18-1-3836 US producers' questionnaire

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

US producer--SS flanges (Final) - Commission

Stainless steel flanges from China and India (701-TA-585-586 and 731-TA-1383-1384)

OMB: 3117-0016

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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
STAINLESS STEEL FLANGES FROM CHINA AND INDIA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by March 5, 2018
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 and antidumping duty investigations concerning stainless steel flanges from China and
India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-585-586 and 731-TA-1383-1384 (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 stainless steel flanges (as defined on next page) at any time since January 1, 2015?

NO

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

YES

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

Return questionnaire via the U.S. International Trade Commission Drop Box by clicking on the
following link: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: SSF)
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

Email address

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on August 16, 2018, by Core
Pipe Products, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois and Maass Flange Corporation, Houston, Texas. Antidumping
and Countervailing 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 dumping and
subsidization. Questionnaires and other information pertinent to this proceeding are available at
http://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2018/stainless_steel_flanges_china_and_india/final.htm.
Stainless steel flanges covered by these investigations are certain forged stainless steel flanges, whether
unfinished, semi-finished, or finished, generally manufactured to the material specification of
ASTM/ASME A/SA182, and made in alloys such as, but not limited to, 304, 304L, 316, and 316L (or
combinations thereof). The scope includes six general types of flanges. They are: (1) weld neck, used in
butt-weld line connection; (2) threaded, used for threaded line connections; (3) slip-on, used to slide
over pipe; (4) lap joint, used with stub-ends/butt-weld line connections; (5) socket weld, used to fit pipe
into a machine recession; and (6) blind, used to seal off a line. The sizes and descriptions of the flanges
within the scope include all pressure classes of ASME B16.5 and range from one-half inch to twenty-four
inches nominal pipe size (NPS). Specifically excluded from the scope of these orders are cast stainless
steel flanges. Cast stainless steel flanges generally are manufactured to specification ASTM A351.
Unfinished stainless steel flanges possess the approximate shape of finished stainless steel flanges and
have not yet been machined to final specification after the initial casting, forging, or like operations.
These machining processes may include boring, facing, spot facing, drilling, tapering, threading,
beveling, heating, or compressing.
The country of origin for certain forged stainless steel flanges, whether unfinished, semi-finished, or
finished is the country where the flange was forged. Subject merchandise includes stainless steel flanges
as defined above that have been further processed in a third country, including but not limited to
processing such as boring, facing, spot facing, drilling, tapering, threading, beveling, heating, or
compressing, or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope
of the investigations if performed in the country of manufacture of the stainless steel flanges.
Merchandise subject to the investigations is typically imported under subheadings 7307.21.1000 and
7307.21.5000 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). While HTS subheadings are
provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope is dispositive.
Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS have a NPS less than 0.5 inches or greater than 24 inches but
otherwise meet the definition of stainless steel flanges in the scope.
Finishing only operations are any operations involving the purchase of unfinished flanges that are
covered by the investigations (as defined above) and conducting further machining (drilling holes,
beveling, sanding, et cetera) or processing activities involved in producing a finished SS flange still
covered by this investigation.
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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 3

extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Verification.--The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.--The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1677f) and section 207.7 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR § 207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import-injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals. In addition, if your firm is a U.S. producer, the information you
provide on your production and imports of stainless steel flanges 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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

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

I-2.

Page 4

No

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 stainless steel flanges,
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

Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire:

.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
I-3.

Page 5

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

Support

Oppose

Take no position

China (AD)
China (CVD)
India (AD)
India (CVD)
I-4.

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

Firm name

I-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 stainless steel flanges from China or India into the United
States or that are engaged in exporting stainless steel flanges from China or India to the United
States?
No
Firm name

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (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 stainless steel flanges?
No
Firm name

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

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PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Celia Feldpausch (202-2052387, [email protected]). Supply all data requested on a calendar-year basis.
II-1.

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

II-2.

Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the production of stainless steel flanges since January 1, 2015.
(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)

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-3a.

Page 8

Production using same forging machinery.--Please report your firm’s production of products
made on the same forging equipment and machinery used to produce stainless steel flanges,
and the combined production capacity on this shared equipment and machinery in the periods
indicated.
“Overall production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
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).
“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.
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds)
Calendar years
Item

Overall forging capacity

2015

2016

2017

12

Production on forging equipment
and machinery:
Stainless steel flanges3

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Products not covered:
Stainless steel flanges
excluded by NPS4
Other products5
Subtotal, products not
covered
Total
1

The overall forging capacity is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year.
Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s forging capacity.
3
Data entered for production of stainless steel flanges will populate here once reported in question II-7.
4
Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS have an NPS less than 0.5 inches or greater than 24 inches (as these are
excluded from the definition of covered stainless steel flanges on page 2).
5
Please identify these forged products:
.
2

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-3b.

Page 9

Production using same finishing machinery.--Please report your firm’s production of products
made on the same finishing equipment and machinery used to produce stainless steel flanges,
and the combined production capacity on this shared equipment and machinery in the periods
indicated.
“Overall production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
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).
“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.
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds)
Calendar years
Item

Overall finishing capacity

2015

2016

2017

12

Production on finishing
equipment and machinery:
Using your own forgings
Not using your own forgings3

0

0

0

Subtotal, finished stainless
steel flanges

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Products not covered:
Stainless steel flanges
excluded by NPS4
Other products5
Subtotal, products not
covered
Total
1

The overall fininshing capacity is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year.
Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s finishing capacity.
3
Data entered for production of stainless steel flanges will populate here once reported in question II-11.
4
Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS have an NPS less than 0.5 inches or greater than 24 inches (as these are
excluded from the definition of covered stainless steel flanges on page 2).
5
Please identify these machine worked products:
.
2

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

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II-3c.

Capacity calculation.—Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall forging capacity
reported in II-3a, and explain and changes in reported capacity.

II-3d.

Capacity calculation.—Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall finishing capacity
reported in II-3b, and explain and changes in reported capacity.

II-3e.

Production constraints.—Please describe the constraint(s) that set limit(s) on your firm’s production
capacity.

II-3f.

Forgings and finished stainless steel flanges.—
(i)

Please describe the similarities and differences in the physical characteristics and functions
of stainless steel flange forgings and finished flanges.

(ii)

Please describe the uses and markets for your firm’s flange forgings that you do not further
manufacture into finished stainless steel flanges.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-3g.

Page 11

Finishing only operations.--Since January 1, 2015, has your firm purchased unfinished stainless
steel flanges covered by the investigations (either domestic or imported) and further processed
those purchases into products that still match the definition of stainless steel flanges?

No

Yes

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

II-3h.

Finishing only processing operations' complexity and importance.--On a scale of 1 to 5, please
provide your firm's subjective opinion as to the complexity, intensity, and importance of
finishing only processing activities. 1 being minimally complex, intense or important. 5 being
extremely complex, intense, and important.

1:
Minimally complex,
intense, and
important

2

3

Please describe the reason for your rating.

4

5:
Extremely complex,
intense, and
important

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-3i.

Product shifting.—
(i)

Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between stainless steel flanges and other
products using the same equipment and/or labor?

No

(ii)

II-4.

Page 12

Yes

If 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, 2015, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of stainless steel flanges?
“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.

No

Yes

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-5.

Page 13

Foreign trade zones.-Firm's FTZ operations.--Does your firm produce stainless steel flanges in and/or admit
stainless steel flanges 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.

No

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

(b)

No

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, 2015, has your firm imported stainless steel flanges?
“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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-7.

Page 14

Production, shipment, and inventory data—Integrated production.--Report your firm’s
production capacity, production, shipments, and inventories related to the production of
stainless steel flanges in its U.S. establishment(s) during the specified periods.
“Average production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
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).
“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.
“Internal consumption” – Product consumed internally by your firm. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“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.
“Unfinished”--Stainless steel flanges that have been initially forged but not otherwise processed
after forging.
“Semi-finished”--Stainless steel flanges that have been initially forged, and undergone some
processing but are not fully finished and ready for an end use.
“Finished”--Stainless steel flanges are fully forged and finished and ready to be used by an end
user.

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--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-7.

Page 15

Production, shipment, and inventory data—Integrated production.—Continued

Integrated Operations
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Average production capacity
(quantity) (A)

2015

2016

2017

1

Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (B)
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption:2
Quantity (F)
Value2 (G)
Transfers to related firms:2
Quantity (H)
Value2 (I)
Export shipments:3
Quantity (J)
Value (K)
End-of-period inventories4 (quantity)
(L)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (M)
To finishers/converters (N)
To end users (O)
1

The production capacity reported is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year. Please describe the
methodology used to calculate production capacity, and explain any changes in reported capacity
.
2
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. If your firm uses a different
basis for valuing these transactions in your records, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.):
. However,
the data provided above in this table should be based on fair market value.
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 16

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line L) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line B),
plus production (i.e., line C), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J). 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

2015

2016

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

2017

0

0

0

1

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are
nonetheless accurate:
.
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines M, N and O) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. shipments
(i.e., line D) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the
data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
M + N + O – D = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2015

2016
0

2017
0

0

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-8.

Page 17

Commercial U.S. shipments by level of processing.--Report your firm’s commercial U.S.
shipments by level of processing during the specified periods.

Integrated Operations

Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

2017

Commercial U.S. shipments:
Unfinished:
Quantity (O)
Value (P)
Semi-finished:
Quantity (Q)
Value (R)
Finished:
Quantity (S)
Value (T)
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for commercial U.S.
shipments in this question (i.e., lines O through T) in each time period equal the quantity reported for
commercial U.S. shipments in question II-7 (i.e., lines D and E) 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

2015

2016

2017

Quantity: O + Q + S – D = zero
("0"), if not revise.

0

0

0

Value: P + R + T – E = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-9.

Page 18

Commercial U.S. shipments by product type.--Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments by
product type during 2017.

Integrated Operations

Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar year 2017
Item

½’’ NPS through 4’’ >4’’ NPS through 24’’
NPS
NPS

U.S. commercial shipments:
Weld neck (used in butt-weld line
connection):
Quantity (U)

All sizes

0

Value (V)

0

Threaded (used for threaded line
connection):
Quantity (W)

0

Value (X)

0

Slip-on (used to slide over pipe):
Quantity (Y)

0

Value (Z)

0

Lap joint (used with stub-ends/buttweld line connections):
Quantity (AA)

0

Value (AB)

0

Socket weld (used to fit pipe into a
machine recession):
Quantity (AC)

0

Value (AD)

0

Blind (used to seal off a line):
Quantity(AE)

0

Value (AF)

0
1

1

Other products:
Quantity (AG)

0

Value (AH)

0

Total:
Quantity (AI)

0

0

0

Value (AJ)

0

0

0

Please describe other products:

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 19

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for commercial U.S.
shipments in this question (i.e., lines AI and AJ) in 2017 equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S.
shipments in question II-7 (i.e., lines D and E) in 2017. 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
Reconciliation

2017

Quantity: AI – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

Value: AJ – E = zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

II-10.

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
stainless steel flanges 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.

Integrated Operations
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

2017

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

0

0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-11.

Page 20

Production, shipment, and inventory data—Finisher Only.--Report your firm’s production
capacity, production, shipments, and inventories related to the production of stainless steel
flanges in its U.S. establishment(s) during the specified periods.
“Average production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
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).
“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.
“Internal consumption” – Product consumed internally by your firm. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“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--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 21

Production, shipment, and inventory data—Finisher only.—Continued

II-11.

Finisher Only
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

2017

1

Average production capacity
(quantity) (AK)

Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (AL)
Production (quantity) using.—
Purchases of U.S.-manufactured
forgings or semi-finished stainless
steel flanges (AM)
Purchases/imports of forgings or
semi-finished stainless steel flanges
from subject sources (AN)
Purchases/imports of forgings or
semi-finished stainless steel flanges
from nonsubject sources (AO)
Total production (AP)

0

0

U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (AQ)
Value (AR)
Internal consumption:
Quantity (AS)

2

2

Value (AT)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (AU)

2

2

Value (AV)
Export shipments:
Quantity (AW)

3

Value (AX)
4

End-of-period inventories (quantity)
(AY)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (AZ)
To end users (BA)
1

The production capacity reported is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year. Please describe the
methodology used to calculate production capacity, and explain any changes in reported capacity
.
2
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. 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:
.

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-11.

Page 22

Production, shipment, and inventory data—Finisher only.--Continued

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line AY) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line
AL), plus production (i.e., lines AM, AN, and AO), less total shipments (i.e., lines AQ, AS, AU, and AW).
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

2015

2016

AL + AM + AN + AO – AQ – AS – AU –
AW – AY = should equal zero ("0") or
provide an explanation.1

2017

0

0

0

1

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

RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines AZ and BA) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. shipments (i.e.,
line AQ) 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
AZ + BA – AQ = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2015

2016
0

2017
0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-12.

Page 23

Commercial U.S. shipments by product type--Finisher Only.--Report your firm’s commercial
U.S. shipments by product type during 2017.

Finisher only
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar year 2017
Item

½’’ NPS through 4’’ >4’’ NPS through 24’’
NPS
NPS

U.S. commercial shipments:
Weld neck (used in butt-weld line
connection):
Quantity (BB)

All sizes

0

Value (BC)

0

Threaded (used for threaded line
connection):
Quantity (BD)

0

Value (BE)

0

Slip-on (used to slide over pipe):
Quantity (BF)

0

Value (BG)

0

Lap joint (used with stub-ends/buttweld line connections):
Quantity (BH)

0

Value (BI)

0

Socket weld (used to fit pipe into a
machine recession):
Quantity (BJ)

0

Value (BK)

0

Blind (used to seal off a line):
Quantity(BL)

0

Value (BM)

0
1

1

Other products:
Quantity (BN)

0

Value (BO)

0

Total:
Quantity (BP)

0

0

0

Value (BQ)

0

0

0

Please describe other products:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 24

RECONCILIATION OF COMMERCIAL US SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for
commercial U.S. shipments in this question (i.e., lines BP and BQ) in each time period equal the quantity
reported for commercial U.S. shipments in question II-11 (i.e., lines AQ and AR) 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 year
Reconciliation

2017

Quantity: BP – AQ = zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

Value: BQ – AR = zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

II-13.

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
stainless steel flanges 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.

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

2015

2016

2017

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 25

II-14.

Related firms.--If your firm reported transfers to related firms in question II-7, 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.

II-15.

Purchases.--Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased stainless steel flanges
since January 1, 2015?
“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:

(Quantity in 1,000 pounds)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

2017

Purchases from U.S.
importers1 of stainless steel
flanges from—
China
India
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:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
II-16.

Page 26

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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 27

PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to David Boyland (202-708-4725,
[email protected]).
III-1.

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

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:

B.1.

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

2.

Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for stainless steel flanges:
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)

3.

4.

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 stainless steel flanges,
as well as specific statements and worksheets) used to compile these data.

III-3.

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 28

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 stainless steel flanges, and provide the share of net sales accounted for by these
products in your firm’s most recent fiscal year.
Products

Share of sales

Stainless steel flanges

%
%
%
%
%

III-6.

Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or any services) used in the
production of stainless steel flanges 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.

III-7.

No--Continue to question III-9a.

Inputs from related suppliers.--Please identify the inputs used in the production of stainless
steel flanges that your firm purchases from related suppliers and that are reflected in question
III-9a. For “Share of total COGS” please report this information by relevant input on the basis of
your most recently completed fiscal year. 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 (e.g., cost, cost plus, FMV,
etc.)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
III-8.

Page 29

Inputs purchased from related suppliers.--Please confirm that the inputs purchased from
related suppliers, as identified in III-7, were reported in III-9a (financial results on stainless steel
flanges) in a manner consistent with your firm’s accounting books and records.
Yes
No--In the space below, please report the valuation basis of inputs purchased from related
suppliers as reported in table III-9a.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 30

III-9a. Operations on stainless steel flanges—Integrated producers.--Report the revenue and related
cost information requested below on the stainless steel flanges operations of your firm’s U.S.
establishment(s).1 Do not report resales of 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 your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years. If your firm
was involved in tolling operations (either as the toller or as the tollee), please contact David
Boyland at (202) 708-4725 before completing this section of the questionnaire.

Integrated Operations

Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended--

2015

Item

2016

2017

2

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

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total COGS

0

0

0

Gross profit or (loss)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Net sales values:
Commercial sales
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
Total net sales values
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Raw materials

3

Direct labor
Other factory costs

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
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

Note -- The table above contains calculations that will appear when you have entered data in the MS
Word form fields.
III-9b. Operations on finishing only processing.--Report the revenue and related cost information
requested below on the finishing only processing of stainless steel flanges of your firm’s U.S.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 31

establishment(s).1 Do not report resales of 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 your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years. If your firm
was involved in tolling operations (either as the toller or as the tollee), please contact David
Boyland at (202) 708-4725 before completing this section of the questionnaire.

Finisher Only Operations

Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended--

2015

Item

2016

2017

2

Net sales quantities
2

Net sales values

3

Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Purchased unfinished or semi-finished
stainless steel flanges – domestically
produced
Purchased unfinished or semi-finished
stainless steel flanges – subject imports
Purchased unfinished or semi-finished
stainless steel flanges – nonsubject
imports
Total purchased unfinished
stainless steel flanges

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Other raw materials
Direct labor
Other factory costs
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
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

III-9c.

Financial data reconciliation.--The calculable line items from question III-9a and III-9b (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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 32

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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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

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III-10a. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in III-9a financial results—Integrated
producers.--For each annual period for which financial results are reported in question III-9a,
please specify all material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the schedule
below, the specific question III-9a 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 III-9a; i.e., if an aggregate nonrecurring item has been allocated to question
III-9a, only the allocated value amount included in question III-9a 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-9a.

Integrated Operations
Fiscal years ended-2015
Nonrecurring item: In this column, please
provide a brief description of each nonrecurring
item and indicate the specific line item in table
III-9a where the nonrecurring item is classified.
1.

, classified as

2.

, classified as

3.

, classified as

4.

, classified as

5.

, classified as

6.

, classified as

7.

, classified as

2016

2017

Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the
amount of the relevant nonrecurring item reported in question
III-9a.
Value ($1,000)

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III-10b. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in the III-9b financial results—Finisher only
operations.--For each annual period for which financial results are reported in question III-9b,
please specify all material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the schedule
below, the specific question III-9b 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 III-9b; i.e., if an aggregate nonrecurring item has been allocated to
question III-9b, only the allocated value amount included in question III-9b 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-9b.

Finisher Only Operations

Fiscal years ended-2015
Nonrecurring item: In this column, please
provide a brief description of each nonrecurring
item and indicate the specific line item in table
III-9b where the nonrecurring item is classified.
1.

, classified as

2.

, classified as

3.

, classified as

4.

, classified as

5.

, classified as

6.

, classified as

7.

, classified as

2016

2017

Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the
amount of the relevant nonrecurring item reported in question
III-9b.
Value ($1,000)

III-11. 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-10 a/10b 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-10a/10b identify where
these items are reported in question III-9a/9b.

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III-12a. Asset values.--Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long-term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of stainless steel flanges. If your firm does not maintain
some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for stainless steel
flanges 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-9a. Provide data as of the end of your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal 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.

Integrated Operations
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
Total assets (net)
1

Describe

1

2015

2016

2017

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

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III-12b. Asset values—Finisher only operations.--Report the total assets (i.e., both current and longterm assets) associated with the production, warehousing, and sale of stainless steel flanges. If
your firm does not maintain some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate
total assets for stainless steel flanges 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-9b. Provide data as of the end of your firm’s three most
recently completed fiscal 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.

Finisher Only Operations
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
Total assets (net)
1

Describe

1

2015

2016

2017

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

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III-13a. Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.--Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for stainless steel flanges. Provide data
for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years.

Integrated Operations
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
Capital expenditures

2015

2016

2017

1

Research and development
2
expenses
1

Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on the subject
product.
2
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to subject
product.

III-13b. Capital expenditures and research and development expenses—Finisher only operations.-Report your firm’s capital expenditures and research and development expenses for stainless
steel flanges. Provide data for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years.

Finisher Only Operations
Value (in $1,000)

Fiscal years ended-Item
Capital expenditures

2015

2016

2017

1

Research and development
2
expenses
1

Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on the subject
product.
2
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to subject
product.

Business Proprietary
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III-14. Data consistency and reconciliation.--Please indicate whether your firm’s financial data for
questions III-9a, III-9b, III- 12, and III-13 are based on a calendar year or on your firm’s fiscal
year:
Calendar year

Fiscal year

Specify fiscal year

Please note the quantities and values reported in question III-9a should reconcile with the data
reported in question II-7 (including export shipments) as long as they are reported on the same
calendar year basis.
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 for total net sales in Part III of this
questionnaire in each time period unless the financial data from Part III are reported on a fiscal year
basis, in which case only the interim periods must reconcile. 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.

Integrated Operations
Full year data

Reconciliation

2015

2016

2017

Quantity: Trade data
from question II-7 (lines
D, F, H, and J) less
financial total net sales
quantity data from
question III-9a, = zero
("0").

0

0

0

Value: Trade data from
question II-7 (lines E, G,
I, and K) less financial
total net sales value data
from question III-9a, =
zero ("0").

0

0

0

Do these data in question III-9a reconcile with data in question II-7?
Yes

No

If no, please explain.

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III-14. Data consistency and reconciliation.—Continued

Finisher Only Operations
Full year data
Reconciliation

2015

2016

2017

Quantity: Trade data
from question II-11 (lines
AQ, AS, AU, and AW) less
financial total net sales
quantity data from
question III-9b, = zero
("0").

0

0

0

Value: Trade data from
question II-11 (lines AR,
AT, AV, and AX) less
financial total net sales
value data from question
III-9b, = zero ("0").

0

0

0

Do these data in question III-9b reconcile with data in question II-11?
Yes

No

If no, please explain.

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If your responses to any of the items in questions III-15, III-16, and III-17 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-15. Effects of imports on investment.--Since January 1, 2015, 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 stainless steel flanges from China and India?
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-16. Effects of imports on growth and development.--Since January 1, 2015, 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 stainless steel flanges from China and India?
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-17. Anticipated effects of imports.--Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
stainless steel flanges from China and India?
No

Yes

If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows:

III-18. 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 Andrew Knipe (202-2052390, [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, 2015 of the following products produced by your
firm.
Product 1.--Weld-Neck stainless steel flanges, finished, 2-inch nominal pipe size, class 150, of
316/316L alloy steel meeting ASME/ANSI B16.5 specifications.
Product 2.--Weld-Neck stainless steel flanges, finished, 2-inch nominal pipe size, class 150, of
304/304L alloy steel meeting ASME/ANSI B16.5 specifications.
Product 3.--Slip-On stainless steel flanges, finished, 2-inch nominal pipe size, class 150, of
316/316L alloy steel meeting ASME/ANSI B16.5 specifications.
Product 4.--Slip-On stainless steel flanges, finished, 4-inch nominal pipe size, class 150, of
304/304L alloy steel meeting ASME/ANSI B16.5 specifications.
Product 5.--Slip-On stainless steel flanges, finished, 6-inch nominal pipe size, class 150, of
304/304L alloy steel meeting ASME/ANSI B16.5 specifications.

Please note that values should be f.o.b., U.S. point of shipment and should not include U.S.-inland
transportation costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid to your firm (i.e., should be net
of all deductions for discounts or rebates).
During January 2015-December 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(s) as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question IV-3.

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IV-2(a). Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced (i.e., forged
and finished) and sold by your firm

Integrated Production
Report data in pieces (not 1,000 pounds) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).

Period of shipment
2015:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2016:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2017:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December

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

Product 3
Quantity
Value

1

Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods), f.o.b. your
firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product, provide a description
of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:

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IV-2(a). Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced (i.e., forged
and finished) and sold by your firm

Integrated Production
Report data in pieces (not 1,000 pounds) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).

Period of shipment
2015:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2016:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2017:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December

(Quantity in pieces, value in dollars)
Product 4
Quantity
Value

Product 5
Quantity

Value

1

Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods), f.o.b. your
firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
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 4:
Product 5:

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IV-2(b). Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 finished in the United
States by your firm from unfinished or semi-finished flanges that your firm purchased from
another firm.

Finisher Only
Report data in pieces (not 1,000 pounds) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).

Period of shipment
2015:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2016:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2017:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December

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

Product 3
Quantity
Value

1

Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods), f.o.b. your
firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product, provide a description
of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:

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IV-2(b). Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 finished in the United
States by your firm from unfinished or semi-finished flanges that your firm purchased from
another firm.

Finisher Only
Report data in pieces (not 1,000 pounds) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).

Period of shipment
2015:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2016:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2017:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December

(Quantity in pieces, value in dollars)
Product 4
Quantity
Value

Product 5
Quantity

Value

1

Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods), f.o.b. your
firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
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 4:
Product 5:

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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 dollars (not $1,000)?
In pieces (not 1,000 pounds)?
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-7 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.
IV-3.

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

IV-4.

Contracts

Set
price
lists

Other

If other, describe

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

Quantity
discounts

Annual
total
volume
discounts

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
IV-5.

Pricing terms.-(a)

What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its U.S.-produced stainless steel flanges?
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 stainless steel flanges usually quoted
(check one)?
Delivered

IV-6.

Page 49

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.-produced
stainless steel flanges in 2017 was on a (1) long-term contract basis, (2) annual contract basis,
(3) short-term contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Share of 2017
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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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
IV-7.

Page 50

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

Typical sales
contract provisions

Item

Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes

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

No

Not applicable

IV-8.

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 stainless steel flanges?

Source

Share of 2017
sales

Lead time (Average
number of days)

From inventory

%

Produced to order

%

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0 %

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
IV-9.

Page 51

Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the cost of U.S.-produced stainless steel flanges
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 stainless steel flanges that
are delivered the following distances from its production facility.
Distance from production facility

Share

Within 100 miles

%

101 to 1,000 miles

%

Over 1,000 miles

%

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

%

IV-10. Geographical shipments.--In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold its U.S.produced stainless steel flanges since January 1, 2015 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
Northeast.–CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT.
Midwest.–IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, and WI.
Southeast.–AL, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, and WV.
Central Southwest.–AR, LA, OK, and TX.
Mountains.–AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, and WY.
Pacific Coast.–CA, OR, and WA.
Other.–All other markets in the United States not previously listed,
including AK, HI, PR, and VI.

√ if applicable

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IV-11. End uses.--List the end uses of the stainless steel flanges that your firm manufactures. For each
end-use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by stainless steel flanges
and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by

End use product

Stainless steel
flanges

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

Other inputs

%

%

0.0 %

%

%

0.0 %

%

%

0.0 %

IV-12. Substitutes.--Can other products be substituted for stainless steel flanges?
No

Substitute
1.
2.
3.

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 stainless steel flanges?
No Yes

Explanation

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IV-13. Unfinished flanges. –
(a) Is there a market for unfinished stainless steel flanges?
No – skip to part (c)

Yes – continue to part (b)

(b) Please describe your firm’s efforts to sell unfinished stainless steel flanges since January 1,
2015?

(c) Please identify the reason(s) that there is no market for unfinished forged steel fittings.
Yes

No

Reason
There is no demand for unfinished stainless steel flanges.
Your firm does not want to supply competitors with unfinished stainless steel flanges.
It is not profitable to sell unfinished stainless steel flanges.
Other:

IV-14. Demand trends.—
(a)

Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United States (if
known) for stainless steel flanges has changed since January 1, 2015. Explain any trends
and describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.
January 1, 2015-December 31, 2016

Market

Overall
increase

Within the United States
for the Oil and Gas
Sector
Within the United States
for all other sectors1
Outside the United States
for the Oil and Gas
Sector
Outside the United States
for all other sectors1
Explanation and factors:
1

Please describe the "other" sectors:

No change

Overall
decrease

Since January 1, 2016
Overall
increase

No change

Overall
decrease

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IV-15. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of stainless steel flanges since January 1, 2015?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.

IV-16. Conditions of competition.-(a) Is the stainless steel flanges market subject to business cycles (other than general
economy-wide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to stainless
steel flanges? If yes, describe.
Check all that apply.

Please describe.

No

Skip to question IV-17.

Yes-Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes-Other distinctive
conditions of competition
(b) If yes, have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition for
stainless steel flanges since January 1, 2015?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

(c) Has the there been any effect on your firm cause by the imposition of the exclusion order
on Viraj? If yes, please describe.
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

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IV-17. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply stainless steel
flanges since January 1, 2015 (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, being unable to meet timely shipment commitments, etc.)?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe.

IV-18. Raw materials.--How have stainless steel flanges raw material prices changed since January 1,
2015?
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
stainless steel flanges.

IV-19. Interchangeability.--Is stainless steel flanges produced in the United States and in other countries
interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same applications)?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = the products from a specified country-pair are always interchangeable
F = the products are frequently interchangeable
S = the products are sometimes interchangeable
N = the products are never interchangeable
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair
Country-pair

China

India

Philippines

Other countries

United States
China
India
Philippines
For any country-pair producing stainless steel flanges that is sometimes or never
interchangeable, identify the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude
interchangeable use:

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IV-20. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between stainless steel flanges
produced in the United States and in other countries a significant factor in your firm’s sales of
the products?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = such differences are always significant
F = such differences are frequently significant
S = such differences are sometimes significant
N = such differences are never significant
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair
Country-pair

China

India

Philippines

Other countries

United States
China
India
Philippines
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of stainless steel flanges, identify the country-pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:

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IV-21. Approved manufacturers’ lists.—
(a) Please estimate the share of your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments of flanges that were to
customers that required the listing of the producer on an approved manufacturers’ list (whether
published or proprietary).
Share of 2017 sales
Estimated share of your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments of
imported flanges subject to an approved manufacturers’ listing

%

(b) With what frequency are flanges produced by firms listed on approved manufacturers’ lists and
flanges produced by firms not on approved manufacturers’ lists interchangeable?
Always

Please explain your answer:

Usually

Sometimes

Never

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IV-22. Customer identification.--List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for stainless steel flanges since January 1, 2015. Indicate the share of the quantity of
your firm’s total shipments of stainless steel flanges that each of these customers accounted for
in 2017.
Customer’s name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

City

State

Share of 2017
sales (%)

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IV-23. Competition from imports
(a)

Lost revenue.--Since January 1, 2015: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling
stainless steel flanges from China and India, did your firm:
Item

No

Yes

Reduce prices
Roll back announced price increases
(b)

Lost sales.--Since January 1, 2015: Did your firm lose sales of stainless steel flanges to
imports of this product from China and India?
No

Yes

IV-24. 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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PART V.—Alternative Product
Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS have an NPS less than 0.5 inches or greater than 24 inches but
otherwise meet the definition of stainless steel flanges in the scope.
V-1.

Comparability of stainless steel flanges vs stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS.--For each of
the following indicate whether stainless steel flanges and stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS
are: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them; mostly
comparable or similar; somewhat comparable or similar; never or not-at-all comparable or
similar; or no familiarity with products.
(a)

Characteristics and Uses.--The differences and similarities in the physical
characteristics and end uses between stainless steel flanges and stainless steel flanges
excluded by NPS.

Fully comparable

Mostly
comparable

Somewhat
comparable

Not at all
comparable

NA/no familiarity

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

(b) Interchangeability.--The ability to substitute stainless steel flanges and stainless steel
flanges excluded by NPS in the same application.
Fully
interchangeable

Mostly
interchangeable

Somewhat
interchangeable

Not at all
interchangeable

NA/no
familiarity

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

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V-1.

Page 61

Comparability of stainless steel flanges vs stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS.--Continued
(c) Manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees.-- Whether
stainless steel flanges and stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS are manufactured in the
same facilities, from the same inputs, on the same machinery and equipment, and using
the same employees.

Fully the same

Mostly the same

Somewhat the
same

Not at all the
same

NA/no familiarity

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

(d) Channels of distribution.--Channels of distribution/market situation through which
stainless steel flanges and stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS are sold (i.e., sold direct
to end users, through distributors, etc.).

Fully comparable

Mostly
comparable

Somewhat
comparable

Not at all
comparable

NA/no familiarity

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

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V-1.

Page 62

Comparability of stainless steel flanges and stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS.-Continued
(e) Customer and producer perceptions.--Perceptions as to the differences and/or similarities
in stainless steel flanges and stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS in the market (e.g.,
sales/marketing practices).

Fully comparable

Mostly
comparable

Somewhat
comparable

Not at all
comparable

NA/no familiarity

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

(f)

Price.--Whether prices are comparable or differ between stainless steel flanges and
stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS.

Fully comparable

Mostly
comparable

Somewhat
comparable

Not at all
comparable

NA/no familiarity

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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
V-2a.

Page 63

Production, shipment, and inventory data for stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS.

Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Average production capacity
(quantity) (A)

2015

2016

2017

1

Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (B)
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption:2
Quantity (F)
Value2 (G)
Transfers to related firms:2
Quantity (H)
Value2 (I)
Export shipments:3
Quantity (J)
Value (K)
End-of-period inventories4 (quantity)
(L)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (M)
To finishers/converters (N)
To end users (O)
1

The production capacity reported is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year. Please describe the
methodology used to calculate production capacity, and explain any changes in reported capacity
.
2
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. 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:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 64

V-2a. Production, shipment, and inventory data for stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS.-Continued
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line L) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line B),
plus production (i.e., line C), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J). 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

2015

2016

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

2017

0

0

0

1

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are
nonetheless accurate:
.
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines M, N and O) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. shipments
(i.e., line D) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the
data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
M + N + O – D = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2015

2016
0

2017
0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
V-2b.

Page 65

Commercial U.S. shipments by product type.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive
of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of stainless
steel flanges excluded by NPS by product type during the specified periods.

Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
2017
Item

Smaller than ½ NPS

Larger than 24 NPS

Commercial U.S. shipments:
Weld neck (used in butt-weld
line connection):
Quantity (P)

All sizes

0

Value (Q)

0

Threaded (used for threaded
line connection):
Quantity (R)

0

Value (S)

0

Slip-on (used to slide over pipe):
Quantity (T)

0

Value (U)

0

Lap joint (used with stubends/butt-weld line
connections):
Quantity (V)

0

Value (W)

0

Socket weld (used to fit pipe
into a machine recession):
Quantity (X)

0

Value (Y)

0

Blind (used to seal off a line):
Quantity(Z)

0

Value (AA)

0
1

1

Other products:
Quantity (AB)

0

Value (AC)

0

Total:
Quantity (AD)

0

0

0

Value (AE)

0

0

0

Please describe other products:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 66

RECONCILIATION OF COMMERCIAL SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for
commercial U.S. shipments in this question (i.e., lines AD and AE) in 2017 equal the quantity reported for
U.S. shipments in part "a" of this question (i.e., lines D and E) in 2017. 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
Reconciliation

2017

Quantity: P + R + T + V + X + Z + AB – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

Value: Q + S + U + W + Y + AA + AC – E = zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

V-2c.

Commercial U.S. shipments of stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS by state of completion.-Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments by state of completion during the specified
periods.

Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

2017

Commercial U.S. shipments:
Unfinished:
Quantity (AF)
Value (AG)
Semi-finished:
Quantity (AH)
Value (AI)
Finished:
Quantity (AJ)
Value (AK)
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for commercial
U.S. shipments in this question (i.e., lines AF through AK) in each time period equal the quantity reported
for commercial U.S. shipments in part “a” of this question (i.e., lines D and E) 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

2015

2016

2017

Quantity: AF + AH + AJ – D = zero
("0"), if not revise.

0

0

0

Value: AG + AI + AK – E = zero
("0"), if not revise.

0

0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
V-3.

Page 67

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS 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.

Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS
Calendar years
Item
Average number of PRWs (number)
Hours worked by PRWs (1,000
hours)
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
Explanation of trends:

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
V-4.

Page 68

Operations on stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS.--Report the revenue and related cost
information requested below on the finishing only processing of stainless steel flanges excluded
by NPS of your firm’s U.S. establishment(s).1 Do not report resales of products. Report the
revenue and related cost information requested below on the stainless steel flanges excluded by
NPS operations of your firm’s U.S. establishment(s).1 Do not report resales of 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 your firm’s three most recently
completed fiscal years. If your firm was involved in tolling operations (either as the toller or as
the tollee), please contact David Boyland at (202) 708-4725 before completing this section of
the questionnaire.

Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item

2015

2016

2017

2

Net sales quantities
2

Net sales values

Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Other raw materials

3

Direct labor
Other factory costs
Total COGS
Gross profit or (loss)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

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
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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)
V-5.

Page 69

Asset values.--Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long-term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS. If your firm
does not maintain some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total
assets for stainless steel flanges 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-9a. Provide data as of the end of your firm’s three most
recently completed fiscal 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.

Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
Total assets (net)
1

2015

2016

2017

1

Describe

V-6.

Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.--Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for stainless steel flanges. Provide data
for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years.

Stainless steel flanges excluded by NPS
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
Capital expenditures

2015

2016

2017

1
2

Research and development expenses
1

Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on the subject product.

2

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--stainless steel flanges (Final)

Page 70

HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
http://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2018/stainless_steel_flanges_china_and_i
ndia/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: SSF

• E-mail.—E-mail the MS Word questionnaire to [email protected]; include a scanned copy of
the signed certification page (page 1). Submitters are strongly encouraged to encrypt nonpublic
documents that are electronically transmitted to the Commission to protect your sensitive information
from unauthorized disclosure. The USITC secure drop-box system and the Electronic Document
Information System (EDIS) use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 cryptographic
algorithms to encrypt data in transit. Submitting your nonpublic documents by a means that does not
use these encryption algorithms (such as by email) may subject your firm’s nonpublic information to
unauthorized disclosure during transmission. If you choose a non-encrypted method of electronic
transmission, the Commission warns you that the risk of such possible unauthorized disclosure is
assumed by you and not by the Commission.
If your firm does not 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 Typeapplication/pdf
File TitleUS producer questionnaire
SubjectTitle 7 investigations
AuthorDuncan, Russell
File Modified2018-01-26
File Created2018-01-26

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