16-2-3532 U.S. Importers' Questionnaire

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

Draft_Importer questionnaire_Castings

Iron Construction Castings from Brazil, Canada, and China, Inv. No. 701-TA-249 and 731-TA-262-263, and 265 (4th Review)

OMB: 3117-0016

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OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 16-2-3532; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
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U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
IRON CONSTRUCTION CASTINGS FROM BRAZIL, CANADA, AND CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by August 19, 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 review of the countervailing and antidumping duty orders concerning iron construction castings from
Brazil, Canada, and China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-249 and 731-TA-262, 263, and 265 (Fourth Review)). The information
requested in the questionnaire is requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is
mandatory and failure to reply as directed can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records
or information in your firm’s possession (19 U.S.C. § 1333(a)).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

Website
Has your firm imported iron construction castings (as defined on the next page) from any country at
any time since January 1, 2010?

(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 Commission Drop Box by clicking on the following
link: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: IRON)
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 investigations or reviews
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. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.-- The Department of Commerce issued antidumping duty orders on imports of “heavy” and
“light” iron construction castings from Canada on March 5, 1986 and from Brazil and China on May 9,
1986. On May 15, 1986, Commerce issued a countervailing duty order on imports of “heavy” iron
construction castings from Brazil. On September 23, 1998, Commerce issued the final results of a
changed circumstance review concerning iron construction castings from Canada, in which the
antidumping duty order with respect to ‘‘light’’ castings was revoked. On October 1, 2015, the
Commission instituted a review pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1675(c))
(the Act) to determine whether revocation of the orders would be likely to lead to continuation or
recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry within a reasonably foreseeable time. If both the
Commission and Commerce make affirmative determinations, the orders will remain in place. If either
the Commission or Commerce makes negative determinations, the Department of Commerce will
revoke the orders. Questionnaires and other information pertinent to this proceeding are available
at https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2015/iron_construction_castings_brazil_canada_and_c
hina/fourth_review_full.htm
Iron construction castings covered by these reviews consist of heavy castings and light castings.
Heavy castings -- manhole covers, rings, and frames, catch basin grates and frames, cleanout covers and
frames used for drainage or access purposes for public utility, water and sanitary systems, collectively
imported under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) statistical reporting number 7325.10.0010 until 1999.
Starting in 2000, heavy castings were imported under the following statistical reporting numbers:
7325.10.0010, 7325.10.0020, and 7325.10.0025. Heavy castings may also be imported under HTS
statistical reporting number 7325.10.0080 as “other.” Heavy castings from Brazil are subject to both
antidumping and countervailing duty orders. Heavy castings from Canada and China are subject to
antidumping duty orders.
Light castings -- valve, service, and meter boxes which are placed below ground to encase water, gas, or
other valves, or water and gas meters. These types of light castings were imported under HTS statistical
reporting number 7325.10.0050 until 1999. Starting in 2000, these light castings were imported under
the following two reporting numbers: 7325.10.0030 and 7325.10.0035. Light castings may also be
imported under HTS statistical reporting number 7325.10.0080 as “other.” Light castings from Brazil and
China are subject to antidumping duty orders.
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,
purchaser and/or foreign producer questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.--The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 3

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.
I-1.

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

Dollars

The questions in this questionnaire have been reviewed with market participants to ensure that
issues of concern are adequately addressed and that data requests are sufficient, meaningful,
and as limited as possible. Public reporting burden for this questionnaire is estimated to average
40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data, and
completing and reviewing the questionnaire.
We welcome comments regarding the accuracy of this burden estimate, suggestions for
reducing the burden, and any suggestions for improving this questionnaire. Please attach such
comments to your response or send to the Office of Investigations, USITC, 500 E St. SW,
Washington, DC 20436.
I-2.

Establishments covered.--Provide the name and address of establishment(s) covered by this
questionnaire. If your firm is publicly traded, please specify the stock exchange and trading
symbol.
“Establishment”--Each facility of a firm involved in the importation of iron construction castings,
including auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate
from) such facilities.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
I-3.

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

Firm name

I-4.

Yes--List the following information.

Address

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

Related SUBJECT importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic
or foreign, that are engaged in importing iron construction castings from Brazil, Canada, and/or
China into the United States or that are engaged in exporting iron construction castings from
Brazil, Canada, and/or China to the United States?
No

Firm name

I-5.

Page 4

Yes--List the following information.

Address

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

Related NONSUBJECT importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either
domestic or foreign, that are engaged in importing iron construction castings from countries
other than Brazil, Canada, and/or China into the United States or that are engaged in exporting
iron construction castings from countries other than Brazil, Canada, and/or China to the United
States?
No

Firm name

Yes--List the following information.

Address

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
I-6.

Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of iron construction castings?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

I-7.

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

Address

Importing operations.--Please indicate the nature of your firm’s importing operations on iron
construction castings. More than one answer may be applicable.
Importer of record

I-8.

Page 5

Takes title to the
imported product(s)

Consignee of the
imported products(s)

Customs broker or
freight forwarder

Consignees.--If your firm is an importer of record of iron construction castings but is not the
consignee, please list the consignees below (firm name, address, telephone number, and
individual to contact).
Firm name

Address

Contact person and
phone number

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
I-9.

Page 6

FTZ, TIB, or bonded warehouses.--Please indicate whether your firm enters iron construction
castings into, or withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses.
Also indicate whether your firm imports iron construction castings under the TIB (temporary
importation under bond) program.
“Foreign trade zone” is a designated location in the United States where firms utilize special
procedures that allow delayed or reduced customs duty payments on foreign merchandise, as
well as other savings. A foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in the Foreign-Trade Zones Act.
“Bonded warehouse” is a secured facility supervised by U.S. customs, where dutiable landed
imports are stored pending their re-export, or release after payment of import duties, taxes, and
other charges. A bonded warehouse must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in 19 U.S.C. § 1555.
“Temporary Importation under Bond (“TIB”) program” is a procedure whereby, imported
merchandise may be entered under certain conditions for a limited time into the United States
free of duty. Under the program, an importer posts a bond for twice the amount of duty, taxes,
etc. that would otherwise be owed on the importation and agrees to export or destroy the
merchandise within a specified time or pay liquidated damages. This program is restricted to
certain categories of merchandise listed in subheadings 9813.00.05 through 9813.00.75 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
No

Yes

Foreign trade zones
Bonded warehouses
Temporary importation under bond

I-10.

Business plan.--In Parts II and III of this questionnaire we request a copy of your company’s
business plan. Does your company or any related firm have a business plan or any internal
documents that describe, discuss, or analyze expected market conditions for iron construction
castings?
No

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
I-11.

Page 7

Other investigations.--To your knowledge, have the products subject to this proceeding been
the subject of any other import relief investigations in the United States or in any other
countries?
No

Yes–Please specify.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 8

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Porscha Stiger (202-2053241, [email protected]). Supply all data requested on a calendar-year basis.
II-1.

Contact information.-- Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part II.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax

II-2.

Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the importation of iron construction castings since January 1, 2010.
Check as many as appropriate.
Office/warehouse openings
Office/warehouse closings
Relocations
Expansions
Acquisitions
Consolidations
Prolonged shutdowns or
importation curtailments
Revised labor agreements
Other (e.g., technology)

If checked, please describe; leave blank if not applicable.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-3.

Page 9

Anticipated changes in operations.--Does your firm anticipate any changes in the character of
your operations or organization (as noted above) relating to the importation of iron construction
castings in the future?

Yes

If yes, supply details as to the time, nature, and significance of such changes
and provide underlying assumptions, along with relevant portions of
business plans or other supporting documentation that address this issue.

For question II-4, if your firm’s response differs for particular orders, please indicate and explain the
particular effect of revocation of specific orders.
II-4.

Anticipated changes in operations in the event the order is revoked.--Would your firm
anticipate any changes in the character of its operations or organization (as noted above)
relating to the importation of iron construction castings in the future if the countervailing and
antidumping duty orders on iron construction castings from Brazil, Canada, and China were to
be revoked?

Yes

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-5.

Page 10

Arranged imports.--Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of iron construction
castings for delivery after June 30, 2016?
“Arranged imports” are imports for which your firm has placed an order with a foreign supplier
for subject merchandise, but delivery of those imports is not scheduled to occur until after the
date listed above.
No

Yes–Fill out the table below.
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds)

Period/Source

Jul-Sept 2016

Oct-Dec 2016

Jan-Mar 2017

Apr-Jun 2017

HEAVY castings:
Brazil
Canada
China
Other sources:1
LIGHT castings:
Brazil
China
Other sources:1
1

II-6.

Identify your other sources:

Reasons for importing if producer.--If your firm also produces iron construction castings in the
United States, please indicate the reasons for importing this product. If your firm’s reasons differ
by source, please elaborate.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 11

Definitions
“Imports” –Those products identified for Customs purposes as imports for consumption for
which your firm was the importer of record (i.e., was responsible for paying any import duty) or
consignee (i.e., to which the merchandise was first delivered).
“Import quantities” –Quantities reported should be net of returns.
“Import values”—Values reported should be landed, duty-paid values at the U.S. port of entry,
including ocean freight and insurance costs, brokerage charges, and import duties (i.e., all
charges except inland freight in the United States).
“U.S. commercial shipments”— Shipments made within the United States as a result of an arm’s
length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net values (i.e., gross
sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment.
“Internal consumption” –Product consumed internally by your firm.
“Transfers to related firms” –Shipments made to related domestic firms. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“Related firm” –A firm that your firm solely or jointly owns, manages, or otherwise controls.
Such transactions are valued at fair market value.
“Export shipments”— Shipments to destinations outside the United States, including shipments
to related firms.
“Inventories” --Finished goods inventory, not raw materials or work in progress.
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. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-7.

Page 12

Imports of HEAVY castings from Brazil.-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments
and inventories of heavy castings imported from Brazil by your firm during the specified periods.

Brazil – Heavy Casting
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2013

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

Beginning-of-period
inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/
company transfers:
Quantity (F)
Value1 (G)
Export shipments:2
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (J)
Channels of distribution:
U.S. commercial
shipments to distributors
(quantity) (K)
U.S. commercial
shipments to end users
(quantity) (L)
1

Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
provide value data using that basis for each period identified above:
.
2
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-7.

Page 13

Imports of HEAVY castings from Brazil.–Continued

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line J) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line A),
plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, and H). Please ensure that any differences
are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your firm’s records;
and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record systems
issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar year
Reconciliation

2013

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

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

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

RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines K and L) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. commercial
shipments (i.e., line D) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero
(i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar year
Reconciliation
K + L – D = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2013

2014
0

January-June
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-8.

Page 14

Imports of HEAVY castings from Canada.-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments
and inventories of heavy castings imported from Canada by your firm during the specified
periods.

Canada – Heavy Casting
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2013

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-8.

Page 15

Imports of HEAVY castings from Canada.–Continued

2013

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

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

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

2013

2014
0

January-June
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-9.

Page 16

Imports of HEAVY castings from China.-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments
and inventories of heavy castings imported from China by your firm during the specified periods.

China – Heavy Casting
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2013

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-9.

Page 17

Imports of HEAVY castings from China.–Continued

2013

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

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

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

2013

2014
0

January-June
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-10.

Page 18

Imports of HEAVY castings from ALL OTHER SOURCES.-- Report your firm’s imports and your
firm’s shipments and inventories of heavy castings imported from all other sources combined
(i.e., all sources except Brazil, Canada, and China) by your firm during the specified periods.

ALL OTHER SOURCES – Heavy Castings

(list sources:

)
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year

Item

2013

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
.
2
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-10.

Page 19

Imports of HEAVY castings from ALL OTHER SOURCES.–Continued

2013

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

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

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

2013

2014
0

January-June
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-11.

Page 20

Imports of LIGHT castings from Brazil.-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments
and inventories of light castings imported from Brazil by your firm during the specified periods.

Brazil – Light Castings
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2013

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-11.

Page 21

Imports of LIGHT castings from Brazil.–Continued

2013

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

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

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

2013

2014
0

January-June
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-12.

Page 22

Imports of LIGHT castings from China.-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments
and inventories of light castings imported from China by your firm during the specified periods.

China – Light Castings
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2013

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-12.

Page 23

Imports of LIGHT castings from China.–Continued

2013

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

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

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

2013

2014
0

January-June
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-13.

Page 24

Imports of LIGHT castings from ALL OTHER SOURCES.-- Report your firm’s imports and your
firm’s shipments and inventories of light castings imported from all other sources combined
(i.e., all sources except Brazil or China) by your firm during the specified periods.

ALL OTHER SOURCES – Light Castings

(list sources:

)
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year

Item

2013

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
.
2
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
II-13.

Page 25

Imports of LIGHT castings from ALL OTHER SOURCES.–Continued

2013

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

2014

January-June
2015

2015

2016

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

2013

2014
0

January-June
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 26

For questions II-14 and II-15, if your firm’s response differs for particular orders, please indicate and
explain the particular effect of imposition and/or revocation of specific orders.
II-14.

Effect of order(s).--Describe the significance of the existing countervailing and antidumping duty
orders covering imports of iron construction castings from Brazil, Canada, and China in terms of
their effect on your firm’s imports, U.S. shipments of imports, and inventories. You may wish to
compare your firm’s operations before and after the imposition of the orders.

II-15.

Likely effect of revocation of order(s).--Would your firm anticipate any changes in its imports,
U.S. shipments of imports, or inventories of iron construction castings in the future if the
countervailing and antidumping duty orders on iron construction castings from Brazil, Canada,
and China were to be revoked?

II-16.

Yes

Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 27

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Andrew Knipe (202-2052390, [email protected]).
III-1.

PRICE DATA
III-2.

This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers of the following products your firm imported from Brazil, Canada,
and/or China:
Product 1.-- Standard heavy duty manhole cover and frame assemblies of gray cast iron,
approximately 300 pounds weight (250 to 350 pounds actual weight)
(Heavy Casting).
Product 2.-- Standard light duty manhole cover and frame assemblies of gray cast iron,
approximately 150 pounds weight (140 to 160 pounds actual weight)
(Heavy Casting).
Product 3.-- Standard 5-1/4" valve boxes of gray cast iron for 4" through 12" valves; 2-piece
screw type; approximate height 27 to 37 inches; equivalent to Tyler 562-S, with lid
(Light Casting).
Product 4.-- Standard 5-1/4" valve boxes of gray cast iron for 4" through 12" valves; 2-piece
screw type; approximate height 40 to 60 inches; equivalent to Tyler 6644, with lid
(Light Casting).

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).
(a) During January 2013-June 2016, did your firm import from Brazil, Canada, and/or China and
sell to unrelated U.S. customers any of the above listed products (or any products that were
competitive with these products)?
Yes.--Please complete the following pricing data tables as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question III-3.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 28

III-2b. Price data (Brazil).--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
Brazil and sold by your firm.

Brazil
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 1
Quantity
Value

(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 4
Quantity
Value

Period of shipment
2013:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2014:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2015:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2016:
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 III.
Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product, provide a
description of the 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. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
III-2c.

Page 29

Price data (Canada).--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported
from Canada and sold by your firm.

Canada
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 1
Value

Product 2

Period of shipment
Quantity
Quantity
Value
2013:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2014:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2015:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2016:
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 III.
Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product, provide a
description of the 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. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 30

III-2d. Price data (China).--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
China and sold by your firm.

China
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 1
Quantity
Value

(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 4
Quantity
Value

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 31

III-2e. Price data (India).--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
nonsubject country India and sold by your firm.

India
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 1
Quantity
Value

(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 4
Quantity
Value

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
III-2f.

Page 32

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.

III-3.

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

III-4.

Other

If other, describe

Discount policy.-- Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that
apply).

Quantity
discounts

III-5.

Contracts

Set
price
lists

Annual
total
volume
discounts

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

Pricing terms.-(a)

What are your firm’s typical sales terms for iron construction castings imported from
Brazil, Canada, and/or China?
Net 30
days

Net 60
days

2/10 net
30 days

Other

Other (specify)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
(b)

On what basis are your firm’s prices of imported iron construction castings from Brazil,
Canada, and/or China usually quoted? (check one)
Delivered

III-6.

Page 33

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Contract versus spot.-- Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of iron construction
castings imported from Brazil, Canada, and/or China in 2015 was on a (1) long-term contract
basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3) short-term contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Share of 2015 sales
Heavy iron construction
castings
Light iron construction
castings

Type of sale

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

Annual
contracts
(multiple
deliveries for
12 months)

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

Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)

0.0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
III-7.

Page 34

Contract provisions.—
(a)

Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for heavy iron
construction castings from Brazil, Canada, and/or China (or check “not applicable” if
your firm does not sell on a long-term, short-term, and/or contract basis).

Typical sales
contract provisions

Item

Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes

Fixed quantity
and/or price
Meet or release
provision

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
Price
Both
Yes
No

Not applicable
(b) Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for light iron
construction castings from Brazil and/or China (or check “not applicable” if your firm does
not sell on a long-term, short-term, and/or contract basis).
Typical sales
contract provisions

Item

Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes

Fixed quantity
and/or price
Meet or release
provision
Not applicable

No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes
No

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

Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)
365

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
III-8.

Page 35

Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales of iron construction castings imported from
Brazil, Canada, and/or China 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 iron
construction castings?

Source

Share of 2015
sales

Lead time
(average number
of days)

Heavy iron construction castings
From inventory

Produced to order

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

Light iron construction castings
From inventory

Produced to order

Total (should sum to 100.0%)
III-9.

0.0

Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of iron construction
castings imported from Brazil, Canada, and/or China that is accounted for by U.S. inland
transportation costs?
Heavy iron construction castings

Light iron construction castings

(b)

Who generally arranges the transportation to your firm’s customers’ locations?
Your firm
Purchaser (check one)

(c)

When your firm sells iron construction castings imported from Brazil, Canada, and/or
China, from where is it shipped?
Point of importation
Storage facility (check one)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings
(d)

Page 36

Indicate the approximate percentage of your sales of iron construction castings
imported from Brazil, Canada, and/or China that are delivered the following distances
from your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
Distance from your firm’s U.S. point of shipment

Share of 2015
sales

Heavy iron construction castings
Within 100 miles

101 to 1,000 miles

Over 1,000 miles

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

Distance from your firm’s U.S. point of shipment

Share of 2015
sales

Light iron construction castings
Within 100 miles

101 to 1,000 miles

Over 1,000 miles

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

III-10. Geographical shipments.-- In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold iron
construction castings imported from subject countries 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.

Brazil

Canada

China

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 37

III-11. End uses.-(a)

Select among the following list the products made with the heavy and/or light iron
construction castings that your firm imports from Brazil, Canada, and/or China. For each
end-use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by iron construction
castings vs. other inputs (such as labor, energy, and other raw materials)?
Share of total cost in each of the product(s)
your firm produces accounted for by

Product(s) made from iron
construction castings that
your firm imports from
Brazil, Canada, and/or
China

Yes

Iron construction
castings

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%
across)

Other inputs

Manhole covers, rings and
frames (heavy)

% +

0.0 %

Catch basins, grates and
frames (heavy)

% +

0.0 %

Cleanout covers and frames
(heavy)

% +

0.0 %

Valve and service boxes
(light)

% +

0.0 %

% +

0.0 %

% +

0.0 %

Meter boxes (light)
Other
(please describe:

(b)

)

Have there been any changes in the end uses of heavy and/or light iron construction
castings since January 1, 2010? Do you anticipate any future changes?

Changes in end
uses
Changes since
January 1, 2010
Anticipated
changes

Yes

Explain

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 38

III-12. Substitutes.-(a)

Can other products be substituted for heavy iron construction castings?
No

Yes--Please fill out the table.

End use in which this
substitute is used

Substitute

Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for heavy iron construction
castings?
No Yes

Explanation

1.
2.
3.
(b)

Can other products be substituted for light iron construction castings?
No

Substitute

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 light iron construction
castings?
No Yes

Explanation

1.
2.
3.

(c) Have there been any changes in the number or types of products that can be substituted for
iron construction castings since January 1, 2010? Do you anticipate any future changes?
Changes in
substitutes
Changes since
January 1, 2010
Anticipated
changes

Yes

Explain

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 39

III-13. Availability of supply.--Has the availability of iron construction castings in the U.S. market
changed since January 1, 2010? Do you anticipate any future changes?
Availability in the U.S.
market

Changes since January 1, 2010:
U.S.-produced product
Subject imports
Nonsubject imports
Anticipated changes:
U.S.-produced product
Subject imports
Nonsubject imports

Please explain, noting the countries and reasons for
Yes the changes.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 40

III-14. Demand trends.—
(a)

Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United States (if
known) for heavy iron construction castings has changed since January 1, 2010, and
how you anticipate demand will change in the future. Explain any trends and describe
the principal factors that have affected, and that you anticipate will affect, these
changes in demand.

Market

Overall
increase

No
change

Overall
decrease

Fluctuate
with no
clear trend

Explanation and factors

Demand since January 1, 2010
Within
the U.S.
Outside
the U.S.
Anticipated future demand
Within
the U.S.
Outside
the U.S.
(b)

Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United States (if
known) for light iron construction castings has changed since January 1, 2010, and how
you anticipate demand will change in the future. Explain any trends and describe the
principal factors that have affected, and that you anticipate will affect, these changes in
demand.

Market

Overall
increase

No
change

Overall
decrease

Fluctuate
with no
clear trend

Demand since January 1, 2010
Within
the U.S.
Outside
the U.S.
Anticipated future demand
Within
the U.S.
Outside
the U.S.

Explanation and factors

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 41

III-15. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of iron construction castings since January 1, 2010? Do you anticipate any future
changes?
Changes in
product range,
product mix, or
marketing
No Yes

Explain

Changes since
January 1, 2010
Anticipated
changes
III-16. Conditions of competition.-(a) Is the iron construction castings market subject to business cycles (other than general
economy-wide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to iron
construction castings?
Check all that apply.

Please describe.

Skip to question III-17.

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
iron construction castings since January 1, 2010?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

III-17. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply iron construction
castings since January 1, 2010 (examples include placing customers on allocation or “controlled
order entry,” declining to accept new customers or renew existing customers, delivering less
than the quantity promised, been unable to meet timely shipment commitments, etc.)?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 42

III-18. Raw materials.--Indicate how iron construction castings raw material prices have changed since
January 1, 2010, and how you expect they will change in the future.
Fluctuate
with no
clear
Overall
No
Overall
increase change decrease trend

Raw
materials
prices

Explain, noting how raw material
price changes have affected your
firm’s selling prices for iron
construction castings.

Changes since
January 1,
2010
Anticipated
changes
III-19. Price comparisons.--Please compare market prices of iron construction castings in U.S. and nonU.S. markets if known. Provide information as to time periods and regions for any price
comparisons.

III-20. International transportation.-(a)

Who typically arranges international transportation for your firm’s imports?
Exporter

(b)

Importer

If your firm typically arranges international transportation:
For 2015, report or estimate the average cost to ship typical
volumes of iron construction castings from the listed
countries to the United States

Dollars per
pound

Brazil
Canada
China
III-21. Market studies.--Please provide as a separate attachment to this request any studies, surveys,
etc. that you are aware of that quantify and/or otherwise discuss iron construction castings
supply (including production capacity and capacity utilization) and demand in (1) the United
States, (2) each of the other major producing/consuming countries, including Brazil, Canada,
and/or China, and (3) the world as a whole. Of particular interest is such data from 2013 to the
present and forecasts for the future.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 43

III-22. Interchangeability.-(a)

Are heavy iron construction castings 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

Brazil

Canada

China

Other countries

United States
Brazil
Canada
China
HEAVY CASTINGS
For any country-pair producing heavy iron construction castings that is sometimes or never
interchangeable, identify the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude
interchangeable use:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 44

III-22. Interchangeability.--Continued
(b)

Are light iron construction castings produced in the United States and in other countries
interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same applications)?

Country pair

Brazil

China

Other countries

United States
Brazil
China
LIGHT CASTINGS
For any country-pair producing light iron construction castings that is sometimes or never
interchangeable, identify the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude
interchangeable use:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 45

III-23. Factors other than price.-(a)

Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability, transportation network,
product range, technical support, etc.) between heavy iron construction castings
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

Brazil

Canada

China

Other countries

United States
Brazil
Canada
China
HEAVY CASTINGS
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of heavy iron construction castings, identify the country-pair and
report the advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 46

III-23. Factors other than price.--Continued
(b)

Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability, transportation network,
product range, technical support, etc.) between light iron construction castings
produced in the United States and in other countries a significant factor in your firm’s
sales of the products?

Brazil

China

Other countries

United States
Brazil
China
LIGHT CASTINGS
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of light iron construction castings, identify the country-pair and
report the advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:

III-24. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative response box, including any distinction between heavy and light
construction castings that was not otherwise identified in the question(s), please note the
question number and the explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to
highlight any issues your firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited
to technical issues with the MS Word questionnaire.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Iron Construction Castings

Page 47

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/701731/2015/iron_construction_castings_braz
il_canada_and_china/fourth_review_full.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: IRON

• 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 import this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned copy
to the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, 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 Type	application/pdf
File Title	Importers questionnaire - sunset
Author	Martinez, Keysha
File Modified	2016-07-05
File Created	2016-07-05