17-2-3658 U.S. Importers' Questionnaire

OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 17-2-3658; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
BIODIESEL FROM ARGENTINA AND INDONESIA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by APRIL 6, 2017
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 investigations concerning biodiesel from Argentina and
Indonesia (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-571-572 and 731-TA-1347-1348 (Preliminary)). The information requested in the
questionnaire is requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure to
reply as directed can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records or information in your
firm’s possession (19 U.S.C. § 1333(a)).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

Website
Has your firm imported biodiesel (as defined on next page) from any country at any time since January 1, 2014?

NO

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

YES

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

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

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background. --This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on March 23, 2017, by
National Biodiesel Board Fair Trade Coalition (Washington, DC) and its individual members.
Countervailing and/or antidumping duties may be assessed on the subject imports as a result of these
proceedings if the Commission makes an affirmative determination of injury, threat, or material
retardation, and if the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) makes an affirmative
determination of subsidization and/or dumping. Questionnaires and other information pertinent to this
proceeding are available at
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2017/biodiesel_argentina_and_indonesia/preliminary.htm
Biodiesel covered by these investigations is a fuel comprised of monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty
acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, including waste oils or greases, and other biologically
based oil or fat sources. This includes biodiesel in pure form (“B100”) as well as fuel mixtures containing
at least 99 percent biodiesel by volume (“B99”). For fuel mixtures containing less than 99 percent
biodiesel by volume, only the biodiesel component of the mixture is covered by the scope of the
petitions. 1
Biodiesel covered by these investigations is currently imported primarily under subheadings 3826.00.10
and 3826.00.30 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The HTSUS provisions
are for convenience and customs purposes.
Importer.--Any person or firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary, in
importing biodiesel (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.
Biodiesel is generally produced to American Society for Testing and Materials International (“ASTM”) D6751
specifications, but it can also be made to other specifications. Biodiesel commonly has one of the following
Chemical Abstracts Service (“CAS”) numbers, generally depending upon the feedstock used: 67784-80-9 (soybean
oil methyl esters); 91051-34- 2 (palm oil methyl esters); 91051-32-0 (palm kernel oil methyl esters); 73891-99-3
(rapeseed oil methyl esters); 61788-61-2 (tallow methyl esters); 68990-52-3 (vegetable oil methyl esters); 12982816-6 (canola oil methyl esters); 67762-26-9 (unsaturated alkylcarboxylic acid methyl ester); or 68937-84-8 (fatty
acids, Cl2-C18, methyl ester).
1

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Page 3

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.
Valid number error messages.--If you are completing this form in a country that uses periods (“.”) to
delineate multiples of 1000 (e.g., one million would appear as $1.000.000 rather than $1,000,000), you
may be unable to enter in numbers greater than 999 in numeric form fields. The solution to this data
entry issue is to temporarily change your operating system’s number formatting to be consistent with
the U.S. number formatting system while you complete this form. Detailed instructions on how to
resolve this issue is provided at the end of this questionnaire and is available upon request from Calvin
Chang, Investigator (202-205-3062, [email protected]).
I-1.

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

Dollars

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

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
I-3.

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

Firm name

I-4.

Page 4

Yes--List the following information

Address

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

Related importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia into the United
States or that are engaged in exporting biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia to the United
States?
No
Firm name

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
I-5.

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

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

I-6.

Country

Affiliation

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

I-7.

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 biodiesel 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 - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
I-8.

Page 6

FTZ, TIB, or bonded warehouses.--Please indicate whether your firm enters biodiesel into, or
withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses. Also indicate
whether your firm imports biodiesel 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).
Item

No

Yes

Foreign trade zones
Bonded warehouses
Temporary importation under bond

I-9.

Other trade actions.--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

If yes, please describe.

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PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Calvin Chang, Investigator
(202-205-3062, [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 biodiesel since January 1, 2014.
(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)

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-3.

Page 8

Arranged imports.--Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of biodiesel for
delivery after December 31, 2016?
“Arranged imports” are imports for which your firm has placed an order with a foreign supplier
for subject merchandise, but delivery of those imports is not scheduled to occur until after the
date listed above.
No

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

Period/Source

Jan-Mar 2017

Apr-Jun 2017

Jul-Sept 2017

Oct-Dec 2017

Argentina
Indonesia
Canada
Other sources
II-4.

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

II-5.

Type of imports.--Were 100 percent of your firm's imports of biodiesel B100?
Yes

No

If no, please describe.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-6a.

Page 9

B99 blending operations.--Since January 1, 2014, has your firm blended its own importation of
biodiesel with other non-biodiesel fuels to create B99 in the United States?

No

Yes

If yes—Please describe the nature of extent of the following items in relation
to just your firm's B99 blending operations only in the United States.
Capital investments
Technical expertise
Value added
Employment
Quantity, type and source
of parts
Costs and activities

II-6b.

B99 blending operations' complexity and importance.--On a scale of 1 to 5, please provide your
firm's subjective opinion as to the complexity, intensity, and importance of B99 blending
operations (excluding the tax implications) as they relate to your firm's overall biodiesel
operations. 1 being minimally complex, intense or important. 5 being extremely complex,
intense, and important.

1:
Minimally complex,
intense, and
important

2

3

Please describe the reason for your rating

4

5:
Extremely complex,
intense, and
important

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-6c.

Page 10

All other blending operations.--Since January 1, 2014, has your firm blended its own
importation of biodiesel with other non-biodiesels fuels to create blends below B99 (e.g., B20,
B5, B2, et cetera)?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe the blends produced

Note.--Use of your firm's imports of biodiesel to create blends below B99 should be reported as
an "internal consumption" of the imported biodiesel in the subsequent questions.
II-7.

Quantity measurement in records.--Does your firm maintain records of your firm's imports and
shipments of imports in gallons?

Yes

No

If no, please indicate the unit(s) of measurements maintained in
your firm's records AND indicate how you converted your firm's
records into the requested unit of measurement (i.e., gallons) for
purposes of providing quantity data in this questionnaire

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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.
“Independent RIN sales” – Sales of any renewable identification numbers (“RINS”) that were
created by your firm's importation of biodiesel (i.e., this should exclude any resales of purchased
RINS) that were sold independent of any underlying biodiesel either due to separation or reassignment.
“Internal consumption” – Product consumed internally by your firm. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value (less the value that can be measured by the sale of any separated or
re-assigned RINs as those are to be reported separately).
“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.
“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.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-8a.

Page 12

U.S. imports from Argentina.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of biodiesel imported from Argentina by your firm during the specified periods.

Argentina

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)1, value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning-of-period inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:2 3
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
B100 sold with RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (D)
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (E)
Value (F) including value of RINS
B100 sold without RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (G)
Value (H)
B99 sold with RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (I)
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (J)
Value (K) including value of RINS
B99 sold without RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (L)
Value (M)
Independent RIN sales:
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (N)4
Value (O)
Internal consumption:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (P)
Value5 (Q)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (R)
Value5 (S)
Export shipments:6
Quantity (T)
Value (U)
End-of-period inventories (quantity) (V)
Table continued on next page. Footnotes on next page.

2014

2015

2016

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II-8a.

Page 13

U.S. imports from Argentina.–Continued
Quantity (in 1,000 gallons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To petrodiesel producers (W) Quantity
To independent blenders/ distributors (X)
Quantity
To retail locations (Y) Quantity
To other entities (Z)7 Quantity
1

Quantities reported in 1,000 of gallons should represent the volume attributable to biodiesel. So in the case of a B99
blend, the quantities reported should exclude the non-biodiesel material added to the blend. Internal consumption to the
degree this represents use of biodiesel to create lower level blends should reflect just the biodiesel used in the blending
operations.
2
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
3
Please indicate the grade(s) of biodiesel that your firm imports from Argentina (check all that apply):
No. 1-B S15;
No. 1-B S500;
No. 2-B S15;
No. 2-B S100; and/or
Other
4
Please provide the approximate share in 2016 that these independent RINS sales were derived from imports of biodiesel
percent),
from Argentina that your firm reported as (a) commercial U.S. shipments of B99 or B100 sold without RIN (
(b) internal consumption of biodiesel by your firm (
percent), (c) transfers to related firms (
percent), or (d)
export shipments (
percent). These four shares should sum to 100 percent.
5
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value LESS value made from
independent RIN sales. 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:
.
6
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
7
Please describe the type of firms included in this category:
.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-8a.

Page 14

U.S. imports from Argentina.–Continued

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line V) 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, G, I, L, P, R, and T). 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

2014

A + B – D – G –I – L – P – R – T – V = should equal
zero ("0") or provide an explanation.1
1

2015
0

2016
0

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

0
.

RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines W, X, Y , and AA) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S.
shipments (i.e., lines D, G, I, and L) 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
W + X + Y + Z – D – G – I – L = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2014

2015
0

2016
0

0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
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U.S. imports from Indonesia.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of biodiesel imported from Indonesia by your firm during the specified periods.

Indonesia

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)1, value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning-of-period inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:2 3
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
B100 sold with RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (D)
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (E)
Value (F) including value of RINS
B100 sold without RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (G)
Value (H)
B99 sold with RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (I)
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (J)
Value (K) including value of RINS
B99 sold without RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (L)
Value (M)
Independent RIN sales:
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (N)4
Value (O)
Internal consumption:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (P)
Value5 (Q)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (R)
Value5 (S)
Export shipments:6
Quantity (T)
Value (U)
End-of-period inventories (quantity) (V)
Table continued on next page. Footnotes on next page.

2014

2015

2016

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-8b.

Page 16

U.S. imports from Indonesia.–Continued
Quantity (in 1,000 gallons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To petrodiesel producers (W) Quantity
To independent blenders/ distributors (X)
Quantity
To retail locations (Y) Quantity
To other entities (Z)7 Quantity
1

Quantities reported in 1,000 of gallons should represent the volume attributable to biodiesel. So in the case of a B99
blend, the quantities reported should exclude the non-biodiesel material added to the blend. Internal consumption to the
degree this represents use of biodiesel to create lower level blends should reflect just the biodiesel used in the blending
operations.
2
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
3
Please indicate the grade(s) of biodiesel that your firm imports from Indonesia (check all that apply)
No. 1-B S15;
No. 2-B S15;
No. 2-B S100; and/or
Other
No. 1-B S500;
4
Please provide the approximate share in 2016 that these independent RINS sales were derived from imports of biodiesel
percent),
from Indonesia that your firm reported as (a) commercial U.S. shipments of B99 or B100 sold without RIN (
(b) internal consumption of biodiesel by your firm (
percent), (c) transfers to related firms (
percent), or (d)
export shipments (
percent). These four shares should sum to 100 percent.
5
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value LESS value made from
independent RIN sales. 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:
.
6
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
7
Please describe the type of firms included in this category:
.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-8b.

Page 17

U.S. imports from Indonesia.–Continued

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line V) 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, G, I, L, P, R, and T). 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

2014

A + B – D – G –I – L – P – R – T – V = should equal
zero ("0") or provide an explanation.1
1

2015
0

2016
0

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

0
.

RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines W, X, Y , and AA) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S.
shipments (i.e., lines D, G, I, and L) 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
W + X + Y + Z – D – G – I – L = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2014

2015
0

2016
0

0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-9.

Page 18

U.S. imports from Canada.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of biodiesel imported from Canada by your firm during the specified periods.

Canada

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)1, value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning-of-period inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:2 3
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
B100 sold with RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (D)
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (E)
Value (F) including value of RINS
B100 sold without RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (G)
Value (H)
B99 sold with RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (I)
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (J)
Value (K) including value of RINS
B99 sold without RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (L)
Value (M)
Independent RIN sales:
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (N)4
Value (O)
Internal consumption:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (P)
Value5 (Q)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (R)
Value5 (S)
Export shipments:6
Quantity (T)
Value (U)
End-of-period inventories (quantity) (V)
Table continued on next page. Footnotes on next page.

2014

2015

2016

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-9.

Page 19

U.S. imports from Canada.–Continued
Quantity (in 1,000 gallons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To petrodiesel producers (W) Quantity
To independent blenders/ distributors (X)
Quantity
To retail locations (Y) Quantity
To other entities (Z)7 Quantity
1

Quantities reported in 1,000 of gallons should represent the volume attributable to biodiesel. So in the case of a B99
blend, the quantities reported should exclude the non-biodiesel material added to the blend. Internal consumption to the
degree this represents use of biodiesel to create lower level blends should reflect just the biodiesel used in the blending
operations.
2
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
3
Please indicate the grade(s) of biodiesel that your firm imports from Canada (check all that apply):
No. 1-B S15;
No. 2-B S15;
No. 2-B S100; and/or
Other
No. 1-B S500;
4
Please provide the approximate share in 2016 that these independent RINS sales were derived from imports of biodiesel
percent), (b)
from Canada that your firm reported as (a) commercial U.S. shipments of B99 or B100 sold without RIN (
internal consumption of biodiesel by your firm (
percent), (c) transfers to related firms (
percent), or (d) export
shipments (
percent). These four shares should sum to 100 percent.
5
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value LESS value made from
independent RIN sales. 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:
.
6
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
7
Please describe the type of firms included in this category:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-9.

Page 20

U.S. imports from Canada.–Continued

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line V) 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, G, I, L, P, R, and T). 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

2014

A + B – D – G –I – L – P – R – T – V = should equal
zero ("0") or provide an explanation.1
1

2015
0

2016
0

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

0
.

RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines W, X, Y , and AA) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S.
shipments (i.e., lines D, G, I, and L) 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
W + X + Y + Z – D – G – I – L = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2014

2015
0

2016
0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-10.

Page 21

U.S. imports from all other sources.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of biodiesel imported from all other sources by your firm during the specified
periods.

All other sources

(list sources:

)
1

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons) , value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning-of-period inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:2 3
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
B100 sold with RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (D)
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (E)
Value (F) including value of RINS
B100 sold without RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (G)
Value (H)
B99 sold with RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (I)
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (J)
Value (K) including value of RINS
B99 sold without RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (L)
Value (M)
Independent RIN sales:
Numbers of RINS in 1,000s (N)4
Value (O)
Internal consumption:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (P)
Value5 (Q)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (R)
Value5 (S)
Export shipments:6
Quantity (T)
Value (U)
End-of-period inventories (quantity) (V)
Table continued on next page. Footnotes on next page.

2014

2015

2016

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-10.

Page 22

U.S. imports from all other sources.–Continued
Quantity (in 1,000 gallons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years

Item

2014

2015

2016

Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To petrodiesel producers (W) Quantity
To independent blenders/ distributors (X)
Quantity
To retail locations (Y) Quantity
To other entities (Z)7 Quantity
1

Quantities reported in 1,000 of gallons should represent the volume attributable to biodiesel. So in the case of a B99
blend, the quantities reported should exclude the non-biodiesel material added to the blend. Internal consumption to the
degree this represents use of biodiesel to create lower level blends should reflect just the biodiesel used in the blending
operations.
2
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
3
Please indicate the grade(s) of biodiesel that your firm imports from all other sources (check all that apply):
No. 1-B
No. 1-B S500;
No. 2-B S15;
No. 2-B S100; and/or
Other
S15;
4
Please provide the approximate share in 2016 that these independent RINS sales were derived from imports of biodiesel
from all other sources that your firm reported as (a) commercial U.S. shipments of B99 or B100 sold without RIN (
percent), (b) internal consumption of biodiesel by your firm (
percent), (c) transfers to related firms (
percent),
or (d) export shipments (
percent). These four shares should sum to 100 percent.
5
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value LESS value made from
independent RIN sales. 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:
.
6
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
7
Please describe the type of firms included in this category:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-10.

Page 23

U.S. imports from all other sources.–Continued

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line V) 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, G, I, L, P, R, and T). 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

2014

A + B – D – G –I – L – P – R – T – V = should equal
zero ("0") or provide an explanation.1
1

2015
0

2016
0

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

0
.

RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines W, X, Y , and AA) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S.
shipments (i.e., lines D, G, I, and L) 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
W + X + Y + Z – D – G – I – L = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2014

2015
0

2016
0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
II-11.

Page 24

Obligated parties.--Since January 1, 2014, was your firm at any time an obligated party (i.e., a
refiner and/or importer of gasoline or diesel) under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard Program?

No

Yes

If yes—Please describe what operations lead your firm to be designated
an obligated party AND provide data on the value of RINS your firm
retired in each calendar year.

Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

RINS retired from own production:
Quantity (number of RINS in 1,000s)
RINS retired from own importation:
Quantity (number of RINS in 1,000s)
RINS retired from purchases of RINS with biofuel:
Quantity (number of RINS in 1,000s)
RINS retired from purchases of RINS sold
independently of biofuel:
Quantity (number of RINS in 1,000s)
Value ($1,000s)
II-12.

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 - Biodiesel (Preliminary)

Page 25

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Michele Breaux (202-2052781, [email protected]).
III-1.

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

PRICE DATA
III-2.

This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2014 of the following products your firm imported
from Argentina, Indonesia, and Canada:
Product 1.--B100 (pure biodiesel), including RIN value when sold as 1.5 RINs per gallon.
Product 2.--B99 (biodiesel blend containing 99.0% - 99.9% biodiesel), including RIN value when
sold as 1.5 RINs per gallon.
Product 3.--B99 (biodiesel blend containing 99.0% - 99.9% biodiesel), sold without RINs

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 2014-December 2016, did your firm import from Argentina, Indonesia, and/or
Canada and sell to unrelated U.S. customers any of the above listed products (or any products
that were competitive with these products)?
Yes.--Please complete the following pricing data table(s) as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question III-2e.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)

Page 26

III-2a. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
Argentina and sold by your firm. If your firm also imports pricing product 1 (B100) from
Argentina for internal blending, please report purchase cost data in question III-2f.

Argentina
Report data in actual gallons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Period of shipment
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
October-December

3

(Quantity in gallons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 3
Quantity
Value

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.
3
If your establishment usually maintains import and other records in terms of short tons or metric tons, please identify the
conversion factor used to convert the data into gallons:
.
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 - Biodiesel (Preliminary)

Page 27

III-2b. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
Indonesia and sold by your firm. If your firm also imports pricing product 1 (B100) from
Indonesia for internal blending, please report purchase cost data in question III-2g.

Indonesia
Report data in actual gallons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Period of shipment
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
October-December

3

(Quantity in gallons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 3
Quantity
Value

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.
3
If your establishment usually maintains import and other records in terms of short tons or metric tons, please identify the
.
conversion factor used to convert the data into gallons:
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 - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
III-2c.

Page 28

Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from Canada
and sold by your firm. If your firm also imports pricing product 1 (B100) from Canada for
internal blending, please report purchase cost data in question III-2h.

Canada
Report data in actual gallons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Period of shipment
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
October-December

3

(Quantity in gallons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 3
Quantity
Value

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.
3
If your establishment usually maintains import and other records in terms of short tons or metric tons, please identify the
.
conversion factor used to convert the data into gallons:
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:

III-2d. 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 - Biodiesel (Preliminary)

Page 29

III-2e. Imports for own use. –During January 2014-December 2016, did your firm import product 1
from Argentina, Indonesia, and/or Canada for your firm’s own use.
Yes.--Please complete the following pricing data table(s) as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question III-3.
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).
III-2f.

Imports for own use.--Report below the quarterly import data1 for pricing products2 imported
from Argentina and used by your own firm. These are imports that your firm does not resell as
biodiesel.

Argentina
Report data in actual gallons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).

Period of shipment
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
October-December

3

(Quantity in gallons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Quantity

Value

1

LDP value (i.e., landed duty-paid values) represent the cost paid to foreign supplier plus any freight and insurance costs
paid for international transportation as well as all Customs duties and fees. LDP value represents the f.o.b. value of your firm’s
imports at point the U.S. port of entry after clearing Customs.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
3
If your establishment usually maintains import and other records in terms of short tons or metric tons, please identify the
.
conversion factor used to convert the data into gallons:
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 - Biodiesel (Preliminary)

Page 30

III-2g. Imports for own use.--Report below the quarterly import data1 for pricing products2 imported
from Indonesia and used by your own firm. These are imports that your firm does not resell as
biodiesel.

Indonesia
Report data in actual gallons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Period of shipment
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
October-December

3

(Quantity in gallons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Quantity

Value

1

LDP value (i.e., landed duty-paid values) represent the cost paid to foreign supplier plus any freight and insurance costs
paid for international transportation as well as all Customs duties and fees. LDP value represents the f.o.b. value of your firm’s
imports at point the U.S. port of entry after clearing Customs.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
3
If your establishment usually maintains import and other records in terms of short tons or metric tons, please identify the
.
conversion factor used to convert the data into gallons:
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 - Biodiesel (Preliminary)

Page 31

III-2h. Imports for own use.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported
from Canada and used by your own firm. These are imports that your firm does not resell as
biodiesel.

Canada

Report data in actual gallons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Period of shipment
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
October-December

3

(Quantity in gallons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Quantity

Value

1

LDP value (i.e., landed duty-paid values) represent the cost paid to foreign supplier plus any freight and insurance costs
paid for international transportation as well as all Customs duties and fees. LDP value represents the f.o.b. value of your firm’s
imports at point the U.S. port of entry after clearing Customs.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
3
If your establishment usually maintains import and other records in terms of short tons or metric tons, please identify the
conversion factor used to convert the data into gallons:
.
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 - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
III-2i.

Page 32

Additional costs for your direct imports of biodiesel for your firm’s production of downstream
products.

(i) If your firm reported direct import costs above (question III-2f, 2g, and/or 2h), please identify
the factors that add to your cost of importing directly since January 1, 2014, 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
Currency conversion costs
Other

Estimated share of landed
duty paid value

Explanation

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

U.S. producers

Both

Neither

(iii) (A) If your firm reported data above (question III-2f, 2g, and/or 2h), briefly identify the benefits
of directly importing biodiesel instead of purchasing biodiesel from a U.S. importer or from a
U.S. producer.

(B) Please provide the estimated margin saved by having directly imported biodiesel instead
percent of landed duty-paid value.
of purchasing from a U.S. importer.
(C) Explain any variation in the margin saved since January 1, 2014.

(iv) What is the approximate percentage of the total cost of biodiesel you directly imported from
Argentina, Indonesia, and Canada that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation or
other logistics costs from the port of importation to your distribution network or retail
store?
Country

Percent

Argentina

%

Indonesia

%

Canada

%

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
III-3.

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

III-4.

Contracts

Other

If other, describe

Annual
total
volume
discounts

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

Pricing terms.-(a)

What are your firm’s typical sales terms for biodiesel imported from Argentina and
Indonesia?
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 biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia
usually quoted (check one)?
Delivered

III-6.

Based on
published
price index

Set price
lists

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

Quantity
discounts

III-5.

Page 33

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of biodiesel imported from
Argentina and Indonesia in 2016 was on a (1) long-term contract basis, (2) annual contract basis,
(3) short-term contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Share of 2016
sales

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

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

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)

Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)
%

%

0.0

%

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
III-7.

Page 34

Contract provisions.--Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on a
long-term, short-term and/or annual contract basis).
Short-term contracts
(multiple deliveries
for less than 12
months)

Typical sales
contract provisions

Item

Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Prices set on the
basis of a published
price index1

Yes

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes

Fixed quantity
and/or price

Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)

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

365

No

No
Quantity

Meet or release
provision

Price
Both
Yes
No

Not applicable
1

List publish price index:

III-8.

Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales of biodiesel imported from Argentina and
Indonesia 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 biodiesel?

Source

Lead time
(average number
of days)

Share of 2016
sales

From your firm’s U.S. inventory

%

From foreign manufacturers’ inventory

%

Produced to order

%

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0 %

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Preliminary)
III-9.

Page 35

Shipping information.—
(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of biodiesel imported
from Argentina and Indonesia 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 biodiesel imported from Argentina and Indonesia, from where is it
shipped?
Point of importation
Storage facility (check one)

(d)

Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of biodiesel imported from
Argentina and Indonesia that are delivered the following distances from your firm’s U.S.
point of shipment.
Distance from your firm’s U.S. point of shipment

Share

Within 100 miles

%

101 to 1,000 miles

%

Over 1,000 miles

%

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

%

III-10. Geographical shipments.--In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold biodiesel
imported from subject countries since January 1, 2014 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
Northeast.–CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT.
Midwest.–IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, and WI.
Southeast.–AL, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, and WV.
Central Southwest.–AR, LA, OK, and TX.
Mountains.–AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, and WY.
Pacific Coast.–CA, OR, and WA.
Other.–All other markets in the United States not previously listed,
including AK, HI, PR, and VI.

Argentina

Indonesia

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III-11. End uses.--List the end uses of the biodiesel that your firm imports from Argentina and
Indonesia. For each end-use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by
biodiesel and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
End use product

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

Biodiesel

Other inputs

On-road transportation fuel

%

%

0.0 %

Off-road transportation fuel

%

%

0.0 %

Heating oil

%

%

0.0 %

Other:

%

%

0.0 %

III-12. Substitutes.--Can other products be substituted for biodiesel?
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 biodiesel?
No Yes

Explanation

1.
2.
3.
III-13. Demand trends.--Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for biodiesel has changed since January 1, 2014. 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

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III-14. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix or
marketing of biodiesel since January 1, 2014?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe.

III-15. Conditions of competition.—
(a) Is the biodiesel market subject to business cycles (other than general economy-wide
conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to biodiesel?
Check all that apply.

Please describe.

No

Skip to question III-16.

Yes-Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes-Federal tax credits
Yes-State tax credits
Yes-Other distinctive
conditions of competition
(b) If yes, have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition for
biodiesel since January 1, 2014?
Item
Business cycles
Federal tax credits
State tax credits or programs
Other distinctive conditions of
competition

No

Yes

If yes, describe.

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III-16. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply biodiesel since
January 1, 2014 (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-17. Raw materials.--How have biodiesel raw material prices changed since January 1, 2014?
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
biodiesel.

III-18. Interchangeability.--Is biodiesel 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

Argentina

Indonesia

Canada

Other countries

United States
Argentina
Indonesia
Canada
For any country-pair producing biodiesel that is sometimes or never interchangeable, identify
the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:

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III-19. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between biodiesel 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

Argentina

Indonesia

Canada

Other countries

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

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III-20. Customer identification.--List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for biodiesel since January 1, 2014. Indicate the share of the quantity of your firm’s
total shipments of biodiesel that each of these customers accounted for in 2016.

Customer’s name

Contact person

Email

Telephone

City

State

Share of
2016 sales
(%)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

III-21. 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.

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Correcting Valid number error messages.--If you are completing a Commission

questionnaire in a country that uses periods (“.”) to delineate multiples of 1000 (e.g., one million would
appear as $1.000.000 instead of as $1,000,000), you may be unable to enter in numbers greater than
999 in numeric form fields. This issues stem from your computer number formatting setting (e.g., not
the MS Word document itself, but the computer from which you are opening up the document). In the
United States commas (,) delineate multiples of 1000 and periods (.) delineate fractions less than one.
Many EU countries use the reverse where multiples of 1000 are delineated with periods (.) and
fractions less than one are delineated with commas (,). The US International Trade Commission’s
questionnaires are set-up in the United States with the U.S. number formatting. When this formatting
interacts with a computer set to EU number formatting, we believe this may cause this issue.
The solution to this data entry issue is to temporarily change your operating system’s number
formatting to be consistent with the U.S. number formatting system while you complete the
questionnaire.
To temporarily change your computer’s number settings to U.S. settings, please do the following (for
Microsoft Windows Operating system):
•
•
•
•
•

START
Control Panel
Region and Language (under Clock, Language, and Region category)
Format tab
Change the Format from your existing one (e.g. “Italian (Italy)”) to “English (United States)” (see
screen shots below)

When you do this the number “twelve million dollars and thirty five cents” would change from
$12.000.000,35 (Italy format) to $12,000,000.35 (U.S. format), and then there will be no conflict with
the questionnaire. When you finish reporting the data then you can close the questionnaire and switch
back to Italy settings.

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HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2017/biodiesel_argentina_and_indonesia/preliminary.htm
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods noted
below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or cannot use one
of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the Commission for further
instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/

Pin: BIOD

• E-mail.—E-mail the MS Word questionnaire to [email protected] and
[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 dropbox 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 nonencrypted 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.