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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 14‐1‐3263; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE FROM CHINA AND INDONESIA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by no later than JULY 24, 2014
See the last page of this questionnaire for filing instructions.
The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its antidumping duty investigations concerning monosodium glutamate (“MSG”) from China and
Indonesia (Inv. Nos. 731‐TA‐1229‐1230 (Final)). 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 address
Has your firm produced MSG (as defined on the next page) 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/. (use the following PIN: MSG)
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. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.
This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on September 16, 2013 by Ajinomoto
North America Inc. (“AJINA”), Itasca, Illinois.
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 dumping.
Merchandise covered by the scope of these investigations.
Monosodium glutamate (“MSG”) or “subject product” covered by these investigations is monosodium
glutamate (MSG), whether or not blended or in solution with other products. Specifically, MSG that has
been blended or is in solution with other product(s) is included in this scope when the resulting mix
contains 15% or more of MSG by dry weight. Products with which MSG may be blended include, but are
not limited to, salts, sugars, starches, maltodextrins, and various seasonings. Further, MSG is included in
this investigation regardless of physical form (including, but not limited to, substrates, solutions, dry
powders of any particle size, or unfinished forms such as MSG slurry), end‐use application, or packaging.
MSG has a molecular formula of C5H8NO4Na, a Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number of
6106‐04‐3, and a Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII) number of W81N5U6R6U.1
MSG is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States at subheading
2922.42.10.00. Merchandise subject to the investigation may also enter under HTS subheadings
2922.42.50.00, 2103.90.72.00, 2103.90.74.00, 2103.90.78.00, 2103.90.80.00, and 2103.90.90.91. The
tariff classifications, CAS registry number, and UNII number are provided for convenience and customs
purposes; however, the written description of the scope is dispositive.
Service of questionnaire response(s).‐‐In the event that your firm is a party to this proceeding, you are
required to serve a copy of the questionnaire(s), once completed, on parties to the proceeding that are
subject to administrative protective order (see 19 CFR ' 207.7). A list of such parties is maintained by
the Commission=s Secretary and may be obtained by calling 202‐205‐1803. A certificate of service must
accompany the copy of the completed questionnaire(s) you submit (see 19 CFR ' 207.7).
Confidentiality.‐‐The commercial and financial data furnished in response to the enclosed
questionnaire(s) 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 the enclosed questionnaire(s) is subject to audit and
verification by the Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all of your files,
worksheets, and supporting documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response(s).
1
Commission staff recognizes that the chemical formula in the scope as written reflects the anhydrous (no water)
form of MSG, while the CAS and UNII numbers in the scope reference the monohydrated (one water molecule)
form of MSG. The correct chemical formula corresponding to the CAS and UNII numbers referenced in the scope
can be expressed as C5H8NO4Na•H2O or C5H10NO5Na.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 3
Release of information.‐‐The information provided by your firm in response to the questionnaire(s), 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.
I‐1a.
OMB statistics.‐‐Please report below the actual number of hours required and the cost to your
firm of preparing the reply to this questionnaire and completing the form. We are also
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 firm’s response or send them
to the above address.
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 50 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‐1b. TAA information release.‐‐In the event that the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
makes an affirmative final determination in this proceeding, do you consent to the USITC's
release of your contact information (company name, address, contact person, telephone
number, email address) appearing on the front page of this questionnaire to the Departments of
Commerce, Labor, and Agriculture, as applicable, so that your firm and its workers can be made
eligible for benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program?
Yes
No
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
I‐2.
Page 4
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”‐‐ Provide the city, state, zip code, and brief description of each
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 in the footnote to the table.
Establishments
Covered1
City, State
Zip (5 digit)
Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire:
I‐3.
Petition support.‐‐Does your firm support or oppose the petitions?
Country
I‐4.
Support
Oppose
Take no position
China
Indonesia
Ownership.‐‐Is your firm owned, in whole or in part, by any other firm?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Extent of
ownership
(percent)
Address
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
I‐5.
Page 5
Related importers/exporters.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing the subject product from China or Indonesia into the
United States or that are engaged in exporting the subject product from China or Indonesia to
the United States?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
I‐6.
Related producers.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of the subject product?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
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 production of the subject product since January 1, 2011.
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
plant openings
plant closings
relocations
prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments
revised labor agreements
other (e.g., technology)
consolidations
acquisitions
expansions
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 7
II‐3a. Overall production and capacity.‐‐ Please report your firm’s capacity to produce the subject
product and any other products made on the same manufacturing equipment and machinery for
the periods indicated.
“Average production capacity” or “capacity” is defined as the level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
normal operating conditions (i.e., using equipment and machinery in place and ready to
operate; normal operating levels (hours per week/weeks per year) and time for downtime,
maintenance, repair, and cleanup; and a typical or representative product mix).
Capacity
(Quantity in 1,000 pounds dry weight of MSG)
Calendar years
Item
2011
2012
Overall production capacity
Production of:
Subject product (i.e. MSG)
1
Other products
January‐June
2013
2013
2014
Note.‐‐ Production of MSG should equal production data reported in II‐7.
1
Please describe these products: :
II‐3b. Operating parameters.‐‐The production capacity reported above is based on operating hours
per week, weeks per year.
II‐3c. Capacity calculation.‐‐Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall production
capacity reported above, and explain any changes in reported capacity. Also describe the
methodology for allocating overall production capacity amongst different products (if applicable).
II‐3d. Production constraints.‐‐Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s average
production capacity.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 8
II‐3e. Product shifting.—
(i)
Is your firm able to switch production between the subject product and other products
using the same manufacturing equipment?
No
Yes‐‐Please identify other actual or potential products.
(Please note: You should provide data for the products listed here
in questions II‐3a and II‐7a).
(ii)
Please report any changes in the mix of your production that occurred during the period of
investigation in facilities that produce the subject product and non‐scope products. In
responding to this question, report: 1) the date(s) such changes occurred; 2) the time
involved to make the change; 3) the reason(s) for the change.
II‐4.
Tolling.‐‐Since January 1, 2011, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of the subject product?
A “toll agreement” is defined as an agreement between two firms whereby the first firm
furnishes the raw materials and the second firm uses the raw materials to produce a product
that it then returns to the first firm with a charge for processing costs, overhead, etc.
No
Yes‐‐Name firm(s):
II‐5.
.
Foreign trade zone.‐‐Does your firm produce the subject product in a foreign trade zone (FTZ)?
“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. A
foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and procedures set forth in
the Foreign‐Trade Zones Act, 19 U.S.C. §§ 81a‐81u.
No
II‐6.
Yes‐‐Identify FTZ(s):
Importer.‐‐Since January 1, 2011, has your firm imported the subject product?
“Importer” is defined as the person or firm primarily liable for the payment of any duties on the
merchandise, or an authorized agent acting on his behalf. The importer may be the consignee,
or the importer of record. See 19 CFR 101.1
No
Yes‐‐COMPLETE AND RETURN A U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
II‐7.
Page 9
Trade data.‐‐Report your firm’s production capacity, production, shipments, inventories, and
employment related to the production of subject product in its U.S. establishment(s) during the
specified periods. (See definitions below.)
“Average production capacity” or “capacity” is defined as the level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume normal
operating conditions (i.e., using equipment and machinery in place and ready to operate; normal
operating levels (hours per week/weeks per year) and time for downtime, maintenance, repair, and
cleanup; and a typical or representative product mix).
“Production” is defined as all production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
U.S. shipments are divided into: (1) U.S. commercial shipments, (2) internal consumption, and (3)
transfers to related firms within the United States.
“U.S. Commercial shipments” are defined as shipments made within the United States as a result of an
arm’s length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. The value of a reported U.S.
commercial should be 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” is defined as product consumed internally by your firm.
“Transfers to related firms” are defined as shipments made to related domestic firms. Such transactions
are valued at fair market value.
“Related firm” is defined as a firm that your firm solely or jointly owns, manages, or otherwise controls.
Such transactions are valued at fair market value.
“Export shipments” are defined as shipments to destinations outside the United States, including
shipments to related firms.
“End of period inventories” is defined as finished goods inventory, not raw materials or work in progress.
“Production Related Workers” or “PRWs” are defined as production and related workers, including
working supervisors and all nonsupervisory workers (including group leaders and trainees) engaged in
fabricating, processing, assembling, inspecting, receiving, storage, handling, packing, warehousing,
shipping, trucking, hauling, maintenance, repair, janitorial and guard services, product development,
auxiliary production for plant’s own use (e.g., power plant), recordkeeping, and other services closely
associated with the above production operations.
Average number employed may be computed by adding the number of employees, both full time and
part time, for the 12 pay periods ending closest to the 15th of the month and divide that total by 12. For
the January to June periods, calculate similarly and divide by 2.
“Hours worked” includes time paid for sick leave, holidays, and vacation time. Include overtime hours
actually worked; do not convert overtime pay to its equivalent in straight time hours.
“Wages paid” is defined as total wages paid before deductions of any kind (e.g., withholding taxes, old‐
age and unemployment insurance, group insurance, union dues, bonds, etc.). Include wages paid directly
by your firm for overtime, holidays, vacations, and sick leave.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 10
II‐7. Trade data.‐‐Continued
Note ‐‐ The table below contains calculations that will appear when you have entered data in the MS
Word form fields.
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds dry weight of MSG) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2011
1
2012
January‐June
2013
2013
2014
Average production capacity (quantity) (A)
Beginning‐of‐period inventories (quantity) (B)
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity of commercial shipments (D)
Value of commercial shipments (E)
Internal consumption:
Quantity of internal consumption (F)
Value of internal consumption (G)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity of transfers (H)
Export shipments:
Quantity of export shipments (J)
Value of export shipments (K)
End‐of‐period inventories (quantity) (L)
Channels of distribution:
U.S. commercial shipments to distributors
(quantity) (M)
U.S. commercial shipments to end users
(quantity) (N)
Employment data:
Average number of PRWs (number) (O)
Hours worked by PRWs (1,000 hours) (P)
Wages paid to PRWs (value) (Q)
2
3
3
Value of transfers (I)
4
1
The subject product‐specific production capacity (see definitions in instruction booklet) reported is based
on operating hours per week, weeks per year. Please describe the methodology used to calculate
production capacity, and explain any changes in reported capacity (use additional pages as necessary).
2
Production data should equal production of subject product reported in II‐3a, does it? Yes No.—
(Revise if no).
3 Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. In the event that
your firm uses a different basis for valuing these transactions, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus,
etc.) and provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 11
4 Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS
Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution (i.e., lines M and N) in each year equal
the quantity reported for total U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D, F, and H) in each period.
If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the data in question II‐7 needs to be
revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation item
2011
U.S. commerical shipments to distributors (M) +
U.S. commerical shipments to end users (N) ‐
total U.S. commercial shipments (D) =
2012
0
January‐June
2013
0
2013
0
2014
0
0
RECONCILIATION OF INVENTORY, PRODUCTION, AND SHIPMENTS
Generally, the data reported for the end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line L) in question II‐7 should be equal to the
beginning of period inventories (i.e., line B), plus production (i.e., line C), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H,
and J).
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 the differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage,
record systems issues, et cetera).
If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), please correct any data errors in table II‐7
or explain below.
Calendar years
Reconciliation item
2011
2012
January‐June
2013
2013
2014
Beginning inventories + production – total
shipments – End‐of‐period inventories =
0
0
0
0
0
II‐8. Related firms.‐‐If your firm reported transfers to related firms above, please indicate the nature
of the relationship between your firm and the related firms (e.g., joint venture, wholly owned
subsidiary), whether the transfers were priced at market value or by a non‐market formula,
whether your firm retained marketing rights to all transfers, and whether the related firms also
processed inputs from sources other than your firm.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
II‐9.
Page 12
Purchases Other than Direct Imports.‐‐Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise
purchased the subject product since January 1, 2011?
“Purchase” is defined as a transaction to buy product from a U.S. corporate entity such as
another U.S. producer, a U.S. distributor, or a U.S. firm that has directly imported the product.
“Direct import” is defined as a transaction to buy from a foreign producer where your firm is the
importer of record or consignee.
No
Yes‐‐Report such purchases below for the specified periods.1
Purchases
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds dry weight of MSG)
Calendar years
Item
2011
2012
January‐June
2013
2013
2014
2
Purchases of MSG imported from—
China
Indonesia
U.S. producers
Other firms
All other countries
3
Purchases of domestically produced MSG:
1
Please indicate your firm’s reasons for purchasing this product. If your firm’s reasons differ by
source, please elaborate.
2
Please list the name of the importer(s) from which your firm purchased this product. If your
firm’s suppliers differ by source, please identify the source for each listed supplier.
3
Please list the name of the firm(s) from which your firm purchased this product.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 13
PART III.‐‐FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to Jennifer Brinckhaus (202‐205‐3188,
[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
III‐2. Accounting system.‐‐Briefly describe your firm’s financial accounting system.
A.
When does your firm’s fiscal year end (month and day)?
If your firm’s fiscal year changed during the data‐collection period, explain
below:
B.1. Describe the lowest level of operations (e.g., plant, division, company‐wide) for
which financial statements are prepared that include the subject product:
2. Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for the subject product?
Yes
No
3. How often did your firm (or parent company) prepare financial statements
(including annual reports, 10Ks)? Please check relevant items below.
Audited, unaudited, annual reports, 10Ks, 10 Qs,
Monthly, quarterly, semi‐annually, annually
4. Accounting basis: GAAP, cash, tax, or other comprehensive
basis of accounting (specify)
Note: The Commission may request that your company submit copies of its financial statements,
including internal profit‐and‐loss statements for the division or product group that includes the
subject product, as well as those statements and worksheets used to compile data for your firm’s
questionnaire response.
III‐3.
Cost accounting system.‐‐Briefly describe your firm’s cost accounting system (e.g., standard
cost, job order cost, etc.).
______
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
III‐4.
III‐5.
III‐6.
Page 14
Allocation basis.‐‐Briefly describe your firm’s allocation basis, if any, for COGS, SG&A, and
interest expense and other income and expenses.
Other products.‐‐Please list any other products your firm produced in the facilities in which your
firm produced the subject product, and provide the share of net sales accounted for by these
other products in your firm’s most recent fiscal year:
Products
Share of sales
%
%
%
%
%
Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or any other services) used in the
production of the subject product from any related parties?
Yes‐‐Continue to question III‐7 below.
III‐7.
No‐‐Continue to question III‐9 below.
Inputs from related parties.‐‐In the space provided below, identify the inputs used in the
production of the subject product that your firm purchases from related parties. For “Share of
total COGS” please report this information by relevant input on the basis of your most recently
completed fiscal year. For “Input valuation” please describe the basis, as recorded in the
company’s own accounting system, of the purchase cost from the related party; e.g., the related
party’s actual cost, cost plus, negotiated transfer price to approximate fair market value.
Input
Related party
Input valuation
Share of total COGS
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
III‐8.
Page 15
Inputs from related parties at cost.‐‐All intercompany profit or loss on inputs purchased from
related firms, as well as intra‐division profit or loss, should be eliminated from the costs
reported to the Commission in question III‐10; i.e., costs reported in question III‐10 should only
reflect the related party’s cost and not include an associated profit or loss component.
Reasonable methods for determining and eliminating the associated profit on inputs purchased
from related parties are acceptable.
Has your firm complied with the Commission’s instructions regarding costs associated with
inputs purchased from related parties?
Yes‐‐Please briefly describe how you eliminated intercompany/intra‐division profit or (loss)
on inputs purchased/received from related firms/or intra‐division units within the same
company to arrive at the actual costs incurred by the related firms/intra‐division units.
No—If an inter‐company/intra‐division profit or (loss) adjustment was applicable, please
explain why this adjustment was not made.
III‐9a. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in the subject product financial results.‐‐For
each annual and interim period for which financial results are reported in question III‐10, please
specify all material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the schedule below,
the specific table III‐10 line item where the nonrecurring items are included, a brief description
of the relevant nonrecurring items, and the associated values (in $1,000), as reflected in table
III‐10; i.e., if an aggregate nonrecurring item has been allocated to table III‐10, only the allocated
value amount included in table III‐10 should be reported in the schedule below. Note: The
Commission’s objective here is to gather information only on material (significant) nonrecurring
items which impacted the reported financial results of the subject product in table III‐10.
Fiscal years ended‐‐
2011
2012
January‐June
2013
2013
2014
Nonrecurring item: In this column please provide a
Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the amount of the
brief description of each nonrecurring item and indicate relevant nonrecurring item reported in table III‐10.
the specific line item in table III‐10 where the
nonrecurring item is classified.
Value ($1,000)
1. , classified
2. , classified
3. , classified
4. , classified
5. , classified
6. , classified
7. , classified
III‐9b. Classification of identified nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the accounting books and
records of the company.‐‐If non‐recurring items were reported in table III‐9a above, please
identify where your company recorded these items in your accounting books and records in the
normal course of business; i.e., III‐9a information designates where these items are reported in
table III‐10.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 16
III‐10. Operations on the subject product.‐‐Report the revenue and related cost information
requested below on operations related to the subject product at your firm’s U.S. establishment(s).1 Do
not report resales of products. Note that internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be
valued at fair market value and purchases from related firms must be at cost.2 Provide data for your
firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for the specified interim periods. If your firm was
involved in tolling operations (either as the toller or as the tollee), please contact Jennifer Brinckhaus
(202‐205‐3188, [email protected]) before completing this section of the questionnaire.
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds dry weight of MSG) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2011
2012
January‐June
2013
2013
2014
3
Net sales quantities:
Commercial sales (“CS”)
Internal consumption (“IC”)
Transfers to related firms (“Transfers”)
Total net sales quantities
3
Net sales values:
Commercial sales
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
Total net sales values
4
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Raw materials
Direct labor
Other factory costs
Total COGS
Gross profit or (loss)
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A)
expenses:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total SG&A expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense
All other expense items
All other income items
Net income or (loss) before income taxes
Depreciation/amortization included above
1
Include only sales (whether domestic or export) and costs related to your firm’s U.S. manufacturing operations.
2
Please eliminate any profits or losses on inputs from related parties pursuant to question III‐8.
3 Less discounts, returns, allowances, and prepaid freight. The quantities and values should approximate the
corresponding shipment quantities and values reported in Part II of this questionnaire.
4 COGS should include costs associated with CS, IC, and Transfers, as well as export shipments in question II‐8.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 17
III‐11. Financial data reconciliation.‐‐The calculable line items from question III‐10 (i.e., total net sales
quantities and values, total COGS, gross profit (or loss), total SG&A, and net income (or loss))
have been calculated from the data submitted in the other line items. Do the calculated fields
return the correct data according to your firm's financial records ignoring non‐material
differences that may arise due to rounding?
Yes No.‐‐If the calculated fields do not show the correct data, please double check the
feeder data for data entry errors and revise.
Also, check signs accorded to the post operating income line items; the two
expense line items should report positive numbers (i.e., expenses are
positive and incomes or reversals are negative‐‐instances of the latter
should be rare in those lines) while the income line item also in most
instances should have its value be a positive number (i.e., income is positive,
expenses or reversals are negative).
If after reviewing and potentially revising the feeder data your firm has
provided, the differences between your records and the calculated fields
persist please identify and discuss the differences in the space below.
III‐12. Data consistency and reconciliation.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm’s financial data for
questions III‐10, III‐13, and III‐14 are based on a calendar year or on your firm’s fiscal year:
Calendar year
Fiscal year (specify _________)
Please note the quantities and values reported in question III‐10 (profit and loss statement on
the subject product) should reconcile with the data reported in question II‐8 (U.S. commercial
shipments) and II‐10 (internal consumption, transfers, and export shipments) as long as they are
reported on the same calendar year basis.
Do these data in question III‐10 reconcile with data in questions II‐8 and II‐10?
Yes No‐‐Please explain ________________________
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 18
III‐13. Asset values.‐‐Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long‐term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of the subject product. If your firm does not maintain
some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for the subject
product in the normal course of business, please estimate this information based upon a
method (such as production, sales, or costs) that is consistent with your firm’s cost allocations in
the previous question. Provide data as of the end of your firm’s three most recently completed
fiscal years.
Note: Total assets should reflect net assets after any accumulated depreciation and allowances
deducted. Total assets should be allocated to the subject products if these assets are also
related to other products. Please provide a brief explanation if there are any substantial
changes in total asset value during the period; e.g., due to asset write‐offs, revaluation, and
major purchases.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2011
2012
2013
Total assets (net)
III‐14a. Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.‐‐Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses on the subject product. Provide data for
your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for the specified interim periods.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2011
2012
January‐June
2013
2013
Capital expenditures
Research and development expenses
2014
III‐14b. Capital expenditures.—Please indicate the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital
expenditures on the subject product.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 19
III‐15a. Effects of imports.‐‐Since January 1, 2011, has your firm experienced any actual negative effects
on its return on investment or its growth, investment, ability to raise capital, existing
development and production efforts (including efforts to develop a derivative or more advanced
version of the product), or the scale of capital investments as a result of imports of the subject
product from China or Indonesia?
No
Yes‐‐My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
Cancellation, postponement, or rejection of expansion projects
Denial or rejection of investment proposal
Reduction in the size of capital investments
Rejection of bank loans
Lowering of credit rating
Problem related to the issue of stocks or bonds
Other (specify):
III‐15 b. Does your firm’s response differ by country?
No
Yes
If yes, indicate which country and why:
III‐16a. Anticipated effects of imports.‐‐Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
the subject product from China or Indonesia?
No
Yes
If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows:
III‐16 b. Does your firm’s response differ by country?
No
Yes
If yes, indicate which country and why:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 20
PART IV.‐‐PRICING AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Michele Breaux (202‐205‐
2781, [email protected]).
IV‐1. Contact information.‐‐Please identify the individual that Commission staff may contact
regarding the confidential information submitted in part IV.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
PRICE DATA
IV‐2. This question requests quarterly quantity and value data, f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of
shipment, for your firm’s commercial shipments to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1,
2011 of the following products produced by your firm.
Product 1.—MSG Extra Fine 50 LB — Paper Bag. All crystal passed through ASTM #60 or above;
no second screen used.
Product 2.—MSG Fine 50 LB – Paper Bag. First screen passed through of crystal smaller than
ASTM #60; second screen of ASTM #120 up to or including ASTM #170.
Product 3.—MSG Regular 50 LB – Paper Bag. First screen passed through of crystal smaller than
ASTM #20 up to or on ASTM #50; second screen of ASTM #40 up to or including
ASTM #100.
Product 4.—MSG Regular 100 LB DRM – Fiber Drum. First screen passed through of crystal
smaller than ASTM #20 up to or on ASTM #50; second screen of ASTM #40 up to or
including ASTM #100.
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). See instruction booklet.
During January 2011‐June 2014, did your firm produce 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 table(s) as appropriate.
No.‐‐Skip to question IV‐3.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
IV‐2.
Page 21
Pricing data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm.
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in pounds dry weight of MSG, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
(actual lbs)
Value
(actual $)
Quantity
(actual lbs)
Value
(actual $)
Quantity
(actual lbs)
Value
(actual $)
Product 4
Quantity
(actual lbs)
Value
Period of shipment
(actual $)
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
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 IV.
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:
Product 4:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
IV‐3.
Page 22
Price setting.‐‐ How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of the subject
product (check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample pages of a
recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction
Set
price
lists
Contracts
Other
If other, describe
IV‐4.
Discount policy.‐‐ Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that
apply).
Quantity
discounts
Annual
total
volume
discounts
No
discount
policy
Other
Describe
IV‐5.
Pricing terms.‐‐
(a)
What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its domestically produced subject product?
Net 30
days
Net 60
days
2/10 net
30 days
Other
(b)
Other (specify)
On what basis are your firm’s prices of domestically produced subject product usually
quoted (check one)?
Delivered
F.o.b.
If f.o.b., specify point
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
IV‐6.
Page 23
Contract versus spot.‐‐Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its domestically
produced subject product in 2013 was on a (1) long‐term contract basis, (2) short‐term contract
basis, and (3) spot sales basis?
Type of sale
Share of
2013 sales
Long‐term contracts (multiple deliveries for more than 12
months)
%
Yearly contracts (multiple deliveries for 12 months)
Short‐term contracts (multiple deliveries up to and
including 12 months)
%
Spot sales (for a single delivery)
%
Total
IV‐7.
100
%
%
Contract provisions.— Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
the subject product (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
Average contract duration
Number of
days
Price renegotiation (during
the contract period)
deliveries up to and
including 12 months)
Yearly contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)
Short‐term
contracts (multiple
Long‐term contracts
(multiple deliveries for
more than 12 months)
Yes
No
Quantity
Fixed quantity and/or price
Price
Both
Meet or release provision
Yes
No
Not applicable
IV‐8.
Lead times.‐‐What is your firm’s share of sales 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 its domestically produced subject product?
Source
Share of
2013 sales
Lead time (days)
From inventory
%
Produced to order
%
Total
100 %
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
IV‐9.
Page 24
Shipping information.‐‐
(a)
What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of the subject product
that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs? percent
(b)
Who generally arranges the transportation to your firm’s customers’ locations?
Your firm Purchaser (check one)
(c)
Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of the subject product that are
delivered the following distances from its production facility.
Distance from production facility
Share
Within 100 miles
%
101 to 1,000 miles
%
Over 1,000 miles
%
Total
100
%
IV‐10. Geographical shipments.‐‐ In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold its
domestically produced subject product since January 1, 2011 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
√ if applicable
Northeast.–CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT.
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.
IV‐11. End uses.‐‐List the end uses of the subject product that your firm manufactures. For each end‐
use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by the subject product and other
inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product accounted
for by
End use product
Subject product
Other inputs
Total
%
%
100%
%
%
100%
%
%
100%
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 25
IV‐12. Substitutes.‐‐ Can other products be substituted for the subject product?
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 the subject product?
No Yes
Explanation
1.
2.
3.
IV‐13. Demand trends.‐‐ Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for the subject product has changed since January 1, 2011. Explain any trends
and describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.
Market
Overall
increase
No
change
Fluctuate
Overall with no clear
decrease
trend
Explanation and factors
Within the
United
States
Outside the
United
States
IV‐14. Product changes.‐‐Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of the subject product since January 1, 2011?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 26
IV‐15. Conditions of competition.‐‐
(a) Is the market for the subject product subject to business cycles (other than general
economy‐wide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to the
subject product? If yes, describe.
Check all that apply.
Please describe.
No
Skip to question IV‐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
the subject product since January 1, 2011?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
IV‐16. Supply constraints.‐‐Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply the subject
product 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.
IV‐17. Raw materials.‐‐How have prices for the raw materials used to produce the subject product
changed since January 1, 2011?
Overall
increase
No
change
Fluctuate
Overall
with no
decrease clear trend
Explain, noting how raw material price changes have
affected your firm’s selling prices for the subject
product.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 27
IV‐18. Interchangeability.—Is the subject product 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
Indonesia
Brazil
Other countries
China
Indonesia
Brazil
For any country‐pair producing the subject product that is sometimes or never interchangeable, identify
the country‐pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 28
IV‐19. Factors other than price.‐‐Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between the subject product
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
Indonesia
Brazil
Other countries
China
Indonesia
Brazil
For any country‐pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant factor in
your firm’s sales of the subject product, identify the country‐pair and report the advantages or
disadvantages imparted by such factors:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 29
IV‐20. Customer identification‐‐List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for the subject product since January 1, 2011. Indicate the share of the quantity of
your firm’s total shipments of the subject product that each of these customers accounted for in
2013.
Customer’s name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
City and state
,
City State
,
City State
,
City State
,
City State
,
City State
,
City State
,
City State
,
City State
,
City State
,
City State
Share of 2013 sales (%)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 30
IV‐21. Competition From Imports‐‐Lost Revenue.‐‐
Since January 1, 2011, to avoid losing sales to competitors, which were selling the subject
product from China and/or Indonesia, did your firm:
No
Yes
Reduce prices
Roll back announced price increases
Please DO NOT RE‐SUBMIT allegations provided in the preliminary phase of this proceeding.
If you indicated “yes” above, please furnish the following information for each affected
transaction. If possible, provide documentation (e.g., copies of invoices, sales reports, or letters
from customers). Please note that the Commission may contact the firms named to verify the
allegations reported.
Customer name, contact person, phone and fax numbers
Specific product(s) involved
Date of your firm’s initial price quotation
Quantity involved
Your firm’s initial rejected price quotation (total delivered value)
Your firm’s accepted price quotation (total delivered value)
The country of origin of the competing imported product
The competing price quotation of the imported product (total delivered value)
Customer name,
contact person, email,
phone and fax
numbers
Product
Country
of origin
Date of
quote
Quantity
(SPECIFY)
Initial rejected
U.S. price
(total value‐‐
dollars)
Accepted U.S.
price (total
value‐‐dollars)
Competing
import price
(total value—
dollars)
Firm
Contact Email
Phone Fax
Firm
Contact Email
Phone Fax
Firm
Contact Email
Phone Fax
Firm
Contact Email
Phone Fax
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 31
IV‐22. Competition From Imports‐‐Lost Sales.—
Since January 1, 2011, did your firm lose sales of the subject product to U.S. imports of these
products from China and/or Indonesia?
No
Yes
Please DO NOT RE‐SUBMIT allegations provided in the preliminary phase of this proceeding.
If you indicated “yes” above, please furnish the following information for each affected
transaction. If possible, provide documentation (e.g., copies of invoices, sales reports, or letters
from customers). Please note that the Commission may contact the firms named to verify the
allegations reported.
Customer name, contact person, phone and fax numbers
Specific product(s) involved
Date of your firm’s price quotation
Quantity involved
Your firm’s rejected price quotation (total delivered value)
The country of origin of the competing imported product
The accepted price quotation of the imported product (total delivered value)
Customer name,
contact person,
email, phone and
fax numbers
Rejected
U.S. price
(total value‐‐
dollars)
Competing
import price
(total value—
dollars)
Country
of origin
Date of
quote
Product
Quantity
(SPECIFY)
Firm
Contact Email
Phone Fax
Firm
Contact Email
Phone Fax
Firm
Contact Email
Phone Fax
Firm
Contact Email
Phone Fax
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 32
Other explanations‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question that did not
provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the explanation in the space
provided below.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ MSG
Page 33
OPTIONS FOR FILING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE
RESPONSE WITH THE ITC
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/msg/finalphase.htm
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please complete the questionnaire and submit it electronically 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 completed questionnaire in MS Word format 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: MSG
• E‐mail.—E‐mail your questionnaire to the investigator identified on page 4 of this
questionnaire; 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.
• Compact disc (CD).—Copy your MS Word questionnaire onto a CD. Also please include a
signed certification page (page 1), and mail to the U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E.
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. It is strongly recommended that you use an overnight mail
service. U.S. mail sent to government offices undergoes additional processing which not only
results in substantial delays in delivery but may also damage CDs.
Note: If you are a party to the proceeding, and service of the questionnaire is required, such
service should be made in paper form.
If you determine that your firm does not produce this product, please complete page 1 of the
respective questionnaire by: (1) Filling in your name and address, (2) Checking the “no” box, (3)
Signing the bottom of page 1, and (4) Returning page 1 to the Commission using any of the
methods listed above.
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Microsoft Word - MSG_U.S. Producer Questionnaire |
| Author | amy.sherman |
| File Modified | 2014-06-23 |
| File Created | 2014-06-23 |