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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 17‐1‐3737; Expiration Date: : 6/30/2020
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
STAINLESS STEEL FLANGES FROM CHINA AND INDIA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by August 30, 2017
See last page for filing instructions.
The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning stainless steel (SS) flanges from China
and India (Inv. Nos. 701‐TA‐585‐586 and 731‐TA‐1383‐1384 (Preliminary)). The information requested in the
questionnaire is requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure to
reply as directed can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records or information in your
firm’s possession (19 U.S.C. § 1333(a)).
Name of firm
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Website
Has your firm produced SS flanges (as defined on next page) at any time since January 1, 2014?
NO
(Sign the certification below and promptly return only this page of the questionnaire to the Commission)
YES
(Complete all parts of the questionnaire, and return the entire questionnaire to the Commission)
Return questionnaire via the U.S. International Trade Commission Drop Box by clicking on the
following link: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: 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
Fax:
Email address
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – SS flanges (Preliminary)
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.‐‐This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on August 16, 2017, 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/701731/2017/stainless_steel_flanges_china_and_india/preliminar
y.htm.
SS flanges covered by this 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.
Reporting of information.‐‐If information is not readily available from your records, provide carefully
prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire (i.e., a producer, importer,
and/or purchaser questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.‐‐The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 3
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 SS 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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
I‐1a.
Page 4
OMB statistics.‐‐Please report below the actual number of hours required and the cost to your
firm of completing this questionnaire.
Hours
Dollars
The questions in this questionnaire have been reviewed with market participants to ensure that
issues of concern are adequately addressed and that data requests are sufficient, meaningful,
and as limited as possible. Public reporting burden for this questionnaire is estimated to average
50 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data, and
completing and reviewing the questionnaire.
We welcome comments regarding the accuracy of this burden estimate, suggestions for
reducing the burden, and any suggestions for improving this questionnaire. Please attach such
comments to your response or send to the Office of Investigations, USITC, 500 E St. SW,
Washington, DC 20436.
I‐1b. TAA information release.‐‐In the event that the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
makes an affirmative final determination in this proceeding, do you consent to the USITC's
release of your contact information (company name, address, contact person, telephone
number, email address) appearing on the front page of this questionnaire to the Departments of
Commerce, Labor, and Agriculture, as applicable, so that your firm and its workers can be made
eligible for benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program?
No
Yes
I‐2.
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 SS flanges, including
auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate from) such
facilities.
Establishments
City, State
Zip (5 digit)
Description
covered1
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire: .
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
I‐3.
Petition support.‐‐Does your firm support or oppose the petition?
Country
I‐4.
I‐5.
Support
Oppose
Take no position
China (AD)
China (CVD)
India (AD)
India (CVD)
Ownership.‐‐Is your firm owned, in whole or in part, by any other firm?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Extent of
ownership
(percent)
Related importers/exporters.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing SS flanges from China or India into the United States or
that are engaged in exporting SS flanges from China or India to the United States?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Page 5
Firm name
Country
Affiliation
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
I‐6.
I‐7.
Page 6
Related producers.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of SS flanges?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Country
Affiliation
Firm types.—Please indicate which type of operation best describes that of your firm and follow
directions to the relevant portions of the questionnaire.
“Finishing only” Any operations involving the purchase of unfinished flanges that are covered by the
investigations (defined on page 2) 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.
Operations
Directions
Forging and finishing SS flanges
Complete Parts II through IV
Forging SS flanges only
Complete Parts II through IV
Finishing only
Complete Parts II‐1–II‐6, IV‐3–IV‐23, and V
Note.‐‐If your firm both forges and finishes SS flanges in the United States AND purchases unfinished SS
flanges (domestic or imported) and finishes them, you should complete all sections.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 7
PART II.‐‐TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Justin Enck (202‐205‐3363,
[email protected]). Supply all data requested on a calendar‐year basis.
II‐1. Contact information.‐‐Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in Part II.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
II‐2. Changes in operations.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the production of SS flanges since January 1, 2014.
(check as many as appropriate)
(If checked, please describe; leave blank if not applicable)
plant openings
plant closings
relocations
expansions
acquisitions
consolidations
prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments
revised labor agreements
other (e.g., technology)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 8
II‐3a. Production using same forging machinery.‐‐Please report your firm’s production of products
made on the same forging equipment and machinery used to produce SS 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
2014
12
Overall forging capacity
Production on forging equipment and
machinery:
Covered flanges3
Products not covered:
Other SS flanges4
5
Other products
Subtotal, products not covered
Total
1
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
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 SS flanges will populate here once reported in question II‐7.
4
Other SS flanges not covered by these investigations would be any very small SS flanges with a NPS less than 0.5 inches or any
very large SS flange with a NPS greater than 24 inches (as these are excluded from the definition of covered SS flanges on page 2).
5
Please identify these forged products: .
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 9
II‐3b. Production using same finishing machinery.‐‐Please report your firm’s production of products
made on the same finishing equipment and machinery used to produce SS 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
2014
12
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
Overall finishing capacity
Production on finishing equipment
and machinery:
Using your own forgings
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
Using purchases
Subtotal, covered finished SS
flanges
Products not covered:
Other SS flanges4
5
Other products
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 SS flanges will populate here once reported in question V‐4.
4
Other SS flanges not covered by these investigations would be any very small SS flanges with a NPS less than 0.5 or any very
large SS flange with a NPS greater than 24 (as these are excluded from the definition of covered SS flanges on page 2).
5
Please identify these machine worked products: .
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
II‐3c.
Page 10
Capacity calculation: part II.‐‐Please describe the methodology used to calculate production
capacity reported in II‐7 compared to data in II‐3a and II‐3b, and indicate whether forging capacity
or finishing capacity constrained the reported capacity and/or production.
II‐3d. Capacity calculation: part V.‐‐ Please describe the methodology used to calculate production
capacity reported in V‐4 compared to data in II‐3b.
II‐3e. Forgings and finished SS flanges.—
(i)
Please describe the similarities and differences in the physical characteristics and functions
of flange forgings and finished flanges.
(ii)
Please describe the uses and markets for your firm’s flange forgings that it does not further
manufacture into finished SS flanges.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
II‐3f.
Page 11
Product shifting.—
(i)
Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between SS flanges and other products
using the same equipment and/or labor?
No
Yes
(ii)
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.
II‐4.
Tolling.‐‐Since January 1, 2014, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of SS 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‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
II‐5.
Page 12
Foreign trade zones.‐‐
(a)
Firm's FTZ operations.‐‐Does your firm produce SS flanges in and/or admit SS flanges
into a foreign trade zone (FTZ)?
“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
Yes
If yes‐‐ Describe the nature of your firms operations in FTZs and identify
the specific FTZ site(s).
(b)
Other firms' FTZ operations.‐‐To your knowledge, do any firms in the United States
import SS flanges into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for use in distribution of SS flanges
and/or the production of downstream articles?
II‐6.
No
Yes
If yes‐‐Identify the firms and the FTZs.
Importer.‐‐Since January 1, 2014, has your firm imported SS 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‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
II‐7.
Page 13
Production, shipment, and inventory data.‐‐Report your firm’s production capacity, production,
shipments, and inventories related to the production of SS flanges in its U.S. establishment(s)
during the specified periods.
Do not include data on your firm's further processing operations conducted on purchases of unfinished
SS flanges in Part II‐7–II‐10 of the questionnaire. If your firm purchases unfinished SS flanges covered by
this investigation, whether domestic or imported, and further processes these unfinished SS flanges into
products that still match the definition of covered SS flanges, those data should be only be reported in
Part V of this questionnaire.
“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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
II‐7.
Page 14
Production, shipment, and inventory data.‐‐Continued
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2014
January‐June
2015
2016
2016
2017
1
Average production capacity
(quantity) (A)
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (B)
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
2
Internal consumption:
Quantity (F)
2
Value (G)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (H)
2
2
Value (I)
3
Export shipments:
Quantity (J)
Value (K)
4
End‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (L)
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: .
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
B + C – D – F – H – J – L = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
1
2014
2015
0
January‐June
2016
0
2016
0
2017
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless accurate: .
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
II‐8.
Page 15
Channels of distribution.‐‐Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments by channel of
distribution during the specified periods.
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds)
Calendar years
Item
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (M)
To end users (N)
To finishers/converters (O)
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines M and N) 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.
2014
2015
0
January‐June
2016
0
2016
0
0
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
II‐9.
Page 16
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) by product
type during the specified periods.
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
U.S. shipments:
Finished SS flanges:
Quantity (O)
Value (P)
Unfinished SS flanges:
Quantity (Q)
Value (R)
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for U.S. shipments in this
question (i.e., lines O through R) in each time period equal the quantity reported for U.S. shipments a
previous question (i.e., lines D through I) 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
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
Quantity: O + Q – D –F – H = zero
("0"), if not revise.
0
0
0
0
0
Value: P + R – E –G – I = zero ("0"), if
not revise.
0
0
0
0
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 17
II‐10. Employment data.‐‐Report your firm’s employment‐related data related to the production of SS
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. For the January to June periods, calculate similarly and divide by 6.
“Hours worked” includes time paid for sick leave, holidays, and vacation time. Include overtime
hours actually worked; do not convert overtime pay to its equivalent in straight time hours.
“Wages paid” –Total wages paid before deductions of any kind (e.g., withholding taxes, old‐age
and unemployment insurance, group insurance, union dues, bonds, etc.). Include wages paid
directly by your firm for overtime, holidays, vacations, and sick leave.
Calendar years
Item
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
Average number of PRWs (number)
Hours worked by PRWs (1,000 hours)
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
Explanation of trends:
II‐11. 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 non‐
market formula, whether your firm retained marketing rights to all transfers, and whether the
related firms also processed inputs from sources other than your firm.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 18
II‐12. Purchases.‐‐Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased SS flanges since
January 1, 2014?
“Purchase” – A transaction to buy product from a U.S. corporate entity such as another U.S.
producer, a U.S. distributor, or a U.S. firm that has directly imported the product.
“Direct import” –A transaction to buy from a foreign supplier where your firm is the importer of
record or consignee.
No
Yes‐‐Report such purchases below and explain the reasons for your firms'
purchases:
(Quantity in 1,000 pounds)
Calendar years
Item
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
1
Purchases from U.S. importers
of SS flanges from—
China
India
All other sources
Purchases from domestic
producers2
2
Purchases from other sources
1
Please list the name of the importer(s) from which your firm purchased this product. If your firm’s import suppliers differ by
source, please identify the source for each listed supplier: .
2
Please list the name of the producer(s) or U.S. distributor(s) from which your firm purchased this product: .
II‐13. 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‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 19
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 SS flanges:
2. Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for SS flanges:
Yes
No
3. 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
4. Accounting basis: GAAP, cash, tax, or other comprehensive
basis of accounting (specify)
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records
used in the preparation of the financial data, as Commission staff may contact your firm
regarding questions on the financial data. The Commission may also request that your company
submit copies of the supporting documents/records (financial statements, including internal
profit‐and‐loss statements for the division or product group that includes SS 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‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
III‐4.
Page 20
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 SS flanges, and provide the share of net sales accounted for by these products in your
firm’s most recent fiscal year.
Products
III‐6.
Share of sales
Finished SS flanges
%
Unfinished SS flanges
%
%
%
%
Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or any services) used in the
production of SS 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 SS 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
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
III‐8.
Page 21
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 SS 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.
Do not include data on your firm's further processing operations conducted on purchases of unfinished
SS flanges in part III‐9 of the questionnaire. If your firm purchases unfinished SS flanges covered by this
investigation, whether domestic or imported, and further processes these unfinished SS flanges into
products that still match the definition of covered SS flanges, those data should be only be reported in
Part V of this questionnaire.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
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III‐9a. Operations on SS flanges.‐‐Report the revenue and related cost information requested below
on the SS 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, and for the specified interim periods. 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.
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
Net sales quantities:2
Commercial sales (“CS”)
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
Internal consumption (“IC”)
Transfers to related firms (“Transfers”)
0
0
0
0
0
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
0
0
0
0
0
Direct labor
Other factory costs
Total net sales quantities
2
Net sales values:
Commercial sales
Total net sales values
3
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Raw materials
Total COGS
0
0
0
0
0
Gross profit or (loss)
0
0
0
0
0
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A)
expenses:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
All other expense items
All other income items
Total SG&A expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other expenses and income:
Interest expense
Net income or (loss) before income taxes
Depreciation/amortization included above
0
0
0
0
0
1 Include only sales (whether domestic or export) and costs related to your U.S. manufacturing operations.
2
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.
Note ‐‐ The table above contains calculations that will appear when you have entered data in the MS
Word form fields.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
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III‐9b. Financial data reconciliation.‐‐The calculable line items from question III‐9a (i.e., total net sales
quantities and values, total COGS, gross profit (or loss), total SG&A, and net income (or loss))
have been calculated from the data submitted in the other line items. Do the calculated fields
return the correct data according to your firm's financial records ignoring non‐material
differences that may arise due to rounding?
Yes No‐‐If the calculated fields do not show the correct data, please double check the
feeder data for data entry errors and revise.
Also, check signs accorded to the post operating income line items; the two
expense line items should report positive numbers (i.e., expenses are
positive and incomes or reversals are negative‐‐instances of the latter
should be rare in those lines) while the income line item also in most
instances should have its value be a positive number (i.e., income is positive,
expenses or reversals are negative).
If after reviewing and potentially revising the feeder data your firm has
provided, the differences between your records and the calculated fields
persist please identify and discuss the differences in the space below.
III‐10. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in the subject product financial results.‐‐For
each annual and interim 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.
Fiscal years ended‐‐
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
Nonrecurring item: In this column, please provide a
Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the amount of the
brief description of each nonrecurring item and indicate relevant nonrecurring item reported in question III‐9a.
the specific line item in table III‐9a where the
nonrecurring item is classified.
Value ($1,000)
1. , classified as
2. , classified as
3. , classified as
4. , classified as
5. , classified as
6. , classified as
7. , classified as
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
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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 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‐10 identify where these items
are reported in question III‐9a.
III‐12. Asset values.‐‐Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long‐term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of SS flanges. If your firm does not maintain some or all
of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for SS 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.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2014
1
Total assets (net)
1
III‐13.
2015
2016
Describe
Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.‐‐Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for SS flanges. Provide data for your
firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for the specified interim periods.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2014
1
Capital expenditures
2
Research and development expenses
1
2
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on the subject product.
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to subject product.
2017
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
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III‐14. Data consistency and reconciliation.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm’s financial data for
questions III‐9a, 12, and 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.
Full year data
Reconciliation
2014
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").
2015
0
Partial year periods
2016
0
2016
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.
2017
0
0
0
0
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 26
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, 2014, has your firm experienced any actual
negative effects on its return on investment or the scale of capital investments as a result of
imports of SS flanges from China and India?
No
Yes‐‐My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
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
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
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III‐16. Effects of imports on growth and development.‐‐Since January 1, 2014, has your firm
experienced any actual negative effects on its growth, ability to raise capital, or existing
development and production efforts (including efforts to develop a derivative or more advanced
version of the product) as a result of imports of SS flanges from China and India?
No
Yes‐‐My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
Rejection of bank loans
Lowering of credit rating
Problem related to the issue
of stocks or bonds
Ability to service debt
Other
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 28
III‐17. Anticipated effects of imports.‐‐Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
SS 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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 29
PART IV.‐‐PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Tana Von Kessler (202‐205‐
2389, [email protected]).
IV‐1. Contact information.‐‐Please identify the individual that Commission staff may contact
regarding the confidential information submitted in Part IV.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
PRICE DATA
IV‐2. This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2014 of the following products produced by your
firm from your own U.S. forgings.
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.—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 3.—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 2014‐June 2017, did your firm produce and sell to unrelated U.S. customers any
of the above listed products (or any products that were competitive with these products)?
Yes.‐‐Please complete the following pricing data table(s) as appropriate.
No.‐‐Skip to question IV‐3.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
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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
Report data in actual pieces (not 1,000 pounds) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Period of shipment
2014:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2015:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2016:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2017:
January‐March
April‐June
1
(Quantity in pieces, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 3
Quantity
Value
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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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
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IV‐2 (b). 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 (e). Pricing data methodology.‐‐Please describe the method and the kinds of documents/records
that were used to compile your price data.
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records used in
the preparation of the price data, as Commission staff may contact your firm regarding questions on the
price data. The Commission may also request that your company submit copies of the supporting
documents/records (such as sales journal, invoices, etc.) used to compile these data.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
IV‐3.
Page 32
Price setting.‐‐How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of SS flanges
(check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample pages of a recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction
Contracts
IV‐4.
Annual
total
volume
discounts
Other
Describe
Pricing terms.‐‐
(a)
What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its U.S.‐produced SS flanges?
Net 60
days
(b)
2/10 net
30 days
Other
Other (specify)
On what basis are your firm’s prices of domestic SS flanges usually quoted (check one)?
Delivered
F.o.b.
IV‐6.
If other, describe
No
discount
policy
Net 30
days
Other
Discount policy.‐‐Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that apply).
Quantity
discounts
IV‐5.
Set
price
lists
If f.o.b., specify point
Contract versus spot.‐‐Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.‐produced SS
flanges in 2016 was on a (1) long‐term contract basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3) short‐term
contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?
Long‐term
contracts
(multiple
deliveries for
more than 12
months)
Share of 2016
sales
%
Type of sale
Short‐term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for 12
less than 12
months)
months)
%
%
Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)
%
Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)
0.0
%
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
IV‐7.
Page 33
Contract provisions.‐‐Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
U.S.‐produced SS flanges (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on a long‐term,
short‐term and/or annual contract basis).
Item
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)
Average contract
duration
No. of
days
365
Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)
Yes
No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes
No
Typical sales
contract provisions
Fixed quantity
and/or price
Meet or release
provision
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 SS flanges?
Share of 2016
Lead time (Average
Source
sales
number of days)
From inventory
%
Produced to order
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
0.0 %
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
IV‐9.
Page 34
Shipping information.‐‐
(a)
(b)
(c)
What is the approximate percentage of the cost of U.S.‐produced SS flanges that is
accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs? percent
Who generally arranges the transportation to your firm’s customers’ locations?
Your firm Purchaser (check one)
Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of SS 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 SS flanges since January 1, 2014 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
√ if applicable
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.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
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IV‐11. End uses.‐‐List the end uses of the SS flanges that your firm manufactures. For each end‐use
product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by SS flanges and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)
End use product
SS flanges
Other inputs
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
IV‐12. Substitutes.‐‐Can other products be substituted for SS flanges?
No
Yes‐‐Please fill out the table.
End use in which this
substitute is used
Substitute
Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for SS flanges?
No Yes
Explanation
1.
2.
3.
IV‐13. Demand trends.‐‐Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for SS flanges by sector has changed since January 1, 2014. Explain any trends
and describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.
Overall
No
Overall
increase change decrease
Market
Fluctuate
with no
clear trend
Explanation and factors
In Oil and Gas Sector:
Within the United States
Outside the United States
Within the United States
Outside the United States
In all other sectors:
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IV‐14. Product changes.‐‐Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of SS flanges since January 1, 2014?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.
IV‐15. Conditions of competition.‐‐
(a) Is the SS flanges market subject to business cycles (other than general economy‐wide
conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to SS flanges? If yes,
describe.
Check all that apply.
Please describe.
No
Skip to question IV‐16.
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
SS flanges since January 1, 2014?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
IV‐16. Supply constraints.‐‐Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply SS flanges since
January 1, 2014 (examples include placing customers on allocation or “controlled order entry,”
declining to accept new customers or renew existing customers, delivering less than the
quantity promised, being unable to meet timely shipment commitments, etc.)?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
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IV‐17. Raw materials.‐‐How have SS flanges raw material prices changed since January 1, 2014?
Fluctuate
with no
Overall
No
Overall
increase change decrease clear trend
Explain, noting how raw material price changes
have affected your firm’s selling prices for SS
flanges.
IV‐18. Interchangeability.‐‐Is SS 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
United States
China
India
China
India
Other countries
For any country‐pair producing SS 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‐19. Factors other than price.‐‐Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between SS 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
United States
China
India
China
India
Other countries
For any country‐pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of SS flanges, identify the country‐pair and report the advantages or
disadvantages imparted by such factors:
IV‐20. 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 2016 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
Usually
Please explain your answer:
Sometimes
Never
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 39
IV‐21. Customer identification.‐‐List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for SS flanges since January 1, 2014. Indicate the share of the quantity of your firm’s
total shipments of SS flanges that each of these customers accounted for in 2016.
Customer’s name
Contact person
Email
Telephone
City
State
Share
of
2016
sales
(%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 40
IV‐22. Competition from imports
(a)
Lost revenue.‐‐Since January 1, 2014: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling SS
flanges from China and India, did your firm:
Item
No
Yes
(b)
Reduce prices
Roll back announced price increases
Lost sales.‐‐Since January 1, 2014: Did your firm lose sales of SS flanges to imports of
this product from China and India?
No
Yes
(c)
The submission of lost sales/lost revenue allegations is to be completed only by NON‐
PETITIONERS.
If your firm indicated “yes” to any of the above, your firm can provide the Commission
with additional information by downloading and completing the lost sales/lost revenues
worksheet at http://usitc.gov/trade_remedy/question.htm. Note that the Commission
may contact the firms named to verify the allegations reported.
Is your firm submitting the lost sales/lost revenues worksheet?
No—Please explain.
Yes—Please complete the worksheet and submit via the Commission dropbox.
https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: SSF)
IV‐23. 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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 41
PART V.—FINISHING ONLY OPERATIONS
“Finishing only” Any operations involving the purchase of unfinished flanges that are covered by the
investigations (defined on page 2) 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.
Note.‐‐Do not include data in this section for finishing operations on merchandise that your firm
forged. Those data should be included in Parts II through IV.
V‐1. Finishing only operations.‐‐Since January 1, 2014, has your firm purchased unfinished SS flanges
covered by the investigations (either domestic or imported) and further processed those
purchases into products that still match the definition of SS 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
V‐2.
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
4
Please describe the reason for your rating.
5:
Extremely complex,
intense, and
important
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
V‐3.
Page 42
Production, shipment, and inventory data for finishing only processing.
FINISHING ONLY
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
1
Average production capacity
(quantity) (A)
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (B)
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
2
Internal consumption:
Quantity (F)
2
Value (G)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (H)
2
Value (I)
2
3
Export shipments:
Quantity (J)
Value (K)
4
End‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (L)
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‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 43
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
2014
B + C – D – F – H – J – L = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
1
2015
0
January‐June
2016
0
2016
0
2017
0
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless accurate: .
V‐4.
Channels of distribution.‐‐Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments by channel of
distribution during the specified periods.
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds)
Calendar years
Item
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (M)
To end users (N)
To finishers/converters (O)
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines M and N) 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.
2014
2015
0
January‐June
2016
0
2016
0
0
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
V‐5.
Page 44
Employment data.‐‐Report your firm’s employment‐related data related to the production of
finished SS 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. For the January to June periods, calculate similarly and divide by 6.
“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.
FINISHING ONLY
Calendar years
Item
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
Average number of PRWs (number)
Hours worked by PRWs (1,000 hours)
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
Explanation of trends:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
V‐6.
Page 45
Operations on finishing only processing.‐‐Report the revenue and related cost information
requested below on the finishing only processing of SS flanges 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 SS 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, and for the specified interim periods. 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.
FINISHING ONLY
Quantity (in 1,000 pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2
Net sales quantities
2014
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
2017
Net sales values
Cost of goods sold (COGS):3
Purchased unfinished SS flanges –
domestically produced
Purchased unfinished SS flanges –
subject imports
Purchased unfinished SS flanges – non‐
subject imports
0
0
0
0
0
Other raw materials
Direct labor
Other factory costs
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A)
expenses:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
Total purchased unfinished SS
flanges
Total COGS
Gross profit or (loss)
Total SG&A expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other expenses and income:
Interest expense
All other expense items
All other income items
0
0
0
0
0
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.
2
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
V‐7.
Page 46
Asset values.‐‐Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long‐term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of SS flanges. If your firm does not maintain some or all
of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for SS 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.
FINISHING ONLY
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2014
1
Total assets (net)
1
2015
2016
Describe
V‐8.
Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.‐‐Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for SS flanges. Provide data for your
firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for the specified interim periods.
FINISHING ONLY
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2014
1
Capital expenditures
2
Research and development expenses
1
2
2015
January‐June
2016
2016
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on the subject product.
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to subject product.
2017
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire‐‐SS Flanges (Preliminary)
Page 47
HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
http://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2017/stainless_steel_flanges_china_and_i
ndia/preliminary.htm.
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods noted
below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or cannot use one
of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the Commission for further
instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/
Pin: 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 (202‐
205‐1803). A certificate of service must accompany the completed questionnaire you submit (see 19 CFR
§ 207.7). Service of the questionnaire must be made in paper form.
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Microsoft Word - US producer--SS flanges (P) |
| Author | justin.enck |
| File Modified | 2017-08-18 |
| File Created | 2017-08-18 |