19-3-4071 US purchasers' questionnaire

OMB No. 3116-0016/USITC No. 19-3-4071; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. PURCHASERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
MATTRESSES FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by July 19, 2019
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 investigations concerning mattresses from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1424 (Final)). The
information requested in the questionnaire is requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This
report is mandatory and failure to reply as directed can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of
records or information in your possession (19 U.S.C. § 1333(a)). Further information on this questionnaire can be
obtained from Andrew Knipe (202-205-2390, [email protected]).
Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

Website
Has your firm purchased mattresses (as defined on next page) or air-adjusted foam mattress (as defined on page
4) from any source (domestic or foreign) at any time since January 1, 2016?

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: MATT)
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
submitting 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

Signature

Phone

Email address

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on September 18, 2018, by
Corsicana Mattress Company (Dallas, TX), Elite Comfort Solutions (Newnan, GA), Future Foam Inc.
(Council Bluffs, IA), FXI, Inc. (Media, PA), Innocor, Inc. (Red Bank, NJ), Kolcraft Enterprises Inc. (Chicago,
IL), Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (Carthage, MO), Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (Atlanta, GA), and
Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (Lexington, KY). Antidumping duties may be assessed on the subject
imports as a result of these proceedings if the Commission makes an affirmative determination of injury,
threat, or material retardation, and if the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) makes an
affirmative determination of dumping. Questionnaires and other information pertinent to this
proceeding are available at
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2018/mattresses_china/final.htm.
Mattresses.-- The scope of this investigation covers all types of youth and adult mattresses. The term
“mattress” denotes an assembly of materials that at a minimum includes a “core,” which provides the
main support system of the mattress, and may consist of innersprings, foam, other resilient filling, or a
combination of these materials. Mattresses may also contain (1) “upholstery,” the material between the
core and the top panel of the ticking on a single-sided mattress, or between the core and the top and
bottom panel of the ticking on a double-sided mattress; and/or (2) “ticking,” the outermost layer of
fabric or other material (e.g., vinyl) that encloses the core and any upholstery, also known as a cover.
The scope of this investigation is restricted to only “adult mattresses” and “youth mattresses.”
“Adult mattresses” have a width exceeding 35 inches, a length exceeding 72 inches, and a depth
exceeding 3 inches on a nominal basis. Such mattresses are frequently described as “twin,” “extra-long
twin,” “full,” “queen,” “king,” or “California king” mattresses. “Youth mattresses” have a width
exceeding 27 inches, a length exceeding 51 inches, and a depth exceeding 1 inch (crib mattresses have a
depth of 6 inches or less from edge to edge) on a nominal basis. Such mattresses are typically described
as “crib,” “toddler,” or “youth” mattresses. All adult and youth mattresses are included regardless of
actual size description.
The scope encompasses all types of “innerspring mattresses,” “non-innerspring mattresses,” and
“hybrid mattresses.” “Innerspring mattresses” contain innersprings, a series of metal springs joined
together in sizes that correspond to the dimensions of mattresses. Mattresses that contain innersprings
are referred to as “innerspring mattresses” or “hybrid mattresses.” “Hybrid mattresses” contain two or
more support systems as the core, such as layers of both memory foam and innerspring units.
“Non-innerspring mattresses” are those that do not contain any innerspring units. They are generally
produced from foams (e.g., polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic), latex foam, gelinfused viscoelastic (gel
foam), thermobonded polyester, polyethylene) or other resilient filling.
Mattresses covered by the scope of this investigation may be imported independently, as part of
furniture or furniture mechanisms (e.g., convertible sofa bed mattresses, sofa bed mattresses imported
with sofa bed mechanisms, corner group mattresses, day-bed mattresses, roll-away bed mattresses,
high risers, trundle bed mattresses, crib mattresses), or as part of a set in combination with a “mattress
foundation.” “Mattress foundations” are any base or support for a mattress. Mattress foundations are
commonly referred to as “foundations,” “boxsprings,” “platforms,” and/or “bases.” Bases can be static,
foldable, or adjustable. Only the mattress is covered by the scope if imported as part of furniture, with
furniture mechanisms, or as part of a set in combination with a mattress foundation.

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Excluded from the scope of this investigation are “futon” mattresses. A “futon” is a bi-fold frame made
of wood, metal, or plastic material, or any combination thereof, that functions as both seating furniture
(such as a couch, love seat, or sofa) and a bed. A “futon mattress” is a tufted mattress, where the top
covering is secured to the bottom with thread that goes completely through the mattress from the top
through to the bottom, and it does not contain innersprings or foam. A futon mattress is both the bed
and seating surface for the futon.
Also excluded from the scope are airbeds (including inflatable mattresses) and waterbeds, which consist
of air- or liquid-filled bladders as the core or main support system of the mattress.
Further, also excluded from the scope of this investigation are any products covered by the existing
antidumping duty order on uncovered innerspring units. See Uncovered Innerspring Units from the
People’s Republic of China: Notice of Antidumping Duty Order, 74 FR 7661 (February 19, 2009).
Additionally, also excluded from the scope of this investigation are “mattress toppers.” A “mattress
topper” is a removable bedding accessory that supplements a mattress by providing an additional layer
that is placed on top of a mattress. Excluded mattress toppers have a height of four inches or less.
The products subject to this investigation are currently properly classifiable under Harmonized
Tariff Schedule for the United States (HTSUS) subheadings: 9404.21.0010, 9404.21.0013,
9404.29.1005, 9404.29.1013, 9404.29.9085, and 9404.29.9087. Products subject to this investigation
may also enter under HTSUS subheadings: 9404.21.0095, 9404.29.1095, 9404.29.9095, 9401.40.0000,
and 9401.90.5081. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs
purposes, the written description of the merchandise subject to this investigation is dispositive.
Mattress innersprings are a series of metal springs joined together in sizes that correspond to the
dimensions of finished mattresses. Innersprings may be comprised of wrapped coils or open/nonwrapped coils. Wrapped innerspring coils consist of coils that are individually encased in a nonwoven or
woven material in rows, which rows are then bound together to form an innerspring. Open/nonwrapped coils are generally joined together by helical wire. For purposes of these investigations,
mattresses that contain innersprings are referred to as "innerspring mattresses" or "hybrid mattresses."
"Non-innerspring mattresses" are mattresses that do not contain any innerspring units. They are
generally produced from foams (e.g., polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic), latex foam, gelinfused
viscoelastic (gel foam), thermobonded polyester, polyethylene, or other resilient filling.
"Hybrid mattresses" contain two or more support systems as the core, such as layers of both memory
foam and innerspring units.
“Mattress-in-a-box” (“MiBs”) are mattresses of any size, with or without innersprings, that are rolled
and compressed, whether or not further packaged in plastic or other packaging material for delivery in
the compressed state to the ultimate consumer purchaser. These mattresses may be referred to by a
variety of names, including “mattresses in a box”, “MiBs” or “bed in a box”.
“Adult mattresses” have a width exceeding 35 inches, a length exceed 72 inches, and a depth exceeding
3 inches. Such mattresses are frequently described as "twin," "extra-long twin," "full," "queen," "king,"
or "California king" mattresses.

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“Youth mattresses” have a width exceeding 27 inches, a length exceeding 51 inches, and a depth
exceeding 1 inch (crib mattresses have a depth of 6 inches or less from edge to edge). Such mattresses
are typically described as "crib," "toddler," or "youth" mattresses.
“Mattress toppers” is a removable bedding accessory that supplements a mattress by providing an
additional layer that is placed on top of a mattress. Such mattress toppers have a height of four inches
or less.
“Air-adjustable foam mattresses” are mattresses where air or liquid filled bladders are the core or main
support system of the mattress.
Purchaser.--Any firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary, in purchasing
mattresses from another firm that produces, imports, or otherwise distributes mattresses.
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. In addition, if your firm is a U.S. producer, the information you
provide on your production and imports of mattresses 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. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)
I-1.

Page 5

Establishments covered.--Provide the name and address of your U.S. establishment(s) covered
by this questionnaire, if different from that listed on the cover page. Firms operating more than
one establishment should combine the data for all establishments into a single response.
“Establishment”--Each facility of a firm involved in the purchase of mattresses, including
auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate from) such
facilities.

I-2.

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

I-3.

Address

Extent of ownership
(percent)

Related importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, which import mattresses into the United States or which export mattresses to the
United States?
No
Firm name

I-4.

Yes--List the following information.

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, which
produce mattresses?
No
Firm name

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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PART II.--PURCHASES
Contact information.--Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which Commission
staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted in this questionnaire.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Purchases and imports.--Report separately your firm’s domestic purchases and imports of
mattresses.

II-1.

“Purchase” – Purchase from a U.S. entity such as a U.S. producer, a U.S. importer, or other U.S.
firm.
“Import” – Purchase directly from a foreign supplier and your firm is the importer of record.
2016
Item

2017

2018

Quantity (in mattresses)

Purchases of mattresses produced in—
United States
China
All other countries1
Sources unknown
Total purchases

0

0

0

0

0

0

Imports of mattresses from—
China
All other countries1
Total imports2

Please identify these countries:
If your firm imported mattresses at any time since January 1, 2016, please also complete and
return a U.S. importers' questionnaire in this proceeding.
1
2

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)
II-2.

Page 7

Changes in purchasing patterns.--Please indicate how the shares of your firm’s purchases of
mattresses from different sources have changed since January 1, 2016.

Source of
purchases

Did not
purchase Decreased Increased Constant Fluctuated

Explanation for trend

United States
China
All other
countries
Sources
unknown
II-3.

Country knowledge.--Please indicate the countries of origin with which your firm has
experience or information in the mattresses market.
United States

II-4.

China

Other
countries

Other countries (specify)

Supplier identification.--Please list your firm’s FIVE largest suppliers for mattresses since
January 1, 2016. Also, provide the share of the quantity of your firm’s total purchases of
mattresses that each of these suppliers accounted for in 2018.

No.

Supplier’s name

City and state

Share of quantity of
2018 purchases

1

%

2

%

3

%

4

%

5

%

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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PART III.--MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES
III-1.

Firm type.--Which of the following best describes your firm as a purchaser of mattresses (check
all that apply)?

End user
(Hotel or
other
hospitality)

End user
(Institution)

End
user
(Other)

Retailer
(brick
and
mortar)

Retailer
(online)

Distributor

Other (Describe)

If your firm is a distributor of mattresses, please answer questions III-2 and III-3.
III-2.

Competition for sales.--Does your firm compete for sales to customers with the manufacturers
or importers from which your firm purchases mattresses?
No

III-3.

Yes

If yes, please describe.

Types of customers.--What are the major types of consumers to which your firm sells
mattresses?

If your firm is an end user of mattresses that produces downstream products incorporating mattress,
please answer questions III-4 and III-5.
III-4.

End uses.--List the top 3 products your firm makes using mattresses and estimate the percent of
your total production cost that is accounted for by mattresses and by other inputs (such as labor,
energy, and other raw materials).
Share of total cost in each of the product(s) your
firm produces accounted for by
Product(s) your firm
produces

Mattresses

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%
across)

Other inputs
% +

%

=

0.0 %

% +

%

=

0.0 %

% +

%

=

0.0 %

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)
III-5.

Demand for end-use products.-(a)

Has the demand for your firm’s final products incorporating mattresses changed since
January 1, 2016?
Increased

(b)

Substitute

2.
3.

Decreased

Fluctuated

Yes

Explain

Substitutes.--Can other products (i.e. out-of-scope products such as futons, air mattresses, and
water beds) be substituted for mattresses?
No

1.

No change

Has this had any effect on your firm’s demand for mattresses?
No

III-6.

Page 9

Yes--Please fill out the table.
End-use product or
application in which this
substitute is used

Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for mattresses?
No Yes

Explanation

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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Demand trends.--

III-7.

(a)

Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United States (if
known) for innerspring, non-innerspring (i.e., foam), hybrid, MiB, and flat shipped nonMiB mattresses have changed since January 1, 2016. Explain any trends and describe the
principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.

Market

Overall
increase

No
Overall Fluctuate with
change decrease no clear trend
Current demand

Within the United States
Innerspring
Non-innerspring
Hybrid
Rolled and
compressed MiBs
Flat shipped non-MiB
(i.e., compressed for
shipment but not
rolled) mattresses
Flat shipped, not
compressed, non-MiB
mattresses
Other (describe:
)
Outside the United States
Innerspring
Non-innerspring
Hybrid
Rolled and
compressed MiBs
Flat shipped non-MiB
(i.e., compressed for
shipment but not
rolled) mattresses
Flat shipped, not
compressed, non-MiB
mattresses
Other (describe:
)

Explanation and factors

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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Demand trends.--Continued

III-7.

(b)

Please also indicate how you anticipate demand will change during the remainder of
2019 and 2020 for the various mattress types listed in part (a). Explain any trends and
describe the principal factors that will affect these changes in demand.

Market

Overall
increase

No
Overall Fluctuate with
change decrease no clear trend

Anticipated future demand during 2019-20
Within the United States
Innerspring
Non-innerspring
Hybrid
Rolled and
compressed MiBs
Flat shipped non-MiB
(i.e., compressed for
shipment but not
rolled) mattresses
Flat shipped, not
compressed, non-MiB
mattresses
Other (describe:
)
Outside the United States
Innerspring
Non-innerspring
Hybrid
Rolled and
compressed MiBs
Flat shipped non-MiB
(i.e., compressed for
shipment but not
rolled) mattresses
Flat shipped, not
compressed, non-MiB
mattresses
Other (describe:
)

Explanation and factors

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)
III-8.

Page 12

Product and marketing changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range,
product mix, or marketing of mattresses since January 1, 2016 (please respond for each item)?
No

Yes If yes, please describe.

MiBs (i.e., “bed(s) in a box,”
“mattress(es) in a box,” and/or
“compressed mattress(es).”)
Other direct-to-consumer internet
sales
Branding
Private label
programs
Floor slots at brick and mortar
retailers
Location of products in consumer
search results on e-commerce sites
Other
III-9.

Floor space allocation and e-commerce placement changes.--Has your firm’s allocation of floor
space for mattresses and/or your firm’s e-commerce placement (i.e., prominence or ranking on
websites) of mattresses changed since January 1, 2016 with respect to mattresses from the
United States, China, other countries, and overall?
No
Fluctuate with
Not
Increase change Decrease no clear trend applicable Explanation and factors

Floor space allocation
United States
China
Other countries1
Overall
E-commerce placement
United States
China
Other countries1
Overall
1

Please identify these other countries:

.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-10. Marketing practices by brick and mortar retailers.--If your firms sells mattresses through brick
and mortar retail establishments, please explain the factors that determine the selection of
mattresses that are displayed on the floor of your establishments and their location on the sales
floors of such establishments (e.g., sales velocity, quality, reviews, supplier relationships, profit
margins, etc.), as well as the relative importance of each factor.

III-11. Marketing practices by internet retailers.--If your firm sells mattresses over an e-commerce
website, please explain the factors that determine the rankings of mattresses yielded by
consumer search results on the website (e.g., sales velocity, quality, delivery time, customer
reviews, price, etc.) and the relative importance of each factor to the search results.

III-12. Country preferences.--Do you or your customers ever specifically order mattresses from one
country in particular over other possible sources of supply?

No

Yes

If yes, identify the countries and explain which factors influence your or your
customers’ decisions to do so.

III-13. Importance of purchasing domestic product.--Please fill out the table below, estimating the
percentage of your firm’s total 2018 purchases of mattresses that required mattresses produced
in the United States.

Purchases that did not require domestic product
Purchases that were required by law or regulation to be domestic product
(e.g., government purchases under “Buy American” provisions)
Purchases that were not required by law or regulation, but were required by
your customers to be domestic product
Purchases that were required to be domestic product for other reasons
(explain:
)
Total (should sum to 100.0%)

Estimated percentage of
your firm’s total 2018
purchases of mattresses
%
%
%
%
0.0 %

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-14. Conditions of competition.-(a)

Is the mattresses market subject to business cycles (other than general economy-wide
conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to mattresses?

Check all that apply.

Please describe.

No

Skip to question III-15.

Yes-Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes-Other distinctive
conditions of competition
(b)

Have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition for
mattresses since January 1, 2016?
No

(c)

No

Yes

If yes, describe.

Please describe the impact, if any, of Mattress Firm’s difficulties and bankruptcy on your
firm’s mattress business and/or the U.S. mattress market as a whole. In your response,
identify the magnitude and timing of any effects, and compare your firm’s operations
and the overall U.S. mattress market before and after Mattress Firm’s bankruptcy.
Yes If yes, describe.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-15. Decisions based on producer and country-of-origin.--How often does your firm, and if known,
do your customers, make purchasing decisions involving mattresses based on its producer or
country of origin?
Item

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

If at least sometimes, explain.

Decision based on producer
Your firm
Your
customers
Decision based on country of origin
Your firm
Your
customers
III-16. Availability of supply.--Has the availability of mattresses in the U.S. market from the following
sources changed since January 1, 2016?
Source

No

Please explain, noting the countries and reasons for the
Yes changes.

U.S.-produced product
Imports from China
Imports from other
(nonsubject) countries
III-17. Supply constraints.--Has any firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply your firm with
mattresses since January 1, 2016 (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. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-18. Availability of specific product types.--Are certain types, sizes, or features only available from
certain country sources?
No

Yes

If yes, please identify the countries and the type, size, or product feature.

III-19. Purchasing frequency.-(a)

How frequently does your firm make purchases of mattresses (check one)?
Daily

(b)

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

Annually

Other

If other, specify

Has this purchasing frequency changed since January 1, 2016?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe.

III-20. Raw material prices.-(a)

Is your firm familiar with the prices for raw materials used in the production of
mattresses?
No –
(skip to question III-21)

(b)

Yes –
please answer (b)

Has information regarding the prices of raw materials used to manufacture mattresses
affected your firm’s negotiations or contracts to purchase mattresses since January 1,
2016?
No

Yes Explain

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-21. Number of suppliers contacted.--How many suppliers does your firm generally contact before
making a purchase? Between
and
firms
III-22. Supplier negotiations.--Do your firm’s purchases of mattresses usually involve negotiations
between supplier and purchaser?

No

Yes

If yes, explain the factors your firm generally negotiates and note whether
your firm quotes competing prices during negotiations.

III-23. Change in suppliers.—
(a)

Has your firm changed suppliers since January 1, 2016?

No

(b)

Yes

If yes, please list the supplier(s), whether the firm was added or dropped,
and the reasons for the change.

If you did not change suppliers since January 1, 2016, are you prevented either for legal
or practical considerations from doing so?
No

Yes

If yes, please elaborate.

III-24. New suppliers.--Are you aware of any new suppliers, either foreign or domestic, that have
entered the market since January 1, 2016?
No

Yes

If yes, please identify the firms.

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III-25. Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s purchases of U.S.-produced
mattresses and/or mattresses imported from China in 2018 was on a (1) short-term contract
basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3) long-term contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Country
United States
China

Type of sale

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

%

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

%

%

%

Annual
contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)

Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)

Total
(should sum
to 100.0%)

%

0.0

%

0.0

%

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-26. Contract provisions.--Please fill out the table below regarding your firm’s typical contracts for
purchases of U.S.-produced mattresses and/or mattresses imported from China (or check “not
applicable” if your firm does not purchase on a short-term, annual and/or long-term contract
basis from the applicable country).
Typical sales
contract provisions

Item

Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes

Fixed quantity
and/or price

Short-term contracts Annual contracts
(multiple deliveries
(multiple
for less than 12
deliveries for 12
months)
months)
U.S. produced mattresses
365

No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes

Indexed to raw
material costs1

No

Not applicable
1

Please identify the indexes used:
Mattresses produced in China
Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes

Fixed quantity
and/or price

No
Quantity

Indexed to raw
material costs2

Price
Both
Yes
No

Not applicable
2

Please identify the indexes used:

365

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-27. Supplier qualification.--Do you require your suppliers to be or to become certified or qualified
to sell mattresses to your firm?
If yes, provide the following information.
• The number of days to qualify a new supplier.
• A general description of the certification or qualification process. Also, a brief
description of the factors that you consider when qualifying a new supplier (e.g., quality
of product, reliability of supplier, indentation-force deflection, federal height
requirements, CPSC flame requirements, environmental certifications, etc.).

No

Yes

Number
of days Process and factors

III-28. Failure to certify.--Since January 1, 2016, have any domestic or foreign producers failed in their
attempts to certify or qualify their mattresses with your firm or have any producers lost their
approved status?

No

Yes

If yes, please identify these firms, the countries where they are located,
and the reasons why they failed the certification/qualification.

III-29. Major purchasing factors.--Please list, in order of their importance, the main factors your firm
considers in deciding from whom to purchase mattresses (examples include availability, delivery
type, extension of credit, contracts, price, quality, range of supplier’s product line, traditional
supplier, etc.).
1.
2.
3.
Please list any other factors that are very important in your purchase decisions:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-30. Purchasing factors.--Please rate the importance of the following factors in your firm’s
purchasing decisions for mattresses.

Factor
Availability, overall
Availability of different sizes
Consumer in-home trials
Consumer in-store trials
Consumer online ratings
Delivery terms
Delivery time
Direct-to-consumer delivery
Discounts offered
Foam density
Foam type
Minimum quantity requirements
Online sales
Packaging
Payment terms
Price
Product consistency
Product range
Quality meets industry standards
Quality exceeds industry standards
Reliability of supply
Spring quantity
Spring type
Technical support/service
U.S. transportation costs

Very
important

Somewhat
important

Not
important

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-31. Quality characteristics.--What characteristics does your firm consider when determining the
quality of mattresses?

III-32. Minimum quality.--How often do mattresses from the following countries meet minimum
quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses?
Source

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely or
never

Don’t
know

United States
China
Other:
III-33. Frequency of decisions based on price.--How often does your firm purchase the mattresses that
are offered at the lowest price?
Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

III-34. Price leaders.--A price leader is defined as (1) one or more firms that initiate a price change,
either upward or downward, that is followed by other firms, or (2) one or more firms that have a
significant impact on prices. A price leader is not necessarily the lowest-priced supplier.
Please list the names of any firms you considered price leaders in the mattresses market since
January 1, 2016.
Firm(s)

Describe how the firm(s) exhibited price leadership

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-35. Purchasing subject imports rather than domestic products.-(a)

Since January 1, 2016, did your firm purchase imports of mattresses from China instead
of U.S.-produced mattresses?
Yes
(also respond to parts (b) and (c))

(b)

No
(If “No”, skip to next question)

If you responded “Yes” to part (a), was the imported product from China priced lower
than the domestic product?
Yes

(c)

No

If you responded “Yes” to part (a), was price a primary reason for purchasing subject
imports from China rather than domestic product?

Yes

If Yes, estimate the quantity of imports
from China purchased instead of
domestic product since January 1, 2016
(in number of mattresses)

No

If No, please indicate the reason
your firm purchased imports from
China instead of domestic product

III-36. U.S. producers and import competition.-(a)

Since January 1, 2016, in connection with a sale or offer to sell mattresses to your firm,
did U.S. producers reduce their prices of domestically produced mattresses in order to
compete with lower-priced imports of mattresses from China?
Yes
(also respond to question part (b))

(b)

No
(If “No”, skip to next question)

Don’t know

If your firm responded “yes”, please provide an estimate of the reduction in U.S.
producers’ prices, and any additional explanations, such as timing (e.g., months/years),
frequency of price reductions, or other market/competitive factors.

Estimated reduction
in U.S. prices
(percent)
%

Additional explanation, including such information as timing (e.g.,
months/years), frequency of price reductions, or other
market/competitive factors

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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III-37. Impact of the section 301 investigation.--This question concerns the section 301 investigation
and tariffs on mattresses.
(a)

Did the announcement in March 2018 and subsequent imposition of tariffs on
mattresses imported from China pursuant to the section 301 investigation concerning
China impact your firm's mattress business and/or the U.S. mattress market as a
whole?

Yes—Please fill out table below and answer part (b)

Item
Impact on your firm

No

Don’t know

Response
1

Impact on overall U.S.
market1
Please identify the magnitude and timing of any effects, and compare your firm's
operations/overall market before and after the announcement of the section 301 measures.
1

(b)

Assessment of specific impacts of the section 301 investigation.--Please indicate the
impact of the announcement and subsequent imposition of tariffs on mattresses
imported from China pursuant to the section 301 investigation concerning China.

Item
Overall demand for
mattresses in the U.S.
market
Supply of mattresses
in the U.S. market
Prices for mattresses
in the U.S. market
Raw material costs for
mattresses in the U.S.
market

Fluctuate
with no
No
clear
Increase change Decrease
trend

Explanation and factors

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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PART IV.—PRODUCT COMPARISONS
IV-1.

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

China

Other countries

United States
China
For any country-pair producing mattresses which is sometimes or never interchangeable,
please identify the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable
use:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)
IV-2.

Page 26

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

China

Other countries

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)
IV-3.

Page 27

Factor country comparisons.--For the factors listed below, please rate how mattresses
produced in each country you identified in your response to the first question in Part IV
compares with mattresses produced in each of the other countries you identified.

If you are unfamiliar with the product from a particular country, please leave the boxes for those
country comparisons blank.

Inferior

Comparable

Factor

Superior

Product from United States
compared to product from China

Availability, overall
Availability of different sizes
Consumer in-home trials
Consumer in-store trials
Consumer online ratings
Delivery terms
Delivery time
Direct-to-consumer delivery
Discounts offered
Foam density
Foam type
Minimum quantity requirements
Online sales
Packaging
Payment terms
Price1
Product consistency
Product range
Quality meets industry standards
Quality exceeds industry standards
Reliability of supply
Spring quantity
Spring type
Technical support/service
U.S. transportation costs1
A rating of superior on price and U.S. transportation costs indicates that the first country generally has lower
prices/U.S. transportation costs than the second country.
1

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)
IV-3.

Page 28

Factor country comparisons.--Continued

If you are unfamiliar with the product from a particular country, please leave the boxes for those
country comparisons blank.

Inferior

Comparable

Product from
China
compared to
product from
Nonsubject countries

Superior

Inferior

Comparable

Factor

Superior

Product from
United States
compared to
product from
Nonsubject countries

Availability, overall
Availability of different sizes
Consumer in-home trials
Consumer in-store trials
Consumer online ratings
Delivery terms
Delivery time
Direct-to-consumer delivery
Discounts offered
Foam density
Foam type
Minimum quantity requirements
Online sales
Packaging
Payment terms
Price1
Product consistency
Product range
Quality meets industry standards
Quality exceeds industry standards
Reliability of supply
Spring quantity
Spring type
Technical support/service
U.S. transportation costs1
A rating of superior on price and U.S. transportation costs indicates that the first country generally has lower
prices/U.S. transportation costs than the second country.
1

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

Page 29

PART V.—ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
V-1.

Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to any question for
which a narrative response box was not provided, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below.

V-2.

OMB statistics.--Please report 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
25 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data, and
completing and reviewing the questionnaire.
We welcome comments regarding the accuracy of this burden estimate, suggestions for
reducing the burden, and any suggestions for improving this questionnaire. Please attach such
comments to your response or send to the Office of Investigations, USITC, 500 E St. SW,
Washington, DC 20436.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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PART VI.--ALTERNATIVE PRODUCT INFORMATION
VI-1.

Comparability of mattresses and air-adjustable foam mattresses.-- For each of the following
indicate whether mattresses and air-adjustable foam mattresses (as defined on page 4) are:
fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them; mostly comparable or
similar; somewhat comparable or similar; never or not-at-all comparable or similar; or no
familiarity with products.
F: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them;
M: mostly comparable or similar;
S: somewhat comparable or similar;
N: never or not-at-all comparable or similar; or
0: no familiarity with products.
(a) Physical Characteristics and End Uses.--The differences and similarities in the physical
characteristics and end uses.

Product-pair

Comparison

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

Mattresses vs air-adjustable foam
mattresses

(b) Interchangeability.--The ability to substitute the products in the same application.

Product-pair
Mattresses vs air-adjustable foam
mattresses

Comparison

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)
VI-1.

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Comparability of mattresses and air-adjustable foam mattresses.--Continued
F: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them;
M: mostly comparable or similar;
S: somewhat comparable or similar;
N: never or not-at-all comparable or similar; or
0: no familiarity with products.
(c) Channels of distribution.--Channels of distribution/market situation through which the
products are sold (i.e., sold direct to end users, through wholesaler/distributors, etc.).

Product-pair

Comparison

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

Mattresses vs air-adjustable foam
mattresses
(d) Manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees.--Whether
manufactured in the same facilities, from the same inputs, on the same machinery and
equipment, and using the same employees.

Product-pair
Mattresses vs air-adjustable foam
mattresses

Comparison

Please provide a narrative discussion for the
comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
manufacturing facilities, production processes, and
production employees:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)
VI-1.

Page 32

Comparability of mattresses and air-adjustable foam mattresses.--Continued
F: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them;
M: mostly comparable or similar;
S: somewhat comparable or similar;
N: never or not-at-all comparable or similar; or
0: no familiarity with products.
(e) Customer and producer perceptions.--Perceptions as to the differences and/or
similarities between the products (e.g., sales/marketing practices).

Product-pair

Comparison

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

Mattresses vs air-adjustable foam
mattresses
(f) Price.--Whether prices are comparable or differ between the products.

Product-pair
Mattresses vs air-adjustable foam
mattresses

Comparison

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

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Purchases and imports of air-adjustable foam mattresses.--Report your firm’s purchases and
imports of air-adjustable foam mattresses.

VI-2.

“Purchase” – Purchase from a U.S. entity such as a U.S. producer, a U.S. importer, or other U.S.
firm.
“Import” – Purchase directly from a foreign supplier and your firm is the importer of record.
2016
Item

2017

2018

Quantity (in mattresses)

Purchases of air-adjustable foam
mattresses produced in-In United States
Purchases or imports of air-adjustable
foam mattresses produced in-All other sources (i.e., non-US) 1 2
Please identify these sources/countries:
If your firm imported air-adjustable foam mattresses (i.e., served as the importer of records for its
purchases) at any time since January 1, 2016, please also complete and return a U.S. importers'
questionnaire in this proceeding.
1
2

VI-3.

Purchase trends for air-adjustable foam mattresses.—
a.

Has there been any shift between (if applicable) your own firm’s purchases of
mattresses and air-adjustable foam mattresses since January 1, 2016?
No

b.

Yes

Explain

Has there been any shift in customer preferences between mattresses and airadjustable foam mattresses since January 1, 2016?
No

Yes

Explain

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Mattresses (Final)

Page 34

HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at: LINK
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: MATT

• 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 purchase this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned
copy to the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, it is required to serve a copy of the
completed questionnaire on parties to the proceeding that are subject to administrative protective
order (see 19 CFR § 207.7). A list of such parties may be obtained from the Commission’s Secretary (202205-1803). A certificate of service must accompany the completed questionnaire your firm submits (see
19 CFR § 207.7). Service of the questionnaire must be made in paper form.