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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 17‐2‐3813; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020
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U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
COMMON ALLOY ALUMINUM SHEET FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by December 14, 2017
See last page for filing instructions.
The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations concerning common alloy aluminum sheet
from China (Inv. Nos. 701‐TA‐591 and 731‐TA‐1399 (Preliminary)). The information requested in the questionnaire is
requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure to reply as directed
can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records or information in your firm’s possession (19
U.S.C. § 1333(a)).
Name of firm
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Website
Has your firm imported common alloy aluminum sheet (“CAAS”) (as defined on next page) from any country at
any time since January 1, 2014?
NO
(Sign the certification below and promptly return only this page of the questionnaire to the Commission)
YES
(Complete all parts of the questionnaire, and return the entire questionnaire to the Commission)
Return questionnaire via the U.S. International Trade Commission Drop Box by clicking on the
following link: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: CAAS)
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the information herein supplied in response to this questionnaire is complete and correct to the best of my
knowledge and belief and understand that the information submitted is subject to audit and verification by the Commission. By
means of this certification I also grant consent for the Commission, and its employees and contract personnel, to use the
information provided in this questionnaire and throughout this proceeding in any other import‐injury proceedings conducted by
the Commission on the same or similar merchandise.
I, the undersigned, acknowledge that information submitted in response to this request for information and throughout this
proceeding or other proceedings may be disclosed to and used: (i) by the Commission, its employees and Offices, and contract
personnel (a) for developing or maintaining the records of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in internal investigations, audits,
reviews, and evaluations relating to the programs, personnel, and operations of the Commission including under 5 U.S.C.
Appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S. government employees and contract personnel, solely for cybersecurity purposes. I understand that all
contract personnel will sign appropriate nondisclosure agreements.
Name of Authorized Official Title of Authorized Official
Date
Phone:
Signature
Fax:
Email address
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 2
PART I.‐‐GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.‐‐This proceeding was instituted in response to a notification of investigations self‐initiated
by the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”). That notification was deemed by the Commission
as having been filed on December 1, 2017. Countervailing and antidumping duties may be assessed on
the subject imports as a result of these proceedings if the Commission makes an affirmative
determination of injury, threat, or material retardation, and if Commerce makes an affirmative
determination of subsidization and dumping. Questionnaires and other information pertinent to this
proceeding are available at
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/title_7/2017/common_alloy_aluminum_sheet_china/preliminary.
htm_0.
Common alloy aluminum sheet (“CAAS”).‐‐ The merchandise covered by these investigations is
common alloy aluminum sheet (“CAAS”), which is a flat‐rolled aluminum product having a thickness of
6.3 mm or less, but greater than 0.2 mm, in coils or cut‐to‐length, regardless of width. CAAS within the
scope of this proceeding includes both not clad aluminum sheet, as well as multi‐alloy, clad aluminum
sheet. With respect to not clad aluminum sheet, CAAS is manufactured from a 1XXX‐, 3XXX‐, or 5XXX‐
series alloy as designated by the Aluminum Association. With respect to multi‐alloy, clad aluminum
sheet, CAAS is produced from a 3XXX‐series core, to which cladding layers are applied to either one or
both sides of the core.
CAAS may be made to ASTM specification B209‐14, but can also be made to other specifications.
Regardless of specification, however, all CAAS meeting the scope description is included in the scope.
Subject merchandise includes CAAS that has been further processed in a third country, including but not
limited to annealing, tempering, painting, varnishing, trimming, cutting, punching, and/or slitting, 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 CAAS.
Excluded from the scope of these investigations is aluminum can stock (as defined below).
Where the nominal and actual measurements vary, a product is within the scope if application of either
the nominal or actual measurement would place it within the scope based on the definitions set for the
above.
CAAS is currently classifiable under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) statistical
reporting numbers 7606.11.3060, 7606.11.6000, 7606.12.3090, 7606.12,6000, 7606.91.3090,
7606.91.6080, 7606.92.3090, and 7606.92.6080. Further, merchandise that falls within the scope of
these investigations may also be entered into the United States under HTSUS statistical reporting
numbers 7606.11.3030, 7606.12.3030, 7606.91.3060, 7606.91.6040, 7606.92.3060, 7606.92.6040,
7607.11.9090. Although the HTSUS statistical reporting numbers are provided for convenience and
customs purposes, the written description of the scope of these investigations is dispositive.
Aluminum can stock.‐‐Aluminum can stock is suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum beverage
cans, lids of such cans, or tabs used to open such cans. Aluminum can stock is produced to gauges that
range from 0.200 mm to 0.292 mm, and has an H‐19, H‐41, H‐48, or H‐391 temper. In addition,
aluminum can stock has a lubricant applied to the flat surfaces of the can stock to facilitate its
movement through machines used in the manufacture of beverage cans. Aluminum can stock is properly
classified under HTSUS statistical reporting numbers 7606.12.3045 and 7606.12.3055.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 3
Aluminum foil.‐‐Aluminum foil is defined as aluminum processed with a thickness of 0.2 mm or less.
Aluminum plate.‐‐Aluminum plate is defined as aluminum processed with a thickness of greater than
6.3 mm.
Importer.‐‐Any person or firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary, in
importing CAAS (as defined above) into the United States from a foreign manufacturer or through its
selling agent.
Reporting of information.‐‐If information is not readily available from your records, provide carefully
prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire (i.e., a producer, importer,
and/or purchaser questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.‐‐The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Verification.‐‐The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.‐‐The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1677f) and section 207.7 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR § 207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import‐injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals.
Valid number error messages.‐‐If you are completing this form in a country that uses periods (“.”) to
delineate multiples of 1000 (e.g., one million would appear as $1.000.000 rather than $1,000,000), you
may be unable to enter in numbers greater than 999 in numeric form fields. The solution to this data
entry issue is to temporarily change your operating system’s number formatting to be consistent with
the U.S. number formatting system while you complete this form. Detailed instructions on how to
resolve this issue is provided at the end of this questionnaire and is available upon request from
Nathanael Comly (202‐205‐3174, [email protected]).
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
I‐1.
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
I‐2.
The questions in this questionnaire have been reviewed with market participants to ensure that
issues of concern are adequately addressed and that data requests are sufficient, meaningful,
and as limited as possible. Public reporting burden for this questionnaire is estimated to average
40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data, and
completing and reviewing the questionnaire.
We welcome comments regarding the accuracy of this burden estimate, suggestions for
reducing the burden, and any suggestions for improving this questionnaire. Please attach such
comments to your response or send to the Office of Investigations, USITC, 500 E St. SW,
Washington, DC 20436.
Establishments covered.‐‐Provide the name and address of establishment(s) covered by this
questionnaire. If your firm is publicly traded, please specify the stock exchange and trading
symbol.
“Establishment” – Each facility of a firm involved in the importation of CAAS, including auxiliary
facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate from) such facilities.
I‐3.
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)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
I‐4.
I‐5.
Page 5
Related importers/exporters.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing CAAS from China into the United States or that are
engaged in exporting CAAS from China to the United States?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Country
Affiliation
Related producers.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of CAAS?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Country
Affiliation
I‐6.
Importing operations.‐‐Please indicate the nature of your firm’s importing operations on CAAS.
More than one answer may be applicable.
Importer of record
Takes title to the
imported product(s)
Consignee of the
imported products(s)
Customs broker or
freight forwarder
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
I‐7.
I‐8.
Page 6
Consignee.‐‐If your firm is an importer of record of CAAS but is not the consignee, please list the
consignees below (firm name, address, telephone number, and individual to contact).
Firm name
Address
Contact person
and phone
number
FTZ, TIB, or bonded warehouses.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm enters CAAS into, or
withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses. Also indicate
whether your firm imports CAAS under the TIB (temporary importation under bond) program.
“Foreign trade zone” – a designated location in the United States where firms utilize special
procedures that allow delayed or reduced customs duty payments on foreign merchandise, as
well as other savings. A foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in the Foreign‐Trade Zones Act.
“Bonded warehouse” – a secured facility supervised by U.S. customs, where dutiable landed
imports are stored pending their re‐export, or release after payment of import duties, taxes, and
other charges. A bonded warehouse must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in 19 U.S.C. § 1555.
“Temporary Importation under Bond (“TIB”) program” – a procedure whereby imported
merchandise may be entered under certain conditions for a limited time into the United States
free of duty. Under the program, an importer posts a bond for twice the amount of duty, taxes,
etc. that would otherwise be owed on the importation and agrees to export or destroy the
merchandise within a specified time or pay liquidated damages. This program is restricted to
certain categories of merchandise listed in subheadings 9813.00.05 through 9813.00.75 of the
HTSUS.
Item
No
Yes
Foreign trade zones
Bonded warehouses
Temporary importation under bond
I‐9.
Other trade actions.‐‐To your knowledge, have the products subject to this proceeding been the
subject of any other import relief proceedings in the United States or in any other countries?
No
Yes‐‐Please specify.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 7
PART II.‐‐TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Nathanael Comly (202‐205‐
3174, [email protected]). Supply all annual data requested on a calendar‐year basis.
II‐1. Contact information.‐‐Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part II.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
II‐2. Changes in operations.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the importation of CAAS since January 1, 2014.
(check as many as appropriate)
(If checked, please describe; leave blank if not applicable)
Office/warehouse openings
Office/warehouse closings
Relocations
Expansions
Acquisitions
Consolidations
Prolonged shutdowns or
importation curtailments
Revised labor agreements
Other (e.g., technology)
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
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II‐3a. Arranged imports.‐‐Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of CAAS for delivery
after September 30, 2017?
“Arranged imports” – imports for which your firm has placed an order with a foreign supplier
for subject merchandise, but delivery of those imports is not scheduled to occur until after the
date listed above.
No
Yes‐‐Fill out the table below.
Quantity (in short tons)
Period/Source
Oct‐Dec 2017
Jan‐Mar 2018
Apr‐Jun 2018
July‐Sept 2018
China
Other sources
II‐3b. Imports in the 12 month period preceding Commerce’s notification.‐‐Has your firm imported
CAAS from any source between November 1, 2016 and October 30, 2017? (i.e., the last two
months in 2016 and first ten months in 2017 combined)
No
Yes‐‐Report the quantity of such imports below by source.
Quantity (in short tons)
Source
China
Other sources
II‐4.
Reasons for importing if producer.‐‐If your firm also produces CAAS in the United States, please
indicate the reasons for importing this product. If your firm’s reasons differ by source, please
elaborate.
November 2016 through October 2017
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
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Definitions
“Imports” – Those products identified for Customs purposes as imports for consumption for
which your firm was the importer of record (i.e., was responsible for paying any import duty) or
consignee (i.e., to which the merchandise was first delivered).
“Import quantities” – Quantities reported should be net of returns.
“Import values” – Values reported should be landed, duty‐paid values at the U.S. port of entry,
including ocean freight and insurance costs, brokerage charges, and import duties (i.e., all
charges except inland freight in the United States).
“U.S. commercial shipments” – Shipments made within the United States as a result of an arm’s
length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net values (i.e., gross
sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment.
“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. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
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II‐5a. U.S. imports from China.‐‐Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of CAAS imported from China by your firm during the specified periods.
CHINA
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
2014
2015
January‐September
2016
2016
2017
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
End‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (J)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (quantity) (K)
To converters (quantity) (L)
To end users (quantity) (M)
1
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/
company transfers:2
Quantity (F)
2
Value (G)
3
Export shipments:
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
1
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above: .
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets: .
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 11
II‐5a. U.S. imports from China.‐‐Continued
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line J) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line A),
plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, and H). Please ensure that any differences
are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your firm’s records;
and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record systems
issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
2014
A + B – D – F – H – J = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
2015
0
January‐September
2016
0
0
2016
2017
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 K, L, and M) 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
January‐September
Reconciliation item
K + L + M – D = zero ("0"), if not
revise.
2014
2015
0
2016
0
2016
0
0
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
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II‐5b. U.S. shipments by product type: China.‐‐Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e. inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports of
CAAS from China.
CHINA
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item
2016
U.S. shipments.‐‐
Non‐clad 1XXX series aluminum sheet
Quantity (N)
Value (O)
Non‐clad 3XXX series aluminum sheet
Quantity (P)
Value (Q)
Non‐clad 5XXX series aluminum sheet
Quantity (R)
Value (S)
Clad or multi‐alloy aluminum sheet
Quantity (T)
Value (U)
All other in‐scope products
Quantity (V)
Value (W)
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for
US shipments by product type (i.e., lines N through W) in 2016 equal the quantity and value
reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D through G) in 2016 in part "a" of this question. 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.
Reconciliation
Quantity: N + P + R + T + V – D – F = zero ("0"),
if not revise.
Value: O + Q + S + U + W – E – G = zero ("0"), if
not revise.
Calendar year
2016
0
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
II‐5c.
Page 13
U.S. imports of aluminum can stock: China.‐‐Has your firm imported any aluminum can stock
(as defined on page 2) from China at any time since January 1, 2014?
No
Yes‐‐Report the following data related to your firm's imports of
aluminum can stock.
Note.‐‐Aluminum can stock is not covered by these investigations and should not be included in the data
provided in questions II‐5a and II‐5b, and II‐6a and II‐6b.
CHINA
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
U.S. imports of aluminum can stock
from China.‐‐
Quantity (X)
Value (Y)
2014
2015
January‐September
2016
2016
2017
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
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II‐5d. Imports by specification: China.‐‐Please report your firm’s U.S. imports from China of in‐scope
CAAS and aluminum can stock (as defined on page 2) to the following specifications.
CHINA
Quantity (in short tons)
2016
Specification
In‐scope CAAS
Aluminum can
stock
U.S. imports from China.‐‐
Greater than 0.200 mm but less than or equal to 0.292 mm, in
coils (quantity) (Z)
Greater than 0.200 mm but less than or equal to 0.292 mm,
not in coils (quantity) (AA)
Greater than 0.292 mm but less than or equal to 6.3 mm, in
coils (quantity) (AB)
Greater than 0.292 mm but less than or equal to 6.3 mm, not
in coils (quantity) (AC)
RECONCILIATION OF SPECIFICATIONS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for imports by
specification (i.e., lines Z, AA, AB, and AC) in 2016 equal the quantity reported for imports (i.e., line B) in
2016. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the data reported must be
revised prior to submission to the Commission.
2016
Reconciliation
CAAS: Z + AA + AB + AC – B = zero ("0"), if not revise.
Aluminum can stock: Z + AA – X = zero ("0"), if not revise.
In‐scope CAAS
0
Aluminum can
stock
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 15
II‐5e. Import characteristics: China.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm’s U.S. imports from China of
any in‐scope CAAS and/or aluminum can stock (as defined on page 2) have any of the following
characteristics (check all that apply).
CHINA
Characteristic
In‐scope CAAS
Aluminum can
stock
H‐19 temper
H‐41 temper
H‐48 temper
H‐391 temper
Lubricant applied to the flat surface to facilitate movement
through machines used in manufacturing
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
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II‐6a. U.S. imports from all other sources.‐‐Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of CAAS imported from all other sources (i.e., all sources except China) by your firm
during the specified periods.
ALL OTHER SOURCES
(list sources:
)
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
2014
2015
January‐September
2016
2016
2017
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
End‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (J)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (quantity) (K)
To converters (quantity) (L)
To end users (quantity) (M)
1
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/
company transfers:
Quantity (F)
2
Value (G)
3
Export shipments:
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
1
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above: .
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets: .
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
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II‐6a. U.S. imports from all other sources.‐‐Continued
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line J) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line A),
plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, and H). Please ensure that any differences
are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your firm’s records;
and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record systems
issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
2014
A + B – D – F – H – J = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
2015
0
January‐September
2016
0
0
2016
2017
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 K, L, and M) 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
January‐September
Reconciliation item
K + L + M – D = zero ("0"), if not
revise.
2014
2015
0
2016
0
2016
0
0
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 18
II‐6b. U.S. shipments by product type: All other sources.‐‐Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e.
inclusive of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of
imports of CAAS from all other sources (i.e., sources other than China).
ALL OTHER SOURCES
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Item
Calendar year
2016
U.S. shipments.‐‐
Non‐clad 1XXX series aluminum sheet
Quantity (N)
Value (O)
Non‐clad 3XXX series aluminum sheet
Quantity (P)
Value (Q)
Non‐clad 5XXX series aluminum sheet
Quantity (R)
Value (S)
Clad or multi‐alloy aluminum sheet
Quantity (T)
Value (U)
All other in‐scope products
Quantity (V)
Value (W)
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for
US shipments by product type (i.e., lines N through W) in 2016 period equal the quantity and
value reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D through G) in 2016 in part "a" of this question. 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.
Reconciliation
Calendar year
2016
Quantity: N + P + R + T + V – D – F = zero ("0"), if
not revise.
0
Value: O + Q + S + U + W – E – G = zero ("0"), if
not revise.
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
II‐6c.
Page 19
U.S. imports of aluminum can stock: All other sources.‐‐Has your firm imported any aluminum
can stock (as defined on page 2) from all other sources at any time since January 1, 2014?
No
Yes‐‐Report the following data related to your firm's imports of
aluminum can stock.
Note.‐‐Aluminum can stock is not covered by these investigations and should not be included in the data
provided in question II‐5 through II‐6.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
U.S. imports of aluminum can stock
from all other sources.‐‐
Quantity (X)
Value (Y)
2014
2015
January‐September
2016
2016
2017
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
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II‐6d. Imports by specification: All other sources.‐‐Please report your firm’s U.S. imports from all
other sources of in‐scope CAAS and aluminum can stock (as defined on page 2) to the following
specifications.
ALL OTHER SOURCES
Quantity (in short tons)
2016
Specification
In‐scope CAAS
Aluminum can
stock
U.S. imports from China.‐‐
Greater than 0.200 mm but less than or equal to 0.292 mm, in
coils (quantity) (Z)
Greater than 0.200 mm but less than or equal to 0.292 mm,
not in coils (quantity) (AA)
Greater than 0.292 mm but less than or equal to 6.3 mm, in
coils (quantity) (AB)
Greater than 0.292 mm but less than or equal to 6.3 mm, not
in coils (quantity) (AC)
RECONCILIATION OF SPECIFICATIONS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for imports by
specification (i.e., lines Z, AA, AB, and AC) in 2016 equal the quantity reported for imports (i.e., line B) in
2016. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the data reported must be
revised prior to submission to the Commission.
2016
Reconciliation
CAAS: Z + AA + AB + AC – B = zero ("0"), if not revise.
Aluminum can stock: Z + AA – X = zero ("0"), if not revise.
In‐scope CAAS
0
Aluminum can
stock
0
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 21
II‐6e. Import characteristics: All other sources.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm’s U.S. imports from
all other sources of any in‐scope CAAS and/or aluminum can stock (as defined on page 2) have
any of the following characteristics (check all that apply).
ALL OTHER SOURCES
Characteristic
In‐scope CAAS
Aluminum can
stock
H‐19 temper
H‐41 temper
H‐48 temper
H‐391 temper
Lubricant applied to the flat surface to facilitate movement
through machines used in manufacturing
II‐7.
Interchangeability.‐‐Are in‐scope CAAS and aluminum can stock (as defined on page 2)
interchangeable (i.e. are the products able to be substituted in the same application)?
√ if Yes
II‐8.
Always
Frequently
Sometimes
Never
Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 22
PART III.‐‐PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Craig Thomsen (202‐205‐
3226, [email protected]).
III‐1. Contact information.‐‐Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part III.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
PRICE DATA
III‐2. This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2014 of the following products your firm imported
from China:
Product 1.‐‐Alloy 5052, H‐32 temper, 0.063 inch thickness, 48 inches wide.
Product 2.‐‐Alloy 5052, H‐32 temper, 0.080 inch thickness, 48 inches wide.
Product 3.‐‐Alloy 5052, H‐32 temper, 0.125 inch thickness, 48 inches wide.
Product 4.‐‐Alloy 5052, H‐32 temper, 0.125 inch thickness, 60 inches wide.
Product 5.‐‐Alloy 3003, H‐14 temper, 0.090 inch thickness, 48 inches wide.
Product 6.‐‐Alloy 3003, H‐14 temper, 0.125 inch thickness, 48 inches wide.
Product 7.‐‐Alloy 3003, H‐14 temper, 0.125 inch thickness, 60 inches wide.
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‐September 2017, did your firm import from China 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 tables as appropriate.
No.‐‐Skip to question III‐3.
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 23
III‐2(a). Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from China
and sold by your firm.
CHINA
Report data in pounds (not short tons) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 1
Quantity
Value
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 4
Quantity
Value
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
July‐September
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 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
Product 4:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 24
III‐2(a). Price data.‐‐ (continued).
CHINA
Report data in pounds (not short tons) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 5
Product 6
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 7
Period of shipment
Quantity
Value
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
July‐September
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 5:
Product 6:
Product 7:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 25
III‐2 (b). Price data checklist.‐‐Please check that the pricing data in question III‐2(a) has been correctly
reported.
Is the price data reported above:
√ if Yes
Value data In actual dollars (not $1,000) and
Quantity in pounds (not short tons)?
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‐5 in each year?
III‐2(c). Pricing data methodology.‐‐Please describe the method and the kinds of documents/records
that were used to compile your price data.
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records used in
the preparation of the price data, as Commission staff may contact your firm regarding questions on the
price data. The Commission may also request that your company submit copies of the supporting
documents/records (such as sales journal, invoices, etc.) used to compile these data.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
III‐3.
Price setting.‐‐How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of CAAS (check
all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample pages of a recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction
Other
If other, describe
Discount policy.‐‐Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that apply).
Quantity
discounts
No
discounts
Other or rebates
Sales
volume
rebates
III‐5.
Set
price
lists
Contracts
III‐4.
Page 26
Describe discounts or rebates offered
Pricing terms.‐‐
(a)
What are your firm’s typical sales terms for CAAS imported from China?
Net 30
days
Net 60
days
2/10 net 30
days
Other
Other (specify)
(b)
On what basis are your firm’s prices of imported CAAS from China usually quoted (check
one)?
Delivered
F.o.b.
If f.o.b., specify point
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
III‐6.
Contract versus spot.‐‐Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of CAAS imported from
China 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
III‐7.
Page 27
%
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
%
Contract provisions.‐‐Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
CAAS from China (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
Short‐term
contracts
(multiple deliveries
for less than 12
months)
Average contract
duration
No. of
days
Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)
Yes
No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes
No
Fixed quantity
and/or price
Meet or release
provision
Not applicable
Long‐term contracts
Annual contracts
(multiple deliveries (multiple deliveries for
for 12 months)
more than 12 months)
365
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
III‐8.
Lead times.‐‐What is your firm’s share of sales of CAAS imported from China 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 CAAS?
Lead time
Share of 2016 (Average number
Source
sales
of days)
From your firm’s U.S. inventory
%
From foreign manufacturers’ inventory
%
Produced to order
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
III‐9.
Page 28
0.0 %
Shipping information.‐‐
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
What is the approximate percentage of the cost of CAAS imported from China 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)
When your firm sells CAAS imported from China, from where is it shipped?
Point of importation Storage facility (check one)
Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of CAAS imported from China
that are delivered the following distances from your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
Distance from your firm’s U.S. point of shipment
Within 100 miles
%
101 to 1,000 miles
%
Over 1,000 miles
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
Share
0.0 %
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 29
III‐10. Geographical shipments.‐‐In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold CAAS
imported from China since January 1, 2014 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
China
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.
III‐11. End uses.‐‐List the end uses of the CAAS that your firm imports. For each end‐use product, what
percentage of the total cost is accounted for by CAAS and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end‐use product
accounted for by
Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)
End use product
CAAS
Other inputs
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
III‐12. Substitutes.‐‐Can other products be substituted for CAAS?
No
Yes‐‐Please fill out the table.
Substitute
End use in which this
substitute is used
Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for CAAS?
No Yes
1.
2.
3.
Explanation
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 30
III‐13. Demand trends.‐‐Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for CAAS has changed since January 1, 2014. Explain any trends and describe
the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.
Overall
No
Overall Fluctuate with
increase change decrease no clear trend
Market
Explanation and factors
Within the United States
Outside the United States
III‐14. Product changes.‐‐Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix or
marketing of CAAS since January 1, 2014?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe.
III‐15. Conditions of competition.‐‐
(a) Is the CAAS market subject to business cycles (other than general economy‐wide conditions)
and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to CAAS?
Check all that apply.
Please describe.
No
Skip to question III‐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
CAAS since January 1, 2014?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 31
III‐16. Supply constraints.‐‐Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply CAAS 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.
III‐17. Raw materials.‐‐How have CAAS raw material prices changed since January 1, 2014?
Fluctuate
with no
Explain, noting how raw material price changes
Overall
No
Overall
increase change decrease clear trend have affected your firm’s selling prices for CAAS.
III‐18. Interchangeability.‐‐Is CAAS 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
China
Other countries
For any country‐pair producing CAAS that is sometimes or never interchangeable, identify the
country‐pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 32
III‐19. Factors other than price.‐‐Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between CAAS 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
China
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 CAAS, identify the country‐pair and report the advantages or
disadvantages imparted by such factors:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 33
III‐20. Customer identification.‐‐List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for CAAS since January 1, 2014. Indicate the share of the quantity of your firm’s total
shipments of CAAS that each of these customers accounted for in 2016.
Customer’s name
Contact person
Email
Telephone
City
State
Share
of
2016
sales
(%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
III‐21. Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 34
Correcting Valid number error messages.‐‐If you are completing a Commission
questionnaire in a country that uses periods (“.”) to delineate multiples of 1000 (e.g., one million would
appear as $1.000.000 instead of as $1,000,000), you may be unable to enter in numbers greater than
999 in numeric form fields. This issues stem from your computer number formatting setting (e.g., not
the MS Word document itself, but the computer from which you are opening up the document). In the
United States commas (,) delineate multiples of 1000 and periods (.) delineate fractions less than one.
Many EU countries use the reverse where multiples of 1000 are delineated with periods (.) and
fractions less than one are delineated with commas (,). The US International Trade Commission’s
questionnaires are set‐up in the United States with the U.S. number formatting. When this formatting
interacts with a computer set to EU number formatting, we believe this may cause this issue.
The solution to this data entry issue is to temporarily change your operating system’s number
formatting to be consistent with the U.S. number formatting system while you complete the
questionnaire.
To temporarily change your computer’s number settings to U.S. settings, please do the following (for
Microsoft Windows Operating system):
START
Control Panel
Region and Language (under Clock, Language, and Region category)
Format tab
Change the Format from your existing one (e.g. “Italian (Italy)”) to “English (United States)” (see
screen shots below)
When you do this the number “twelve million dollars and thirty five cents” would change from
$12.000.000,35 (Italy format) to $12,000,000.35 (U.S. format), and then there will be no conflict with
the questionnaire. When you finish reporting the data then you can close the questionnaire and switch
back to Italy settings.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 35
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet (Preliminary)
Page 36
HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/title_7/2017/common_alloy_aluminum_sheet_ch
ina/preliminary.htm_0.
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: CAAS
• 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 Importer--CAAS (P) |
Author | amanda.lawrence |
File Modified | 2017-12-04 |
File Created | 2017-12-04 |