16-1-3440 U.S. Producers' Questionnaire

Information collections for import injury investigations (producers, importers, purchasers, and foreign producer questionnaires and institution notices for 5-year reviews)

TB Tires (P) - US producer

Truck and Bus Tires from China, Inv. No. 701-TA-556 and 731-TA-1311 (Preliminary)

OMB: 3117-0016

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OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 16-1-3440; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
TRUCK AND BUS TIRES FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by February 12, 2016
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 and antidumping duty investigations concerning truck and bus tires from China (Inv.
Nos. 701-TA-556 and 731-TA-1311 (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 produced truck and bus tires (as defined on next page) at any time since January 1, 2013?

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: TIRES)
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, the undersigned, acknowledge that information submitted in response to this request for information and throughout this
investigation or other proceeding may be disclosed to and used: (i) by the Commission, its employees and Offices, and contract
personnel (a) for developing or maintaining the records of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in internal investigations, audits,
reviews, and evaluations relating to the programs, personnel, and operations of the Commission including under 5 U.S.C.
Appendix 3; or(ii) by U.S. government employees and contract personnel, solely for cybersecurity purposes. I understand that all
contract personnel will sign appropriate nondisclosure agreements
Name of Authorized Official

Title of Authorized Official

Date

Phone:
Signature

Fax:

Email address

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background. This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on January 29, 2016, by
United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers
International Union (“USW”), Pittsburg, PA. 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
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/truck_and_bus_tires_china/preliminary.htm .
Truck and bus tires covered by these investigations are new pneumatic tires, of rubber, with a truck or
bus size designation. Truck and bus tires covered by these investigations may be tube-type, tubeless,
radial, or non-radial, and they may be intended for sale to original equipment manufacturers, fleet
owners and operators, or the replacement market.
Subject tires have, at the time of importation, the symbol “DOT” on the sidewall, certifying that the tire
conforms to applicable motor vehicle safety standards. Subject tires may also have one of the following
suffixes in their tire size designation, which also appear on the sidewall of the tire:
TR – Identifies tires for service on trucks or buses to differentiate them from similarly sized
passenger car and light truck tires;
MH – Identifies tires for mobile homes; and
HC – Identifies a 17.5 rim diameter code for use on low platform trailers.
All tires with a “TR,” “MH,” or “HC” suffix in their size designations are covered by these investigations
regardless of their intended use.
In addition, all tires that lack one of the above suffix markings are included in the scope, regardless of
their intended use, as long as the tire is of a size that is among the numerical size designations listed in
the “Truck-Bus” section of the Tire and Rim Association Year Book, as updated annually, unless the tire
falls within one of the specific exclusions set out below.
Truck and bus tires, whether or not mounted on wheels or rims, are included in the scope. However, if a
subject tire is imported mounted on a wheel or rim, only the tire is covered by the scope. Subject
merchandise includes truck and bus tires produced in the subject country whether mounted on wheels
or rims in the subject country or in a third country. Truck and bus tires are covered whether or not they
are accompanied by other parts, e.g., a wheel, rim, axle parts, bolts, nuts, etc. Truck and bus tires that
enter attached to a vehicle are not covered by the scope.
Specifically excluded from the scope of these investigations are the following types of tires:
(1) pneumatic tires, of rubber, that are not new, including recycled and retreaded tires; and
(2) non-pneumatic tires, such as solid rubber tires.
The subject merchandise is currently imported under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(“HTSUS”) statistical reporting numbers: 4011.20.1015 and 4011.20.5020. Tires meeting the scope
description may also be imported under the following HTSUS provisions: 4011.99.4520, 4011.99.4590,
4011.99.8520, 4011.99.8590, 8708.70.4530, 8708.70.6030, and 8708.70.6060. While HTSUS
subheadings are provided for convenience and for customs purposes, the written description of the
subject merchandise is dispositive.
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.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 3

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. In addition, if your firm is a U.S. producer, the information you
provide on your production and imports of truck and bus tires and your responses to the questions in
Part I of the producer questionnaire will be provided to the U.S. Department of Commerce, upon its
request, for use in connection with (and only in connection with) its requirement pursuant to section
702(c)(4)/732(c)(4) of the Act (19 U.S.C. § 1671a(c)(4)/1673a(c)(4)) to make a determination concerning
the extent of industry support for the petition requesting this proceeding. Any information provided to
Commerce will be transmitted under the confidentiality and release guidelines set forth above. Your
response to these questions constitutes your consent that such information be provided to Commerce
under the conditions described above.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
I-1a.

Page 4

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
50 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.

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

I-2.

No

Establishments covered.--Provide the city, state, zip code, and brief description of each
establishment covered by this questionnaire. If your firm is publicly traded, please specify the
stock exchange and trading symbol in the footnote to the table. Firms operating more than one
establishment should combine the data for all establishments into a single report.
“Establishment”--Each facility of a firm involved in the production of truck and bus tires,
including auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate
from) such facilities.
Establishments
covered1

City, State

Zip (5 digit)

Description

1
2
3
4
5
6
1

Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire:

.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
I-3.

Page 5

Petition support.--Does your firm support or oppose the petition?
Country

Support

Oppose

Take no position

China
I-4.

Ownership.--Is your firm owned, in whole or in part, by any other firm?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

I-5.

Related importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing truck and bus tires from China into the United States or
that are engaged in exporting truck and bus tires from China to the United States?
No

Yes--List the following information.
Firm name

I-6.

Address

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

Address

Affiliation

Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of truck and bus tires?
No

Yes--List the following information.
Firm name

Address

Affiliation

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

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PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Nathanael Comly
([email protected] or 202-205-3174). 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 truck and bus tires since January 1, 2013.
(check as many as appropriate)
plant openings
plant closings
relocations
expansions
acquisitions
consolidations
prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments
revised labor agreements
other (e.g., technology)

(please describe)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
II-3a.

Page 7

Production using same machinery.-- Please report your firm’s production of products made on
the same equipment and machinery used to produce truck and bus tires, and the combined
production capacity on this shared equipment and machinery in the periods indicated.
“Overall production capacity” or “capacity” – 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).
“Production” – All production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
Quantity (in 1,000 tires)
Calendar years
Item

2013

2014

2015

Overall production capacity
Production of:
Truck and bus tires

0

0

0

0

0

0

Passenger vehicle and light
truck (PVLT) tires
Off-the-road (OTR) tires
Other products2
Total
7.

1

Data entered for production of truck and bus tires will populate here once reported in question II-

2

Please identify these products:

II-3b.

Operating parameters.--The production capacity reported in II-3a is based on operating
per week,
weeks per year.

II-3c.

Capacity calculation.--Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall production
capacity reported in II-3a, and explain any changes in reported capacity.

II-3d.

Production constraints.--Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s
production capacity.

hours

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
II-3e.

Product shifting.—
(i)

Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between truck and bus tires and other
products using the same equipment and/or labor?
No

(ii)

II-4.

Page 8

Yes-- (i.e., have produced other products or are able to produce other
products). Please identify other actual or potential products:
.

Please describe the factors that affect your firm’s ability to shift production capacity
between products (e.g., time, cost, relative price change, etc.), and the degree to which
these factors enhance or constrain such shifts.

Tolling.--Since January 1, 2013, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of truck and bus tires?
“Toll agreement”--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--Please describe the toll arrangement(s) and name the firm(s) involved

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
II-5.

Page 9

Foreign trade zones.-Firm's FTZ operations.--Does your firm produce truck and bus tires in and/or admit
truck and bus tires into a foreign trade zone (FTZ)?

(a)

“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.
No

Yes--Describe the nature of your firms operations in FTZs and
identify the specific FTZ site(s).

Other firms' FTZ operations.--To your knowledge, do any firms in the United States
import truck and bus tires into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for use in distribution of truck
and bus tires and/or the production of downstream articles?

(b)

No/Don’t know

II-6.

Yes--Identify the firms and the FTZs.

Importer.--Since January 1, 2013, has your firm imported truck and bus tires?
“Importer” – 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.
No

Yes--COMPLETE AND RETURN A U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
II-7.

Page 10

Production, shipment and inventory data.--Report your firm’s production capacity, production,
shipments, and inventories related to the production of truck and bus tires in its U.S.
establishment(s) during the specified periods.
“Average production capacity” or “capacity” – 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” – All production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
“commercial U.S. 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. The majority of commercial U.S. shipments
in this industry is understood to be of unmounted truck and bus tires, but commercial U.S.
shipments can include shipments of mounted truck or bus tires if your firm mounts the tires for
customers prior to shipment. Any shipments of mounted truck or bus tires reported should
include only the value of the tire and, therefore, be exclusive of the value of the wheel/rim on
which it was shipped/sold.
“Branded tire” –A truck or bus tire produced or packaged for sale under the name of the
manufacturer of the tire or a brand name owned by the manufacturer.
“Private label tire” --A truck or bus tire produced or packaged for sale under the name other
than of the manufacturer of the tire or a brand name owned by the manufacturer.
“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.
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records
used in the preparation of the trade data, as Commission staff may contact your firm regarding
questions on the trade data. The Commission may also request that your company submit copies
of the supporting documents/records (such as production and sales schedules, inventory records,
etc.) used to compile these data.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 11

Production, shipment and inventory data.--

II-7.

Quantity (in 1,000 tires) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Average production capacity
(quantity) (A)

2013

2014

2015

1

Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (B)
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:2 3
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption:
Quantity (F)
Value4 (G)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (H)
Value4 (I)
Export shipments:5
Quantity (J)
Value (K)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (L)
1

The production capacity 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
.
2
: Of the data reported to U.S. commercial shipments in 2015 above, please indicate the share of quantity
(percent) your firm sold as a mounted truck or bus tire.
3
: Of the data reported to U.S. commercial shipments in 2015 above, please indicate the share of quantity (percent)
your firm sold as branded tires (
percent) and as private label tires (
percent). These two shares should
sum to 100.0 percent.
4
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:
.
5
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

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RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line L) 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 any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record
systems issues, etc.) if they exist.

Reconciliation
B + C – D – F – H – J – L = should
equal zero ("0") or provide an
explanation.1

Calendar years
2014

2013

0

2015

0

0

1

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are
nonetheless accurate:
.
II-8.

Channels of distribution.--Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments by channel of
distribution.
Quantity (in 1,000 tires)
Calendar years
Item

2013

2014

2015

Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To OEMs (quantity) (M)
To aftermarket suppliers
(quantity) (N)
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--The data reported for the channels of distribution (lines M and N)
should be exactly equal to commercial U.S. shipments (line D). Revise the reported data if not.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
M + N – D = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2013

2014
0

2015
0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
II-9.

Page 13

2015 shipments by intended end use.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., commercial
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) in 2015 by intended end use. If
a tire model your firm produces can be used in multiple end use categories, please report your
firm’s U.S. shipments for that model in the category where is it predominately used in in the
market (i.e., no double counting).
Quantity (in 1,000 tires) and value (in $1,000)
Item

Calendar year 2015

U.S. shipments:
Of heavy duty (Class 7 & 8) truck and bus tires
Steer / All position tires1
Quantity (P)
Value (Q)
Drive position tires2
Quantity (R)
Value (S)
Trailer tires3
Quantity (T)
Value (U)
Of medium duty (Class 6 & below) truck and bus tires
Steer / All position tires4
Quantity (V)
Value (W)
Drive position tires5
Quantity (X)
Value (Y)
Trailer tires6
Quantity (Z)
Value (AA)
1

Please list your firm's heavy truck duty steer/all position tire models:
Please list your firm's heavy truck drive position tire models:
3
Please list your firm's heavy truck trailer tire models:
4
Please list your firm's medium truck duty steer/all position tire models:
5
Please list your firm's medium truck drive position tire models:
6
Please list your firm's medium truck trailer tire models:
2

.
.
.
.
.
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
II-9.

Page 14

2015 shipments by intended end use.--Continued

RECONCILIATION.--The data reported for tire application and market tier (lines P through AA) when
summed across all columns should equal U.S. shipments in 2015 (lines D, F, and H).
Reconciliation

Calendar year 2015

Quantity: P + R + T + V + X + Z – D – F - H= zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

Value: Q + S + U + W + Y + AA – E – G - I= zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

II-10.

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
truck and bus tires and provide any explanation for any trends in these data.
“Production Related Workers” (PRWs) includes 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.
“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” –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.

Calendar years
Item
Average number of PRWs
(number)
Hours worked by PRWs
(1,000 hours)
Wages paid to PRWs
($1,000)
Explanation of trends:

2012

2013

2014

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 15

II-11.

Related firms.--If your firm reported transfers to related firms in question II-7, 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 nonmarket formula, whether your firm retained marketing rights to all transfers, and whether the
related firms also processed inputs from sources other than your firm.

II-12.

Purchases.--Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased abbrproduct since
January 1, 2013?
“Purchase” – 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” –A transaction to buy from a foreign producer where your firm is the importer
of record or consignee.
No

Yes--Report such purchases below and explain the reasons for your firms'
purchases:

(Quantity in 1,000 tires)
Calendar years
Item

2012

2013

2014

Purchases from U.S.
importers1 of truck and bus
tires from—
China
All other sources
Purchases from domestic
producers2
Purchases from other
sources2
1

Please list the name of the importer(s) from which your firm purchased this product. If your firm’s import
suppliers differ by source, please identify the source for each listed supplier:
.
2
Please list the name of the producer(s) or U.S. distributor(s) from which your firm purchased this product:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
II-13.

Page 16

Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
that did not provide a narrative 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. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 17

PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to Charles Yost (202-205-3432,
[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 truck and bus tires:

2.

Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for truck and bus tires:
Yes
No
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
Accounting basis:
GAAP,
cash,
tax, or
other comprehensive
basis of accounting (specify)

3.

4.

Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records
used in the preparation of the financial data, as Commission staff may contact your firm
regarding questions on the financial data. The Commission may also request that your company
submit copies of the supporting documents/records (financial statements, including internal
profit-and-loss statements for the division or product group that includes truck and bus tires, as
well as specific statements and worksheets) used to compile these data.

III-3.

Cost accounting system.--Briefly describe your firm’s cost accounting system (e.g., standard
cost, job order cost, etc.).

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 18

III-4.

Allocation basis.--Briefly describe your firm’s allocation basis, if any, for COGS, SG&A, and
interest expense and other income and expenses.

III-5.

Other products.--Please list the products your firm produced in the facilities in which your firm
produced truck and bus tires, and provide the share of net sales accounted for by these
products in your firm’s most recent fiscal year.
Products

Share of sales

Truck and bus tires

%
%
%
%
%

III-6.

Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or any services) used in the
production of truck and bus tires from any related suppliers (e.g., inclusive of transactions
between related firms, divisions and/or other components within the same company)?
Yes--Continue to question III-7.

III-7.

No--Continue to question III-9a.

Inputs from related suppliers.--Please identify the inputs used in the production of truck and
bus tires that your firm purchases from related suppliers and that are reflected in table III-9a.
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 your company’s own accounting system, of the purchase cost from the related
supplier; e.g., the related supplier’s actual cost, cost plus, negotiated transfer price to
approximate fair market value.
Input

Related supplier

Share of total COGS

Input valuation as recorded in the firm’s accounting books and records

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
III-8.

Page 19

Inputs purchased from related suppliers.--Please confirm that the inputs purchased from
related suppliers, as identified in III-7, were reported in III-9a (financial results on truck and bus
tires) in a manner consistent with your firm’s accounting books and records.
Yes
No--In the space below, please report the valuation basis of inputs purchased from related
suppliers as reported in table III-9a.

Mounted truck and bus tires.--The majority of net sales in this industry is understood to be of
unmounted truck and bus tires, but net sales reported in question III-9a can include sales of
mounted truck or bus tires. However, any sales of mounted truck or bus tires should exclude the
value of the wheel/rim on which it was shipped/sold, and likewise costs associated with the
wheel/rim should not be included in the cost data. Additional details relating to the included
sales of mounted truck and bus tires are requested in question III-9c (below).
Retreading of truck and bus tires.--The data reported in question III-9a should not include any
profit or loss information relating to your firm's retreading business. Separate data are
requested for those operations in question III-9e (below).

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 20

III-9a. Operations on truck and bus tires.--Report the revenue and related cost information requested
below on the truck and bus tires operations of your firm’s U.S. establishment(s).1 Do not report
resale of products. Note that internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be
valued at fair market value. Input purchases from related suppliers should be consistent with
and based on information in the firm’s accounting books and records. Provide data for your
firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years. If your firm was involved in tolling operations
(either as the toller or as the tollee), please contact Charles Yost at (202) 205-3432 before
completing this section of the questionnaire.
Quantity (in 1,000 tires) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item

2013

2014

2015

2

Net sales quantities:
Commercial sales (“CS”)
Internal consumption (“IC”)
Transfers to related firms (“Transfers”)
Total net sales quantities

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Net sales values:
Commercial sales
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
Total net sales values
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Raw materials

3

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 expenses and income:
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 U.S. manufacturing operations.
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.
3
COGS (whether for domestic or export sales) should include costs associated with CS, IC, and Transfers.
2

Note -- The table above contains calculations that will appear when you have entered data in the MS
Word form fields.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
III-9

Page 21

Operations on truck and bus tires.—Continued.

III-9b. Raw materials for truck and bus tires.—Please indicate the share of total raw material costs
reported in III-9a in 2015 for the following raw material inputs:

Products
Rubber (natural and/or synthetic)
Carbon black
Fabric
Bead wire
Other1:
Total (should sum to 100 percent)
1

Share of total raw
material costs
(percent)
%
%
%
%
%
0.0 %

Please indicate any other notable "other" raw materials not expressly identified above
and provide the share of the total raw material costs that they account for:

III-9c.

Sales of mounted truck and bus tires.—Of the data provided in question III-9a, please provide
the share (percent) that your firm sold in 2015 as mounted truck and bus tires: sales quantity
percent; sales value
percent; and total costs/expenses (COGS and SG&A expenses)
percent.

III-9d. Selling/marketing expenses for truck and bus tires.—Please describe the primary selling and
marketing expenses reported in table III-9a and the manner in which these expenses are distinct
with respect to the OEM and replacement markets.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 22

III-9e. Retread operations.—Please provide information on your firm’s retread operations for the
three most recently completed fiscal years.
Quantity (in 1,000 tires) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item

2013

2014

2015

Number of tires retreaded (1,000 tires)
Revenue associated with retread
operations ($1,000)
Total costs/expenses1 associated with
retread operations ($1,000)
Operating profit from retread operations
($1,000)

0

0

0

Capital expenditures associated with
retread operations ($1,000)
Research and development expenses
associated with retread operations
($1,000)
1

Including COGS and SG&A expenses
III-9f.

Financial data reconciliation.--The calculable line items from question III-9a (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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 23

III-10. 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-9a, please
specify all material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the schedule below,
the specific table III-9a 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-9a; i.e., if an aggregate nonrecurring item has been allocated to table III-9a, only the allocated
value amount included in table III-9a 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-9a.
Fiscal years ended-2013

2014

2015

Nonrecurring item: In this column please provide a
Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the amount
brief description of each nonrecurring item and indicate of the relevant nonrecurring item reported in table III-9a.
the specific line item in table III-9a where the
nonrecurring item is classified.
1.

, classified as

2.

, classified as

3.

, classified as

4.

, classified as

5.

, classified as

6.

, classified as

7.

, classified as

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 24

III-11. 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-10 above, please
identify where your company recorded these items in your accounting books and records in the
normal course of business; i.e., just as responses to question III-10 identify where these items
are reported in table III-9a.

III-12. Asset values.--Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long-term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of truck and bus tires. If your firm does not maintain
some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for truck and bus
tires in the normal course of business, please estimate this information based upon a method
(such as production, sales, or costs) that is consistent with relevant cost allocations in table III9a. 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
Total assets (net)
1

III-13.

2013

2014

2015

1

Describe

Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.--Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for truck and bus tires. Provide data for
your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item

2013

2014

2015

Capital expenditures
Research and development
expenses
1

Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on the
subject product.
2
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to subject
product.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 25

III-14. Data consistency and reconciliation.--Please indicate whether your firm’s financial data for
questions III-9a, 12, and 13 are based on a calendar year or on your firm’s fiscal year:
Calendar year

Fiscal year

Specify fiscal year

Please note the quantities and values reported in question III-9a should reconcile with the data
reported in question II-7 (including export shipments) as long as they are reported on the same
calendar year basis.
Do these data in question III-9a reconcile with data in question II-7?
Yes

No

If no, please explain.

III-15. Effects of imports on investment.--Since January 1, 2013, has your firm experienced any actual
negative effects on its return on investment or the scale of capital investments as a result of
imports of truck and bus tires from China?
No

Yes--My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
(check as many as appropriate)
Cancellation, postponement,
or rejection of expansion
projects
Denial or rejection of
investment proposal
Reduction in the size of
capital investments
Return on specific
investments negatively
impacted
Other

(please describe)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 26

III-16. Effects of imports on growth and development.--Since January 1, 2013, has your firm
experienced any actual negative effects on its growth, ability to raise capital, or existing
development and production efforts (including efforts to develop a derivative or more advanced
version of the product) as a result of imports of truck and bus tires from China?
No

Yes--My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
(check as many as appropriate)

(please describe)

Rejection of bank loans

Lowering of credit rating

Problem related to the issue
of stocks or bonds
Ability to service debt

Other

III-17. Anticipated effects of imports.--Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
truck and bus tires from China?
No

Yes

If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows:

III-18. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative 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. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 27

PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from John Benedetto (202-2053270, [email protected]) or 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 for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2013 of the following products produced by your
firm.
Product 1.--Truck and bus tire, tires designated for drive application (excluding all-position/allpurpose tires), size 11R22.5, 16 ply rating, load range of H, speed rating L (75
mph).
Product 2.-- Truck and bus tire, tires designated for drive application (excluding allposition/all-purpose tires), size 11R24.5, 16 ply rating, load range of H, speed
rating L (75 mph).
Product 3.-- Truck and bus tire, tires designated for drive application (excluding allposition/all-purpose tires), size 295/75R22.5, 14 ply rating, load range of G, speed
rating L (75 mph).
Product 4.-- Truck and bus tire, tires designated for drive application (excluding allposition/all-purpose tires), size 285/75R24.5, 14 ply rating, load range of G, speed
rating L (75 mph).

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). Do not include mounted tires.
During January 2013-December 2015, 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 as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question IV-3.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 28

IV-2(a). Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

US – SALES TO OEMs
Report data in actual number of tires and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in number of tires, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 4
Period of shipment
Quantity
Value
2013:
January-March
April-June
July-September
OctoberDecember
2014:
January-March
April-June
July-September
OctoberDecember
2015:
January-March
April-June
July-September
OctoberDecember
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 - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 29

IV-2(a). Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm into the aftermarket (e.g., to dealers and service centers for tire replacements)

US – SALES TO AFTERMARKET
Report data in actual number of tires and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in number of tires, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 4
Period of shipment
Quantity
Value
2013:
January-March
April-June
July-September
OctoberDecember
2014:
January-March
April-June
July-September
OctoberDecember
2015:
January-March
April-June
July-September
OctoberDecember
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 - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 30

IV-2(b).Pricing data methodology.—Please describe the method and the kinds of documents/records
that were used to compile your price data.

Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records used in
the preparation of the price data, as Commission staff may contact your firm regarding questions on the
price data. The Commission may also request that your company submit copies of the supporting
documents/records (such as sales journal, invoices, etc.) used to compile these data.
IV-3.

Price setting.-- How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of truck and
bus tires (check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample pages of a
recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction

IV-4.

Contracts

Set
price
lists

Other

If other, describe

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
IV-5.

Pricing terms.-(a)

What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its U.S.-produced truck and bus tires?
Net 30
days

(b)

Net 60
days

2/10 net
30 days

Other

Other (specify)

On what basis are your firm’s prices of domestic truck and bus tires usually quoted (check
one)?
Delivered

IV-6.

Page 31

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.-produced truck
and bus tires in 2015 was on a (1) long-term contract basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3) shortterm contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Share of 2015
OEM sales
Share of 2015
aftermarket
sales

Long-term
contracts
(multiple
deliveries for
more than 12
months)

Type of sale
Short-term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for 12
less than 12
months)
months)

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)

Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)

%

%

%

%

0.0

%

%

%

%

%

0.0

%

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
IV-7.

Page 32

Contract provisions.--Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
U.S.-produced truck and bus tires (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on a longterm, short-term and/or annual contract basis).

Typical sales
contract provisions

Item

Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes

Fixed quantity
and/or price

Short-term contracts
(multiple deliveries
for less than 12
months)

Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)

Long-term contracts
(multiple deliveries for
more than 12 months)

365

No
Quantity

Meet or release
provision

Price
Both
Yes
No

Not applicable
IV-8.

Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales 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 U.S.-produced truck and bus tires?

Source

Share of 2015
sales

From inventory

%

Produced to order

%

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0 %

Lead time (average
number of days)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires
IV-9.

Page 33

Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of U.S.-produced truck
and bus tires 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 truck and bus tires 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 (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

%

IV-10. Geographical shipments.-- In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold its U.S.produced truck and bus tires since January 1, 2013 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
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.

√ if applicable

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 34

IV-11. End uses.--List the end uses of the truck and bus tires that your firm manufactures. For each
end-use product, estimate what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by truck and bus
tires and other inputs?
Estimated share of total cost of end use
product accounted for by
End use product

Truck and bus tires

Other inputs

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

For OEMs, a new
Heavy Duty (Class 7 or
8) Truck or Bus1

%

%

0.0 %

For OEMs, a new
Medium Duty (Class 6
or lower) Truck or Bus1

%

%

0.0 %

For Aftermarket, an
end use consumer
replacing a tire2

%

%

0.0 %

%

%

0.0 %

3

Other
1

This line is asking how much do "truck and bus tires" account for the total cost to produce the
class of truck or bus in question for an OEM (estimates are acceptable). The other inputs include
everything else that makes up a truck/bus. Include trailer costs in this calculation/analysis if
appropriate.
2
This line is asking how much of what the end use customer pays to a dealer or service center
is accounted for by the cost of the "truck or bus tires" when replacing a tire or tires. The other
inputs could include the tire mounting service provided by the dealer and/or service center.
3
Describe the end use
.

IV-12. Substitutes.--Can other products be substituted for truck and bus tires?
No

Substitute
1.
2.
3.

Yes--Please fill out the table.

End use in which this
substitute is used

Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for truck and bus tires?
No

Yes

Explanation

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 35

IV-13. Demand trends.--Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for truck and bus tires in the OEM market and the aftermarket has changed
since January 1, 2013. Explain any trends and describe the principal factors that have affected
these changes in demand.

Market

Overall
increase

Fluctuate
No
Overall
with no
change decrease clear trend

Explanation and factors

OEM market
Within the
United States
Outside the
United States
Aftermarket
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 truck and bus tires since January 1, 2013?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 36

IV-15. Conditions of competition.-(a) Is the truck and bus tires market subject to business cycles (other than general economywide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to truck and bus tires?
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
truck and bus tires since January 1, 2013?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

IV-16. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply truck and bus
tires since January 1, 2013 (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 truck and bus tires raw materials prices changed since January 1,
2013?
Fluctuate
Overall
No
Overall
with no
increase change decrease clear trend

Explain, noting how raw material price changes
have affected your firm’s selling prices for truck
and bus tires.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

Page 37

IV-18. EPA Smartway certified.—
(a)

Did your firm sell truck and bus tires classified as EPA Smartway certified?
No

Yes

If yes, estimate the proportion of 2015 sales that were EPA
Smartway certified. (percent)
%

(b)

Estimate of the additional price (e.g., the price premium) of a Bus and Truck Tire with
EPA Smartway certification relative to one without.
to
percent

IV-19. Retreading.—
(a)

Did your firm sell truck and bus tires with retreading warrantees/guarantees?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe.

If yes, estimate the proportion of 2015 sales with retreading warrantees/guarantees.
percent.
(b)

Estimate of the additional price (e.g., the price premium) of a Bus and Truck Tire with
retreading warrantees/guarantees relative to one without.
to
percent

IV-20. Product categories.—Is the U.S. truck and bus tires market divided into categories (e.g.,
Best/Better/Good; Tier 1/Tier 2/Tier 3; Flagship/Secondary/Mass-market)?
No

If no, please provide a description of how, if at all, the U.S. market for
Bus and Truck tires can be categorized:
.

Yes

If yes, please describe each category and identify the producers and
brands that belong in each category in the table below.

Categories
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Main distinguishing
characteristics

Producers

Brands

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

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IV-21. Branding.-(a)

Does brand influence the price consumers are willing to pay for truck and bus tires?
No

(b)

Yes

Please describe.

How competitive are private-label tires with their name-brand counterparts? How do
they compare in terms of quality and price?
Very
competitive

(c)

Somewhat
competitive

Not
competitive

Explanation and factors

Does your firm sell private label and branded truck and bus tires with the same
specifications at different prices?
No

Yes

If yes, please explain and estimate price differences.

IV-22. Interchangeability.--Are truck and bus tires 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

China

Other countries

United States
China
For any country-pair producing truck and bus tires 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 - Truck and Bus Tires

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IV-23. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between truck and bus tires
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

China

Other countries

United States
China
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of truck and bus tires, identify the country-pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

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IV-24. Customer identification.--List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for truck and bus tires since January 1, 2013. Indicate the share of the quantity of
your firm’s total shipments of truck and bus tires that each of these customers accounted for in
2015.

Customer’s name

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Contact person

Email

Telephone

City

State

Share
of
2015
sales
(%)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

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IV-25. Competition from imports
(a)

Lost revenue.--Since January 1, 2013: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling truck
and bus tires from China, did your firm:
No

Yes

Reduce prices
Roll back announced price increases
(b)

Lost sales.--Since January 1, 2013: Did your firm lose sales of truck and bus tires to
imports of this product from China?
No

(c)

Yes

The submission of lost sales/lost revenue allegations is to be completed only by NONPETITIONERS.
If your firm indicated “yes” to any of the above, your firm can provide the Commission
with additional information by downloading and completing the lost sales/lost revenues
worksheet at http://usitc.gov/trade_remedy/question.htm. Note that the Commission
may contact the firms named to verify the allegations reported.
Is your firm submitting the lost sales/lost revenues worksheet?
No—Please explain.
Yes—Please complete the worksheet and submit via the Commission dropbox.
https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: TIRES)

IV-26. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part
IV 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. Producers’ Questionnaire - Truck and Bus Tires

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HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the Commission’s website at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/truck_and_bus_tires_china/preliminary.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: TIRES

• E-mail.—E-mail the MS Word questionnaire to [email protected]; include a scanned copy of
the signed certification page (page 1). Submitters are strongly encouraged to encrypt nonpublic
documents that are electronically transmitted to the Commission to protect your sensitive information
from unauthorized disclosure. The USITC secure drop-box system and the Electronic Document
Information System (EDIS) use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 cryptographic
algorithms to encrypt data in transit. Submitting your nonpublic documents by a means that does not
use these encryption algorithms (such as by email) may subject your firm’s nonpublic information to
unauthorized disclosure during transmission. If you choose a non-encrypted method of electronic
transmission, the Commission warns you that the risk of such possible unauthorized disclosure is
assumed by you and not by the Commission.
If your firm does not produce 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, it is 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 (202205-1803). 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 Typeapplication/pdf
File TitleUSITCQUESTIONNAIRE
SubjectTitle 7 investigations
AuthorDuncan, Russell
File Modified2016-02-03
File Created2016-02-03

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