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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 20‐3‐4367; Expiration Date: 6/30/2023
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U.S. PURCHASERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
MATTRESSES FROM CAMBODIA, CHINA, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA,
SERBIA, THAILAND, TURKEY, AND VIETNAM
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by January 14, 2021
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 countervailing duty investigation concerning mattresses from China and its antidumping duty
investigations concerning mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam (Inv.
Nos. 701‐TA‐645 and 731‐TA‐1495‐1501 (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 John Benedetto (202‐205‐3270,
[email protected]).
Name of firm
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Website
Has your firm purchased, or imported for its own use or retail sale, mattresses (as defined on next page) from
any source (domestic or foreign) at any time since January 1, 2017?
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
Signature
Title of Authorized Official
Phone
Date
Email address
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.‐‐ This proceeding was instituted in response to petitions filed on March 31, 2020, by
Brooklyn Bedding (Phoenix, Arizona), Corsicana Mattress Company (Dallas, Texas), Elite Comfort
Solutions (Newnan, Georgia), FXI, Inc. (Media, Pennsylvania), Innocor, Inc. (Media, Pennsylvania),
Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc. (Chicago, Illinois), Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (Carthage, Missouri), the
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Washington, DC), and United Steel, Paper and Forestry,
Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL‐CIO
(Washington, DC). Antidumping and/or countervailing duties may be assessed on the subject imports as
a result of these proceedings if the Commission makes affirmative determinations of injury, threat, or
material retardation, and if the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) makes affirmative
determinations of dumping and/or subsidization. Questionnaires and other information pertinent to this
proceeding are available at
https://usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2020/mattresses_cambodia_china_indonesia_malaysia/final.ht
m.
Mattresses covered by these investigations are 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” are frequently described as “twin,” “extra‐long twin,” “full,” “queen,” “king,” or “California
king” mattresses. “Youth mattresses” are typically described as “crib,” “toddler,” or “youth” mattresses.
All adult and youth mattresses are included regardless of size and 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, gel‐infused 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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 3
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.
Also excluded is certain multifunctional furniture that is convertible from seating to sleeping, regardless
of filler material or components, where that filler material or components are upholstered, integrated
into the design and construction of, and inseparable from, the furniture framing, and the outermost
layer of the multifunctional furniture converts into the sleeping surface. Such furniture may, and
without limitation, be commonly referred to as “convertible sofas,” “sofabeds,” “sofa chaise sleepers,”
“futons,” “ottoman sleepers” or a like description.
Also excluded from the scope of this investigation are any products covered by the existing antidumping
duty orders on uncovered innerspring units from China or Vietnam. See Uncovered Innerspring Units
from the People’s Republic of China: Notice of Antidumping Duty Order, 74 FR 7661 (February 19, 2009);
Uncovered Innerspring Units from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 73 FR 75391 (December 11, 2008).
Also excluded from the scope of this investigation are bassinet pads with a nominal length of less than
39 inches, a nominal width less than 25 inches, and a nominal depth of less than 2 inches.
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 these investigations are currently classifiable under HTSUS statistical reporting
numbers 9404.21.0010, 9404.21.0013, 9404.29.1005, 9404.29.1013, 9404.29.9085, and 9404.29.9087.
Products subject to these investigations may also be reported under HTSUS statistical reporting
numbers 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 these investigations is dispositive.
“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.”
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 4
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.
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 macro‐
enabled 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
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 5
I‐1a. 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‐1b.
I‐1c.
Stock symbol information.‐‐ If your firm or parent firm is publicly traded, please specify the
stock exchange and trading symbol: .
External counsel.‐‐ If your firm or parent firm is represented by external counsel in relation to
this proceeding, please specify the name of the law firm and the lead attorney(s).
I‐2.
I‐3.
Law firm:
Lead attorney(s):
Ownership.‐‐Is your firm owned, in whole or in part, by any other firm?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information, relating to the ultimate parent/owner.
Extent of ownership
Firm name
Country
(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
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Country
Affiliation
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 6
I‐4.
Related producers.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, which
produce mattresses?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Country
Affiliation
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
II‐1. Mattress type purchases.‐‐Please indicate the quantity of your firm’s 2019 purchases and
imports of mattresses of the following types.
Mattresses in a box (MiBs)
Flat‐pack mattresses
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 7
II‐2. Purchases and imports.‐‐Report separately your firm’s domestic purchases and imports of
mattresses.
“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.
January‐
January‐
2017
2018
2019
September 2019 September 2020
Quantity (in number of mattresses)
Item
Purchases of mattresses
produced in—
United States
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
1
Sources unknown
Total purchases
0
0
0
0
0
Imports of mattresses
from—
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
0
0
0
0
0
All other countries
2
Vietnam
1
All other countries
3
Total imports
1
Please identify these countries: .
Please indicate the firm(s) from which you purchased this merchandise: .
3
If your firm imported mattresses at any time since January 1, 2017, please also complete and return a U.S.
importers' questionnaire in this proceeding.
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 8
II‐3. Changes in purchasing patterns.‐‐Please indicate how the shares of your firm’s purchases of
mattresses from different sources have changed since January 1, 2017, including whether the
pattern has changed due to the impact of COVID‐19.
Source of
purchases
Did not
purchase Decreased Increased Constant Fluctuated
Explanation for trend
United States
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
All other countries
Sources unknown
II‐4.
Country knowledge.‐‐Please indicate the countries of origin with which your firm has
experience or information in the mattresses market.
United
States
Serbia
Cambodia
Thailand
China
Turkey
Indonesia
Vietnam
Malaysia
Other
countries
Other countries (specify)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 9
II‐5. Supplier identification.‐‐Please list your firm’s FIVE largest suppliers for mattresses since
January 1, 2017. Also, provide the share of the quantity of your firm’s total purchases of
mattresses that each of these suppliers accounted for in 2019.
No.
Supplier’s name
Share of quantity of
2019 purchases
City and state
1
%
2
%
3
%
4
%
5
%
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)?
Both brick
and mortar
Brick and
and online
Online
Distributor
Other
Describe other
mortar
retailer
retailer
retailer
(omni‐
channel)
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
Yes If yes, please describe.
III‐3.
Types of customers.‐‐What are the major types of customers to which your firm sells
mattresses?
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 10
III‐4. Private label shipments.—
(a) Does your firm purchase any mattresses under a private label program with a domestic
producer or importer, i.e., purchases of mattresses produced or imported for your firm for
sale at retail under your firm’s own brand name?
No
Yes
If yes, please estimate the approximate number of private label
mattresses your firm purchased in 2019.
(b) Since January 1, 2017, has any domestic producer or importer refused to supply private
label mattresses or limited supplies of private label mattresses to your firm, for example,
because your firm sells private label mattresses in competition with the domestic producer’s
or importer’s own‐brand mattresses to the same retail customers?
III‐5.
No
Yes
If yes, please describe the circumstances and any limitations or conditions
imposed by the domestic producer or importer on your firm.
Substitutes.‐‐Can other products be substituted for mattresses?
No
Yes‐‐Please fill out the table.
Substitute
End use in which this
substitute is used
Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for mattresses?
No Yes
1.
2.
3.
Explanation
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 11
III‐6. Demand trends.‐‐
(a) Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United States (if known) for
inner‐spring, non‐innerspring (i.e. foam), hybrid, MiB, and flat shipped non‐MiB mattresses have
changed since January 1, 2017. Explain any trends and describe the principal factors that have
affected these changes in demand, including any effects from COVID‐19.
Market
Overall
No
Overall Fluctuate with
increase Change decrease no clear trend
Explanation and factors
Current demand
Within the United States
Innerspring
Non‐innerspring
Hybrid
Rolled and
compressed MiBs
Innerspring
Non‐innerspring
Hybrid
Rolled and
compressed MiBs
Flat shipped non‐MiB
mattresses
Other (describe:
)
Outside the United States
Flat shipped non‐MiB
mattresses
Other (describe:
)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
III‐6. Demand trends.‐‐Continued
Page 12
(b) Please also indicate how you anticipate demand will change during the remainder of 2020 and
2021 for the various mattress types listed in part (a). Explain any trends and describe the
principal factors that will affect these changes in demand, including any effects from COVID‐19.
Market
Overall
No
Overall Fluctuate with
increase change decrease no clear trend
Explanation and factors
Anticipated future demand during 2020‐21
Within the United States
Innerspring
Non‐innerspring
Hybrid
Rolled and
compressed MiBs
Innerspring
Non‐innerspring
Hybrid
Rolled and
compressed MiBs
Flat shipped non‐MiB
mattresses
Other (describe:
)
Outside the United States
Flat shipped non‐MiB
mattresses
Other (describe:
)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 13
III‐7. Country preferences.‐‐Do you or your customers ever specifically order mattresses from one
country in particular over other possible sources of supply?
III‐8.
No
Yes
If yes, identify the countries and explain.
Product and marketing changes.‐‐Have there been any significant changes in the product range,
product mix, or marketing of mattresses since January 1, 2017 (please respond for each item)?
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
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 14
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, 2017 with respect to mattresses from the
United States, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, other
countries, and overall?
No
Fluctuate with
Not
Increase change Decrease no clear trend applicable Explanation and factors
Floor space allocation
United States
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
Other countries1
Overall
United States
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
E‐commerce placement
Vietnam
Other countries
Overall
1
1
Please identify these other countries: .
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 15
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. Importance of purchasing domestic product.‐‐Please fill out the table below, estimating the
percentage of your firm’s total 2019 purchases of mattresses that required mattresses produced
in the United States.
Estimated percentage of
your firm’s total 2019
purchases of mattresses
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%)
0.0 %
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
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III‐13. 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‐14.
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, 2017?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
III‐14. 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
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 17
III‐15. Availability of supply.‐‐Has the availability of mattresses in the U.S. market changed since
January 1, 2017?
Availability in the U.S.
Please explain, noting the countries and reasons for the
market
No Yes changes.
U.S.‐produced product
Subject imports (from
Cambodia, China,
Indonesia, Malaysia,
Serbia, Thailand,
Turkey, and/or
Vietnam)
Nonsubject imports
III‐16. Supply constraints.‐‐Has any firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply your firm with
mattresses since January 1, 2017 (examples include placing customers on allocation or
“controlled order entry,” declining to accept new customers or renew existing customers,
delivering less than the quantity promised, being unable to meet timely shipment commitments,
etc.)?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe.
III‐17. Availability of specific product types.‐‐Are certain grades/types/sizes of mattresses only
available from certain country sources?
No
Yes
If yes, please identify the countries and the grade/type/size.
III‐18. Purchasing frequency.‐‐
(a)
How frequently does your firm make purchases of mattresses (check one)?
Daily Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly Annually
Other If other, specify
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 18
(b)
Has this purchasing frequency changed since January 1, 2017, including due to the
effects of COVID‐19?
No
Yes If yes, please describe.
III‐19. Raw material prices.—
(a)
Is your firm familiar with the prices for raw materials used in the production of
mattresses?
No
Yes – please answer (b)
(b)
Has information on raw material prices affected your firm’s negotiations or contracts to
purchase mattresses since January 1, 2017?
No
Yes Explain
III‐20. Number of suppliers contacted.‐‐How many suppliers does your firm generally contact before
making a purchase? Between and firms
III‐21. 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‐22. Change in suppliers.‐‐Has your firm changed suppliers since January 1, 2017?
No
Yes
If yes, please list the supplier(s), whether the firm was added or dropped,
and the reasons for the change.
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 19
III‐23. New suppliers.‐‐Are you aware of any new suppliers, either foreign or domestic, that have
entered the market since January 1, 2017?
No
Yes
If yes, please identify the firms.
III‐24. 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, etc.).
No
Yes
Number
of days Process and factors
III‐25. Failure to certify.‐‐Since January 1, 2017, have any domestic producers, foreign producers, or
importers 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 the mattresses are
produced, and the reasons why they failed the certification/qualification.
III‐26. 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,
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)
III‐27. Purchasing factors.‐‐Please rate the importance of the following factors in your firm’s
purchasing decisions for mattresses.
Factor
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not
important
Ability to ship by common carrier
(e.g., UPS, FedEx, USPS)
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 (i.e., MiBs or flat‐pack
mattresses)
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
Page 20
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 21
III‐28. Quality characteristics.‐‐What characteristics does your firm consider when determining the
quality of mattresses?
III‐29. Minimum quality.‐‐How often do mattresses from the following countries meet minimum
quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses?
Rarely or
Don’t
Source
Always
Usually
Sometimes
never
know
United States
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
Other:
III‐30. 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‐31. 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, 2017.
Firm(s)
Describe how the firm(s) exhibited price leadership
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 22
III‐32. Purchasing subject imports rather than domestic products.—
(a)
Since January 1, 2017, did your firm import and/or purchase imports of mattresses from
Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and/or Vietnam instead
of purchasing U.S.‐produced mattresses? Respond for each subject country.
No
Yes
(If “No” for all countries, skip to next
Source
(also respond to parts (b) and (c))
question)
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
(b)
If you responded “Yes” to part (a), was the imported product priced lower than the
domestic product?
Source
Yes
No
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 23
III‐32. Purchasing subject imports rather than domestic products.—Continued
(c)
If you responded “Yes” to part (a), was price a primary reason for importing and/or
purchasing subject imports rather than domestic product?
If Yes, estimate the quantity
If No, please indicate the
of imports purchased and/or
reason your firm imported
No
Source
Yes imported instead of domestic
and/or purchased imports
product since January 1, 2017
instead of domestic product
(in number of mattresses)
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
III‐33. U.S. producers and import competition.—
(a)
Since January 1, 2017, 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 the subject countries? Respond
for each subject country.
Yes (also respond to
No (If “No” for all countries,
Source
question part (b))
skip to next question)
Don’t know
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 24
III‐33. U.S. producers and import competition.— Continued
(b)
If your firm responded “yes” to any of the above countries, 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.
Source
Estimated
reduction in U.S.
prices
(percent)
Cambodia
%
China
%
Indonesia
%
Malaysia
%
Serbia
%
Thailand
%
Turkey
%
Vietnam
%
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)
Page 25
III‐34. Impact of the section 301 actions.—This question concerns the section 301 investigation and
subsequent announcement of additional tariffs that apply to mattresses imported from China,
which were proposed and implemented by the United States in response to Chinese trade
practices. Did the imposition of tariffs on Chinese‐origin products under section 301 have an
impact on the mattresses market in the United States?
Yes— Please indicate the
impact in the table below.
No
Don’t know
Factor
Fluctuate Explain, noting how the imposition
with no of tariffs under section 301 affected
each factor of the mattresses
clear
Overall
No
Overall
market in the United States.
trend
increase change decrease
Supply of U.S.‐
produced mattresses
Supply of mattresses
imported from China
Supply of mattresses
imported from other
countries
Prices for mattresses
Overall U.S. demand
for mattresses
Raw material costs for
mattresses
III‐35. Impact of the 2019 antidumping duties on mattresses from China.— Please describe briefly the
impact, if any, that the December 16, 2019 antidumping duty order imposed on mattresses from
China has had on the U.S. market for mattresses.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 26
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
United
States
Turkey
Vietnam
Other
countries
Cambodia
China
Indonesia Malaysia Serbia Thailand
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
For any country‐pair producing mattresses that are sometimes or never interchangeable, identify the country‐pair and
explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 27
IV‐2. 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
United
States
Turkey
Vietnam
Other
countries
Cambodia
China
Indonesia Malaysia Serbia Thailand
Cambodia
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Serbia
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
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:
IV‐3.
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
compare 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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
IV‐3. Factor country comparisons.—Continued
Comparable
Inferior
Superior
Comparable
Inferior
Product from
United States compared to
product from
Indonesia
Superior
Inferior
Product from
United States
compared to product from
China
Comparable
Superior
Product from
United States
compared to product from
Cambodia
Page 28
Ability to ship by common carrier
(e.g., UPS, FedEx, USPS)
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 (i.e., MiBs or flat‐pack
mattresses)
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
Factor
1
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
IV‐3. Factor country comparisons.—Continued
Comparable
Inferior
Superior
Comparable
Inferior
Product from
United States compared to
product from
Thailand
Superior
Inferior
Product from
United States
compared to product from
Serbia
Comparable
Superior
Product from
United States
compared to product from
Malaysia
Page 29
Ability to ship by common carrier
(e.g., UPS, FedEx, USPS)
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 (i.e., MiBs or flat‐pack
mattresses)
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
Factor
1
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
IV‐3. Factor country comparisons.—Continued
Comparable
Inferior
Superior
Comparable
Inferior
Product from
United States compared to
product from
Nonsubject Countries
Superior
Inferior
Product from
United States
compared to product from
Vietnam
Comparable
Superior
Product from
United States
compared to product from
Turkey
Page 30
Ability to ship by common carrier
(e.g., UPS, FedEx, USPS)
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 (i.e., MiBs or flat‐pack
mattresses)
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
Factor
1
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ Mattresses (Final)
Page 31
PART V.—ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
V‐1. Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to any question that
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)
Page 32
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://usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2020/mattresses_cambodia_china_indo
nesia_malaysia/final.htm
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods noted
below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or cannot use one
of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the Commission for further
instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/
Pin: 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 (202‐
205‐1803). 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.
File Type | application/pdf |
File Title | Microsoft Word - US Purchaser--Mattresses (F) |
Author | mary.messer |
File Modified | 2020-11-23 |
File Created | 2020-11-23 |