17-2-3750 US importers' questoinnaire

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

US importers--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. 17-2-3754; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020

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U.S. IMPORTERS’ 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 imported biodiesel (as defined on next page) from any country 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. Importers’ 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.
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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

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 (Final)
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 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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
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 (Final)
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

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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U.S. Importers’ 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 Calvin Chang, Investigator
([email protected], 202-205-3062) or 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 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 (Final)
II-3a.

Page 8

Arranged imports.--Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of biodiesel for
delivery after June 30, 2017?
“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

Jul-Sept 2017

Oct-Dec 2017

Jan-Mar 2018

Apr-Jun 2018

Argentina
Indonesia
Canada
Other sources
II-3b.

Imports in the 12 month period preceding the petition.--Has your firm imported biodiesel from
any source between March 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017? (i.e., the last ten months in 2016
and first two months in 2017 combined)
No

Yes-Report the quantity of such import below by source.
Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)
Source

March 2016 through February 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

If no, please describe.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
II-6.

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

Yes

II-7.

Page 9

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

Impact of state regulations.--Please describe how state regulations impact the participation of
subject imports from Indonesia and Argentina in their markets.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 10

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 (Final)
II-8a.

Page 11

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

2014

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)
Value (O)
Internal consumption:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (P)
Value4 (Q)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity in 1,000 gallons (R)
Value4 (S)
Export shipments:5
Quantity (T)
Value (U)
End-of-period inventories (quantity) (V)
Table continued on next page. Footnotes on next page.

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

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

Page 12

U.S. imports from Argentina.–Continued
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 (W)
To independent blenders/ distributors (X)
To retail locations (Y) Quantity
To other entities (Z)6 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
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:
.
5
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
6
Please describe the type of firms included in this category:
.

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

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
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

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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

Page 13

U.S. imports by RIN type: Argentina.--Report your firm’s U.S. imports of biodiesel (in 1,000
gallons) from Argentina by type qualifying of 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.

Argentina

Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)
U.S. imports by qualifying RIN type:
D4: Biomass-based biodiesel (AA)
D6: Renewable fuel biodiesel (AB)
Biodiesel without RIN (AC)
Total in-scope imports (AD)

RECONCILIATION OF IMPORTS-- Please ensure that the quantities reported for imports of biodiesel in this
this part (i.e., lines AA through AC) in each time period equal the quantity reported for imports in part "a'
of this question (i.e., line B) 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
AA + AB + AC – B = should equal zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2014

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
II-8c.

Page 14

U.S. imports by cloud point: Argentina.--Report the average cloud point of your firm’s U.S.
imports of biodiesel from Argentina in 2016 by feedstock.

Argentina
Calendar year 2016
Average cloud
point
(degrees Celsius)

U.S. imports
(1,000 gallons)

Item
U.S. imports of biodiesel:
made from Soybean oil feedstocks (AE)
made from Palm oil feedstocks (AF)
made from Canola (rapeseed) oil feedstocks (AG)
made from Tallow feedstocks (AH)
made from Lard feedstocks (AI)
made from Used cooking oil feedstocks (AJ)
made from Other feedstocks1 (AK)
Total (AL)
1

Identify your other feedstocks:

RECONCILIATION OF IMPORTS-- Please ensure that the quantities reported for imports of biodiesel in this
this part (i.e., lines AE through AK) in 2016 equals the quantity reported for imports in part "a' of this
question (i.e., line B) in 2016. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the
data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar year 2016

Reconciliation
AE + AG + AG + AH + AI + AJ + AK – B = should equal zero ("0"),
if not revise.

Average cloud
point
(degrees Celsius)

U.S. imports
(1,000 gallons)
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 15

Monthly U.S. imports.--Report your firm’s U.S. imports of biodiesel (in 1,000 gallons) from
Argentina by month and supplier.

II-8d.

Argentina
LDC Argentina S.A.
Year / month

Vicentin S.A.I.C.

All others

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)

2016:
October
November
December
2017:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
Provide the estimated time between the contract for importation and when the biodiesel is imported (if this
has change over time or among producers, please explain):

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
II-9a.

Page 16

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

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

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II-9a.

Page 17

U.S. imports from Indonesia.–Continued
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

2014

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

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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

0
.

2014

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
II-9b.

Page 18

U.S. imports by RIN type: Indonesia.--Report your firm’s U.S. imports of biodiesel (in 1,000
gallons) from Indonesia by type qualifying of 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.

Indonesia

Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)
U.S. imports by qualifying RIN type:
D4: Biomass-based biodiesel (AA)
D6: Renewable fuel biodiesel (AB)
Biodiesel without RIN (AC)
Total in-scope imports (AD)

2014

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
II-9c.

Page 19

U.S. imports by cloud point: Indonesia.--Report the average cloud point of your firm’s U.S.
imports of biodiesel from Indonesia in 2016 by feedstock.

Indonesia
Calendar year 2016
Average cloud
point
(degrees Celsius)

U.S. imports
(1,000 gallons)

Identify your other feedstocks:

Reconciliation
AE + AG + AG + AH + AI + AJ + AK – B = should equal zero ("0"),
if not revise.

Average cloud
point
(degrees Celsius)

U.S. imports
(1,000 gallons)
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 20

Monthly U.S. imports.--Report your firm’s U.S. imports of biodiesel (in 1,000 gallons) from
Indonesia by month and supplier.

II-9d.

Indonesia
P.T. Musim Mas
Year / month

Wilmar International
Ltd.

All others

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 21

II-10a. 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

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 22

II-10a. U.S. imports from Canada.–Continued
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

2014

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

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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

0
.

2014

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 23

II-10b. U.S. imports by RIN type: Canada.--Report your firm’s U.S. imports of biodiesel (in 1,000
gallons) from Canada by type qualifying of 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.

Canada

Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)
U.S. imports by qualifying RIN type:
D4: Biomass-based biodiesel (AA)
D6: Renewable fuel biodiesel (AB)
Biodiesel without RIN (AC)
Total in-scope imports (B)

2014

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 24

II-10c. U.S. imports by cloud point: Canada.--Report the average cloud point of your firm’s U.S.
imports of biodiesel from Canada in 2016 by feedstock.

Canada
Calendar year 2016
Average cloud
point
(degrees Celsius)

U.S. imports
(1,000 gallons)

Identify your other feedstocks:

Reconciliation
AE + AG + AG + AH + AI + AJ + AK – B = should equal zero ("0"),
if not revise.

Average cloud
point
(degrees Celsius)

U.S. imports
(1,000 gallons)
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 25

II-11a. 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

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 26

II-11a. U.S. imports from all other sources.–Continued
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

2014

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

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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

0
.

2014

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 27

II-11b. U.S. imports by RIN type: All other sources.--Report your firm’s U.S. imports of biodiesel (in
1,000 gallons) from all other sources by type qualifying of 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.

All other sources

Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January to June
2016

2016

2017

Quantity (in 1,000 gallons)
U.S. imports by qualifying RIN type:
D4: Biomass-based biodiesel (AA)
D6: Renewable fuel biodiesel (AB)
Biodiesel without RIN (AC)
Total in-scope imports (AD)

2014

2015
0

January to June
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 28

II-11c. U.S. imports by cloud point: All other sources.--Report the average cloud point of your firm’s
U.S. imports of biodiesel from all other sources in 2016 by feedstock.

All other sources
Calendar year 2016
Average cloud
point
(degrees Celsius)

U.S. imports
(1,000 gallons)

Identify your other feedstocks:

Reconciliation
AE + AG + AG + AH + AI + AJ + AK – B = should equal zero ("0"),
if not revise.

Average cloud
point
(degrees Celsius)

U.S. imports
(1,000 gallons)
0

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

Page 29

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.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 30

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

PRICE DATA
III-2.

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.—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.
III-2a. During January 2014-June 2017, 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 (Final)

Page 31

III-2b. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 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-3.

Argentina
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 III.
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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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 32

III-2b. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported from
Argentina and sold by your firm.

Argentina

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

(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 III.
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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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 33

III-2b. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported from
Argentina and sold by your firm.

Argentina

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

(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 III.
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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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 34

III-2b. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported from
Argentina and sold by your firm.

Argentina

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

(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 III.
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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
III-2c.

Page 35

Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 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-3.

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

(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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
III-2c.

Page 36

Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported from
Indonesia and sold by your firm.

Indonesia

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

(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 III.
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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
III-2c.

Page 37

Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported from
Indonesia and sold by your firm.

Indonesia

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

(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 III.
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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
III-2c.

Page 38

Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported from
Indonesia and sold by your firm.

Indonesia

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

(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 III.
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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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 39

III-2d. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 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-3.

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

(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

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 40

III-2d. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported from Canada
and sold by your firm.

Canada

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

(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 III.
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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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 41

III-2d. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported from Canada
and sold by your firm.

Canada

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

(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 III.
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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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 42

III-2d. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported from Canada
and sold by your firm.

Canada

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

(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 III.
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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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
III-2e.

Page 43

Price data checklist.--Please check that the pricing data in question IV-2(b-d) 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-8a, II-9a, and/or
II-10a in each year?
III-2f.

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.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
III-3.

Page 44

Imports for own use. –During January 2014-June 2017, 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-4.

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-3a. 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).

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

LDP value

LDP value (i.e., landed duty-paid values) represents 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 the U.S. port of entry after clearing Customs.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product,
provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 45

III-3b. 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
2017:
January-March
April-June

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

LDP value

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
III-3c.

Page 46

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
2017:
January-March
April-June

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

LDP value

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Page 47

III-3d. 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-3a, 3b, and/or 3c), 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
(percent)

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-3a, 3b, and/or 3c), 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
of purchasing from a U.S. importer.
percent of landed duty-paid value.
(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 (Final)
III-4.

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-5.

Based on
published
price index

Set price
lists

Contracts

Other

If other, describe

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

Quantity
discounts

III-6.

Page 48

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

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
III-7.

Page 49

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):

III-8.

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 (Final)
III-9.

Page 50

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 published 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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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)
III-9.

Page 51

Contract provisions.—Continued

c. Please describe how your firm negotiated contracts in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 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
III-10. 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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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

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III-11. Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales of biodiesel imported from Argentina and/or
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?
Argentina
Lead time
(average number
of days)

Share of 2016
sales

Source

Indonesia
Share of 2016
sales

From your firm’s U.S. inventory

From foreign manufacturers’ inventory

Produced to order

0.0 %

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

Lead time
(average number
of days)

III-12. 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/or Indonesia that are delivered the following distances from your firm’s
U.S. point of shipment.
Share
Distance from your firm’s U.S. point of
shipment

Argentina

Indonesia

Within 100 miles

101 to 1,000 miles

Over 1,000 miles

0.0 %

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

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III-13. Geographical shipments.-- Please estimate the share of your firm’s 2016 commercial sales of
biodiesel imported biodiesel from Argentina and/or Indonesia in the following regions.
Argentina
Geographic area

Indonesia

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.

0.0 %

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

III-14. 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

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

Biodiesel

Other inputs

On-road transportation fuel

0.0 %

Other fuel

0.0 %

Heating oil

0.0 %

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 54

III-15. 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-16. 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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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 55

III-17. 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.

III-18. 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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 56

III-19. 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.

Please describe.

Skip to question III-17.

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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 57

III-20. 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-21. 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-22. 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:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 58

III-23. 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:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 59

III-24. 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

City

State

Share of 2016
sales (%)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 60

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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Biodiesel (Final)

Page 61

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 Calvin Chang, Investigator ([email protected],
202-205-3062) and 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 did not import this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned copy to
the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, it is required to serve a copy of the
completed questionnaire on parties to the proceeding that are subject to administrative protective
order (see 19 CFR § 207.7). A list of such parties may be obtained from the Commission’s Secretary (202205-1803). A certificate of service must accompany the completed questionnaire you submit (see 19 CFR
§ 207.7). Service of the questionnaire must be made in paper form.

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