16-2-3556 U.S. Importers' Questionnaire

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

U.S. Importer -- Biaxial geogrids

Biaxial Integral Geogrid Products from China, Inv. No. 701-TA-554 and 731-TA-1309 (Final

OMB: 3117-0016

⚠️ Notice: This form may be outdated. More recent filings and information on OMB 3117-0016 can be found here:

Document [pdf]

Download: pdf | pdf

OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 16-2-3556; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
CERTAIN BIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRID PRODUCTS FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by October 26, 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 duty and antidumping duty investigations concerning certain biaxial integral geogrid
products (“biaxial integral geogrids”) from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-554 and 731-TA-1309 (Final)). The information
requested in the questionnaire is requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is
mandatory and failure to reply as directed can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records
or information in your firm’s possession (19 U.S.C. § 1333(a)).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

Website
Has your firm imported biaxial integral geogrids (as defined on next page) or triaxial integral geogrids (as defined
on next page) from any country at any time since January 1, 2013?

(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: GRID)
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. bBy
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. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on January 13, 2016, by
Tensar Corporation, Morrow, Georgia. Countervailing and 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 (“Commerce”) makes
an affirmative determination of subsidization and/or dumping. Questionnaires and other information
pertinent to this proceeding are available at
https://usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/certain_biaxial_integral_geogrid_products_china/final.ht
m_0
IN-SCOPE MERCHANDISE
Biaxial integral geogrid covered by these investigations are a polymer grid or mesh material (whether
or not finished, slit, cut-to-length, attached to woven or non-woven fabric or sheet material, or
packaged) in which four-sided openings in the form of squares, rectangles, rhomboids, diamonds, or
other four-sided figures predominate. The products covered have integral strands that have been
stretched to induce molecular orientation into the material (as evidenced by the strands being thinner in
width toward the middle between the junctions than at the junctions themselves) constituting the sides
of the openings and integral junctions where the strands intersect. The scope includes products in which
four-sided figures predominate whether or not they also contain additional strands intersecting the
four-sided figures and whether or not the inside corners of the four-sided figures are rounded off or not
sharp angles. As used herein, the term ‘‘integral’’ refers to strands and junctions that are homogenous
with each other. The products covered have a tensile strength of greater than 5 kilonewtons per meter
(‘‘kN/m’’) according to American Society for Testing and Materials (‘‘ASTM’’) Standard Test Method
D6637/D6637M in any direction and average overall flexural stiffness of more than 100,000 milligramcentimeter according to the ASTM D7748/D7748M Standard Test Method for Flexural Rigidity of
Geogrids, Geotextiles and Related Products, or other equivalent test method standards.
Subject merchandise includes material matching the above description that has been finished,
packaged, or otherwise further processed in a third country, including by trimming, slitting, coating,
cutting, punching holes, stretching, attaching to woven or nonwoven fabric or sheet material, or any
other finishing, packaging, or other further processing that would not otherwise remove the
merchandise from the scope of the investigations if performed in the country of manufacture of the
biaxial integral geogrid.
The products subject to the scope are currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (‘‘HTSUS’’) under the following subheading: 3926.90.9995. Subject merchandise may also
enter under subheadings 3920.20.0050 and 3925.90.0000. The HTSUS subheadings set forth above are
provided for convenience and U.S. Customs purposes only. The written description of the scope is
dispositive.
OUT-OF-SCOPE MERCHANDISE
Triaxial integral geogrid are a polymer grid or mesh material (whether or not finished, slit, cut-tolength, attached to woven or non-woven fabric or sheet material, or packaged) in which three-sided
openings in the form of triangles predominate. Triaxial integral geogrids have integral strands that have
been stretched to induce molecular orientation into the material (as evidenced by the strands being

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 3

thinner in width toward the middle between the junctions than at the junctions themselves) constituting
the sides of the openings and integral junctions where the strands intersect. As referenced previously,
the term ‘‘integral’’ refers to strands and junctions that are homogenous with each other. Triaxial
integral geogrids are oriented in three directions and further directions can be added. Triaxial integral
geogrids have a tensile strength of greater than 200 kilonewtons per meter (‘‘kN/m’’) according to
American Society for Testing and Materials (‘‘ASTM’’) Standard Test Method D6637 in any direction and
average overall flexural stiffness of more than 500,000 milligram-centimeter according to the ASTM
D7748 Standard Test Method for Flexural Rigidity of Geogrids, Geotextiles and Related Products, or
other equivalent test method standards.
Since the Commission defined the domestic like product as encompassing both in-scope biaxial integral
geogrids and out-of-scope triaxial integral geogrids in its preliminary determination as to injury, this
questionnaire in the final phase of these investigations seeks information on both product groups.
Geogrids.--For the purposes of this questionnaire, the term “geogrids” when referenced by itself refers
to both biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral geogrids, but excludes any other type of geogrid not
included in the definitions for biaxial and triaxial geogrids.
Importer.--Any person or firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary,
in importing biaxial integral geogrids (as defined above) into the United States from a foreign
manufacturer or through its selling agent.
Reporting of information.-- If information is not readily available from your records, provide carefully
prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire (i.e., a producer, importer,
and/or purchaser questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.--The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Verification.-- The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.--The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1677f) and section 207.7 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR § 207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import-injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
I-1.

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
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 biaxial integral geogrids,
including auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate
from) such facilities.

I-3.

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

Firm name

Yes--List the following information

Address

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
I-4.

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

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

I-5.

Address

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

Address

Affiliation

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

I-7.

Affiliation

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

I-6.

Page 5

Takes title to the
imported product(s)

Consignee of the
imported products(s)

Customs broker or
freight forwarder

Consignee.--If your firm is an importer of record of biaxial integral geogrids 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 – Biaxial integral geogrids
I-8.

Page 6

FTZ, TIB, or bonded warehouses.--Please indicate whether your firm enters biaxial integral
geogrids into, or withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses.
Also indicate whether your firm imports biaxial integral geogrids 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 of the United States(HTS).
No

Yes

Foreign trade zones
Bonded warehouses
Temporary importation under bond

I-9.

Third-country trade activities.--To your knowledge, have the products subject to this
proceeding been the subject of any other import relief proceedings in the United States or in
any other countries?
No

Yes–Please specify.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 7

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Hangyul Chang (202-2053062, [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 geogrids since January 1, 2013.
(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 – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-3.

Page 8

Arranged imports.--Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of geogrids for
delivery after September 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 square yards)

Period/Source

Oct-Dec 2016

Jan-Mar 2017

Apr-Jun-2017

Jul-Sept 2017

U.S. imports of biaxial integral geogrids
China
Other sources
U.S. imports of triaxial integral geogrids
China
Other sources
II-4.

Reasons for importing if producer.--If your firm also produces biaxial integral geogrids 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 – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 9

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 – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-5.

Page 10

IMPORTS FROM CHINA.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of biaxial integral geogrids imported from China by your firm during the specified periods.

CHINA – BIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in square yards), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (A)
Imports:1
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/
company transfers:
Quantity (F)
Value2 (G)
Export shipments:3
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (J)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (quantity) (K)
To end users/contractors
(quantity) (L)
1

Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
.
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
2

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-5.

Page 11

IMPORTS FROM CHINA.–Continued

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

2013

2014

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

January-September
2015

2015
0

2016
0

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. shipments (i.e.,
line D) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the
data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation item
K + L – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.

2013

2014
0

January-September
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-6.

Page 12

MONTHLY IMPORTS AND INVENTORIES FROM CHINA.–Report your firm’s monthly U.S. imports
and end-of-period inventories of biaxial integral geogrids from China during the specified
periods.

CHINA-BIAXIAL
Quantity (in square yards)

Month

Monthly U.S. imports

U.S. inventories at end of the listed month

2015.-January 2015
February 2015
March 2015
April 2015
May 2015
June 2015
July 2015
August 2015
September 2015
October 2015
November 2015
December 2015
2016.-January 2016
February 2016
March 2016
April 2016
May 2016
June 2016
July 2016
August 2016
September 2016

RECONCILIATION OF IMPORTS AND INVENTORIES.-- Please ensure that the total imports reported for full
year 2015, and for the two partial periods (e.g., January to September 2015, and January to September
2015) reported in previous question II-5 matches the monthly data reported here. 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.
Reconciliation for
U.S. imports from China (II-5),
revise if not returning zero ("0")
Reconciliation for
End of period inventories of

Full year 2015

Jan-Sept 2015
0

Full year 2015
Ending Dec 31 2015
0

Jan-Sept 2016
0

Jan-Sept 2015
Ending Sept 30 2015

Jan-Sept n 2016
Ending Sept 30 2015

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 13

imports from China (II-5)
NOTE.--REVISE DATA IF NOT RETURNING ZEROES.
II-7.

IMPORTS FROM CHINA.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of triaxial integral geogrids imported from China by your firm during the specified periods.

CHINA – TRIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in square yards), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-7.

Page 14

IMPORTS FROM CHINA.–Continued

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

2013

2014

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

January-September
2015

2015
0

2016
0

2013

2014
0

January-September
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-8.

Page 15

IMPORTS FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES (AOS).–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s
shipments and inventories of biaxial integral geogrids imported from all other sources (AOS)
combined by your firm during the specified periods.

(list sources:

AOS – BIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
)
Quantity (in square yards), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years

Item

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-8.

Page 16

IMPORTS FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES.–Continued

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

2013

2014

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

January-September
2015

2015
0

2016
0

2013

2014
0

January-September
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-9.

Page 17

IMPORTS FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES (AOS).–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s
shipments and inventories of triaxial integral geogrids imported from all other sources (AOS)
combined by your firm during the specified periods.

(list sources:

AOS– TRIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
)
Quantity (in square yards), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years

Item

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-9.

Page 18

IMPORTS FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES.–Continued

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

2013

2014

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

January-September
2015

2015
0

2016
0

2013

2014
0

January-September
2015

2015
0

2016
0

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 – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 19

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Cindy Cohen (202-205-3230,
[email protected]).
III-1.

PRICE DATA
III-2.

Sales price data.--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 your firm imported from China :
Product 1.—Biaxial integral geogrid, made from polypropylene, commonly known as “Type 1” or
“BX 1100,” with a minimum rib thickness of 0.03 inches, and an ultimate tensile
strength of 850 lb/ft in the longitudinal direction (also known as “machine
direction” or “MD Value”) and 1,300 lb/ft in the transverse direction (also known as
“cross machine direction” or “XMD Value”).
Product 2.—Biaxial integral geogrid, made from polypropylene, commonly known as “Type 2” or
“BX 1200”, with a minimum rib thickness of 0.05 inches, and an ultimate tensile
strength of 1,310 lb/ft for the MD Value, and 1,970 lb/ft for the XMD Value.
Product 3.— A four-sided biaxial integral geogrid, made from polypropylene, commonly known
as “SX2020, BX2020” with a minimum rib thickness of 0.045 inches, and a balanced
ultimate tensile strength of 1,370 lb/ft in both the longitudinal direction (also known
as “machine direction” or “MD Value”) and transverse direction (also known as
“cross machine direction” or “XMD Value”).

Please note that values should be f.o.b., U.S. point of shipment and should not include U.S.-inland
transportation costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid to your firm (i.e., should be net
of all deductions for discounts or rebates).
During January 2013-September 2016, did your firm import from 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 table as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question III-3.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
III-2.

Page 20

Sales price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
China and sold by your firm.

China

Report data in actual square yards and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 1
Sales to distributors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Sales to end users/contractors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

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
July-September
1
Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods), f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified
product, provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing
data.
Product 1:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
III-2.

Sales price data.--Continued

Page 21

China

Report data in actual square yards and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 2
Sales to distributors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Sales to end users/contractors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
III-2.

Sales price data.--Continued

Page 22

China

Report data in actual square yards and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 3
Sales to distributors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Sales to end users/contractors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 23

III-3(a). Imports for private labeling.--This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your
firm’s direct imports for sale under your firm’s private label since January 1, 2013 of the
following products:
Product 1.—Biaxial integral geogrid, made from polypropylene, commonly known as “Type 1” or
“BX 1100,” with a minimum rib thickness of 0.03 inches, and an ultimate tensile
strength of 850 lb/ft in the longitudinal direction (also known as “machine
direction” or “MD Value”) and 1,300 lb/ft in the transverse direction (also known as
“cross machine direction” or “XMD Value”).
Product 2.—Biaxial integral geogrid, made from polypropylene, commonly known as “Type 2” or
“BX 1200”, with a minimum rib thickness of 0.05 inches, and an ultimate tensile
strength of 1,310 lb/ft for the MD Value, and 1,970 lb/ft for the XMD Value.
Product 3.— A four-sided biaxial integral geogrid, made from polypropylene, commonly known
as “SX2020, BX2020” with a minimum rib thickness of 0.045 inches, and a balanced
ultimate tensile strength of 1,370 lb/ft in both the longitudinal direction (also known
as “machine direction” or “MD Value”) and transverse direction (also known as
“cross machine direction” or “XMD Value”).
During January 2013-September 2016, did your firm import from China to sell under your firm’s
private label any of the above listed products (or any products that were competitive with these
products)?
Yes.--Please complete the pricing tables III-3(b) and question III-3(c) as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question III-4.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 24

III-3 (b). Imports for private labeling.--Report below the quarterly landed duty-paid cost data for pricing
products1 imported from China.

China
Please note that values should be landed, duty-paid and should not include U.S.-inland transportation
costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid by your firm (i.e., should be net of all returns,
discounts, allowances, and rebates).
Report data in actual square yards and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 1
Quantity
Landed duty(sq yds)
paid value
(dollars)

Product 2
Quantity
Landed duty(sq yds)
paid value
(dollars)

Product 3
Quantity
Landed duty(sq yds)
paid value
(dollars)

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
July-September
1
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product,
provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 25

III-3 (c). Additional costs for your firm’s direct imports of biaxial integral geogrids.
(i) Please identify the factors that added to your cost of importing directly since January 1,
2013, estimate the share of the cost of the landed duty-paid value, and explain the specific
costs associated with each category.

Factors
Logistical or supply chain costs
Warehousing costs
Insurance costs
Currency conversion costs
Other:
Other:

Estimated
share of
landed
duty paid
value (%)

Explanation

(ii) To which source(s) does your firm compare costs in determining your additional transaction
costs to directly import?
U.S. importers

U.S. producers

Both

Neither

(iii) Briefly identify the benefits of purchasing biaxial integral geogrids directly from China
instead of purchasing from a U.S. importer or U.S. producer.

(iv) Please provide the estimated margin saved by having purchased biaxial integral geogrids
directly from China instead of purchasing from a U.S. importer.
percent of landed
duty-paid value.
(v) Explain any variation in the margin saved since January 1, 2013.

(vi) What is the approximate percentage of the total cost of biaxial integral geogrids you directly
imported from China that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation or other logistics
costs from the port of importation to your distribution network?
percent.
(vii) Did your firm purchase biaxial integral geogrids from a U.S. producer?
No
Yes—Please complete the U.S. purchasers questionnaire.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
III-4.

Page 26

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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 27

Some questions in the rest of this section ask about geogrids in general (i.e., both biaxial and triaxial
integral geogrids combined). If your answer to any question referring to geogrids in the rest of this
section differs between biaxial and triaxial integral geogrids, please explain.
III-5.

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

III-6.

Contracts

Other

If other, describe

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

Quantity
discounts

III-7.

Set
price
lists

Annual
total
volume
discounts

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

Pricing terms.-(a)

What are your firm’s typical sales terms for biaxial integral geogrids imported from
China?
Net 30
days

(b)

Net 60
days

2/10 net 30
days

Other

Other (specify)

On what basis are your firm’s prices of imported biaxial integral geogrids from China
usually quoted (check one)?
Delivered

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
III-8.

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of biaxial integral geogrids
imported from 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
III-9.

Page 28

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

Contract provisions.— Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
biaxial integral geogrids from China (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on a
long-term, 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
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 – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 29

III-10. Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales of biaxial integral geogrids imported from 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 biaxial integral geogrids?

Source

Share of
2015 sales

From your firm’s U.S. inventory

From foreign manufacturers’ inventory

Produced to order

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

Lead time
(days)

0.0 %

III-11. Shipping information.—
(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of biaxial integral
geogrids imported from China 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)

When your firm sells biaxial integral geogrids imported from China, from where is it
shipped?
Point of importation
Storage facility (check one)

(d)

Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of biaxial integral geogrids
imported from 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

Within 100 miles

101 to 1,000 miles

Over 1,000 miles

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 30

III-12. Geographical shipments.--In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold biaxial
integral geogrids imported from subject countries since January 1, 2013 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area

China

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.
III-13. End uses.--List the end uses of the biaxial integral geogrids that your firm imports from China.
For each end-use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by biaxial integral
geogrids and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end-use product
accounted for by

End use product

Biaxial integral
geogrids

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

Other inputs

0.0 %

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 31

III-14. Substitutes.-- Can other products be substituted for geogrids?
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 geogrids?
No Yes

Explanation

1.
2.
3.

III-15. Demand trends.-- Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for geogrids has changed since January 1, 2013. Explain any trends and
describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.

Market
Within
the United
States
Outside
the United
States

Overall
increase

No
Overall Fluctuate with
change decrease no clear trend

Explanation and factors

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 32

III-16. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix or
marketing of geogrids since January 1, 2013?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe.

III-17. Conditions of competition.—
(a) Is the geogrid market subject to business cycles (other than general economy-wide
conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to geogrids?
Check all that apply.

Please describe.

Skip to question III-18.

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
geogrids since January 1, 2013?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 33

III-18. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply geogrids 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.

III-19. Raw materials.-- How have geogrid raw material 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 biaxial
integral geogrids.

III-20. Interchangeability.--Are biaxial integral geogrids 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 biaxial integral geogrids 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 – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 34

III-21. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between biaxial integral geogrids
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 biaxial integral geogrids, identify the country-pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 35

III-22. Customer identification.--List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for biaxial integral geogrids since January 1, 2013. Indicate the share of the quantity
of your firm’s total shipments of biaxial integral geogrids that each of these customers
accounted for in 2015.
Customer’s name

City

State

Share of 2015 sales (%)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

III-23. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 36

PART IV.-- ALTERNATIVE PRODUCT INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Hangyul Chang (202-2053062, [email protected]).
IV-1.

Comparability of biaxial integral geogrids vs triaxial integral geogrids.--For each of the
following indicate whether biaxial integral geogrids (subject to these investigations) and triaxial
integral geogrids (a related product) are: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no
differentiation between them; mostly comparable or similar; somewhat comparable or similar;
never or not-at-all comparable or similar; or no familiarity with products.
(a)

Characteristics and Uses.-- The differences and similarities in the physical
characteristics and end uses between biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral
geogrids.

Fully comparable

Mostly
comparable

Somewhat
comparable

Not at all
comparable

NA/no familiarity

Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
characteristics and uses:

(b)

Interchangeability.--The ability to substitute biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial
integral geogrids in the same application.

Fully
interchangeable

Mostly
interchangeable

Somewhat
interchangeable

Not at all
interchangeable

NA/no
familiarity

Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of
their interchangeability:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
IV-1.

Page 37

Comparability of biaxial integral geogrids vs triaxial integral geogrids.--Continued
(c)

Manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees.-- Whether
biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral geogrids are manufactured in the same
facilities, from the same inputs, on the same machinery and equipment, and using the
same employees.

Fully the same

Mostly the same

Somewhat the
same

Not at all the
same

NA/no familiarity

Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
manufacturing processes:

(d)

Channels of distribution.-- Channels of distribution/market situation through which
biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral geogrids are sold (i.e., sold direct to end
users, through distributors, etc.).

Fully comparable

Mostly
comparable

Somewhat
comparable

Not at all
comparable

NA/no familiarity

Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
channels of distribution:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
IV-1.

Page 38

Comparability of biaxial integral geogrids vs triaxial integral geogrids.--Continued
(e)

Customer and producer perceptions.--Perceptions as to the differences and/or
similarities in biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral geogrids in the market (e.g.,
sales/marketing practices).

Fully comparable

Mostly
comparable

Somewhat
comparable

Not at all
comparable

NA/no familiarity

Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
customer and producer perceptions:

(f)

Price.--Whether prices are comparable or differ between biaxial integral geogrids and
triaxial integral geogrids.

Fully comparable

Mostly
comparable

Somewhat
comparable

Not at all
comparable

NA/no familiarity

Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
prices:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 39

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://usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/certain_biaxial_integral_geogrid_products_china/final.ht
m_0
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: GRID

• 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 did not import this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned copy to
the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, 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	US importer questionnaire
Subject	Title 7 investigations
Author	Chang, Hangyul
File Modified	2016-09-20
File Created	2016-09-20