18-2-3961 US importers' questionnaire

OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 18-2-3961; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
MATTRESSES FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by October 2, 2018
See last page for filing instructions.
The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its antidumping investigation concerning mattresses from China (inv. No. 731-TA-1424 (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 mattresses (as defined on next page) from any country at any time since January 1,
2015?

NO

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

YES

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

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

Signature

Title of Authorized Official

Phone

Date

Email address

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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/preliminary.htm.
Mattresses.--Mattresses covered by these investigations are an assembly of materials that generally
includes a “core” as well as “upholstery” and/or “ticking.” The scope of this petition is restricted to only
“adult mattresses” and “youth mattresses,” but broadly encompasses all types of “innerspring
mattresses,” “non-innerspring mattresses,” and “hybrid mattresses.”
Mattresses covered by the scope of this petition may be sold independently or as a part of furniture
(e.g., convertible sofa bed mattresses, 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.”
Mattresses are covered by these investigations with or without “ticking,” the outermost cover. Also
included are, mattresses that are packed and sold to end users in boxes, such as those marketed as
“bed(s)-in-a-box,” “mattress(es)-in-a-box,” and/or “compressed mattress(es).”
Excluded from the scope are “futon” mattresses. Also excluded are airbeds (included inflatable
mattresses) and waterbeds, which consist of air- or liquid-filled bladders as the core or main support
system of the mattress.
Mattresses are currently imported under statistical reporting numbers 9404.21.0010, 9404.21.0013,
9404.29.1005, 9404.29.1013, 9404.29.9085, and 9404.29.9087 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTSUS). They may also be imported under HTSUS statistical reporting numbers
9404.21.0095, 9404.29.1095, and 9404.29.9095. Prior to 2016, mattresses were imported under HTSUS
statistical reporting numbers 9404.21.0090, 9404.29.1090, and 9404.29.9091. The HTSUS provisions are
for convenience and customs purposes; the written description of the scope 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 this investigation,
mattresses that contain innersprings are referred to as "innerspring mattresses" or "hybrid mattresses."
"Non-innerspring mattresses" are those that do not contain any coils or innerspring units. They are
generally produced from foam (e.g., polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic), latex, gel, thermobonded
polyester, polyethylene) or other resilient filling.

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"Hybrid mattresses" contain two or more support systems as the core, such as layers of both memory
foam and innerspring units.
Importer.--Any person or firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary, in
importing mattresses (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 Junie
Joseph (202-205-3363, [email protected]).
D-GRIDS tool.--The Commission has a tool that firms can use to move data from their own MS Excel
compilation files into self-contained data tables within this MS Word questionnaire, thereby reducing
the amount of cell-by-cell data entry that would be required to complete this form. This tool is a macroenabled MS Excel file available for download from the Commission's generic questionnaires webpage
(https://www.usitc.gov/trade_remedy/question.htm) called the "D-GRIDs tool." Use of this tool to help
your firm complete this questionnaire is optional. Firms opting to use the D-GRIDs tool to populate their
data into this questionnaire will need the D-GRIDs specification sheet PDF file specific to this proceeding
(available on the case page which is linked under the "Background" above) which includes the necessary

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references relating to this questionnaire, as well as the macro-enable MS Excel D-GRIDs tool itself from
the generic questionnaires page. More detailed instructions on how to use the D-GRIDs tool are
available within the D-GRIDs tool itself.
I-1.

OMB statistics.--Please report below the actual number of hours required and the cost to your
firm of completing this questionnaire.
Hours

Dollars

The questions in this questionnaire have been reviewed with market participants to ensure that
issues of concern are adequately addressed and that data requests are sufficient, meaningful,
and as limited as possible. Public reporting burden for this questionnaire is estimated to average
40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data, and
completing and reviewing the questionnaire.
We welcome comments regarding the accuracy of this burden estimate, suggestions for
reducing the burden, and any suggestions for improving this questionnaire. Please attach such
comments to your response or send to the Office of Investigations, USITC, 500 E St. SW,
Washington, DC 20436.
I-2.

Establishments covered.--Provide the name and address of establishment(s) covered by this
questionnaire. If your firm is publicly traded, please specify the stock exchange and trading
symbol.
“Establishment”--Each facility of a firm involved in the importation of mattresses, 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

Firm name

Yes--List the following information

Address

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
I-4.

Related importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing mattresses from China into the United States or that are
engaged in exporting mattresses from China to the United States?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

I-5.

Country

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

Country

Affiliation

Importing operations.--Please indicate the nature of your firm’s importing operations on
mattresses. More than one answer may be applicable.
Importer of record

I-7.

Affiliation

Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of mattresses?
No

I-6.

Page 5

Takes title to the
imported product(s)

Consignee of the
imported products(s)

Customs broker or
freight forwarder

Consignee.--If your firm is an importer of record of mattresses 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

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
I-8.

Page 6

FTZ, TIB, or bonded warehouses.--Please indicate whether your firm enters mattresses into, or
withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses. Also indicate
whether your firm imports mattresses under the TIB (temporary importation under bond)
program.
“Foreign trade zone” is a designated location in the United States where firms utilize special
procedures that allow delayed or reduced customs duty payments on foreign merchandise, as
well as other savings. A foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in the Foreign-Trade Zones Act.
“Bonded warehouse” is a secured facility supervised by U.S. customs, where dutiable landed
imports are stored pending their re-export, or release after payment of import duties, taxes, and
other charges. A bonded warehouse must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in 19 U.S.C. § 1555.
“Temporary Importation under Bond (“TIB”) program” is a procedure whereby imported
merchandise may be entered under certain conditions for a limited time into the United States
free of duty. Under the program, an importer posts a bond for twice the amount of duty, taxes,
etc. that would otherwise be owed on the importation and agrees to export or destroy the
merchandise within a specified time or pay liquidated damages. This program is restricted to
certain categories of merchandise listed in subheadings 9813.00.05 through 9813.00.75 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS).
Item

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

If yes, Yes–Please specify.

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PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Junie Joseph (202-205-3363,
[email protected]). Supply all data requested on a calendar-year basis.
II-1.

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

II-2.

Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the importation of mattresses since January 1, 2015.
(check as many as appropriate)
Office/warehouse openings
Office/warehouse closings
Relocations
Expansions
Acquisitions
Consolidations
Prolonged shutdowns or
importation curtailments
Revised labor agreements
Other (e.g., technology)

(If checked, please describe; leave blank if not applicable)

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-3a.

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Arranged imports.--Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of mattresses for
delivery after June 30, 2018?
“Arranged imports” are imports for which your firm has placed an order with a foreign supplier
for subject merchandise, but delivery of those imports is not scheduled to occur until after the
date listed above.
No

Yes

If yes, fill out the table below.

Period
Source

Jul-Sept 2018

Oct-Dec 2018

Jan-Mar 2019

Apr-Jun 2019

Quantity (in number of mattresses)
China
All other sources
II-3b.

Imports in the 12 month period preceding the petition.--Has your firm imported mattresses
from any source between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018? (i.e., the last four months in
2017 and first eight months in 2018 combined)
No

Yes

If yes, report the quantity of such import below by source.

Quantity (in number of mattresses)
Source

September 2017 through August 2018

China
All other sources
II-4.

Reasons for importing if producer.--If your firm also produces mattresses in the United States,
please indicate the reasons for importing this product. If your firm’s reasons differ by source,
please elaborate.

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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). Import values of mattresses that are part of
furniture (i.e. sofa beds or day-beds) or mattress sets (i.e. mattress with box springs or
foundations) should only include the value of the mattresses.
“Retail level commercial U.S. shipments” –Shipments made within the United States as a result
of an arm’s length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net values
(i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of
returned goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment. For the purposes of this
questionnaire, retail commercial U.S. shipments should only include sales at the retail level of
trade to individual customers (including to other businesses) whether made through an online
transaction or at a bricks and mortar retail location.
“Non-retail level commercial U.S. shipments” –Shipments made within the United States as a
result of an arm’s length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net
values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the
value of returned goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment. For the purposes of this
questionnaire, non-retail commercial U.S. shipments should include sales to distributors, sales
to retailers, and sales to end users, but should not include sales made at the retail level of trade
to individual customers (including to other businesses).
“Internal consumption” –Product consumed internally by your firm. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“Transfers to related firms” –Shipments made to related domestic firms. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“Related firm” –A firm that your firm solely or jointly owns, manages, or otherwise controls.
“Export shipments” –Shipments to destinations outside the United States, including shipments
to related firms.
“Inventories” –Finished goods inventory, not raw materials or work in progress.
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records
used in the preparation of the trade data, as Commission staff may contact your firm regarding
questions on the trade data. The Commission may also request that your company submit copies
of the supporting documents/records (such as production and sales schedules, inventory records,
etc.) used to compile these data.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-5a.

Page 10

U.S. imports from China.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of mattresses imported from China by your firm during the specified periods.

China

Quantity (in number of mattresses), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Beginning-of-period inventories
(Quantity) (A)
Imports:1 2
Imports under primary HTS
statistical reporting numbers: 3
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
Imports under other HTS numbers: 4
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
U.S. shipments:
Retail level commercial shipments:
Quantity (F)
Value (G)
Non retail level commercial
shipments:
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
Internal consumption: 5
Quantity (J)
Value3 (K)
Transfers to related firms:5
Quantity (L)
Value3 (M)
Export shipments:6
Quantity (N)
Value3 (O)
End-of-period inventories
(Quantity) (P)
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
Import values of mattresses that are part of furniture (i.e. sofa beds or day-beds) or mattress sets (i.e. mattress with box springs or
foundations) should only include the value of the mattresses.
3 Primary HTSUS statistical reporting numbers include 9404.21.0010, 9404.21.0013, 9404.29.1005, 9404.29.1013, 9404.29.9085, and
9404.29.9087. Prior to 2016, primary HTSUS statistical reporting numbers also included 9404.21.0090, 9404.29.1090, and 9404.29.9091.
4 Please list the other (i.e., non primary) HTS numbers:
.
5 Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. If your firm uses a different basis for valuing
these transactions in your records, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.):
. However, the data provided above in this
table should be based on fair market value.
6 Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
1
2

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-5a.

Page 11

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 N) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line A),
plus imports (i.e., lines B and D), less total shipments (i.e., lines F, H, J and L). 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
A + B + D – F – H – J – L – N – P = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
1

2015

2016
0

January-June
2017

0

2017
0

2018
0

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

0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-5b.

Page 12

Channels of distribution: China.--Report your firm’s retail-level commercial U.S. shipments of
imports from China by channel of distribution and your firm's non-retail level U.S. shipments
(i.e., inclusive of non-retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to
related firms) of imports from China by channel of distribution.

China
Quantity (in number of mattresses)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Channels of distribution:
Retail level commercial U.S.
shipments:1
Brick and mortar sales (Q)
Direct to consumer/internet (R)
Non-retail level U.S. shipments:
To distributors (S)
To retailers (T)
To end users:
Direct to consumer/internet (U)
Hotels and other hospitality
agents (V)
Other end users2 (W)
If your firm is a retailer and produces in-scope mattresses for use in your own retail locations, a related firm’s
retail locations, or for sale direct-to-the-consumer, please report those as U.S. shipments “by retailers” lines O or P
depending on the nature of the retail sale. Please exclude shipments of mattresses not directly imported by your firm.
2
Other end users include to government entities. Please describe the end users reported:
1

RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines Q and R) in each time period equal the quantity reported for retail level commercial U.S.
shipments (i.e., line F) in each time period. Please also ensure that the quantities reported for channels of
distribution (i.e., lines S through W) in each time period equal the quantity reported for non-retail level
U.S. shipments (i.e., line H, J and L) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other
than zero (i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Retail level: Q + R – F = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Non-retail level: S + T + U + V + W – H – J –
L = zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-5c.

Page 13

U.S. shipments by product composition: China.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e. inclusive
of retail commercial U.S. shipments, non-retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal
consumption, and transfers to related firms) from China by product composition.

China
Quantity (in number of mattresses) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2015

January-June

2016

2017

2017

2018

U.S. shipments:
Innerspring only:
Quantity (X)
Value (Y)
Non-innerspring only:
Quantity (Z)
Value (AA)
Hybrid:
Quantity (AB)
Value (AC)
Other:1
Quantity (AD)
Value (AE)
U.S. shipments:
Quantity
Value
1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Please describe these products:

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities and values U.S. shipments by
product composition (i.e., lines X through AE) in each period in this question equal the quantities and
values reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines F though M) in each period from 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.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2015

2017

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Quantity: X + Z + AB + AD –
F – H – J – L = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Value: Y + AA + AC + AE – G
– I – K – M = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-5d.

Page 14

U.S. shipments by product tier: China.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e. inclusive of retail
commercial U.S. shipments, non-retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and
transfers to related firms) from China by product tier.

China
Quantity (in number of mattresses) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

U.S. shipments:
Premium:1
Quantity (AF)
Value (AG)
Other than premium:2
Quantity (AH)
Value (AI)
U.S. shipments:
Quantity
Value

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Please identify the specific products your firm has classified as a “premium” mattress:
. Also, specify the
attributes that qualifies these products as premium (i.e. specific features and attributes):
2
Please identify the specific products your firm has classified as an “other than premium” mattress:
.
1

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities and values U.S. shipments by
product type (i.e., lines AF through AI) in each period in this question equal the quantities and values
reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines F through M) in each period from 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.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Quantity: AF + AH – F –
H – J – L = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Value: AG + AI – G – I –
K – M = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

0

0

0

0

0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-5e.

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U.S. shipments by product size: China.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of nonretail commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and
transfers to related firms) from China by product size.

China
Quantity (in number of mattresses) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

U.S. shipments:
Adult:1
Quantity (AJ)
Value (AK)
Youth: 2
Quantity (AL)
Value (AM)
U.S. shipments:
Quantity
Value

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

“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,” "twin," "extra-long twin," "full," "queen," "king," or "California king" mattresses.
All adult mattresses are included regardless of actual size.
2 “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. All youth mattresses are included regardless of actual size.
1

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities and values U.S. shipments by
product size (i.e., lines AJ through AM) in each period in this question equal the quantities and values
reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines F through M) in each period from question II-7. If the calculated
fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to
submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Quantity: AJ + AL – F –
H – J – L = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Value: AI + AK – G – I –
K – M = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-6a.

Page 16

Imports from all other sources.--Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of mattresses imported from all other sources (i.e., sources other than China) by
your firm during the specified periods.

(list sources:

All other sources

)
Quantity (in number of mattresses), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years

Item

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Beginning-of-period inventories
(Quantity) (A)
Imports:1 2
Imports under primary HTS
statistical reporting numbers: 3
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
Imports under other HTS numbers: 4
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
U.S. shipments:
Retail level commercial shipments:
Quantity (F)
Value (G)
Non retail level commercial
shipments:
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
Internal consumption: 5
Quantity (J)
Value3 (K)
Transfers to related firms:5
Quantity (L)
Value3 (M)
Export shipments:6
Quantity (N)
Value3 (O)
End-of-period inventories
(Quantity) (P)
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
Import values of mattresses that are part of furniture (i.e. sofa beds or day-beds) or mattress sets (i.e. mattress with box springs or
foundations) should only include the value of the mattresses.
3 Primary HTSUS statistical reporting numbers include 9404.21.0010, 9404.21.0013, 9404.29.1005, 9404.29.1013, 9404.29.9085, and
9404.29.9087. Prior to 2016, primary HTSUS statistical reporting numbers also included 9404.21.0090, 9404.29.1090, and 9404.29.9091.
4 Please list the other (i.e., non primary) HTS numbers used:
.
5 Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. If your firm uses a different basis for valuing
these transactions in your records, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.):
. However, the data provided above in this
table should be based on fair market value.
6 Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
1
2

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-6a.

Page 17

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 P) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line A),
plus imports (i.e., line B and D), less total shipments (i.e., lines F, H, J, L, and N). 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
A + B + D – F – H – J – L – N – P = should
equal zero ("0") or provide an
explanation.1
1

2015

2016

0

January-June
2017

0

2017

0

2018

0

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

0
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-6b.

Page 18

Channels of distribution: All other sources.--Report your firm’s retail-level commercial U.S.
shipments of imports from all other sources by channel of distribution and your firm's non-retail
level U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of non-retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal
consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports from all other sources by channel of
distribution.

All other sources

Quantity (in number of mattresses)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Channels of distribution:
Retail level commercial U.S.
shipments:1
Brick and mortar sales (O)
Direct to consumer/internet (P)
Non-retail level U.S. shipments:
To distributors (Q)
To retailers (R)
To end users:
Direct to consumer/internet (S)
Hotels and other hospitality
agents (T)
Other end users2 (U)
If your firm is a retailer and produces in-scope mattresses for use in your own retail locations, a related firm’s
retail locations, or for sale direct-to-the-consumer, please report those as U.S. shipments “by retailers” lines O or P
depending on the nature of the retail sale. Please exclude shipments of mattresses not directly imported by your firm.
2
Other end users include to government entities. Please describe the end users reported:
1

RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines Q and R) in each time period equal the quantity reported for retail level commercial U.S.
shipments (i.e., line F) in each time period. Please also ensure that the quantities reported for channels of
distribution (i.e., lines S through W) in each time period equal the quantity reported for non-retail level
U.S. shipments (i.e., line H, J and L) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other
than zero (i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Retail level: Q + R – F = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Non-retail level: S + T + U + V + W – H – J
– L = zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-6c.

Page 19

U.S. shipments by product composition: All other sources.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments
(i.e. inclusive of retail commercial U.S. shipments, non-retail commercial U.S. shipments,
internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) from all other sources by product
composition.

All other sources
Quantity (in number of mattresses) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2015

January-June

2016

2017

2017

2018

U.S. shipments:
Innerspring only:
Quantity (X)
Value (Y)
Non-innerspring only:
Quantity (Z)
Value (AA)
Hybrid:
Quantity (AB)
Value (AC)
Other:1
Quantity (AD)
Value (AE)
U.S. shipments:
Quantity
Value
1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Please describe these products:

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities and values U.S. shipments by
product composition (i.e., lines X through AE) in each period in this question equal the quantities and
values reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines F through M) in each period from 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.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2015

2017

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Quantity: X + Z + AB + AD –
F – H – J – L = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Value: Y + AA + AC + AE –
G – I – K – M = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-6d.

Page 20

U.S. shipments by product tier: All other sources.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e.
inclusive of retail commercial U.S. shipments, non-retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal
consumption, and transfers to related firms) from all other sources by product type.

All other sources

Quantity (in number of mattresses) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2015

January-June

2016

2017

2017

2018

U.S. shipments:
Premium:1
Quantity (AF)
Value (AG)
Other than premium:2
Quantity (AH)
Value (AI)
U.S. shipments:
Quantity
Value

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Please identify the specific products your firm has classified as a “premium” mattress:
. Also, specify the
attributes that qualifies these products as premium (i.e. specific features and attributes):
2
Please identify the specific products your firm has classified as an “other than premium” mattress:
.
1

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities and values U.S. shipments by
product type (i.e., lines AF through AI) in each period in this question equal the quantities and values
reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines F through M) in each period from 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.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Quantity: AF + AH – F –
H – J – L = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Value: AG + AI – G – I – K
– M = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-5e.

Page 21

U.S. shipments by product size: All other sources.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e.,
inclusive of non-retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal
consumption, and transfers to related firms) from all other sources by product size.

All other sources
Quantity (in number of mattresses) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2015

January-June

2016

2017

2017

2018

U.S. shipments:
Adult:1
Quantity (AJ)
Value (AK)
Youth: 2
Quantity (AL)
Value (AM)
U.S. shipments:
Quantity
Value

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

“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,” "twin," "extra-long twin," "full," "queen," "king," or "California king"
mattresses. All adult mattresses are included regardless of actual size.
2 “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. All youth mattresses are included regardless of actual size.
1

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities and values U.S. shipments by
product size (i.e., lines AJ through AM) in each period in this question equal the quantities and values
reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines F through M) in each period 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.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2015

2016

January-June
2017

2017

2018

Quantity: AJ + AL – F –
H – J – L = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Value: AI + AK – G – I –
K – M = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
II-7.

Domestic processing.--Does your firm perform any processing on mattresses that are imported,
such as adding a “ticking” or outermost layer? If yes, please explain the nature and extent of
processing below.
No

II-8.

Page 22

Yes

If yes, please describe.

Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
for which a narrative response box was not provided, 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 – Mattresses (Preliminary)

Page 23

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Andrew Knipe (202-2053363, [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

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, 2015 of the following products your firm imported
from China:
Product 1.--Memory foam mattress (without any innersprings), queen size, height (edge to
edge) greater than or equal to 6.0 inches but less than 8.0 inches.
Product 2.--Memory foam mattress (without any innersprings), queen size, height (edge to
edge) greater than or equal to 8.0 inches but less than or equal to 10.0 inches.
Product 3.--Innerspring mattress (including mattresses with multiple cores and/or foam in
addition to the innerspring), queen size, height (edge to edge) greater than or equal
to 9.0 inches but less than or equal to 12.0 inches.
Product 4.--Innerspring mattress (including mattresses with multiple cores and/or foam in
addition to the innerspring), queen size, height (edge to edge) greater than or equal
to 6.0 inches but less than 9.0 inches.

Please note that values should be f.o.b., U.S. point of shipment and should not include U.S.-inland
transportation costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid to your firm (i.e., should be net
of all deductions for discounts or rebates).
During January 2015-June 2018, 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 table as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question III-3.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)

Page 24

III-2a. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from China
and sold by your firm. Do not include data for retail sales to consumers.

China
Report data in number of mattresses and actual dollars (not $1,000s).
Product 1
Quantity
Value

(Quantity in number of mattresses, value in dollars)
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 4
Period of
shipment
Quantity
Value
2015:
Jan-Mar
Apr-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2016:
Jan-Mar
Apr-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2017:
Jan-Mar
Apr-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2018:
Jan-Mar
Apr-June
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 – Mattresses (Preliminary)
III-2b.

Page 25

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

Exclusive of retail sales to consumers (i.e. does not include such sales data)?
In actual dollars (not $1,000)?
F.o.b. U.S. point of shipment (i.e., does not include U.S. transportation costs)?
Net of all discounts and rebates?
Have returns credited to the quarter in which the sale occurred?
Less than reported commercial shipments in part II in each year?
III-2c.

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.
III-3.

Imports for internal use, repackaging, or retail sale.--Did your firm import mattresses for
internal consumption, repackaging, or use for sales in your firm’s retail locations since January 1,
2015?
Yes.--Please complete the following table as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question III-4.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)

Page 26

III-3a. Imports for internal use, repackaging, or retail sale.--Report below the import data1 for pricing
products2 imported from China and used by your own firm or sold at retail.
Please note that values should be landed, duty-paid and should not include U.S.-inland transportation
costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid by your firm (i.e., should be net of all returns,
discounts, allowances, and rebates).

Purchase cost data: China
Report data in number of mattresses and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in number of mattresses, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Landed,
Landed,
Landed,
duty-paid
duty-paid
duty-paid
Quantity
(LDP) value1
Quantity
(LDP) value1
Quantity
(LDP) value1

Product 4
Landed, dutypaid (LDP)
Quantity
value1

Period of
shipment
2015:
Jan-Mar
Apr-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2016:
Jan-Mar
Apr-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2017:
Jan-Mar
Apr-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2018:
Jan-Mar
Apr-June
1 LDP value (i.e., landed duty-paid 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). See “Import
values” definition in Part II (Trade and Related Information – Definitions).
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 import purchase cost data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
Product 4:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)

Page 27

III-3b. Inland transportation costs for your firm’s direct imports of mattresses for internal use,
repackaging, or retail sale.-If your firm reported import purchases costs above (questions III-3 and III-3a), what is the
approximate percentage of the total cost of the mattresses that you directly imported from
China that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs from the port of importation to
your distribution network, retail store(s), or manufacturing plant(s)?
Country

Percent

China
III-3c.

%

Additional costs for your firm’s direct imports of mattresses for your firm’s internal use,
repackaging, or retail sale.-(i)

If your firm reported direct import purchase costs above (questions III-3 and III-3a),
please identify the factors (other than U.S. inland transportation costs or costs already
included in landed duty paid values) that add to your cost of importing directly since
January 1, 2015. Estimate the share of the cost of the landed duty-paid value, and
explain the specific costs associated with each category.

Factors
Logistical or supply chain management
costs (not already included in LDP value)

Estimated share of
landed duty- paid
value (percent)
%

Warehousing/inventory carrying costs
(not already included in LDP value)

%

Insurance costs (not already included in
LDP value)

%

Other1, please identify (

)

%

Other2, please identify (

)

%

Other3, please identify (

)

%

(ii)

Explanation

To which source(s) does your firm compare costs in determining your additional
transaction costs to directly import?
U.S. importers

U.S. producers

Both

Neither

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
III-3c.

Page 28

Additional costs for your firm’s direct imports of mattresses for your firm’s internal use,
repackaging, or retail sale.--(Continued)
(iii)

(a)

Briefly identify the benefits of directly importing mattresses instead of
purchasing mattresses from a U.S. importer or from a U.S. producer.

(b)

Please provide the estimated margin saved by having directly imported
mattresses instead of purchasing from a U.S. importer.
percent of landed
duty-paid value.

(c)

Explain any variation in the margin saved since January 1, 2015.

III-3d. Did your firm purchase mattresses from a U.S. producer?
No

Yes--Please complete the U.S. purchasers questionnaire. (available at:
https://usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2018/mattresses_china/preliminary.ht
m)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
III-4.

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

III-5.

Page 29

Contracts

Set
price
lists

Other

If other, describe

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

Quantity
discounts

Discounts
for sets1

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

Including mattress foundations and/or furniture sets (such as convertible sofa beds, corner
groups, day-beds, roll-away beds, high risers, trundle beds, and/or cribs)
1

III-6.

Pricing terms.--On what basis are your firm’s prices of imported mattresses from China usually
quoted (check one)?
Delivered

III-7.

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of mattresses imported
from China in 2017 was on a (1) short-term contract basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3) longterm contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Item
Share of
2017 sales

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

Type of sale
Long-term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for 12
less than 12
months)
months)
%

Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)
%

%

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)
0.0 %

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)
III-8.

Page 30

Contract provisions.--Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
mattresses imported from China (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on a shortterm, annual and/or long-term contract basis).

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
(multiple deliveries
for less than 12
months)

Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)

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

365

No
Quantity

Indexed to raw
material costs1

Price
Both
Yes
No

Not applicable
1

Please identify the indexes used:

III-9.

Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales of mattresses imported from China from
inventory vs. 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 mattresses?

Source

Lead time
(Average number
of days)

Share of
2017 sales

From your firm’s U.S. inventory

%

From foreign manufacturers’ inventory

%

Produced-to-order

%

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0 %

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)

Page 31

III-10. Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the cost of mattresses imported from China that
is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs?
percent.

(b)

Who generally arranges the transportation to your firm’s customers’ locations (check one)?
Your firm
Purchaser

(c)

When your firm sells mattresses imported from China, from where is it shipped (check one)?
Point of importation
Storage facility

(d)

Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of mattresses 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

Share

Within 100 miles

%

101 to 1,000 miles

%

Over 1,000 miles

%

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

%

III-11. Geographical shipments.--In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold mattresses
imported from China since January 1, 2015 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
Northeast.–CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT.
Midwest.–IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, and WI.
Southeast.–AL, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, and WV.
Central Southwest.–AR, LA, OK, and TX.
Mountains.–AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, and WY.
Pacific Coast.–CA, OR, and WA.
Other.–All other markets in the United States not previously listed, including
AK, HI, PR, and VI.

China

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Mattresses (Preliminary)

Page 32

III-12. End uses.--For any mattresses that are not sold independently (i.e. mattresses sold in
combination with other items, such as a mattress foundation, sofa bed, or furniture set), list the
end use products/applications of the mattresses that your firm imports. For each end-use
product/application, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by the mattress vs. other
inputs?
Share of total cost of end-use
product/application accounted for by
End use
product/application

Mattress

Other inputs

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

%

%

0.0 %

%

%

0.0 %

%

%

0.0 %

III-13. Substitutes.--Can other products be substituted for mattresses (as defined on page 2 of this
questionnaire)?
No

Substitute
1.
2.
3.

Yes--Please fill out the table.

End use in which this
substitute is used

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

Explanation

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III-14. Demand trends.--Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for inner-spring, foam, and hybrid mattresses has changed since January 1,
2015. Explain any trends and describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in
demand.

Market

Overall
increase

Within the United States
Innerspring
Non-innerspring
Hybrid
Other (describe:
)
Outside the United States
Innerspring
Non-innerspring
Hybrid
Other (describe:
)

No
Overall Fluctuate with
change decrease no clear trend

Explanation and factors

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III-15. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix or
marketing of mattresses since January 1, 2015 (please respond for each item)?
No
Direct to consumer sales
(i.e. internet sales,
"bed(s)-in-a-box,"
"mattress(es)-in-a-box,"
and/or "compressed
mattress(es).")
Branding
Private label
programs
Floor slots
Location on
e-commerce sites
Other

Yes

If yes, please describe.

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III-16. Conditions of competition.-(a)

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

Check all that apply.
No

Please describe.
Skip to question III-17.

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

No

If yes, have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition
for mattresses since January 1, 2015?
Yes If yes, describe.

III-17. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply mattresses since
January 1, 2015 (examples include placing customers on allocation or “controlled order entry,”
declining to accept new customers or renew existing customers, delivering less than the
quantity promised, being unable to meet timely shipment commitments, etc.)?
No

Yes If yes, please describe.

III-18. Raw materials.--How have prices of the raw materials used to produce mattresses changed
since January 1, 2015?

Overall
increase

Fluctuate Explain, noting how raw material price changes
No
Overall
with no
have affected your firm’s selling prices for
change decrease clear trend
mattresses.

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III-19. Impact of the section 301 investigation.--This question concerns the section 301 investigation
and subsequent announcement on additional tariffs that include certain mattresses proposed
and implemented by the United States in response to Chinese trade practices.
(a)

Did Federal Register notice on July 17, 2018 requesting public comment on the modified
product listing (to include certain mattresses) and White House announcement on
September 17, 2018 regarding the placement of an additional ten percent tariff on
mattresses imported from China under HTS statistical numbers 9404.21.00, 9404.29.10,
and 9404.29.90, to take effect on September 24, 2018, impact, or do you anticipate that
it will impact, your firm's mattress business and/or the U.S. mattress market as a
whole? (See https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/FR-2018-07-17/2018-15090 and
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-from-the-president-4/)
Yes—Please fill out table below and
answer part (b)

No

Item

Response

Don’t know

Anticipated or current impact
on your firm1
Anticipated or current 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

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III-19. Impact of the section 301 investigation.--Continued
(b)

Assessment of specific impacts of the section 301 investigation.--Please indicate the
impact of the announcements and subsequent implementation of remedies in the
section 301 investigation and tariff actions regarding mattresses.

Item
Overall demand for
mattresses in the U.S.
market
Prices for mattresses
in the U.S. market
Anticipated overall
demand for
mattresses in the U.S.
market
Anticipated prices for
mattresses in the U.S.
market

Fluctuate
with no
clear
No
Increase change Decrease
trend

Explanation and factors

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III-20. 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 that is sometimes or never interchangeable,
identify the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:

III-21. 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 sales of the products?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = such differences are always significant
F = such differences are frequently significant
S = such differences are sometimes significant
N = such differences are never significant
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair
Country-pair

China

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 sales of mattresses, identify the country-pair and report the advantages
or disadvantages imparted by such factors:

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III-22. Customer identification.--List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for mattresses since January 1, 2015. Indicate the share of the quantity of your firm’s
total shipments of mattresses that each of these customers accounted for in 2017.

Customer’s name

Contact person

Email

Telephone

City

State

Share
of
2017
sales
(%)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

III-23. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
for which a narrative response box was not provided, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.

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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.

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HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2018/mattresses_china/preliminary.htm
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods noted
below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or cannot use one
of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the Commission for further
instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/

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