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pdfOMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 11-4-2926; Expiration Date: 6/30/2011
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
STAINLESS STEEL SHEET AND STRIP FROM
GERMANY, ITALY, JAPAN, KOREA, MEXICO, AND TAIWAN
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by no later than March 9, 2011
See page 4 of the Instruction Booklet for filing instructions.
The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its five-year reviews concerning stainless steel sheet and strip from Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea,
Mexico, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-382 and 731-TA-798-803 (Second Review)). 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)).
Name of firm
Address
State
City
Zip Code
World Wide Web address
Has your firm produced stainless steel sheet and strip (as defined in the instruction booklet) at any time since
January 1, 2005?
NO
(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 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 these reviews in any other import-injury proceedings or reviews
conducted by the Commission on the same or similar merchandise.
I acknowledge that information submitted in this questionnaire response and throughout these reviews 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 these reviews or related proceedings for which this information is submitted, or in internal audits and
proceedings 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
Phone: (
Date
)
Signature
E-mail address
Fax (
)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
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 50 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.
OMB statistics.--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.
OMB feedback.--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.
Establishments covered.--Provide the name and address of establishment(s) covered by this
questionnaire (see page 3 of the instruction booklet for reporting guidelines). If your firm is
publicly traded, please specify the stock exchange and trading symbol.
I-3.
Position regarding continuation of orders.--Do you support or oppose continuation of the
countervailing duty order (Korea) and/or the antidumping duty orders (Germany, Italy, Japan,
Korea, Mexico, and/or Taiwan) covering stainless steel sheet and strip from the six subject
countries?
Germany
Support
Oppose
Take no position
Italy
Support
Oppose
Take no position
Japan
Support
Oppose
Take no position
Korea
Support
Oppose
Take no position
Mexico
Support
Oppose
Take no position
Taiwan
Support
Oppose
Take no position
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 3
PART I.--GENERAL INFORMATION--Continued
I-4.
Ownership.--Is your firm owned, in whole or in part, by any other firm?
No
Yes--List the following information.
Firm name
I-5.
Address
Related SUBJECT importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either
domestic or foreign, which are engaged in importing stainless steel sheet and strip from Germany,
Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and/or Taiwan into the United States or which are engaged in
exporting stainless steel sheet and strip from Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and/or
Taiwan to the United States?
No
Yes--List the following information.
Firm name and country
I-6.
Extent of ownership
Address
Affiliation
Related NONSUBJECT importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either
domestic or foreign, which are engaged in importing stainless steel sheet and strip from countries
other than Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and/or Taiwan into the United States or which
are engaged in exporting stainless steel sheet and strip from countries other than Germany, Italy,
Japan, Korea, Mexico, and/or Taiwan to the United States?
No
Yes--List the following information.
Firm name and country
Address
Affiliation
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 4
PART I.--GENERAL INFORMATION--Continued
I-7.
I-8.
Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, which
are engaged in the production of stainless steel sheet and strip?
No
Yes--List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
Business plan.--In Parts II and IV of this questionnaire we request a copy of your company’s
business plan. Does your company or any related firm have a business plan or any internal
documents that describe, discuss, or analyze expected market conditions for stainless steel sheet
and strip?
No
Yes--Please provide the requested documents. If you are not providing the
requested documents, please explain why not.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 5
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Jennifer Merrill (202-2053188, jennifer.merrill@usitc.gov). Supply all data requested on a calendar-year basis.
II-1.
Please identify the individual to be contacted regarding the confidential information requested in
part II.
Name and title:
Please indicate the manner by which Commission staff may contact the individual responsible for
part II with questions regarding the submitted confidential information.
E-mail:
Fax: (
II-2.
Telephone: (
)
)
Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the production of stainless steel sheet and strip since January 1, 2005.
(check as many as appropriate)
plant openings ..........................
plant closings ............................
relocations ................................
expansions ................................
acquisitions ...............................
consolidations ...........................
prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments .................
revised labor agreements ..........
other (e.g., technology) ............
(please describe)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 6
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-3.
Anticipated changes in operations.--Does your firm anticipate any changes in the character of
your operations or organization (as noted above) relating to the production of stainless steel sheet
and strip in the future?
No
Yes--Supply details as to the time, nature, and significance of such changes
and provide underlying assumptions, along with relevant portions of
business plans or other supporting documentation that address this
issue. Include in your response a specific projection of your firm’s
capacity to produce stainless steel sheet and strip (in short tons)
for 2011 and 2012.
For question II-4, if your response differs for particular orders, please indicate and explain the
particular effect of revocation of specific orders.
II-4.
Anticipated changes in operations in the event the orders are revoked.--Would your firm
anticipate any changes in the character of your operations or organization (as noted above)
relating to the production of stainless steel sheet and strip in the future if the countervailing duty
order (Korea) and/or antidumping duty orders (Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and
Taiwan) on stainless steel sheet and strip were to be revoked?
No
Yes--Supply details as to the time, nature, and significance of such changes
and provide underlying assumptions, along with relevant portions of
business plans or other supporting documentation that address this
issue.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 7
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-5.
Same equipment, machinery, and workers.—Has your firm since January 1, 2005 produced, or
does your firm anticipate producing in the future, other products on the same equipment and
machinery used in the production of stainless steel sheet and strip and/or using the same
production and related workers employed to produce stainless steel sheet and strip? Please do not
include downstream products produced from internally consumed stainless steel sheet and strip.
No
Product
II-6.
Period
Basis for allocation of capacity and
employment data (indicate if different)
Production shifting.--Is your firm able to switch production between stainless steel sheet and
strip and other products in response to a relative change in the price of stainless steel sheet and
strip vis-a-vis the price of other products, using the same equipment and labor?
No
II-7.
Yes--List the following information regarding production of these products.
Yes--Please identify the other products, the approximate time and cost
involved in switching, and the minimum relative price change required
for your firm to switch production to or from stainless steel sheet and
strip.
Constraints on production.--Please identify bottlenecks in your firm’s production of stainless
steel sheet and strip and describe your plans and efforts to alleviate any such bottlenecks.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 8
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-8a.
Overall production capability.—Has your firm since 2005 produced, or does your firm
anticipate producing in the future, other products (including non-subject stainless steel flat
products, carbon steel flat products, and/or other flat products (e.g., high-nickel alloys, electrical
steel, titanium products)) on the same equipment and machinery used in the production of
stainless steel sheet & strip and/or using the same production and related workers employed to
produce stainless steel sheet & strip?
No
Product
Yes---List the products produced, the time period(s) in which they were
produced and the basis of your firm’s allocations in the space below.
Period
Basis for allocation of capacity and
employment data (indicate if different)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 9
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-8b.
Overall production capability.—Please complete the following grid for products produced on
the same equipment and machinery used in the production of stainless steel sheet & strip:
(Quantity in short tons)
Item
Melting (raw stainless steel):
Total production capacity
Production
Hot –Rolled Steel:
Total production capacity
Production:
Stainless steel sheet &
strip in coils (subject)
Stainless steel sheet &
strip cut-to-length
Stainless steel plate in coils
Stainless steel plate cut-tolength
Other flat-rolled
Total Production
Cold-Rolled Steel:
Total production capacity
Production:
Stainless steel sheet &
strip in coils (subject)
Stainless steel sheet &
strip cut-to-length
Stainless steel plate in coils
Stainless steel plate cut-tolength
Other flat-rolled
Total Production
Other-specify:
Total production capacity
Production
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 10
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-9.
Trade data.--Report your firm’s production capacity, production, shipments, inventories, and
employment related to the production of stainless steel sheet and strip in your U.S.
establishment(s) during the specified periods. (See definitions in the instruction booklet.)
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Average production capacity1
(quantity) (A)
Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (B)
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
quantity (D)
value (E)
Internal consumption:2
quantity (F)
value (G)
Transfers to related firms:2
quantity (H)
value (I)
Export shipments:3
quantity (J)
value (K)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (L)
U.S. shipments to:
Distributors, processors, and
service centers (quantity) (M)
End users (quantity) (N)
Total
Employment data:
Average number of PRWs
(number) (O)
Hours worked by PRWs
(1,000 hours) (P)
Wages paid to PRWs (value)
(Q)
1
The production capacity (see definitions in instruction booklet) reported is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year. Please describe the methodology used to calculate production capacity, and explain any changes in
reported capacity (use additional pages as necessary).
2
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms should be valued at fair market value. In the event that you use a
different basis for valuing these transactions, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and provide value data
using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
3
Identify your principal export markets:
.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 11
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-10.
Reconciliation of trade data.--
(a)
Please note that the quantities reported in question II-9 should reconcile as follows in
each period (i.e., in each column):
Reconciliation
B+C–D–F–H–J=L
M+N=D
(b)
Yes
No--Please
Yes
No--Please
Please note that the quantities reported for end of period inventories should equal the
beginning of period inventories reported in the subsequent calendar year (i.e., line L of
year 2005 should equal line B of year 2006). Do these data reconcile for each adjacent
calendar year?
Yes.
II-11.
Do these data reconcile?
explain
Do these data reconcile?
explain
No--Please explain.
Transfers to related firms.--If you reported transfers to related firms in question II-9, please
indicate the nature of the relationship between your firm and the related firms (e.g., joint venture,
wholly owned subsidiary), whether the transfers were priced at market value or by a non-market
formula, whether your firm retained marketing rights to all transfers, and whether the related
firms also processed inputs from sources other than your firm.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 12
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-12.
Purchases.--Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased stainless steel sheet
and strip since January 1, 2005? (See definitions in the instruction booklet.)
No
Yes-- Please indicate the reasons for your purchases (if your reasons differ by
source, please elaborate) and report the quantity and value of such
purchases below for the specified periods
Reasons:
(Quantity in short tons, value in $1,000)
Item
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
PURCHASES FROM U.S.
IMPORTERS1 OF STAINLESS STEEL
SHEET AND STRIP FROM.—
GERMANY:
quantity
value
ITALY:
quantity
value
JAPAN:
quantity
value
KOREA:
quantity
value
MEXICO:
quantity
value
TAIWAN:
quantity
value
All other countries:
quantity
value
PURCHASES FROM DOMESTIC
2
PRODUCERS:
quantity
value
PURCHASES FROM OTHER
SOURCES:
quantity
value
1
Please list the name of the importer(s) from which you purchased this product. If your suppliers differ by
source, please identify the source for each listed supplier.
2
Please list the name of the domestic producer(s) from which you purchased this product.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 13
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-13.
Toll production.--Since January 1, 2005, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement (see
definition in the instruction booklet) regarding the production of stainless steel sheet and strip?
No
II-14.
.
FTZ.--Does your firm produce stainless steel sheet and strip in a foreign trade zone (FTZ)?
No
II-15.
Yes--Name firm(s):
Yes--Identify FTZ(s):
Direct imports.--Since January 1, 2005, has your firm imported stainless steel sheet and strip?
No
Yes--COMPLETE AND RETURN A U.S. IMPORTERS’
QUESTIONNAIRE
.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 14
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
For questions II-16 and II-17, if your response differs for particular subject countries, please
indicate and explain the particular effect of imposition and/or revocation of the order(s) from
specific countries.
II-16.
Effect of orders.--Describe the significance of the existing countervailing duty order (Korea)
and/or antidumping duty orders (Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Taiwan) covering
imports of stainless steel sheet and strip in terms of its effect on your firm’s production capacity,
production, U.S. shipments, inventories, purchases, employment, revenues, costs, profits, cash
flow, capital expenditures, research and development expenditures, and asset values. You may
wish to compare your firm’s operations before and after the imposition of the orders.
II-17.
Likely effect of revocation of orders.--Would your firm anticipate any changes in its production
capacity, production, U.S. shipments, inventories, purchases, employment, revenues, costs,
profits, cash flow, capital expenditures, research and development expenditures, or asset values
relating to the production of stainless steel sheet and strip in the future if the countervailing duty
order (Korea) and/or antidumping duty orders (Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and
Taiwan) on stainless steel sheet and strip were to be revoked?
No
Yes--Supply details as to the time, nature, and significance of such changes
and provide underlying assumptions, along with relevant portions of
business plans or other supporting documentation for any trends or
projections you may provide.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 15
PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to Mary Klir (202-205-3247, mary.klir@usitc.gov).
III-1.
Please identify the individual to be contacted regarding the confidential information requested in
part III.
Name and title:
Please indicate the manner by which Commission staff may contact the individual responsible for
part III with questions regarding the submitted confidential information.
E-mail:
Fax: (
III-2.
Telephone: (
)
)
Accounting system.--Briefly describe your financial accounting system.
A.
When does your fiscal year end (month and day)?
If your fiscal year changed during the period examined, explain below:
B.1.
Describe the lowest level of operations (e.g., plant, division, company-wide) for which
financial statements are prepared that include stainless steel sheet and strip:
2.
3.
4.
Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for stainless steel sheet and strip:
Yes
No
How often did your firm (or parent company) prepare financial statements (including
annual reports, 10Ks)? Please check relevant items below.
Audited,
unaudited,
annual reports,
10Ks,
10Qs,
Monthly,
quarterly,
semi-annually,
annually
Accounting basis:
GAAP,
cash,
tax, or
other comprehensive
(specify)
Note: The Commission may request that your company submit copies of its financial statements,
including internal profit-and-loss statements for the division or product group that includes
stainless steel sheet and strip, as well as those statements and worksheets used to compile data for
your firm’s questionnaire response.
III-3.
Cost accounting system.--Briefly describe your cost accounting system (e.g., standard cost, job
order cost, etc.).
III-4.
Allocation basis.-Briefly describe your allocation basis, if any, for COGS, SG&A, and interest
expense and other income and expenses.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 16
PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION--Continued
III-5.
Other products.--Please provide the share of your firm’s net sales accounted for by stainless
steel plate and other products in your most recent fiscal year:
Products
Share of sales
Stainless steel sheet and strip
III-6.
Inputs from related firms.--Does your company receive inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or
any other services) used in the production of stainless steel sheet and strip from any related
company?
Yes--Continue to question III-7 below.
III-7.
Inputs from related firms.-- With respect to the related companies identified in response to
question III-6 above, are their financial statements consolidated with your firm’s financial
statements? In other words, are profits or losses arising from intercompany transactions
eliminated?
Yes—Continue to question III-8 below.
III-8.
No--Continue to question III-10 below.
No--Continue to question III-10 below.
Inputs from related firms.--In the space provided below, identify the inputs used in the
production of stainless steel sheet and strip that your firm receives from related parties whose
financial statements are consolidated with the financial statements of your firm.
Input
Related party
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 17
PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION--Continued
III-9.
Inputs from related firms at cost.--All intercompany profit on inputs purchased from related
parties that is eliminated pursuant to formal financial statement consolidation should also be
eliminated from the costs reported to the Commission in table III-11 (i.e., costs reported in table
III-11, to the extent that they reflect inputs purchased from related parties, should only reflect the
related party’s cost and not include an associated profit component). Reasonable methods for
determining and eliminating the associated profit on inputs purchased from related parties are
acceptable.
Has your firm complied with the Commission’s instructions regarding costs associated with
inputs purchased from related parties?
Yes
No
III-10. Nonrecurring charges.--For each annual period for which financial results are reported in
question III-11, please indicate in the schedule below the specific nonrecurring charges, the
particular expense/cost line items from question III-11 where the associated charges are included,
a brief description of the charges, and the associated values (in $1,000). Nonrecurring charges
would include, but are not limited to, items such as asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation
due to restructuring of the company’s stainless steel sheet and strip operations.
Fiscal years ended-Item
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 18
PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION--Continued
III-11. Operations on stainless steel sheet and strip.--Report the revenue and related cost information
requested below on the stainless steel sheet and strip operations of your U.S. establishment(s).1
Do not report resales of products. Note that internal consumption and transfers to related
firms must be valued at fair market value and purchases from related firms must be at
cost.2 Provide data for your six most recently completed fiscal years in chronological order from
left to right. If your firm was involved in tolling operations (either as the toller or as the tollee)
please contact Mary Klir at (202) 205-3247 before completing this section of the questionnaire.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Item
Net sales quantities:3
Commercial sales
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
Total net sales quantities
Net sales values:3
Commercial sales
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
Total net sales values
Cost of goods sold (COGS):4
Raw materials
Direct labor
Other factory costs
Total COGS
Gross profit or (loss)
Selling, general, and administrative
(SG&A) expenses:
Operating income (loss)
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense
All other expense items
Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset
Act funds received5
All other income items
All other income or expenses, net
Net income or (loss) before income taxes
Depreciation/amortization included above
1
Include only sales (whether domestic or export) and costs related to your U.S. manufacturing operations.
Please indicate the amount of profits or (losses) on inputs from related firms that were eliminated pursuant question III-9:
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
.
2005
2
3
Less discounts, returns, allowances, and prepaid freight. The quantities and values should approximate the corresponding
shipment quantities and values reported in Part II of this questionnaire.
4
COGS should include costs associated with internal consumption and transfers to related firms.
5
Please report funds received under this act in the period(s) in which they were received. Do not report these funds as an offset to
operating expenses.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 19
PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION--Continued
III-12. Asset values.--Report the total assets associated with the production, warehousing, and sale of
stainless steel sheet and strip. If your firm does not maintain some or all of the specific asset data
in the normal course of business, please estimate it based upon some rational method (such as
production, sales, or costs) that is consistent with your cost allocations in the previous question.
Your finished goods inventory value should reconcile with the inventory quantity data reported in
Part II. Provide data as of the end of your six most recently completed fiscal years in
chronological order from left to right.
Value (in $1,000)
Item
ASSETS associated with the
production, warehousing, and sale of
product:
1. Current assets:
A. Cash and equivalents
B. Accounts receivable, net
C. Inventories
D. Other (describe:
)
E. Total current assets (lines
1.A. through 1.D.)
2. Property, plant, and equipment
A. Original cost of property,
plant, and equipment
B. Less: Accumulated
depreciation
C. Equals: Book value of
property, plant, and
equipment
3. Other (describe:
)
4. Total assets (lines 1.E., 2.C.,
and 3)
III-13. Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.--Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses on stainless steel sheet and strip. Provide
data as of the end of your six most recently completed fiscal years in chronological order from
left to right.
Value (in $1,000)
Item
Capital expenditures
Research and
development expenses
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 20
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Cindy Cohen (202-205-3230,
cindy.cohen@usitc.gov).
IV-1.
Please identify the individual to be contacted regarding the confidential information requested in
part IV.
Name and title:
Please indicate the manner by which Commission staff may contact the individual responsible for
part IV with questions regarding the submitted confidential information.
E-mail:
Fax: (
Telephone: (
)
)
PRICE DATA
This section requests quarterly quantity and value data, f.o.b. your U.S. point of shipment, for your
commercial shipments to unrelated U.S. customers since 2005 of the following products produced by
your firm.
Product 1.--AISI Grade 304, 0.075 inch nominal thickness (0.068-0.082 inch actual), width
48-60 inches, 2B finish.
Product 2.--AISI Grade 304, 0.029 inch nominal thickness (0.0291-0.032 inch actual), width
48-60 inches, 2B finish.
Product 3.--AISI Grade 430, 0.036 inch nominal thickness (0.032-0.040 inch actual), width
36-48 inches, bright-annealed (BA) or “Best Bright” finish.
Product 4.--AISI Grade 316L, 0.060 inch nominal thickness (0.054-0.066 inch actual), width
48-60 inches, 2B finish.
Please note that total dollar values should be f.o.b., U.S. point of shipment and should not include
U.S.-inland transportation costs. Total dollar values should reflect the final net amount paid to you
(i.e., should be net of all deductions for discounts or rebates). See instruction booklet.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 21
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-2.
Pricing data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm.
Product 1
Quantity
Value
(short
(dollars)
tons)
Product 2
Quantity
Value
(short
(dollars)
tons)
Product 3
Quantity
Value
(short
(dollars)
tons)
Product 4
Quantity
Value
(short
(dollars)
tons)
Period of shipment
2005:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2006:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2007:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2008:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2009:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2010:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
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 U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Note.--If your product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product, provide a
description of your product:
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
Product 4:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 22
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-3.
Price setting.-- How does your firm determine the prices (including any surcharges) that it
charges for sales of stainless steel sheet and strip (check all that apply)? If your firm issues price
lists, please include a copy of a recent price list with your submission. If your price list is large,
please only submit some sample pages.
Transaction by transaction
Contracts
Set price lists
Other--Please describe:
IV-4.
Discount policy.-- Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that
apply).
Quantity discounts
Annual total volume discounts
No discounts
Other--Please describe:
IV-5.
Surcharges.-(a)
Since 2005, has your firm included surcharges on its invoices for any of the following
(check all that apply)?
Raw materials
Fuel
Energy
Transportation
Other:
(b)
How did your firm determine the surcharge(s) (e.g., which indices were used)?
(c)
Please describe how the surcharges have changed since 2005.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 23
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-6.
Pricing terms for stainless steel sheet and strip.-(a)
What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its U.S.-produced stainless steel sheet and
strip (e.g., 2/10 net 30 days)?
.
(b)
On what basis are your prices of domestic stainless steel sheet and strip usually quoted?
(check one)
F.o.b.--Please specify point:
IV-7.
Delivered
Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.-produced
stainless steel sheet and strip in 2010 were on a (1) long-term contract basis (multiple deliveries
for more than 12 months), (2) short-term contract basis (multiple deliveries up to and including
12 months), and (3) spot sales basis (for a single delivery)?
Type of sale
Share of sales (percent)
Long-term contracts
Short-term contracts
Spot sales
IV-8.
IV-9.
Long-term contact provisions.--If you sell on a long-term contract basis, please answer the
following questions with respect to provisions of a typical long-term contract.
(a)
What is the average duration of a contract?
(b)
Can prices be renegotiated during the contract period?
(c)
Does the contract fix quantity, price, or both?
(d)
Does the contract have a meet or release provision?
Yes
Quantity
No
Price
Yes
Both
No
Short-term contract provisions.--If you sell on a short-term contract basis, please answer the
following questions with respect to provisions of a typical short-term contract.
(a)
What is the average duration of a contract?
(b)
Can prices be renegotiated during the contract period?
(c)
Does the contract fix quantity, price, or both?
(d)
Does the contract have a meet or release provision?
Yes
Quantity
No
Price
Yes
Both
No
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 24
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-10. Lead times.--What is the average lead time between a customer’s order and the date of delivery
for your firm’s sales of your U.S.-produced stainless steel sheet and strip?
Source
Share of sales in 2010
Lead time
From inventory
Produced to order
Total
100 %
IV-11. Shipping information.-(a)
What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of stainless steel sheet and
strip that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs?
percent.
(b)
Who generally arranges the transportation to your customers’ locations? (check one)
Your firm or
purchaser
(c)
What proportion of your sales are delivered within 100 miles of your production facility?
percent. Within 101 to 1,000 miles?
percent. Over 1,000 miles?
percent.
IV-12. Geographical shipments.-- What is the geographic market area in the United States served by
your firm’s stainless steel sheet and strip? (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, VI, among others.
√ if applicable
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 25
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-13. End uses.--List the end uses of the stainless steel sheet and strip that you produce. For each enduse product, please report the percentage of the total cost that is accounted for by stainless steel
sheet and strip and by other inputs.
Product(s) produced
Share of cost of this product accounted for by
Stainless steel sheet
Other inputs
and strip (percent)
(percent)
Total
1.
100%
2.
3.
4.
100%
100%
100%
IV-14. Changes in end uses.--Have there been any changes in the end uses of stainless steel sheet and
strip since 2005?
No
Yes--Please describe.
IV-15. Anticipated changes in end uses.--Do you anticipate any changes in terms of the end uses of
stainless steel sheet and strip in the future?
No
Yes--Please describe and identify the time period.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 26
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-16. Substitutes.--Are there any nonsubject products that may be substituted for stainless steel sheet
and strip?
No
Yes--Please fill in the following table.
Substitute product
Have changes in the prices of this
Description of applications substitute affected the price of stainless
and end uses in which this
steel sheet and strip since January 1,
substitute can be used
2005?
No
1.
Yes
Please explain.
No
2.
Yes
Please explain.
No
3.
Yes
Please explain.
IV-17. Changes in substitutes.--Have there been any changes in the number or types of products that
can be substituted for stainless steel sheet and strip since 2005?
No
Yes--Please explain.
IV-18. Anticipated changes in substitutes.--Do you anticipate any changes in terms of the
substitutability of other products for stainless steel sheet and strip in the future?
No
Yes--Please describe.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 27
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-19. Raw materials.
(a)
List the three most important raw materials used by your firm in the production of
stainless steel sheet and strip and the percentage of your total cost of production
(including labor, overhead and other costs) of stainless steel sheet and strip for which
each accounts.
Raw material
Percentage of total cost of stainless
steel sheet and strip production
1.
2.
3.
(b)
Have there been any changes in the types of raw materials used by your firm since 2005?
No
(c)
Yes—Please explain.
Have changes in the prices of raw materials affected your firm’s selling prices for
stainless steel sheet and strip since 2005?
No
Raw material
1.
2.
3.
(d)
Yes--Please fill in the following table.
How have changes in prices affected your selling prices?
Do you anticipate changes in your raw material costs in the foreseeable future?
No
(e)
Yes—Please explain.
For your three most important raw materials used in stainless steel sheet and strip, please
fill in the following table.
Raw material
1.
2.
3.
Length of Has the contract
contract
length changed
(days)
since 2005?
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
If yes, what effect has it had on your
purchases of these raw materials
(including, availability of material, price
levels, etc.)?
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 28
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-20. Changes in factors affecting supply.--Have any changes occurred in any factors other than raw
materials affecting supply (e.g., safeguard or other trade actions; changes in availability or prices
of energy or labor; transportation conditions; production capacity and/or methods of production;
technology; export markets; or alternative production opportunities) that affected the availability
of U.S.-produced stainless steel sheet and strip in the U.S. market since 2005?
No
Yes--Please note the factors that changed, the time period(s), and the impact
such changes had on your shipment volumes and prices.
IV-21. Availability of supply (U.S.-produced).-(a)
Do you anticipate any changes in terms of the availability of U.S.-produced stainless steel
sheet and strip in the U.S. market in the future?
Increase
(b)
No change
Decrease
If you anticipate changes in supply, please explain.
IV-22. Allocation.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply stainless steel sheet and
strip since 2005? (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, 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 the customer involved; and the amount and
type of product involved.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 29
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-23. Availability of supply (nonsubject).--Has the availability of NONSUBJECT stainless steel sheet
and strip (i.e., stainless steel sheet and strip imported from countries other than Germany, Italy,
Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Taiwan) changed since 2005?
No
Yes--Please explain.
IV-24. Export constraints.---Describe how easily your firm can shift its sales of stainless steel sheet and
strip between the U.S. market and alternative country markets. In your discussion, please
describe any contracts, other sales arrangements, or other constraints that would prevent or retard
your firm from shifting stainless steel sheet and strip between the U.S. and alternative country
markets within a 12-month period.
IV-25. Foreign contracts.--Do you have existing contracts for stainless steel sheet and strip with subject
foreign producers?
No
Yes-- Please describe the duration of such contracts and when they are set to
expire.
IV-26. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix, or
marketing of stainless steel sheet and strip since 2005?
No
Yes--Please describe and quantify if possible.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 30
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-27. Anticipated product changes.--Do you anticipate any changes in terms of the product range,
product mix, or marketing of stainless steel sheet and strip in the future?
No
Yes--Please identify, including the time period.
IV-28. Demand trends.-(a)
How has the demand within the United States for stainless steel sheet and strip changed
since January 1, 2005? What principal factors affect changes in demand?
Increased
(b)
No Change
Decreased
Fluctuated
How has the demand outside the United States (if known) for stainless steel sheet and
strip changed since January 1, 2005? What principal factors affect changes in demand?
If your answer differs for specific markets outside the United States (i.e., specific regions,
or developed v. developing markets), please specify.
Increased
No Change
Decreased
Fluctuated
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 31
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-29. Anticipated demand trends.—
(a)
How do you anticipate demand will change within the United States for stainless steel
sheet and strip in 2011 and 2012? What principal factors are likely to affect demand?
Increase
(b)
No Change
Decrease
Fluctuate
How do you anticipate demand will change outside the United States for stainless steel
sheet and strip to in 2011 and 2012? What principal factors are likely to affect demand?
If your answer differs for specific markets outside the United States (i.e., specific regions,
or developed v. developing markets), please specify.
Increase
No Change
Decrease
Fluctuate
IV-30. Business cycles.—
(a) Is the stainless steel sheet and strip market subject to business cycles or conditions of
competition other than the changes in the overall economy?
No
Yes-- Please explain and estimate the duration of any such cycle.
(b) Have the business cycles or conditions of competition for stainless steel sheet and strip
changed since January 1, 2005?
No
Yes-- Please describe any such change.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 32
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-31. Price comparisons.—
(a) Please compare market prices of stainless steel sheet and strip in U.S. and non-U.S. markets.
Provide information as to time periods and regions for any price comparisons.
(b) Do U.S. market prices of stainless steel sheet and strip vary by region in the United States?
No
Yes—Please report time periods and regions for any price comparisons (e.g.,
do prices across regions move in tandem or separately, is there a region that is
typically more/less expensive than others and why, etc.).
IV-32. Market studies.--Please provide as a separate attachment to this request any studies, surveys, etc.
that you are aware of that quantify and/or otherwise discuss stainless steel sheet and strip supply
(including production capacity and capacity utilization) and demand in (1) the United States, (2)
each of the other major producing/consuming countries, including Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea,
Mexico, and Taiwan, and (3) the world as a whole. Of particular interest is such data from 2005
to the present and forecasts for the future.
IV-33. Barriers to trade.--Are your exports of stainless steel sheet and strip subject to any tariff or nontariff barriers to trade in other countries?
No
Yes--Please list the countries and describe any such barriers and any
significant changes in such barriers that have occurred since 2005, or
that are expected to occur in the future.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 33
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-34. Interchangeability.--Is stainless steel sheet and strip 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
Country-pair
Germany
Italy
Japan
Korea
Mexico
Taiwan
Other
countries
United States
Germany
Italy
Japan
Korea
Mexico
Taiwan
1
For any country-pair producing stainless steel sheet and strip which is sometimes or never
interchangeable, please explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Page 34
PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS --Continued
IV-35. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (i.e., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between stainless steel sheet and
strip produced in the United States and in other countries a significant factor in your firm’s sales
of the products? Please indicate below, using “A” to indicate that such differences are always
significant, “F” to indicate that such differences are frequently significant, “S” to indicate that
such differences are sometimes significant, “N” to indicate that such differences are never
significant, and “0” to indicate no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair.1
Country-pair
Germany
Italy
Japan
Korea
Mexico
Taiwan
Other countries
United States
Germany
Italy
Japan
Korea
Mexico
Taiwan
1
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of stainless steel sheet and strip, identify the country-pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Microsoft Word - SSSS 2nd review US Producer Questionnaire.doc |
| Author | jennifer.merrill |
| File Modified | 2011-01-31 |
| File Created | 2011-01-31 |