17-1-3749 US producers' questionnaire

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

US producers--Biodiesel (F)

BIODIESEL FROM ARGENTINA AND INDONESIA (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-571-572 and 731-TA-1347-1348 (Final))

OMB: 3117-0016

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OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 17-1-3753; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
BIODIESEL FROM ARGENTINA AND INDONESIA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by October 3, 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 (Final)). The information requested in the questionnaire is
requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure to reply as directed
can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records or information in your firm’s possession (19
U.S.C. § 1333(a)).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

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

(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. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

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/final.htm
Biodiesel covered by these investigations is a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty
acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, including biologically-based 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.
Reporting of information.--If information is not readily available from your records, provide carefully
prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire (i.e., a producer, importer,
and/or purchaser questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.--The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Verification.--The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.--The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1677f) and section 207.7 of the
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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)

Page 3

Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR § 207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import-injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals. In addition, if your firm is a U.S. producer, the information you
provide on your production and imports of biodiesel and your responses to the questions in Part I of the
producer questionnaire will be provided to the U.S. Department of Commerce, upon its request, for use
in connection with (and only in connection with) its requirement pursuant to section 702(c)(4)/732(c)(4)
of the Act (19 U.S.C. § 1671a(c)(4)/1673a(c)(4)) to make a determination concerning the extent of
industry support for the petition requesting this proceeding. Any information provided to Commerce
will be transmitted under the confidentiality and release guidelines set forth above. Your response to
these questions constitutes your consent that such information be provided to Commerce under the
conditions described above.
I-1a.

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

Dollars

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

I-1b.

TAA information release.--In the event that the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
makes an affirmative final determination in this proceeding, do you consent to the USITC's
release of your contact information (company name, address, contact person, telephone
number, email address) appearing on the front page of this questionnaire to the Departments of
Commerce, Labor, and Agriculture, as applicable, so that your firm and its workers can be made
eligible for benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program?
Yes

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
I-2.

Page 4

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

City, State

Zip (5 digit)

Description

1
2
3
4
5
6
1

I-3.

Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire:

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

Argentina AD
Argentina CVD
Indonesia AD
Indonesia CVD

Support

Oppose

Take no position

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
I-4.

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

Firm name

I-5.

Page 5

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 or Indonesia into the United
States or that are engaged in exporting biodiesel from Argentina or Indonesia to the United
States?
No
Firm name

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
I-6.

Page 6

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

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)

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PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Nathanael Comly,
Investigator ([email protected], 202-205-3174). Supply all data requested on a calendar-year
basis.
II-1.

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

II-2.

Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the production of biodiesel since January 1, 2014.
(check as many as appropriate)
plant openings
plant closings
relocations
expansions
acquisitions
consolidations
prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments
revised labor agreements
other (e.g., technology)

(If checked, please describe; leave blank if not applicable)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
II-3.

Product shifting.—
(i)

Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between biodiesel and other products using
the same equipment and/or labor (not including by-products such as glycerol or ester
bottoms)?
No

(ii)

II-4.

Page 8

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

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

Tolling.--Since January 1, 2014, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of biodiesel?
“Toll agreement”--Agreement between two firms whereby the first firm furnishes the raw
materials and the second firm uses the raw materials to produce a product that it then returns
to the first firm with a charge for processing costs, overhead, etc.

Yes

If yes-- Please describe the toll arrangement(s) and name the firm(s)
involved.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
II-5.

Page 9

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

(a)

“Foreign trade zone” is a designated location in the United States where firms utilize
special procedures that allow delayed or reduced customs duty payments on foreign
merchandise. A foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in the Foreign-Trade Zones Act.

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

(b)

II-6.

Yes

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

Yes

If yes--Identify the firms and the FTZs.

Importer.--Since January 1, 2014, has your firm imported biodiesel?
“Importer” – The person or firm primarily liable for the payment of any duties on the
merchandise, or an authorized agent acting on his behalf. The importer may be the consignee,
or the importer of record.
No

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

II-7

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

Yes

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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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
II-8.

Page 10

Production, shipment, and inventory data.--Report your firm’s production capacity, production,
shipments, and inventories related to the production of biodiesel in its U.S. establishment(s)
during the specified periods.
“Nameplate production capacity” – The level of production that your establishment(s) could
achieve based on the rated or intended full-load sustained (24/7, all year round) output of a
facility. Changes in nameplate capacity should only reflect new invesments or retirment of
productive machinery.
“Average production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods taking
into account normal operating conditions (i.e., using equipment and machinery in place and
ready to operate; normal operating levels (hours per week/weeks per year) and time for
downtime, maintenance, repair, and cleanup; and a typical or representative product mix).
Changes in average production capacity should reflect both new investments, retirement of
productive machinery, and changes in normal operating conditions.
“Production” – All production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
“Commercial U.S. shipments” –Shipments made within the United States as a result of an arm’s
length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net values (i.e., gross
sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment.
“Independent RIN sales” – Sales of any renewable identification numbers (“RINS”) that were
created by your firm’s production 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. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
II-8a.

Page 11

Capacity, production and beginning inventories.
Quantity (in 1,000 gallons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Nameplate capacity (quantity) (A)
Average production capacity2 3 (quantity) (B)
Beginning-of-period inventories (quantity) (C)
Production (quantities in 1,000 gallons):4
Using soybean oil feedstock (D)
Using palm oil feedstock (E)
Using canola (rapeseed) oil feedstock (F)
Using tallow feedstock (G)
Using lard feedstock (H)
Using used cooking oil feedstock (I)
Using other feedstocks (J)5
Total in-scope production (K)
1

The nameplate capacity reported is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year. Please describe the
methodology used to calculate nameplate capacity, and explain any changes in reported nameplate capacity:
.
2
The average production capacity reported is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year. Please
describe the methodology used to calculate the average production capacity, and explain any changes in reported average
production capacity:
.
3
Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s average production capacity and how and why it defers
from reported nameplate capacity (see definitions on the previous page):
.
4
Please indicate the grade(s) of biodiesel that your firm produces (check all that apply):
No. 1-B S15;
No. 1-B S500;
No. 2-B S100; and/or
Other
No. 2-B S15;
5
Indicate the other feedstocks that your firm uses in the production of biodiesel:
.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
II-8b.

Page 12

Shipments and ending inventories
Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)1 and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
B100 sold with RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (L)
Number of RINS in 1,000s (M)
Value (N) including value of RINS
B100 sold without RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (O)
Value (P)
B99 sold with RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (Q)
Number of RINS in 1,000s (R)
Value (S) including value of RINS
B99 sold without RINS:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (T)
Value (U)
Independent RIN sales:
Number of RINS in 1,000s (V)
Value (W)
Internal consumption:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (X)
Value2 (Y)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (Z)
Value2 (AA)
Export shipments:3
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (AB)
Value (AC)
End-of-period inventories (quantity) (AD)
1

Quantities reported in 1,000 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 (less than B99), should reflect just the biodiesel used in the blending
operations.
2
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 transactions, please specify that basis (e.g., cost,
cost plus, etc.) and provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
.
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)

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RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line AD) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line
C), plus production (i.e., lines, D through J), less total shipments (i.e., lines L, O, Q, T, X, Z, and AB). Please
ensure that any differences are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather reflect
your firm’s actual records; and, also provide explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage,
record systems issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2014

C + D + E + F + G + H + I + J – L – O – Q – T –X – Z
– AB – AD = should equal zero ("0") or provide
an explanation.1
1

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

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

II-9.

0
.

Production by RIN type.--Report your firm’s production of biodiesel (in 1,000 gallons) by type of
qualifying RIN. Do not include out-of-scope products such as renewable diesel or corn ethanol
based renewable fuels that qualify for the relevant RIN types.
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)
Production by qualifying RIN type:
D4: Biomass-based biodiesel (AE)
D6: Renewable fuel biodiesel (AF)
Biodiesel without RIN (AG)
Total in-scope production (AH)

RECONCILIATION OF PRODUCTION-- Please ensure that the quantities reported production of biodiesel in
this table (i.e., lines AE through AG) in each time period equal the quantity reported for production in the
earlier question (i.e., lines D through J) 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
AE + AF + AG – D – E – F – G – H – I – J = should
equal zero ("0"), if not revise.

2014

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
II-10.

Page 14

Production by cloud point.--Report the average cloud point of your firm’s production of
biodiesel in 2016 by feedstock it used.
2016
Average cloud point
(degrees Celsius)

Item
Average cloud point for biodiesel produced by the following feedstocks:
Using soybean oil feedstock (AI)
Using palm oil feedstock (AJ)
Using canola (rapeseed) oil feedstock (AK)
Using tallow feedstock (AL)
Using lard feedstock (AM)
Using used cooking oil feedstock (AN)
Using other feedstocks (AO)1
1

Please list the other feedstocks:

II-11.

Channels of distribution.--Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments by channel of
distribution.
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To petrodiesel producers (AP)
To independent blenders/ distributors (AQ)
To retail locations (AR)
To other entities (AS)1
1

Please list the other entities:

RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines AP through AS) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. shipments
(i.e., lines L, O, Q, and T) 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
AP + AQ + AR + AS– L – O – Q – T = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

2014

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
II-12.

Page 15

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
biodiesel and provide an explanation for any trends in these data.
“Production and Related Workers” (PRWs) includes working supervisors and all nonsupervisory
workers (including group leaders and trainees) engaged in fabricating, processing, assembling,
inspecting, receiving, storage, handling, packing, warehousing, shipping, trucking, hauling,
maintenance, repair, janitorial and guard services, product development, auxiliary production
for plant’s own use (e.g., power plant), recordkeeping, and other services closely associated with
the above production operations.
Average number employed may be computed by adding the number of employees, both full
time and part time, for the 12 pay periods ending closest to the 15th of the month and divide
that total by 12.
“Hours worked” includes time paid for sick leave, holidays, and vacation time. Include overtime
hours actually worked; do not convert overtime pay to its equivalent in straight time hours.
“Wages paid” –Total wages paid before deductions of any kind (e.g., withholding taxes, old-age
and unemployment insurance, group insurance, union dues, bonds, etc.). Include wages paid
directly by your firm for overtime, holidays, vacations, and sick leave.
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

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

II-13.

Related firms.--If your firm reported transfers to related firms in question II-8, please indicate
the nature of the relationship between your firm and the related firms (e.g., joint venture,
wholly owned subsidiary), whether the transfers were priced at market value or by a nonmarket formula, whether your firm retained marketing rights to all transfers, and whether the
related firms also processed inputs from sources other than your firm.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
II-14.

Page 16

Purchases.--Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased biodiesel since
January 1, 2014?
“Purchase” – A transaction to buy product from a U.S. corporate entity such as another U.S.
producer, a U.S. distributor, or a U.S. firm that has directly imported the product.
“Direct import” –A transaction to buy from a foreign supplier where your firm is the importer of
record or consignee.
No

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

Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)
1

Purchases from U.S. importers of biodiesel
from:
Argentina
Indonesia
All other sources
Purchases from domestic producers2
Purchases from other sources2
1

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

II-15.

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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)

Page 17

PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to Charles Yost (202-205-3226, [email protected]).
III-1.

III-2.

Accounting system.--Briefly describe your firm’s financial accounting system.
A.

When does your firm’s fiscal year end (month and day)?
If your firm’s fiscal year changed during the data-collection period, explain
below:

Note.--Please note that we are requesting that firms report their financial data
on a calendar year basis.
B.1.

Describe the lowest level of operations (e.g., plant, division, company-wide) for
which financial statements are prepared that include biodiesel:

Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for biodiesel:
Yes
No
How often did your firm (or parent company) prepare financial statements
(including annual reports, 10Ks)? Please check relevant items below.
Audited,
unaudited,
annual reports,
10Ks,
10 Qs,
Monthly,
quarterly,
semi-annually,
annually
Accounting basis:
GAAP,
cash,
tax, or
other comprehensive
basis of accounting (specify)

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

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III-3.

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

III-4.

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

III-5.

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

Share of sales

Biodiesel

%
%
%
%
%

III-6.

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

No--Continue to question III-8.

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III-7a. Inputs from related suppliers.--Please identify the inputs used in the production of biodiesel
that your firm purchases from related suppliers and that are reflected in table III-10a. For
“Share of total COGS” please report this information by relevant input on the basis of calendar
year 2016. For “Input valuation” please describe the basis, as recorded in your company’s own
accounting system, of the purchase cost from the related supplier; e.g., the related supplier’s
actual cost, cost plus, negotiated transfer price to approximate fair market value.
Input

Related supplier

Share of total COGS

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

III-7b. Inputs purchased from related suppliers.--Please confirm that the inputs purchased from
related suppliers, as identified in III-7a, were reported in III-10a (financial results on biodiesel) in
a manner consistent with your firm’s accounting books and records.

Yes

If No.--In the space below, please report the valuation basis of inputs
purchased from related suppliers as reported in table III-10a.

III-8a. By-products.—State how your firm classifies revenues from the recovery or sale of methanol,
glycerin (or glycerol), or other products produced during the course of producing biodiesel:
Co-product, identify:
By-product, identify:

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III-8b. By-product revenues.–If your answer to III-8a is as “by-products,” state how your firm normally
classifies the by-product revenue, and report the revenues associated with the sale or transfer
of such by-products for the three specified calendar years. Report all data in this question with
positive values.
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Value (in $1,000
Classification of revenues from by product sales.-Included in “net sales value”
Reduction of COGS
Included in “all other income”
Other

Total by-product revenue

Please describe "other"
.
Your firm's total by-product revenue reported here will automatically be populated in question III-10a as an offset to total
COGS.
2

Note.--Please ensure that your firm has removed by-product revenue from its normal classification location
in the data reported in question III-10a (next page) so that these by-product revenues which are reported
above (and then used automatically as an offset to COGS) do not get double counted in operating and net
income.
III-9a. Independent RIN sales.–State how your firm typically classifies revenues from the sales of
independent RINs in the normal course of business:
Top line as part of revenue from sales of biodiesel:
In another revenue category (e.g., other income):
III-9b. Federal blenders tax credit (BTC).–State how your firm typically classifies revenues from the
Federal BTC in the normal course of business:
Top line as part of revenue from sales of biodiesel:
In another revenue category (e.g., other income):

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III-10a. Operations on biodiesel.--Report the revenue and related cost information requested below on the biodiesel
operations of your firm’s U.S. establishment(s).1 Do not report resales of purchased products. Note that
internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. Input purchases from
related suppliers should be consistent with and based on information in the firm’s accounting books and
records. Provide data for the three most recently completed calendar years. If your firm was involved in
tolling operations (either as the toller or as the tollee), please contact Charles Yost at (202) 205-3432 before
completing this section of the questionnaire.
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons) and value (in $1,000)
2

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

Net sales values:
Commercial sales
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
Independent RIN sales
Federal blenders tax credit (BTC)
Total net sales values
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Raw materials

Direct labor
Other factory costs
Less: By-Product Revenues
Total COGS
Gross profit or (loss)
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A)
expenses:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total SG&A expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other expenses and income:
Interest expense
All other expense items
All other income items (including tax
credits other than the BTC)
Net income or (loss) before income taxes
Depreciation/amortization included above
1

Include only sales (whether domestic or export) and costs related to your U.S. manufacturing operations.
Less discounts, returns, allowances, and prepaid freight. The quantities and values should approximate the corresponding shipment
quantities and values reported in Part II of this questionnaire.
3
COGS (whether for domestic or export sales) should include costs associated with CS, IC, and Transfers.
2

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III-10b. Financial data reconciliation.--The calculable line items from question III-10a (i.e., total net sales
quantities and values, total COGS, gross profit (or loss), total SG&A, and net income (or loss))
have been calculated from the data submitted in the other line items. Do the calculated fields
return the correct data according to your firm's financial records ignoring non-material
differences that may arise due to rounding?
Yes

No--If the calculated fields do not show the correct data, please double check the
feeder data for data entry errors and revise.
Also, check signs accorded to the post operating income line items; the two
expense line items should report positive numbers (i.e., expenses are
positive and incomes or reversals are negative--instances of the latter
should be rare in those lines) while the income line item also in most
instances should have its value be a positive number (i.e., income is positive,
expenses or reversals are negative).
If after reviewing and potentially revising the feeder data your firm has
provided, the differences between your records and the calculated fields
persist please identify and discuss the differences in the space below.

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III-11. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in the subject product financial results.--For
each annual period for which financial results are reported in question III-10a, please specify all
material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the schedule below, the specific
question III-10a line item where the nonrecurring items are included, a brief description of the
relevant nonrecurring items, and the associated values (in $1,000), as reflected in question III10a; i.e., if an aggregate nonrecurring item has been allocated to question III-10a, only the
allocated value amount included in question III-10a should be reported in the schedule below.
Note: The Commission’s objective here is to gather information only on material (significant)
nonrecurring items which impacted the reported financial results of the subject product in
question III-10a.

Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Nonrecurring item: In this column please
Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the amount of
provide a brief description of each nonrecurring the relevant nonrecurring item reported in table III-10a.
item and indicate the specific line item in table
III-10a where the nonrecurring item is classified.
Value ($1,000)
1.

, classified as

III-12. Classification of identified nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the accounting books and
records of the company.--If non-recurring items were reported in question III-11 above, please
identify where your company recorded these items in your accounting books and records in the
normal course of business; i.e., just as responses to question III-11 identify where these items
are reported in question III-10a.

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III-13. Asset values.--Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long-term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of biodiesel. If your firm does not maintain some or all of
the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for biodiesel in the normal
course of business, please estimate this information based upon a method (such as production,
sales, or costs) that is consistent with relevant cost allocations in question III-10a. Provide data
as of the end of the three most recently completed calendar years.
Note: Total assets should reflect net assets after any accumulated depreciation and allowances
deducted.
Total assets should be allocated to the subject products if these assets are also related to other
products. Please provide a brief explanation if there are any substantial changes in total asset
value during the period; e.g., due to asset write-offs, revaluation, and major purchases.
Value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Total assets (net)
1

III-14.

2014

2015

2016

Describe

Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.--Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for biodiesel. Provide data for the three
most recently completed calendar years.
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

Value (in $1,000

Capital expenditures

Research and development expenses2
1
2

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

2017

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III-15. Data consistency and reconciliation.--Please note the quantities and values reported in
question III-10a should reconcile with the data reported in question II-9 (including export
shipments).
RECONCILIATION OF TRADE VS FINANCIAL DATA.--Please ensure that the quantities and values reported
for total shipments in part II equal the quantities and values reported total net sales in part III of this
questionnaire in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”)
and both are being reported on a calendar basis, please explain the discrepancy below.

Calendar years
Reconciliation

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Quantity: Trade data from question II-7 (lines L,
O, Q, T, X, and AB less financial total net sales
quantity data from question III-10a, = zero ("0").

Value: Trade data from question II-7 (N, P, S, U,
W, Y, and AC ) less financial total net sales value
data (excluding the BTC) from question III-10a, =
zero ("0").

Do these data in question III-10a reconcile with data in question II-8?
Yes

III-16.

If no, please explain.

Active management of biodiesel input costs.--Does your firm actively manage its input costs
(i.e., the price of acquiring vegetable oil esters and/or waste fats and greases) used in the
production of biodiesel?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe.

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If your responses to any of the items in questions III-17, III-18, and III-19 differ by country, please
describe these differences and, as applicable, indicate which country or countries your response refers
to in the relevant form fields.
III-17. Effects of imports on investment.--Since January 1, 2014, has your firm experienced any actual
negative effects on its return on investment or the scale of capital investments as a result of
imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia?
No

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

(please describe)

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III-18. Effects of imports on growth and development.--Since January 1, 2014, has your firm
experienced any actual negative effects on its growth, ability to raise capital, or existing
development and production efforts (including efforts to develop a derivative or more advanced
version of the product) as a result of imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia?
No

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

Lowering of credit rating

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

Other

(please describe)

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III-19. Anticipated effects of imports.--Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia?
No

Yes

If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows:

III-20. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative box, please note the question number and the explanation in
the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your firm had in
providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with the MS Word
questionnaire.

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

Contact information.--Please identify the individual that Commission staff may contact
regarding the confidential information submitted in part IV.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax

PRICE DATA
IV-2.

This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2014 of the following products produced by your
firm.
Product 1.--B100 (pure biodiesel), including RIN value when sold as 1.5 RINs per gallon.
Product 2.--B100 (pure biodiesel), sold without RINs.
Product 3.--B99 (biodiesel blend containing 99.0% - 99.9% biodiesel), including RIN value when
sold as 1.5 RINs per gallon.
Product 4.--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). Please also report the RIN value and any tax credit received
separate from the biofuel value in the following tables. The total value column should reflect the total
invoice value, less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods.
IV-2 (a). During January 2014-June 2017, did your firm produce and sell to unrelated U.S. customers any
of the above listed products (or any products that were competitive with these products)?
Yes.--Please complete the following pricing data table as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question IV-3.

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IV-2(b). Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 produced and sold by
your firm.
Report data in actual gallons (not 1,000s of gallons) and actual dollars (not 1,000s of dollars).

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
2017:
January-March
April-June
1

(Quantity in gallons, value in dollars)
Product 1
2
Quantity
Net fuel value
RIN value
(gallons)
(dollars)
(dollars)

BTC value
(dollars)

Net invoice
3
value (dollars)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Net fuel values should represent net invoice sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, the value of
returned goods, the value of the accompanying RINs, and the value of any unrealized BTC revenue, f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of
shipment.
3
Net invoice values should represent net invoice 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 and is calculated as the sum of the reported net fuel value, RIN
value, and value of the BTC for this product.
2

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:

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(Quantity in gallons, value in dollars)
Product 2
2
Quantity
Net fuel value
RIN value
(gallons)
(dollars)
(dollars)

BTC value
(dollars)

Net invoice
3
value (dollars)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Net fuel values should represent net invoice sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, the value of
returned goods, and the value of any unrealized BTC revenue, f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
3
Net invoice values should represent net invoice 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 and is calculated as the sum of the reported net fuel value and
value of the BTC for this product.
2

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(Quantity in gallons, value in dollars)
Product 3
2
Quantity
Net fuel value
RIN value
(gallons)
(dollars)
(dollars)

BTC value
(dollars)

Net invoice
3
value (dollars)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Net fuel values should represent net invoice sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, the value of
returned goods, and the value of the accompanying RINs, f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
3
Net invoice values should represent net invoice 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 and is calculated as the sum of the reported net fuel value and RIN
value for this product.
2

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(Quantity in gallons, value in dollars)
Product 4
2
Quantity
Net fuel value
RIN value
(gallons)
(dollars)
(dollars)

BTC value
(dollars)

Net invoice
3
value (dollars)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Net fuel values should represent net invoice 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.
3
Net invoice values should represent invoice 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 and is equal to net fuel value for this product.
2

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IV-2 (c). Price data checklist.--Please check that the pricing data in question IV-2(b) has been correctly
reported.
Is the price data reported above:

√ if Yes

In actual gallons (not 1,000 gallons) ?
In actual dollars (not $1,000)?
F.o.b. U.S. point of shipment (i.e., does not include U.S. transport costs)?
Net of all discounts and rebates?
Have returns credited to the quarter in which the sale occurred?
Less than reported commercial shipments in question II-8 in each year?
IV-2 (d). 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. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)
IV-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

IV-4.

Set price
lists

Contracts

Based on
published
price index

Other

If other, describe

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

Quantity
discounts

IV-5.

Page 35

Annual
total
volume
discounts

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

Pricing terms.-(a)

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

(b)

Net 60
days

2/10 net
30 days

Other

Other (specify)

On what basis are your firm’s prices of domestic biodiesel usually quoted (check one)?
Delivered

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

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IV-6.

Page 36

Pricing factors.--Rate and describe the effect of the following factors on your firm’s ability to
price biodiesel.

Factor

Not important

Somewhat important

Very important

Federal and/or state
mandates
Tax incentives (i.e. blender’s
tax credit)
Competition from substitute
products
Competition among U.S.
producers
Competition from subject
imports
Product quality
U.S. inland transportation
costs/logistics
Weather in regional markets
Financial market speculators
Other (please describe):
IV-7.

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

Item
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

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IV-8.

Page 37

Contract provisions.—

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

Item

Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Prices set on the
basis of a published
price index1

Yes

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes

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

Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)

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

365

No
Quantity

Fixed quantity
and/or price

Price
Both
Yes

Meet or release
provision

Not applicable
1

List publish price index:
b. Did your firm negotiate contracts since January 1, 2014 with respect to the blender’s tax credit?
No

Yes. If yes, answer part (c).

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IV-8.

Page 38

Contract provisions.—Continued

c. Please describe how your firm negotiated contracts in 2014, 2015, 2016, and/or 2017 with
respect to the blender’s tax credit.

Year

Please explain how your firm’s contract negotiations implement the
blender’s tax credit.

2014
2015
2016
2017
IV-9.

Price indices.—

a. Does your firm tie prices to published price indices when negotiating sales of biodiesel to your
customers?
Index
No

Yes

If yes, please explain how your firm ties
prices to the index, specifying the discount or
premium applied.

New York Mercantile
Exchange (NYMEX) Ultra
Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD)
Futures
Chicago Board of Trade
(CBOT) Soybean Oil Index
Other (please identify):

b. Since January 1, 2014, has your firm changed the discount or premium to the price indices that
you charge?

Yes

If yes, please explain and estimate the percentage discount or premium
charged.

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IV-10. Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales from inventory and produced to order and what
is the typical lead time between a customer’s order and the date of delivery for your firm’s sales
of its U.S.-produced biodiesel?

Source

Share of 2016
sales

From inventory

Produced to order

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

Lead time (average
number of days)

0.0 %

IV-11. Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of U.S.-produced
biodiesel that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs?
percent

(b)

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

(c)

Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of biodiesel that are delivered
the following distances from its production facility.
Distance from production facility

Within 100 miles

101 to 1,000 miles

Over 1,000 miles

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

IV-12. Geographical shipments.—Please estimate the share of your 2016 commercial sales of U.S.produced biodiesel in the following regions.
Geographic area

Share of 2016 sales

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.

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0 %

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IV-13. End uses.-- 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

Biodiesel

Other inputs

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

On-road transportation fuel

0.0 %

Other fuel

0.0 %

Heating oil

0.0 %

IV-14. 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.
IV-15. 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

Fluctuate
No
Overall
with no
change decrease clear trend

Explanation and factors

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)

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IV-16. Demand by locality. –
(a) Do certain regions demand different types of biodiesel, such as biodiesel made from
soybean oil versus biodiesel made from palm oil?
Geographic area

Yes

Don’t know

Explain

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.
(b) Does this demand by region vary by season?
No

Yes

If yes, identify the regions and seasons and explain.

IV-17. 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 and quantify if possible.

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IV-18. Conditions of competition.-(a) Is the biodiesel market subject to business cycles (other than general economy-wide
conditions) or other conditions of competition distinctive to biodiesel? If yes, describe.
Check all that apply, but do not check
"no" if you check any "yes"
No

Please describe.
Skip to question IV-19.

Yes-Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes-Renewable Fuel
Standard
Yes-State mandates
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
Renewable Fuel Standard
State mandates
Federal tax credits
State tax credits or programs
Other distinctive conditions of
competition

Yes

If yes, describe.

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IV-19. 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.

IV-20. 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.

IV-21. 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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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)

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IV-22. 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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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Biodiesel (Final)

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IV-23. 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
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

City

State

Share of 2016
sales (%)

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IV-24. Competition from imports
(a)

Lost revenue.--Since January 1, 2014: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling
biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia, did your firm:
Item

Yes

Reduce prices
Roll back announced price increases
(b)

Lost sales.--Since January 1, 2014: Did your firm lose sales of biodiesel to imports of this
product from Argentina and Indonesia?
No

Yes

IV-25. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part
IV that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.

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Page 47

HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2017/biodiesel_argentina_and_indonesia/final.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 Nathanael Comly, Investigator
([email protected], 202-205-3174); include a scanned copy of the signed certification page
(page 1). Submitters are strongly encouraged to encrypt nonpublic documents that are electronically
transmitted to the Commission to protect your sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. The
USITC secure drop-box system and the Electronic Document Information System (EDIS) use Federal
Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 cryptographic algorithms to encrypt data in transit.
Submitting your nonpublic documents by a means that does not use these encryption algorithms (such as
by email) may subject your firm’s nonpublic information to unauthorized disclosure during transmission.
If you choose a non-encrypted method of electronic transmission, the Commission warns you that the
risk of such possible unauthorized disclosure is assumed by you and not by the Commission.
If your firm does not produce this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned copy
to the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, it is required to serve a copy of the
completed questionnaire on parties to the proceeding that are subject to administrative protective
order (see 19 CFR § 207.7). A list of such parties may be obtained from the Commission’s Secretary (202205-1803). A certificate of service must accompany the completed questionnaire you submit (see 19 CFR
§ 207.7). Service of the questionnaire must be made in paper form.

File Type	application/pdf
File Title	USITCQUESTIONNAIRE
Subject	Title 7 investigations
Author	Nate Comly
File Modified	2017-09-08
File Created	2017-09-08