2013.
Customer’s name
Contact person
Email
Telephone
City
State
Share
of
2013
sales
(%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
III‐21. Other explanations‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Melamine
Page 28
HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
http://usitc.gov/trade_remedy/731_ad_701_cvd/investigations/2014/melamine/prelimphase.htm
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods
noted below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or
cannot use one of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the
Commission for further instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy
of the signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/ Pin: MEL14
• E‐mail.—E‐mail your questionnaire to [email protected]; include a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1). Please note that submitting your questionnaire by e‐mail may
subject your firm’s business proprietary information to transmission over an unsecure
environment and to possible disclosure. If you choose this option, the Commission warns you
that any risk involving possible disclosure of such information is assumed by the submitter and
not by the Commission.
If your firm did not import this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned
copy to the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, you are required to serve
a copy of the completed questionnaire on parties to the proceeding that are subject to
administrative protective order (see 19 CFR '207.7). A list of such parties may be obtained from
the Commission’s Secretary (202‐205‐1803). A certificate of service must accompany the
completed questionnaire you submit (see 19 CFR '207.7). Service of the questionnaire must be
made in paper form.
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Microsoft Word - Melamine (P) US Importer Questionnaire |
| Author | amy.sherman |
| File Modified | 2014-11-14 |
| File Created | 2014-11-14 |