16-3-3581 U.S. Purchasers' Questionnaire

OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 16-3-3581; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. PURCHASERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
CERTAIN ALUMINUM EXTRUSIONS FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by November 29, 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 antidumping and countervailing duty orders concerning aluminum extrusions from
China (inv. No. 701-TA-475 and 731-TA-1177 (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 possession (19 U.S.C. §
1333(a)). Further information on this questionnaire can be obtained from Emily Burke (202-2053191, [email protected]).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

Website
Has your firm purchased aluminum extrusions (as defined on the next page) from any source (domestic or
foreign) at any time since January 1, 2011?

NO

(Sign the certification below and promptly return only this page of the questionnaire to the Commission)

YES

(Complete all parts of the questionnaire, and return the entire questionnaire to the Commission)

Return questionnaire via the Commission Drop Box by clicking on the following
link: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: ALUM)
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the information herein supplied in response to this questionnaire is complete and correct to the best of my
knowledge and belief and understand that the information submitted is subject to audit and verification by the Commission. By
means of this certification I also grant consent for the Commission, and its employees and contract personnel, to use the
information provided in this questionnaire and throughout this proceeding in any other import-injury proceedings 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
review 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

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PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--On April 4, 2011, the Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) issued antidumping and
countervailing duty orders on imports of aluminum extrusions from China. On April 1, 2016, the
Commission instituted reviews 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, Commerce will revoke the orders.
Questionnaires and other information pertinent to these proceedings are available
at http://wwwadmin.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/aluminum_extrusions_china/full_review.ht
m
Aluminum extrusions covered by these reviews are defined as follows:
Shapes and forms, produced by an extrusion process, made from aluminum alloys having metallic
elements corresponding to the alloy series designations published by The Aluminum Association
commencing with the numbers 1, 3, and 6 (or proprietary equivalents or other certifying body
equivalents). Specifically, the subject merchandise made from aluminum alloy with an Aluminum
Association series designation commencing with the number 1 contains not less than 99 percent
aluminum by weight. The subject merchandise made from aluminum alloy with an Aluminum
Association series designation commencing with the number 3 contains manganese as the major
alloying element, with manganese accounting for not more than 3.0 percent of total materials by
weight. The subject merchandise is made from an aluminum alloy with an Aluminum Association series
designation commencing with the number 6 contains magnesium and silicon as the major alloying
elements, with magnesium accounting for at least 0.1 percent but not more than 2.0 percent of total
materials by weight, and silicon accounting for at least 0.1 percent but not more than 3.0 percent of
total materials by weight. The subject aluminum extrusions are properly identified by a four-digit alloy
series without either a decimal point or leading letter. Illustrative examples from among the
approximately 160 registered alloys that may characterize the subject merchandise are as follows: 1350,
3003, and 6060.
Aluminum extrusions are produced and imported in a wide variety of shapes and forms, including, but
not limited to, hollow profiles, other solid profiles, pipes, tubes, bars, and rods. Aluminum extrusions
that are drawn subsequent to extrusion (drawn aluminum) are also included in the scope.
Aluminum extrusions are produced and imported with a variety of finishes (both coatings and surface
treatments), and types of fabrication. The types of coatings and treatments applied to subject aluminum
extrusions include, but are not limited to, extrusions that are mill finished (i.e., without any coating or
further finishing), brushed, buffed, polished, anodized (including brightdip anodized), liquid painted, or
powder coated. Aluminum extrusions may also be fabricated, i.e., prepared for assembly. Such
operations would include, but are not limited to, extrusions that are cut-to-length, machined, drilled,
punched, notched, bent, stretched, knurled, swedged, mitered, chamfered, threaded, and spun. The
subject merchandise includes aluminum extrusions that are finished (coated, painted, etc.), fabricated,
or any combination thereof.
Subject aluminum extrusions may be described at the time of importation as parts for final finished
products that are assembled after importation, including, but not limited to, window frames, door
frames, solar panels, curtain walls, or furniture. Such parts that otherwise meet the definition of

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aluminum extrusions are included in the scope. The scope includes the aluminum extrusion components
that are attached (e.g., by welding or fasteners) to form subassemblies, i.e., partially assembled
merchandise unless imported as part of the finished goods ‘kit’ defined further below. The scope does
not include the non-aluminum extrusion components of subassemblies or subject kits.
Subject extrusions may be identified with reference to their end use, such as fence posts, electrical
conduits, door thresholds, carpet trim, or heat sinks (that do not meet the finished heat sink
exclusionary language below). Such goods are subject merchandise if they otherwise meet the scope
definition, regardless of whether they are ready for use at the time of importation. The following
aluminum extrusion products are excluded: aluminum extrusions made from aluminum alloy with an
Aluminum Association series designations commencing with the number 2 and containing in excess of
1.5 percent copper by weight; aluminum extrusions made from aluminum alloy with an Aluminum
Association series designation commencing with the number 5 and containing in excess of 1.0 percent
magnesium by weight; and aluminum extrusions made from aluminum alloy with an Aluminum
Association series designation commencing with the number 7 and containing in excess of 2.0 percent
zinc by weight.
The scope also excludes finished merchandise containing aluminum extrusions as parts that are fully and
permanently assembled and completed at the time of entry, such as finished windows with glass, doors
with glass or vinyl, picture frames with glass pane and backing material, and solar panels. The scope also
excludes finished goods containing aluminum extrusions that are entered unassembled in a “finished
goods kit.” A finished goods kit is understood to mean a packaged combination of parts that contains, at
the time of importation, all of the necessary parts to fully assemble a final finished good and requires no
further finishing or fabrication, such as cutting or punching, and is assembled “as is” into a finished
product. An imported product will not be considered a “finished goods kit” and therefore excluded from
the scope of the investigation merely by including fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. in the packaging
with an aluminum extrusion product.
The scope also excludes aluminum alloy sheet or plates produced by other than the extrusion process,
such as aluminum products produced by a method of casting. Cast aluminum products are properly
identified by four digits with a decimal point between the third and fourth digit. A letter may also
precede the four digits. The following Aluminum Association designations are representative of
aluminum alloys for casting: 208.0, 295.0, 308.0, 355.0, C355.0, 356.0, A356.0, A357.0, 360.0, 366.0,
380.0, A380.0, 413.0, 443.0, 514.0, 518.1, and 712.0. The scope also excludes pure, unwrought
aluminum in any form.
The scope also excludes collapsible tubular containers composed of metallic elements corresponding to
alloy code 1080A as designated by the Aluminum Association where the tubular container (excluding the
nozzle) meets each of the following dimensional characteristics: (1) length of 37 millimeters (“mm”) or
62 mm, (2) outer diameter of 11.0 mm or 12.7 mm, and (3) wall thickness not exceeding 0.13 mm.
Also excluded from the scope of this order are finished heat sinks. Finished heat sinks are fabricated
heat sinks made from aluminum extrusions the design and production of which are organized around
meeting certain specified thermal performance requirements and which have been fully, albeit not
necessarily individually, tested to comply with such requirements.
Imports of the subject merchandise are provided for under the following categories of the Harmonized
Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS): 8424.90.9080, 9405.99.4020, 9031.90.90.95,
7616.10.90.90, 7609.00.00, 7610.10.00, 7610.90.00, 7615.10.30, 7615.10.71, 7615.10.91, 7615.19.10,

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7615.19.30, 7615.19.50, 7615.19.70, 7615.19.90, 7615.20.00, 7616.99.10, 7616.99.50, 8479.89.98,
8479.90.94, 8513.90.20, 9403.10.00, 9403.20.00, 7604.21.00.00, 7604.29.10.00, 7604.29.30.10,
7604.29.30.50, 7604.29.50.30, 7604.29.50.60, 7608.20.00.30, 7608.20.00.90, 8302.10.30.00,
8302.10.60.30, 8302.10.60.60, 8302.10.60.90, 8302.20.00.00, 8302.30.30.10, 8302.30.30.60,
8302.41.30.00, 8302.41.60.15, 8302.41.60.45, 8302.41.60.50, 8302.41.60.80, 8302.42.30.10,
8302.42.30.15, 8302.42.30.65, 8302.49.60.35, 8302.49.60.45, 8302.49.60.55, 8302.49.60.85,
8302.50.00.00, 8302.60.90.00, 8305.10.00.50, 8306.30.00.00, 8414.59.60.90, 8415.90.80.45,
8418.99.80.05, 8418.99.80.50, 8418.99.80.60, 8419.90.10.00, 8422.90.06.40, 8473.30.20.00,
8473.30.51.00, 8479.90.85.00, 8486.90.00.00, 8487.90.00.80, 8503.00.95.20, 8508.70.00.00,
8515.90.20.00, 8516.90.50.00, 8516.90.80.50, 8517.70.00.00, 8529.90.73.00, 8529.90.97.60,
8536.90.80.85, 8538.10.00.00, 8543.90.88.80, 8708.29.50.60, 8708.80.65.90, 8803.30.00.60,
9013.90.50.00, 9013.90.90.00, 9401.90.50.81, 9403.90.10.40, 9403.90.10.50, 9403.90.10.85,
9403.90.25.40, 9403.90.25.80, 9403.90.40.05, 9403.90.40.10, 9403.90.40.60, 9403.90.50.05,
9403.90.50.10, 9403.90.50.80, 9403.90.60.05, 9403.90.60.10, 9403.90.60.80, 9403.90.70.05,
9403.90.70.10, 9403.90.70.80, 9403.90.80.10, 9403.90.80.15, 9403.90.80.20, 9403.90.80.41,
9403.90.80.51, 9403.90.80.61, 9506.11.40.80, 9506.51.40.00, 9506.51.60.00, 9506.59.40.40,
9506.70.20.90, 9506.91.00.10, 9506.91.00.20, 9506.91.00.30, 9506.99.05.10, 9506.99.05.20,
9506.99.05.30, 9506.99.15.00, 9506.99.20.00, 9506.99.25.80, 9506.99.28.00, 9506.99.55.00,
9506.99.60.80, 9507.30.20.00, 9507.30.40.00, 9507.30.60.00, 9507.90.60.00, and 9603.90.80.50.
The subject merchandise entered as parts of other aluminum products may be classifiable under the
following additional Chapter 76 subheadings: 7610.10, 7610.90, 7615.19, 7615.20, and 7616.99, as well
as under other HTSUS chapters. In addition, fin evaporator coils may be classifiable under HTSUS
numbers: 8418.99.80.50 and 8418.99.80.60. While HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience
and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of this AD Order is dispositive. 1
The following products are among those that Commerce determined to be within the scope of these
reviews pursuant to certain scope ruling requests:
Fin evaporator coil systems begin with extruded aluminum tubes that are bent into serpentine profiles.
The serpentine then undergoes a series of further manufacturing steps to be processed into a fin
evaporator coil system. Specifically, each serpentine first is run through a process on which a number of
stamped aluminum “fins” (made of aluminum alloy sheet) of multiples sizes are serially attached to the
coil. Following the attachment of the fins, two “stub” fittings made of copper—one smaller, one larger—
are welded to the open ends of the coil. In certain instances, these systems are imported in this
condition; in others, additional componentry, such as “capillaries”, suction tubes, foam “air dams”, or a
defrost heater attachment are added prior to importation.
Fittings for engine cooling systems consist of the following: (1) aluminum fittings for oil coolers; (2)
aluminum fittings for condensers; (3) aluminum fittings for radiators; (4) aluminum plugs for oil coolers;
(5) aluminum mounting pins for oil coolers; and (6) aluminum fasteners for oil coolers. All of these
fittings begin with rough blanks of extruded aluminum. The rough blanks then undergo several complex
processes in numerically controlled CNC machines, which fundamentally change the shape of the blanks.

1

Aluminum Extrusions from the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Expedited First Sunset Review of the
Antidumping duty order, 81 FR 51856, August 5, 2016.

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Purchaser.--Any firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary, in purchasing
aluminum extrusions from another firm that produces, imports, or otherwise distributes aluminum
extrusions.
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 in connection with this
proceeding (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 of your 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.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
I-1.

Page 6

OMB statistics.--Please report 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 different from that listed on the cover page. Firms operating more than one
establishment should combine the data for all establishments into a single report.
“Establishment”--Each facility of a firm involved in the purchase of aluminum extrusions,
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)

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
I-4.

Related SUBJECT importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic
or foreign, that import aluminum extrusions from China into the United States or that export
aluminum extrusions from China to the United States?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

I-5.

Address

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name and country

Address

Affiliation

Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that
produce aluminum extrusions?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name and country

I-7.

Affiliation

Related NONSUBJECT importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either
domestic or foreign, that import aluminum extrusions from countries other than China into the
United States or that export aluminum extrusions from countries other than China to the United
States?
No

I-6.

Page 7

Address

Affiliation

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 aluminum
extrusions?

No

Yes

If yes, please provide these documents. If you are not providing the
requested documents, please explain why not.

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PART II.--PURCHASES
Contact information.-- Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which Commission
staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted in this questionnaire.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
II-1.

Purchases.—Please report the value (in actual dollars) of your firm’s purchases of aluminum
extrusions and other aluminum products in 2015 that were produced in each of the specified
countries.
Fin evaporator coil
systems
Source

Fittings for
engine cooling
systems

All other
aluminum
extrusions

All in-scope
aluminum
extrusions

(Value in dollars)

Aluminum extrusions
produced in:
United States

0

China
All other countries

0

Unknown source(s)

0

All sources
1

0
1

0

0

Please identify these other countries for your firms purchases (if applicable) of:
Fin evaporator coil systems:
Fittings for engine cooling systems:
All other aluminum extrusions:

0

0

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
II-2.

Page 9

Purchases before and after order. -(a)

Did your firm purchase aluminum extrusions from China before 2011?
No--skip to (c)

(b)

Yes

If yes, has your pattern of purchasing aluminum extrusions from China changed since
2011?
No, our pattern of purchasing is essentially unchanged.
Yes, we discontinued purchases from China because of the orders.
Yes, we reduced purchases from China because of the orders.
Yes, but we changed the pattern of purchases from China for reasons other
than the orders (please explain below).

(c)

Has your pattern of purchasing aluminum extrusions from nonsubject foreign sources
(i.e., countries other than China) changed since 2011?
We did not purchase from nonsubject foreign sources before or after the
orders.
No, our pattern of purchasing is essentially unchanged.
Yes, we increased purchases from nonsubject foreign sources because of the
orders.
Yes, but we changed our pattern of purchases from nonsubject foreign sources
for reasons other than the orders (please explain below).

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
II-3.

Page 10

Changes in purchasing patterns.--Please indicate how the shares of your firm’s purchases of
aluminum extrusions from different sources have changed since January 1, 2011.
Source of Did not
purchases purchase Decreased Increased Constant Fluctuated

Explanation for trend

United
States
China
All other
countries
Sources
unknown
II-4.

Purchases from one country only.--If your firm has purchased aluminum extrusions from only
one country, please explain the reasons for doing so.

II-5.

Shipping information.-(a) What is the approximate percentage of the total cost of aluminum extrusions you purchased
that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation and other logistics costs from
the importer to your distribution network or retail store?
the U.S. producer to your distribution network or retail store?

percent.
percent.

(b) If the percentages reported above varied since January 2011, please explain.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
II-6.

Page 11

Supplier identification.-- Please list your firm’s FIVE largest suppliers for aluminum extrusions
since January 1, 2011. Also, provide the share of the quantity of your firm’s total purchases of
aluminum extrusions that each of these suppliers accounted for in 2015.

No.

Supplier’s name

City and state

Share of quantity of
2015 purchases

1

%

2

%

3

%

4

%

5

%

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PART III.-- MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES
If your firm’s responses are with respect to fin evaporator coil systems or fittings for engine cooling
systems, please note the question number and the explanation in the narrative response box in Part
VI.
III-1.

Firm type.--Which of the following best describes your firm as a purchaser of aluminum
extrusions (check all that apply)?
End user

Distributor

Other

Describe other

If your firm is a wholesaler/distributor of aluminum extrusions, please answer questions III-2 and III-3.
III-2.

Competition for sales.--Do you compete for sales to your customers with the manufacturers or
importers from which you purchase aluminum extrusions?
No

III-3.

Yes

If yes, please describe.

Types of customers.--What are the major types of consumers to which you sell aluminum
extrusions?

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If your firm is an end user of aluminum extrusions, please answer questions III-4 and III-5.
III-4.

End uses.—
(a)

List the top 3 products you make using aluminum extrusions and estimate the percent
of your total production cost that is accounted for by aluminum extrusions and by 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) your firm
produces

(b)

Aluminum extrusions

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%
across)

Other inputs

% +

%

=

0.0 %

% +

%

=

0.0 %

% +

%

=

0.0 %

Have there been any changes in the end uses of aluminum extrusions since January 1,
2011? Do you anticipate any future changes?

Changes in end uses

No

Yes

Explain

Changes since
January 1, 2011
Anticipated changes
(c)
Does your firm further process aluminum extrusions into fin evaporator coil systems or
fittings for engine cooling systems? If yes, please provide the quantity of those products
produced by your firm in the table below.
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar year
Item
Production of:
Fin evaporator coil
systems
Fittings for engine
cooling systems

2011

2012

2013

January-September
2014

2015

2015

2016

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
III-5.

Demand for end use products.-(a)

Has the demand for your firm’s final products incorporating aluminum extrusions
changed since January 1, 2011?
Increased

(b)

No change

Decreased

Fluctuated

Has this had any effect on your firm’s demand for aluminum extrusions?
No

III-6.

Page 14

Yes

Explain

Substitutes.—
(a)

Can other products be substituted for aluminum extrusions?
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 aluminum extrusions?
No Yes

Explanation

1.
2.
3.
(b)

Have there been any changes in the number or types of products that can be
substituted for aluminum extrusions since January 1, 2011? Do you anticipate any
future changes?

Changes in substitutes No Yes

Explain

Changes since January
1, 2011
Anticipated changes

III-7.

Finishing.—Would you purchase unfinished aluminum extrusions if finished extrusions were not
available?

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
Do not
purchase
finished
extrusions

No
(Please
explain)

Yes
(Please
explain)

Other
(Please
explain)

Page 15
Explanation

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
III-8.

Page 16

Demand trends.-- Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for aluminum extrusions has changed since January 1, 2011, 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.

Overall
increase

Market

No
change

Overall
decrease

Fluctuate
with no
clear trend

Explanation and factors

Demand since January 1, 2011
Within the
United
States
Outside
the United
States
Anticipated future demand
Within the
United
States
Outside
the United
States
III-9.

Country preferences.--Do you or your customers ever specifically order aluminum extrusions
from one country in particular over other possible sources of supply?
No

Yes

If yes, identify the countries and explain.

III-10. 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 aluminum extrusions supply
(including production capacity and capacity utilization) and demand in (1) the United States, (2)
each of the other major producing/consuming countries, including China, and (3) the world as a
whole. Of particular interest is such data from 2011 to the present and forecasts for the future.

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III-11. Importance of purchasing domestic product.--Please fill out the table below, estimating the
percentage of your firm’s total 2015 purchases of aluminum extrusions that required aluminum
extrusions produced in the United States.

Purchases that did not require domestic product
Purchases that were required by law or regulation to be domestic
product (e.g., government purchases under “Buy American” provisions)
Purchases that were not required by law or regulation, but were
required by your customers to be domestic product
Purchases that were required to be domestic product for other reasons
(explain:
)
Total (should sum to 100.0%)

Estimated percentage of
your firm’s total 2015
purchases of aluminum
extrusions
%
%
%
%
0.0 %

III-12. Conditions of competition.-(a) Is the aluminum extrusions market subject to business cycles (other than general economywide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to aluminum extrusions?
Check all that apply.

Please describe.

No

Skip to question III-12.

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
aluminum extrusions since January 1, 2011?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

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III-13. Decisions based on producer and country-of-origin.--How often does your firm, and if you
know, do your customers, make purchasing decisions involving aluminum extrusions based on
its producer or country of origin?
Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

If at least sometimes, explain.

Decision based on producer
Your firm
Your
customers
Decision based on country of origin
Your firm
Your
customers
III-14. Availability of supply.--Has the availability of aluminum extrusions in the U.S. market changed
since January 1, 2011? Do you anticipate any future changes?
Availability in the U.S.
market

Please explain, noting the countries and reasons for the
No Yes changes.

Changes since January 1, 2011:
U.S.-produced product
Subject imports
Nonsubject imports
Anticipated changes:
U.S.-produced product
Subject imports
Nonsubject imports
III-15. Supply constraints.--Has any firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply your firm with
aluminum extrusions since January 1, 2011 (examples include placing customers on allocation or
“controlled order entry,” declining to accept new customers or renew existing customers,
delivering less than the quantity promised, been unable to meet timely shipment commitments,
etc.)?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe.

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III-16. Availability of merchandise.--Are certain grades/types/sizes of aluminum extrusions only
available from certain country sources?
No

Yes

If yes, please identify the countries and the grade/type/size.

III-17. Purchasing frequency.-(a)

How frequently do you make purchases of aluminum extrusions (check one)?
Daily

(b)

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

Annually

Other

If other, specify

Do you expect this purchasing frequency to change in the next two years?
No

Yes

If yes, explain.

III-18. Number of suppliers contacted.--How many suppliers do you generally contact before making a
purchase? Between
and
firms.
III-19. Supplier negotiations.--Do your purchases of aluminum extrusions usually involve negotiations
between supplier and purchaser?

No

Yes

If yes, explain the factors you generally negotiate and note whether
your firm quotes competing prices during negotiations.

III-20. Change in suppliers.-- Has your firm changed suppliers since January 1, 2011?

No

Yes

If yes, please list the supplier(s), whether the firm was added or
dropped, and the reasons for the change.

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III-21. New suppliers.-(a)

Are you aware of any new suppliers, either foreign or domestic, that have entered the
market since January 1, 2011?
No

(b)

Yes

If yes, please identify the firms.

Do you expect new aluminum extrusions suppliers to enter the U.S. market?
No

Yes

If yes, please explain.

III-22. Supplier qualification.--Do you require your suppliers to be or to become certified or qualified
to sell aluminum extrusions to your firm?
If yes, provide the following information.
• The number of days to qualify a new supplier.
• A general description of the certification or qualification process. Also, a brief
description of the factors that you consider when qualifying a new supplier (e.g., quality
of product, reliability of supplier, etc.).

No

Yes

Number
of days Process and factors

III-23. Failure to certify.--Since January 1, 2011, have any domestic or foreign producers failed in their
attempts to certify or qualify their aluminum extrusions with your firm or have any producers
lost their approved status?

No

Yes

If yes, please identify these firms, the countries where they are located, and
the reasons why they failed the certification/qualification.

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III-24. Major purchasing factors.-- Please list, in order of their importance, the three major factors
your firm considers in deciding from whom to purchase aluminum extrusions (examples include
availability, extension of credit, contracts, price, quality, range of supplier’s product line,
traditional supplier, etc.).
1.
2.
3.
Please list any other factors that are very important in your purchase decisions:
III-25. Purchasing factors.--Please rate the importance of the following factors in your firm’s
purchasing decisions for aluminum extrusions.

Factor
Availability
Delivery terms
Delivery time
Discounts offered
Distribution services
Extension of credit
Finishing/ anodization quality
Manufacturing capabilities (i.e., size
range)
Minimum quantity requirements
Packaging
Price
Product consistency
Product range
Quality exceeds industry standards
Quality meets industry standards
Reliability of supply
Technical support/service
U.S. transportation costs

Very
important

Somewhat
important

Not
important

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III-26. Quality characteristics.--What characteristics does your firm consider when determining the
quality of aluminum extrusions?

III-27. Minimum quality.--How often do aluminum extrusions from the following countries meet
minimum quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses?

Source

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely or
never

Don’t
know

United States
China
Other:

III-28. Change in price.-(a)

Since January 1, 2011, has there been a change in the price of aluminum extrusions? If
so, has the price of U.S.-produced aluminum extrusions changed more or less than the
price of imported aluminum extrusions from China?
No change in price.
Prices have changed by the same amount.
Price of U.S.-produced aluminum extrusions has changed relative to the
price of aluminum extrusions from China.

(b)

If the price of U.S.-produced aluminum extrusions has changed relative to the price of
aluminum extrusions from China, the price of U.S.-produced aluminum extrusions is
now relatively
Higher

Lower
than those from China.

III-29. Frequency of decisions based on price.--How often does your firm purchase the aluminum
extrusions that is offered at the lowest price?
Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

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III-30. Choice of product not based on price.--If you purchased aluminum extrusions from one source
although a comparable product was available from another country source at a lower price,
please explain your reasons for doing so (please specify by country).

III-31. Price leaders.--A price leader is defined as (1) one or more firms that initiate a price change,
either upward or downward, that is followed by other firms, or (2) one or more firms that have a
significant impact on prices. A price leader is not necessarily the lowest-priced supplier.
Please list the names of any firms you considered price leaders in the aluminum extrusions
market since January 1, 2011.
Firm(s)

Describe how the firm(s) exhibited price leadership

III-32. Changes in U.S. industry.-(a)

Please identify and discuss any improvements/changes in the U.S. aluminum extrusions
industry since January 1, 2011 and explain the factors, including the order(s) under
review, that were responsible for each improvement/change.

(b)

Please discuss any improvements/changes that you anticipate in the future in the U.S.
aluminum extrusions industry. Identify the time period and causes for these
improvements/changes.

III-33. Effect of revocation.--What do you think will be the likely effects of any revocation of the
antidumping and countervailing duty orders for imports of aluminum extrusions from China? As
appropriate, please discuss any potential effects of revocation of the antidumping and
countervailing duty orders on (1) the future activities of your firm and (2) the U.S. market as a
whole. Please note the future time period to which you are referring.
Activities of your firm
Entire U.S. market

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PART IV.--PRODUCT COMPARISIONS
IV-1.

Country knowledge.--Please indicate the countries of origin for aluminum extrusions for which
your firm has actual marketing/pricing knowledge.
United
States

IV-2.

China

Other
countries

Other countries (specify)

Interchangeability.--Are aluminum extrusions 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 aluminum extrusions that is sometimes or never
interchangeable, identify the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or
preclude interchangeable use:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
IV-3.

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Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between aluminum extrusions
produced in the United States and in other countries a significant factor in your firm’s purchases
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 aluminum extrusions, identify the
country-pair and report the advantages or disadvantages imparted by such
factors:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
IV-7.

Page 26

Factor country comparisons.--For the factors listed below, please rate how aluminum
extrusions produced in each country you identified in your response to the first question in Part
IV compares with aluminum extrusions produced in each of the other countries you identified.

If you are unfamiliar with the product from a particular country, please leave the boxes for those
country comparisons blank.

Inferior

Comparable

Product from
China compared to
product from
Nonsubject
countries

Superior

Inferior

Comparable

Product from
United States
compared to
product from
Nonsubject
countries

Superior

Inferior

Comparable

Factor

Superior

Product from
United States
compared to
product from
China

Availability
Delivery terms
Delivery time
Discounts offered
Distribution services
Extension of credit
Finishing/ anodization quality
Manufacturing capabilities (i.e., size
range)
Minimum quantity requirements
Packaging
Price1
Product consistency
Product range
Quality exceeds industry standards
Quality meets industry standards
Reliability of supply
Technical support/service
U.S. transportation costs1
1

A rating of superior on price and U.S. transportation costs indicates that the first country generally has lower
prices/U.S. transportation costs than the second country.

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PART V.-- ALTERNATIVE PRODUCT INFORMATION
Note.--The alternative product comparison questions in V-1 are being asked in the U.S. producers' and
U.S. purchasers' questionnaire types. If your firm is completing both of these questionnaire
types in relation to this proceeding, please only respond to the alternative product comparison
questions in Part V-1 in only one questionnaire type, in particular, the type that is most relevant
to your firm's role in the market. Data tables should be completed in all relevant questionnaire
types.
V-1.

Comparability of aluminum extrusions and other aluminum products (defined on pages 2-4)-For each of the following indicate whether aluminum extrusions and other aluminum products
are:
F: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them;
M: mostly comparable or similar;
S: somewhat comparable or similar;
N: never or not-at-all comparable or similar; or
0: no familiarity with products.
(a) Physical Characteristics and Uses.-- The differences and similarities in the physical
characteristics and end uses between aluminum extrusions and other aluminum products.
Product-pair

Fin evaporator coil systems

Fittings for engine cooling systems

All other aluminum
extrusions
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of
their physical characteristics and uses:

(b) Interchangeability.-- The ability to substitute aluminum extrusions and other aluminum
products in the same application.
Product-pair

Fin evaporator coil systems

Fittings for engine cooling systems

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

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
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Comparability of aluminum extrusions and other aluminum products.--Continued
(c) Manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees.-- Whether
aluminum extrusions and other aluminum products are manufactured in the same
facilities, from the same inputs, on the same machinery and equipment, and using the
same employees.
Product-pair

Fin evaporator coil systems

Fittings for engine cooling systems

All other aluminum
extrusions
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of
their manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees:

(d) Channels of distribution.-- Channels of distribution/market situation through which
aluminum extrusions and other aluminum products are sold (i.e., sold direct to end users,
through wholesaler/distributors, etc.).
Product-pair

Fin evaporator coil systems

Fittings for engine cooling systems

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

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - aluminum extrusions
V-1.

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Comparability of aluminum extrusions and other aluminum products.--Continued
(e) Customer and producer perceptions.-- Perceptions as to the differences and/or similarities
in aluminum extrusions and other aluminum products in the market (e.g., sales/marketing
practices).
Product-pair

Fin evaporator coil systems

Fittings for engine cooling systems

All other aluminum
extrusions
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 aluminum extrusions and
other aluminum products.

Product-pair

Fin evaporator coil systems

Fittings for engine cooling systems

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

Business Proprietary
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PART VI. – FURTHER INFORMATION
VI-1.

Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question that did
not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the explanation in
the space provided below.

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Page 31

HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website
at: http://wwwadmin.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/aluminum_extrusions_chin
a/full_review.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: ALUM

• 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 purchase 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.