08-3-2681 Purchaser questionnaire (final)

Information collections for import injury investigations (producers, importers, purchasers, and foreign producer questionnaires and institution notices for 5-year reviews)

OMB_purchaser

Certain Lightweight Thermal Paper from China and Germany

OMB: 3117-0016

⚠️ Notice: This form may be outdated. More recent filings and information on OMB 3117-0016 can be found here:

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OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 08-3-2681; Expiration Date: 6/30/11
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. PURCHASERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
CERTAIN LIGHTWEIGHT THERMAL PAPER FROM CHINA AND GERMANY
Return completed questionnaire to:
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Investigations, Room 615
500 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20436
So as to be received by the Commission by no later than August 15, 2008
The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its countervailing duty and antidumping investigations concerning certain lightweight thermal paper from
China and Germany (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-451 and 731-TA-1126-1128 (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
possession (19 U.S.C. § 1333(a)). Further information on this questionnaire can be obtained from Nancy Bryan (202-2052088, nancy.bryan@usitc.gov).

Name of firm
Address
State

City

Zip Code

World Wide Web address
Has your firm purchased certain LW thermal paper (as defined in the instruction booklet) from any source at any
time since January 1, 2005? For purposes of this questionnaire, you should consider your firm a “purchaser” if
your firm purchases either jumbo or slit rolls. If your firm purchases jumbo rolls and converts the rolls through
slitting and/or printing operations in the United States, your firm should complete both the U.S. Producer and U.S.
Purchaser Questionnaires.

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

YES

(Read the instruction booklet carefully, complete all parts of the questionnaire, and return the entire
questionnaire to the Commission so as to be received by the date indicated above.)

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 investigation in any other import-injury investigations conducted
by the Commission on the same or similar merchandise. (If you do not consent to such use, please note the certification
accordingly.)
I acknowledge that information submitted in this questionnaire response and throughout this investigation may be used by the
Commission, its employees, and contract personnel who are acting in the capacity of Commission employees, for developing or
maintaining the records of this investigation or related proceedings for which this information is submitted, or in internal audits
and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the Commission pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Appendix 3. I understand that
all contract personnel will sign non-disclosure agreements.

Name of Authorized Official

Title of Authorized Official

Date

Signature

Phone: (
Fax (

E-mail address

)
)

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
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, searching existing data sources, gathering the data needed,
and completing and reviewing the questionnaire. Send comments regarding the accuracy of this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the
burden, to the Office of Investigations, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20436.
I-1a.

Please report below the actual number of hours required and the cost to your firm of preparing the
reply to this questionnaire and completing the form.
hours

dollars

I-1b.

We are interested in any comments you may have for improving this questionnaire in general or
the clarity of specific questions. Please attach such comments to your response or send them to
the above address.

I-2.

Provide the name and address of establishment(s) covered by this questionnaire (see page 5 of the
instruction booklet for reporting guidelines). If your firm is publicly traded, please specify the
stock exchange and trading symbol.

I-3.

Is your firm owned, in whole or in part, by any other firm?
No

Firm name

I-4.

Yes--List the following information

Address

Extent of
ownership

Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, which are engaged in
importing certain LW thermal paper from China and/or Germany into the United States or which
are engaged in exporting certain LW thermal paper from China and/or Germany to the United
States?
No

Yes--List the following information

Firm name

Address

Affiliation

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 3

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
I-5.

Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, which are engaged in the
production of certain LW thermal paper?
No
Yes--List the following information
Firm name

Address

Affiliation

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
II-1.

Who should be contacted regarding the requested trade and related information?
Company contact:
Name and title
(
)
Phone number

II-2.

E-mail address

Report, as indicated below, your firm’s purchases (either directly or through a sales agent or
broker) of certain LW thermal paper. Report based on delivery date, not order date. Report both
purchases of jumbo and slit rolls, as indicated.
(Quantity in msf1, value in $1,000)
Item

2005

2006

2007

Jan.-June 2008

Purchases of certain LW thermal paper in jumbo roll form produced in the United States:
Quantity
Value
Purchases of certain LW thermal paper in slit roll form produced in the United States:
Quantity
Value
Purchases of certain LW thermal paper in jumbo roll form produced in China:
Quantity
Value
Purchases of certain LW thermal paper in slit roll form produced in China:
Quantity
Value
Purchases of certain LW thermal paper in jumbo roll form produced in Germany:
Quantity
Value
Purchases of certain LW thermal paper in slit roll form produced in Germany:
Quantity
Value
Purchases of certain LW thermal paper in jumbo roll form produced in all other countries:2
Quantity
Value
Purchases of certain LW thermal paper in jumbo slit roll form produced in all other countries:2
Quantity
Value
1
2

Thousands of square feet.
Please identify these countries:

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 4

PART II.—TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-3.

II-4.

If the relative shares of your firm’s total purchases of certain LW thermal paper (both in jumbo
roll form and slit roll form) from different sources (both domestic and foreign) have changed in
the last three years, please list the country, state whether the relative share from that country has
increased or decreased, and state the reason.

Country

Jumbo roll form
Increase/decrease

Reason

Country

Slit roll form
Increase/decrease

Reason

If you are a converter of jumbo rolls into slit rolls, have you also bought slit rolls for resale since
January 1, 2005?
No

Yes

If “Yes,” identify the percentage of the slit rolls that you purchased for resale that you bought
from the following sources in 2007:
United States
II-5.

China

Germany

Other

If your firm has purchased certain LW thermal paper from only one country, please explain the
reasons for doing so.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 5

PART II.—TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-6.

Did your firm change the amount of its purchases (or do you plan to change the amounts of your
purchases) of certain LW thermal paper from China and/or Germany because of the filing of the
petition in these investigations; because of the Department of Commerce’s preliminary
determination that imports of certain LW thermal paper from China have been subsidized; or
because of the Department of Commerce’s preliminary determinations of sales at less than fair
value of certain LW thermal paper from China and/or Germany?
No

II-7.

Since January 1, 2005, have prices in the U.S. market for certain LW thermal paper generally
increased, decreased, or stayed the same?
Increased

II-8.

Yes—Supply specific details as to the time, nature, and amounts of any such
changes in purchases, also indicating whether any increases in purchases of
Chinese and/or German certain LW thermal paper replaced or will replace
(or whether any decreases in purchases of Chinese and/or German certain
LW thermal paper were replaced by or will be replaced by) certain LW
thermal paper produced in the United States and/or from nonsubject
countries and/or substitute products.

Decreased

Stayed the same

If you checked “Increase” or “Decrease” in response to the previous question, please list (in order
of importance) what you believe are the principal reasons why prices changed.

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

Which of the following best describes your firm as a purchaser of certain LW thermal paper
(check all that apply, describing your function if necessary)?
Converter of jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper into slit rolls of certain LW thermal
paper (
Distributor of jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper (
Distributor of slit rolls of certain LW thermal paper (
End user of slit rolls of certain LW thermal paper (
Other, please explain:

III-2.

(a) If your firm is a distributor or reseller of jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper, what are
the major types of customers to which you sell certain LW thermal paper?

)
)
)
)

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 6

PART III.—MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-2.

(b) If your firm is a distributor or reseller of slit/converted rolls of certain LW thermal paper,
what are the major types of consumers to which you sell certain LW thermal paper?

(c) Do you compete for sales to your customers with the manufacturers or importers from which
you purchase certain LW thermal paper?

III-3.

(a) If your firm is a converter of certain LW thermal paper jumbo rolls into certain LW thermal
paper slit rolls, list in order of quantity of certain LW thermal paper consumed, the top 3 products
for which your firm purchases certain LW thermal paper jumbo rolls to convert into certain LW
thermal paper slit rolls.
Product you produce

Percent of cost accounted for by certain
LW thermal paper

(b) If your firm is a distributor or end user of certain LW thermal paper—i.e., you are a firm that
uses certain LW thermal paper slit rolls to generate receipts or other documents that you give to
your customers-- list in order of quantity of certain LW thermal paper consumed, the top 3 slit
roll products that your firm purchases.
Product you purchase

III-4.

(a) If your firm is a distributor or end user of certain LW thermal paper, has your firm’s use of
certain LW thermal paper changed since January 1, 2005?
Increase

No Change

Decrease

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 7

PART III.—MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-4.

(b) Has this had any effect on your firm’s demand for certain LW thermal paper?

(c) Did you experience higher than usual demand at any time since January 1, 2005? If yes,
please explain, providing the specific time period (month and year, if possible); the reason
for the increase; and the impact on your firm’s operations.

(d) Has your firm shifted a significant portion of its purchases of certain LW thermal paper from
55 g/m2 to 48 g/m2 since January 1, 2005? If so, why?

III-5.

(a)

Please list in order of importance any products that may be substituted for certain LW
thermal paper.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

(b)

For each possible substitute product, please give examples of applications and end uses
for which they are substitutes.

(c)

Have changes in the prices of these products affected the price for certain LW thermal
paper?
No

III-6.

(a)

If you purchase certain LW thermal paper in jumbo roll form, are you aware whether it is
U.S.-produced or imported?
Always

(b)

Yes—Please explain.

Usually

Sometimes

Never

If you purchase certain LW thermal paper in slit roll form, are you aware whether it is
U.S.-produced or imported?
Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 8

PART III.—MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-7.

(a)

If you purchase certain LW thermal paper in jumbo roll form, do you know the
manufacturer of the certain LW thermal paper that you purchase?
Always

(b)

Usually

Sometimes

Never

To your knowledge, are your buyers aware of and/or interested in the country of origin of the
goods you supply them?
Always

III-9.

Never

If you purchase certain LW thermal paper in slit roll form, do you know the manufacturer
of the certain LW thermal paper that you purchase?
Always

III-8.

Sometimes

Usually

Sometimes

Never

Have you made significant changes in your purchasing patterns (e.g., frequency) in the last three
years?
No

Yes-- Please describe.

III-10. (a) What percentage of your purchases in 2007 were made on:
%
Delivered basis:
F.o.b. basis:
%
(b) If you are a converter that buys jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper from both U.S. and
imported sources on something other than on a delivered basis, are delivery costs typically
quoted by U.S. manufacturers higher or lower than those quoted by importers of certain LW
thermal paper from Germany? Please indicate the approximate percentage difference, if
known.
Higher

Lower

Do not know or not applicable

Approximate percentage difference:
(c) If you are a distributor or end user that buys converted/slit rolls of certain LW thermal paper
from both domestic and imported sources on something other than on a delivered basis, are
delivery costs typically quoted by U.S. converters or distributors higher or lower than those
quoted by U.S. importers of certain LW thermal paper from China? Please indicate the
approximate percentage difference, if known.
Higher

Lower

Do not know or not applicable

Approximate percentage difference:
III-11. How many suppliers do you generally contact before making a purchase?

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 9

PART III.—MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-12. Have you changed suppliers since January 1, 2005?
No

Yes--Please list the suppliers, indicate whether each firm was added or
dropped as a supplier, and give the reasons for the change.

III-13. Are you aware of any new suppliers, either foreign or domestic, that have entered the market in
the last 3 years?
No

Yes--Please identify the firms.

III-14. Do you require your suppliers to become certified or prequalified with respect to the quality,
chemistry, strength, or other performance characteristic of the certain LW thermal paper they sell
to your firm?
No

Yes--

percent of purchases in 2007

Yes--All purchases

Please provide a general description of the certification or qualification process and the time
required.

III-15. (a) Do you require your suppliers to be approved by thermal printer manufacturers (e.g., IBM,
Epson)?
No

Yes--

percent of purchases in 2007

Yes--All purchases

If yes, please list the type/brand of thermal printer(s) (e.g., IBM, Epson) you use:

(b) If your firm is a converter of jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper into slit rolls of LW
thermal paper, how important is approval by thermal printer manufacturers in your
purchasing decisions? For example, would your firm not purchase certain LW thermal paper
if it was not certified for use in a certain thermal printer?

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 10

PART III.—MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-15. (c) If your firm is a distributor or end user of slit rolls of certain LW thermal paper, how
important is approval by thermal printer manufacturers in your purchasing decisions? For
example, would your firm not purchase certain LW thermal paper if it was not certified for
use in a certain thermal printer?

(d) To your knowledge, is certain LW thermal paper from all sources (i.e., U.S., Germany, or
China) approved by thermal printer manufacturers? Please specify by country of origin and
type of thermal printer in your response.

III-16. Briefly describe the factors that you consider when qualifying a new supplier (e.g., quality of
product, reliability of supplier, etc.) and estimate the time it takes to certify or qualify a new
supplier.

III-17. Since January 1, 2005, have any domestic or foreign producers failed in their attempts to certify
or qualify their certain LW thermal paper with your firm or have any producers lost their
approved status?
No

Yes--Please identify these firms, the countries where they are located, and the
reasons why they failed the certification/qualification process.

III-18. (a) What share of your firm’s purchases of certain LW thermal paper in 2007 had a sensitivity
that was:
“Standard”

“High”

Other (specify:

(b) Please explain how you identify or distinguish the different levels of sensitivity:

III-19. What share of your firm’s purchases in 2007 were of basis weights:
48g/m2

55g/m2

Other (specify:

III-20. (a) If you are a converter of jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper into slit rolls of thermal
paper, do you always know the basis weight of the certain LW thermal paper that you
purchase?
No

Yes

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 11

PART III.—MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-20. (b) If you are a distributor or end user of slit rolls of certain LW thermal paper, do you always
know the basis weight of the certain LW thermal paper that you purchase?
No

Yes

III-21. (a) If your firm is a converter of jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper into slit rolls of thermal
paper, do you always know the caliper of the certain LW thermal paper that you purchase?
No

Yes

If “Yes,” what share of your purchases in 2007 were of certain LW thermal paper:
With a caliper of less than 2.2 mils (less than 55.9 microns):
With a caliper of 2.2 to 2.5 mils (55.9 to 63.5 microns):
Other (specify:
):
%

%
%

(b) If you are a distributor or end user of slit rolls of certain LW thermal paper, do you always
know the caliper of the certain LW thermal paper that you purchase?
No

Yes

%
%

III-22. (a) If your firm is a converter of jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper into slit rolls of thermal
paper, in what widths do you purchase jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper?

(b) What are the widths of the slit rolls of thermal paper that your firm produces?

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 12

PART III.—MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-23. Since January 1, 2005, have you purchased both 2.1 caliper/48 gram and 2.3 caliper/55 gram
certain LW thermal paper?
No

Yes

Do not know

If “Yes,” please explain why you both types of paper:

If “No,” please explain why you have bought only one of these types of paper:

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 13

PART III.—MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-24. (a) For the factors listed below, please rate each in terms of its importance in your purchase
decision for certain LW thermal paper.
VERY
IMPORTANT
Availability .....................................
Delivery terms.................................
Delivery time ..................................
Discounts offered ............................
Extension of credit ..........................
Price ................................................
Minimum qty requirements.............
Packaging........................................
Product consistency ........................
Quality meets industry standards ....
Quality exceeds industry standards.
Product range ..................................
Reliability of supply........................
Technical support/service ...............
U.S. transportation costs .................
Approval by printer manufacturer(s).
Basis weight....................................
Paper sensitivity..............................
Paper brightness..............................
Caliper…………………………….
Desired width (of jumbo rolls)……..
Other (specify):
........
........
........

SOMEWHAT
IMPORTANT

NOT
IMPORTANT

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 14

PART III.—MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-24. (b)

Please list, in order of their importance, the three major factors generally considered by
your firm in deciding from whom to purchase certain LW thermal paper for any one
order (examples include current availability, extension of credit, prearranged contracts,
price, quality exceeding specifications or industry standards, range of supplier’s product
line, traditional supplier, etc.).
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
)

Other factors or comments: (

III-25. What characteristics does your firm consider when determining the quality of certain LW thermal
paper?

III-26. How often does your firm purchase the certain LW thermal paper that is offered at the lowest
price?
Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

III-27. Please list the names of any firms you considered price leaders in the certain LW thermal paper
market during January 2005-June 2008. Please respond separately for firms that supply certain
LW thermal paper in jumbo roll form and in slit roll form. 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 does not
necessarily have to be the lowest-priced supplier. For those firms identified as a price leader,
please specify the time period in which a price change was communicated, whether the price
change was upward or downward, and whether it covered a specific geographic region or a
specific product type.
Firms that supply jumbo rolls:

Firms that supply slit rolls:

III-28. Please describe how the above firm(s) exhibited price leadership.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 15

PART III.—MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES--Continued
III-29. Does your firm purchase certain LW thermal paper over the internet?
No

Yes-- Please describe, noting the estimated percentage of your firm’s total
purchases of certain LW thermal paper in 2007 accounted for by internet
purchases.

III-30. Have any suppliers (U.S. or foreign) refused, declined, or been unable to supply to you certain
LW thermal paper since January 1, 2005? (Examples include being placed on allocation (or
Acontrolled order entry@), supplier(s) declining to accept new customers or renew existing
customers, delivering less than the quantity promised, been unable to meet timely shipment
commitments, etc.).
No
Yes-- Please note and document the time period(s) (i.e., month and year),
country of origin, and supplier that refused, declined, or was unable to supply; amount and type
of product involved; the effect on your operations.

III-31. Are the markets for certain LW thermal paper subject to distinctive business cycles and/or
seasonality? If your firm is a converter, please discuss this issue below from the standpoint
of whether the converter business is subject to distinctive business cycles and/or seasonality.
If your firm is a distributor or end user of certain LW thermal paper, please discuss this issue
below from the standpoint of whether purchases of slit rolls are subject to distinctive business
cycles and/or seasonality. If yes, please explain and provide estimates of the duration of any such
cycles.

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 16

PART IV.--PRODUCT COMPARISONS
IV-1.

Please indicate the countries of origin for certain LW thermal paper for which your firm has
actual marketing/pricing knowledge.
United States
China
Germany
Other countries (Please specify:

IV-2.

(a)

)

Is certain LW thermal paper in jumbo roll form produced in the United States and in
other countries interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same
applications)? Please indicate below, using “A” to indicate that the products from a
specified country-pair are always interchangeable, “F” to indicate that the products are
frequently interchangeable, “S” to indicate that the products are sometimes
interchangeable, “N” to indicate that the products are never interchangeable, and “0” to
indicate no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair.1
Jumbo Rolls

Country-pair

United States

China

Germany

Other countries

United States
China
Germany
1
For any country-pair producing certain LW thermal paper which is sometimes or never
interchangeable, please explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 17

PART IV.--PRODUCT COMPARISONS--Continued
IV-2.

(b)

Is certain LW thermal paper in slit roll form produced in the United States and in
other countries interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same
applications)? Please indicate below, using “A” to indicate that the products from a
specified country-pair are always interchangeable, “F” to indicate that the products are
frequently interchangeable, “S” to indicate that the products are sometimes
interchangeable, “N” to indicate that the products are never interchangeable, and “0” to
indicate no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair.1
Slit Rolls

Country-pair

United States

China

Germany

Other countries

United States
China
Germany
1

For any country-pair producing certain LW thermal paper which is sometimes or never
interchangeable, please explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 18

PART IV.--PRODUCT COMPARISONS--Continued
IV-3.

Do you or your customers ever specifically order certain LW thermal paper from one country in
particular over other possible sources of supply?
No

IV-4.

Yes--Please identify all relevant countries (including the United States and
both subject and nonsubject foreign countries) from which you or your
customers prefer to order, and indicate why certain LW thermal paper from
these countries is preferred over product from other countries (please note
the specific product in your response).

(a) If your firm is a converter of jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper into slit rolls of LW
thermal paper, are certain grades/types/sizes (including, but not limited to, certain basis weights
and certain levels of sensitivity) of certain LW thermal paper available from only a single source
(domestic or foreign, including both subject and nonsubject countries)?
No

Yes--Please identify the source and the grade/type/style.

(b) If your firm is a distributor or end user of slit rolls of LW thermal paper, are certain
grades/types/sizes (including, but not limited to, certain basis weights and certain levels of
sensitivity) of certain LW thermal paper available from only a single source (domestic or foreign,
including both subject and nonsubject countries)?
No

IV-5.

Yes--Please identify the source and the grade/type/style.

(a) If you purchased certain LW thermal paper from one source although a comparable product
was available from another source at a lower price, please explain your reasons for doing so
(please specify by country, including the United States and both subject and nonsubject foreign
countries). Possibilities might include transaction characteristics such as length of time to fill
orders, minimum order size, reliability of supply, etc.

(b) If you purchased certain LW thermal paper from more than one source, please explain your
reasons for doing so (please specify by country, including the United States and both subject and
nonsubject foreign countries).

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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 19

PART IV.—PRODUCT COMPARISONS--Continued
(a) If your firm is a converter of jumbo rolls of certain LW thermal paper into slit rolls of
thermal paper, for the factors listed below, please rate how certain LW thermal paper produced in
each country you identified in your response to the first question in Part IV compares with certain
LW thermal paper produced in each of the other countries you identified (including the United
States and both subject and nonsubject foreign countries). Please type an “X” for each quality in
each product comparison indicating whether product is superior, comparable, or inferior from the
first source compared to the second source. Copy this page as needed.1
jumbo or slit roll

jumbo or slit roll

Availability ...............................................
Delivery terms .........................................
Delivery time ...........................................
Discounts offered ....................................
Extension of credit...................................
Lower price1 ............................................
Minimum quantity requirements..............
Packaging................................................
Product consistency ................................
Quality meets industry standards............
Quality exceeds industry standards ........
Product range..........................................
Reliability of supply .................................
Technical support/service .......................
Lower U.S. transportation costs1……….
Desired width (of jumbo rolls) .................
Other (specify):

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.

Inferior

Comparable

compared to
product from

Superior

compared to
product from

Inferior

compared to
product from

Comparable

product from

Inferior

product from

Comparable

product from

Superior

Factor

jumbo or slit roll

Superior

IV-6.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 20

PART IV.—PRODUCT COMPARISONS--Continued
(b) If your firm is a distributor or end user of certain LW thermal paper in slit rolls, for the
factors listed below, please rate how certain LW thermal paper produced in each country you
identified in your response to the first question in Part IV compares with certain LW thermal
paper produced in each of the other countries you identified (including the United States and both
subject and nonsubject foreign countries). Please type an “X” for each quality in each product
comparison indicating whether product is superior, comparable, or inferior from the first source
compared to the second source. Copy this page as needed.2

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.

Inferior

Comparable

Superior

compared to
product from

Inferior

compared to
product from

Comparable

compared to
product from

Superior

slit roll
from

Inferior

slit roll
from

Comparable

Factor

slit roll
from

Superior

IV-6.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 21

PART IV.—PRODUCT COMPARISONS--Continued
IV-7.

(a)

How often does domestically produced certain LW thermal paper in jumbo roll form
meet minimum quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses?
Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

How often does domestically produced certain LW thermal paper in slit roll form meet
minimum quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses?
Always
(b)

Usually

Sometimes

Never

How often does imported certain LW thermal paper in jumbo roll form from China and
Germany meet minimum quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses?
China:
Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

Usually

Sometimes

Never

Germany:
Always

How often does imported certain LW thermal paper in slit roll form from China and
Germany meet minimum quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses?
China:
Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

Usually

Sometimes

Never

Germany:
Always
(c)

How often does imported certain LW thermal paper from nonsubject countries meet
minimum quality specifications for your uses or your customers’ uses? Please indicate if
the product is in jumbo roll form or slit roll form.
From (country):
Always

Form (jumbo roll or slit roll):
Usually

From (country):
Always

Sometimes

Never

Form (jumbo roll or slit roll):
Usually

Sometimes

Never

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 22

PART V.—PRICING AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Nancy Bryan (202-205-2088,
nancy.bryan@usitc.gov).
V-1.

Who should be contacted regarding the requested pricing and related information?
Company contact:
Name and title
(
)
Phone number

E-mail address
PRICE DATA

This section requests quarterly quantity and value data on your firm’s purchases of the following U.S.-produced and
imported products from China and Germany during January 2005 to June 2008:
Product 1.--Thermal paper in jumbo rolls, with a target caliper of 2.2 to 2.5 mils (55.9 to 63.5 microns),
with a target basis weight of greater than 50 g/m2 and up to 60 g/m2, not top-coated, white/non-colored
paper, black image color, not printed on the non-thermal coated side, standard sensitivity.
Product 2.-- Thermal paper in jumbo rolls, with a target caliper of less than 2.2 (less than 55.9 microns),
with a target basis weight of up to 50 g/m2, not top-coated, white/non-colored paper, black image color, not
printed on the non-thermal coated side, standard sensitivity.
Product 3.— Thermal paper in jumbo rolls, with a target caliper of 2.2 to 2.5 mils (55.9 to 63.5 microns),
with a target basis weight of greater than 50 g/m2 and up to 60 g/m2, not top-coated, white/non-colored
paper, black image color, not printed on the non-thermal coated side, “high” sensitivity.
Product 4.— Thermal paper in slit rolls, with a target caliper of 2.2 to 2.5 mils (55.9 to 63.5 microns), with
a target basis weight of greater than 50 g/m2 and up to 60 g/m2, not top-coated, white/non-colored paper,
black image color, standard sensitivity, measuring 3-1/8 (+/- 1/16) inch by 230 (+/- 10) feet, printed with
one color on the non-thermal coated side.
Product 5.— Thermal paper in slit rolls, with a target caliper of 2.2 to 2.5 mils (55.9 to 63.5 microns), with
a target basis weight of greater than 50 g/m2 and up to 60 g/m2, not top-coated, white/non-colored paper,
black image color, standard sensitivity, measuring 3-1/8 (+/- 1/16) inch by 230 (+/- 10) feet, without
printing on the non-thermal coated side.
Product 6.— Thermal paper in slit rolls, with a target caliper of 2.2 to 2.5 mils (55.9 to 63.5 microns), with
a target basis weight of greater than 50 g/m2 and up to 60 g/m2, not top-coated, white/non-colored paper,
black image color, standard sensitivity, measuring 3-1/8 (+/- 1/16) inch by 273 (+/- 10) feet, without
printing on the non-thermal coated side.
Product 7.— Thermal paper in slit rolls, with a target caliper of less than 2.2 (less than 55.9 microns), with
a target basis weight of up to 50 g/m2, not top-coated, white/non-colored paper, black image color,
standard sensitivity, measuring 3-1/8 (+/- 1/16) inch by 230 (+/- 10) feet, without printing on the nonthermal coated side.
Product 8.— Thermal paper in slit rolls, with a target caliper of less than 2.2 (less than 55.9 microns), with
a target basis weight of up to 50 g/m2, not top-coated, white/non-colored paper, black image color,
standard sensitivity, measuring 3-1/8 (+/- 1/16) inch by 273 (+/- 10) feet, without printing on the nonthermal coated side.
Please report quantity in m.s.f., or thousands of square feet.
Please report values on a delivered basis, (net of returns, discounts, allowances, and rebates), including all ocean
freight costs and U.S.-inland freight costs for delivery to your facility.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 23

PART V.—PRICING AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
V-2.

Complete a separate page for each of the specified products purchased by your firm. Indicate in
the space provided the product1 for which pricing is reported.
PURCHASES FROM U.S. PRODUCERS
Quantity
Value
Product 14

(Quantity in msf,2 value in dollars3)
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 24
Product 34

Quantity
Value
Product 44

2005: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2006: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec.
2007: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2008: Jan-Mar
April-June

Product 54

Product 64

Product 74

Product 84

2005: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2006: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec.
2007: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2008: Jan-Mar
April-June
1

Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of section IV.
Thousands of square feet.
Net delivered value should be net of returns, discounts, including discounts on other supplied products, promotional allowances, and transition
allowances, allowances, and rebates, but should include all ocean freight costs and U.S.-inland freight costs for delivery to your facility.
4
For each of the products for which you are reporting data, identify the producer of the product and model number, and, if available, provide the
production information and manufacturer’s specifications for that product used in the normal course of business:
Product 2:
Product 3:
Product 4:
___________
Product 1:
Product 5:
Product 6:
Product 7:
Product 8:
___________
2
3

Note.--If your product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product, provide a description of your
product in the space provided above, including identification of the producer of the product and the model number, and, if available, provide the
product information sheet and manufacturer’s specifications for that product used in the normal course of business.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 24

PART V.—PRICING AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
V-3.

Complete a separate page for each of the specified products purchased by your firm. Indicate in
the space provided the product1 for which pricing is reported.
PURCHASES FROM IMPORTERS OF PRODUCT FROM CHINA
Quantity
Value
Product 14

(Quantity in msf,2 value in dollars3)
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 24
Product 34

Quantity
Value
Product 44

2005: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2006: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec.
2007: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2008: Jan-Mar
April-June

Product 54

Product 64

Product 74

Product 84

2005: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2006: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec.
2007: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2008: Jan-Mar
April-June
1

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 25

PART V.—PRICING AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
V-4.

(Quantity in msf,2 value in dollars3)
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 24
Product 34

Quantity
Value
Product 44

2005: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2006: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec.
2007: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2008: Jan-Mar
April-June

Product 54

Product 64

Product 74

Product 84

2005: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2006: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec.
2007: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2008: Jan-Mar
April-June
1

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 26

PART V.—PRICING AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
V-5.

Complete a separate page for each of the specified products purchased by your firm from a
nonsubject country. Indicate in the space provided the product1 for which pricing is reported.

PURCHASES OF IMPORTS FROM A NONSUBJECT COUNTRY (please identify:
Quantity
Value
Product 14

(Quantity in msf,2 value in dollars3)
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 24
Product 34

)

Quantity
Value
Product 44

2005: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2006: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec.
2007: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2008: Jan-Mar
April-June

Product 54

Product 64

Product 74

Product 84

2005: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2006: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec.
2007: Jan-Mar
April-June
July-Sept
Oct-Dec
2008: Jan-Mar
April-June
1

Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire - Certain LW Thermal Paper (701-451 (F))

Page 27

PART VI.--SUPPLIER IDENTIFICATION
VI-1.

No.

Please provide the names and addresses of your firm’s five largest suppliers of certain LW
thermal paper purchased during January 2005-June 2008. Please also provide the name and
telephone number of a contact person and the share of the quantity of your firm’s total purchases
of certain LW thermal paper that each of these suppliers accounted for in 2007.

Supplier’s Name

Street address (not P.O.
box), city, state, and zip
code

Contact Person

Area
code and
telephone
number

Share of
2007
purchases
(%)

File Type	application/pdf
File Title	Microsoft Word - Instructions.doc
Author	chris.cassise
File Modified	2008-08-05
File Created	2008-07-09