11-2-2931 U.S. Importer Questionnaire

OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 11-2-2931; Expiration Date: 6/30/2011
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
STAINLESS STEEL PLATE IN COILS FROM
BELGIUM, ITALY, KOREA, SOUTH AFRICA, AND TAIWAN

This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by no later than March 16, 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 plate in coils from Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa,
and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-376 and 379 and 731-TA-788, 790-793 (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 imported stainless steel plate in coils (as defined in the instruction booklet) from any country at any
time since January 1, 2005?

NO
YES

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

Date

)

Signature

E-mail address
Fax (

)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel plate in coils

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 40 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.

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

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

Address

Extent of
ownership

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 3

PART I.--GENERAL INFORMATION--Continued
I-4.

Related SUBJECT importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either
domestic or foreign, which are engaged in importing stainless steel plate in coils from Belgium,
Italy, Korea, South Africa, and/or Taiwan into the United States or which are engaged in
exporting stainless steel plate in coils from Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and/or Taiwan to
the United States?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name and country

I-5.

Affiliation

Related NONSUBJECT importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either
domestic or foreign, which are engaged in importing stainless steel plate in coils from countries
other than Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and/or Taiwan into the United States or which are
engaged in exporting stainless steel plate in coils from countries other than Belgium, Italy, Korea,
South Africa, and/or Taiwan to the United States?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name and country

I-6.

Address

Address

Affiliation

Related distributors/processors.--Does your firm have any related firms in the United States
that receive, inventory, hold, ship, or process stainless steel plate in coils?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

Address

Affiliation

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 4

PART I.--GENERAL INFORMATION--Continued
I-7.

I-8.

I-9.

Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, which
are engaged in the production of stainless steel plate in coils?
No

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

Address

Nature of import operations.--Please indicate the nature of your firm’s importing operations on
stainless steel plate in coils. More than one answer may be applicable.
Importer of record

Takes title to the imported product(s)

Consignee of the imported products(s)

Customs broker or freight forwarder

Consignees.--If your firm is an importer of record of stainless steel plate in coils but is not the
consignee, please list the consignees below (firm name, address, telephone number, and
individual to contact).

Firm name

I-10.

I-11.

Affiliation

Contact person and phone
number

Address

FTZs or bonded warehouse.--Please indicate whether your firm enters stainless steel plate in
coils into, or withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses.
Foreign trade zones

No

Yes

Bonded warehouses

No

Yes

TIB.--Please indicate whether your firm imports stainless steel plate in coils under the TIB
(temporary importation under bond) program.
No

Yes

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 5

PART I.--GENERAL INFORMATION--Continued

I-12.

Business plan.--In Parts II and III 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 plate
in coils?
No

I-13.

Yes–Please provide the requested documents. If you are not providing the
requested documents, please explain why not.

Other investigations.--To your knowledge, have the products subject to this proceeding been the
subject of any other import relief investigations in the United States or in any other countries?
No

Yes–Please specify.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 6

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Keysha Martinez (202-2052136, keysha.martinez@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 importation of stainless steel plate in coils since January 1, 2005.
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
office/warehouse openings .......

office/warehouse closings ........

relocations ................................

expansions ................................

acquisitions...............................

consolidations...........................

prolonged shutdowns or
importation curtailments ................
revised labor agreements ..........

other..........................................

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 7

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 importation of stainless steel plate
in coils 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.

For question II-4, if your response differs for particular subject countries, please indicate and
explain the particular effect of revocation with respect to imports from the individual countries.
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 importation of stainless steel plate in coils in the future if the countervailing duty
orders (Belgium and South Africa) and/or antidumping duty orders (Belgium, Italy, Korea, South
Africa, and Taiwan) were revoked on stainless steel plate in coils?
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. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 8

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-5.

Arranged imports.--Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of stainless steel
plate in coils from Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and/or Taiwan for delivery after
December 31, 2010?
No

Period/Source

Yes--Indicate when such orders are to be delivered and the quantities (in short
tons) involved.
Jan. - Mar. 2011

Apr. - June 2011

July - Sept. 2011

After Sept. 2011

Belgium
Italy
Korea
South Africa
Taiwan
Other sources
II-6.

Reasons for importing if producer.--If your firm also produces stainless steel plate in coils in
the United States, please indicate your reasons for importing this product. If your reasons differ
by source, please elaborate.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 9

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-7a.

Imports from Belgium.--Does your firm import stainless steel plate in coils from Belgium?
No.

Yes-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of stainless steel plate in coils imported from Belgium by your firm
during the specified periods. (See definitions in the instruction
booklet.)

BELGIUM
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Beginning-of-period
inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/company transfers:
Quantity (F)
Value1 (G)
Export shipments:2
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (J)
U.S. shipments to:
Distributors, processors,
and service centers
(quantity) (K)
End users (L)
1

Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that you use a
different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and provide
value data using that basis for each period identified above:
2

Identify your principal export markets:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 10

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-7b.

Imports from Italy.--Does your firm import stainless steel plate in coils from Italy?
No.

Yes-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of stainless steel plate in coils imported from Italy by your firm
during the specified periods. (See definitions in the instruction
booklet.)

ITALY
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Beginning-of-period
inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/company transfers:
Quantity (F)
Value1 (G)
Export shipments:2
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (J)
U.S. shipments to:
Distributors, processors,
and service centers
(quantity) (K)
End users (L)
1

Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that you use a
different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and provide
value data using that basis for each period identified above:
2

Identify your principal export markets:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 11

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-7c.

Imports from Korea.--Does your firm import stainless steel plate in coils from Korea?
No.

Yes-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of stainless steel plate in coils imported from Korea by your firm
during the specified periods. (See definitions in the instruction
booklet.)

KOREA
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Beginning-of-period
inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/company transfers:
Quantity (F)
Value1 (G)
Export shipments:2
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (J)
U.S. shipments to:
Distributors, processors,
and service centers
(quantity) (K)
End users (L)
1

Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that you use a
different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and provide
value data using that basis for each period identified above:
2

Identify your principal export markets:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 12

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-7d.

Imports from South Africa.--Does your firm import stainless steel plate in coils from South
Africa?
No.

Yes-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of stainless steel plate in coils imported from South Africa by your
firm during the specified periods. (See definitions in the instruction
booklet.)

SOUTH AFRICA
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Beginning-of-period
inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/company transfers:
Quantity (F)
Value1 (G)
Export shipments:2
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (J)
U.S. shipments to:
Distributors, processors,
and service centers
(quantity) (K)
End users (L)
1
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that you use a
different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and provide
value data using that basis for each period identified above:
2

Identify your principal export markets:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 13

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-7e.

Imports from Taiwan.--Does your firm import stainless steel plate in coils from Taiwan?
No.

Yes-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of stainless steel plate in coils imported from Taiwan by your firm
during the specified periods. (See definitions in the instruction
booklet.)

TAIWAN
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Beginning-of-period
inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/company transfers:
Quantity (F)
Value1 (G)
Export shipments:2
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (J)
U.S. shipments to:
Distributors, processors,
and service centers
(quantity) (K)
End users (L)
1

Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that you use a
different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and provide
value data using that basis for each period identified above:
2

Identify your principal export markets:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 14

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-7f.

Imports from ALL OTHER SOURCES.--Does your firm import stainless steel plate in coils
from countries other than Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan?
No.

Yes-- Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of stainless steel plate in coils imported from countries other than
Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan by your firm during
the specified periods. (See definitions in the instruction booklet.)

ALL OTHER SOURCES COMBINED
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Beginning-of-period
inventories (quantity) (A)
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/company transfers:
Quantity (F)
Value1 (G)
Export shipments:2
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (J)
U.S. shipments to:
Distributors, processors,
and service centers
(quantity) (K)
End users (L)
1
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that you use a
different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and provide
value data using that basis for each period identified above:
2

Identify your principal export markets:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 15

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
II-8.

Reconciliation of import data.-(a)

Please note that the quantities reported in question II-7 should reconcile as follows in
each period (i.e., in each column):
Reconciliation
A+B–D–F–H=J
K+L=D

(b)

Do these data reconcile?
explain:
Do these data reconcile?
explain:

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 J of
year 2005 should equal line A of year 2006). Do these data reconcile for each adjacent
calendar year?
Yes.

No--Please explain.

)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 16

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION--Continued
For questions II-9 and II-10, if your response differs for particular subject countries, please
indicate and explain the particular effect of imposition and/or revocation of the order(s) or
suspension agreement from specific orders.
II-9.

Effect of orders.--Describe the significance of the existing countervailing duty orders (Belgium
and South Africa) and antidumping duty orders (Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and
Taiwan) covering imports of stainless steel plate in coils in terms of its effect on your firm’s
imports, U.S. shipments of imports, and inventories. You may wish to compare your firm’s
operations before and after the imposition of the orders.

II-10.

Likely effect of revocation of orders.--Would your firm anticipate any changes in its imports,
U.S. shipments of imports, or inventories of stainless steel plate in coils in the future if the
countervailing duty orders (Belgium and South Africa) and/or antidumping duty orders (Belgium,
Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan) on stainless steel plate in coils 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. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 17

PART III.--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).
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
parts III with questions regarding the submitted confidential information.
E-mail:
Fax: (

Telephone: (

)

)
PRICE DATA

This section requests quarterly price and quantity 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 you imported
from Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan:

Product 1.—Grade 304, thickness 0.25 inch (0.24-0.295 inch), width 48-60 inches
Product 2.-- Grade 304, thickness 0.1875 inch (0.1870-0.2325 inch), width 48-60 inches
Product 3.-- Grade 304L, thickness 0.25 inch (0.24-0.295 inch), width 48-60 inches
Product 4.-- Grade 316L, thickness 0.1875 inch (0.1870-0.2325 inch), width 48-60 inches
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. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 18

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-2.-(a).

Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2
imported from Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan and sold by your firm.

Belgium
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 III.
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. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 19

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-2.-(b).

Price data.--Continued

Italy
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 III.
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. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 20

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-2.-(c).

Price data.--Continued

Korea
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 III.
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. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 21

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-2.-(d).

Price data.--Continued

South Africa
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 III.
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:

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PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-2.-(e).

Price data.--Continued

Taiwan
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 III.
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
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Page 23

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-3.

Price setting.-- How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of stainless steel
plate in coils (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:

III-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:

III-5.

Surcharges.-(a)

Since 2005, has your firm included surcharges on its invoices for any of the following
(check all that apply)?
Raw materials

III-6.

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.

Pricing terms for stainless steel plate in coils.-(a)

What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its imported stainless steel plate in coils (e.g.,
2/10 net 30 days)?
.

(b)

On what basis are your prices of imported stainless steel plate in coils usually quoted?
(check one)
F.o.b.--Please specify point:
Delivered

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Page 24

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
For questions III-7 through III-10, please indicate if your answer differs among stainless steel plate
in coils which you imported from Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, or Taiwan.
III-7.

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its imported stainless
steel plate in coils 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

III-8.

III-9.

Long-term contact provisions.---If you sell stainless steel plate in coils imported from Belgium,
Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan 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 stainless steel plate in coils imported from
Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan 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
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Page 25

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-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 stainless steel plate in coils imported from Belgium, Italy, Korea, South
Africa, and Taiwan?
Source

Share of sales, 2010

Lead time

From your U.S. inventory

days

From foreign manufacturers’ inventory

days

Produced to order

days

Total

100 %

III-11. Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of stainless steel plate in
coils imported from Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan 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)

When you sell stainless steel plate in coils imported from Belgium, Italy, Korea, South
Africa, and Taiwan, from where is it shipped? (check one) point of importation
or
storage facility

(d)

What proportion of your sales of stainless steel plate in coils imported from Belgium,
Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan are delivered within 100 miles of your point of
shipment?
percent. Within 101 to 1,000 miles?
percent. Over 1,000
miles?
percent.

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Page 26

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-12. Geographical shipments.-- What is the geographic market area in the United States served by
your firm’s shipments of stainless steel plate in coils imported from each source? (check all that
apply).
√ if
√ if
√ if
√ if
√ if
√ if
applicable applicable applicable applicable applicable applicable
Geographic area

Belgium

Italy

Korea

South
Africa

Taiwan

Other

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.

III-13. End uses.--List the end uses of the stainless steel plate in coils that you import. For each end-use
product, please report the percentage of the total cost that is accounted for by stainless steel plate
in coils and by other inputs.

Product(s) imported

Share of cost of this product accounted for by
Stainless steel plate in
Other inputs
coils (percent)
(percent)

Total

1.

100%

2.
3.
4.

100%
100%
100%

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PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued

III-14. Changes in end uses.--Have there been any changes in the end uses of stainless steel plate in
coils since 2005?
No

Yes--Please describe.

III-15. Anticipated changes in end uses.--Do you anticipate any changes in terms of the end uses of
stainless steel plate in coils?
No

Yes--Please describe.

III-16. Substitutes.— Are there any nonsubject products that may be substituted for stainless steel plate
in coils?
No Yes--Please fill in the following table.

Substitute product
1.

Have changes in the prices of this
Description of applications substitute affected the price of stainless
and end uses in which this
steel plate in coils since January 1,
substitute can be used
2005?

No

Yes

Please explain.
2.

No

Yes

Please explain.
3.

No
Please explain.

Yes

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 28

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-17. Changes in substitutes.--Have there been any changes in the number or types of products that
can be substituted for stainless steel plate in coils since 2005?
No

Yes--Please explain.

III-18. Anticipated changes in substitute.--Do you anticipate any changes in terms of the
substitutability of other products for stainless steel plate in coils?
No

Yes--Please explain.

III-19. Raw materials.—
(a)

Have changes in the prices of raw materials affected your firm’s selling prices for
stainless steel plate in coils since 2005?
Yes--Please fill in the following table.

No
Raw material
1.
2.
3.
(b)

How have changes in prices affected your selling prices?

Do you anticipate changes in your raw material costs in the foreseeable future?
No

Yes—Please explain.

III-20. Changes in factors affecting supply.--Have any changes occurred in any other factors 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 plate in coils in the U.S. market since 2005?
No

Yes--Please provide details.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

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PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-21. Availability of subject import supply.-(a)

Do you anticipate any changes in terms of the availability of stainless steel plate in coils
imported from Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan in the U.S. market?
Increase

(b)

No change

Decrease

If you anticipate changes in supply, please identify the changes, and why you anticipate
these changes in supply.

III-22. Availability of “nonsubject” import supply.--Has the availability of NONSUBJECT stainless
steel plate in coils (i.e., stainless steel plate in coils imported from countries other than Belgium,
Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan) changed since 2005?
No

Yes--Please explain.

III-23. Allocation.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply stainless steel plate in
coils 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.

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PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-24. Export constraints.--Describe how easily your firm can shift its sales of stainless steel plate in
coils 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 plate in coils between the U.S. and alternative country
markets within a 12-month period.

III-25. Foreign contracts.--Do you have existing contracts for stainless steel plate in coils with subject
foreign producers?
No

Yes-- Please describe the duration of such contracts and when they are set to
expire.

III-26. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix, or
marketing of stainless steel plate in coils since 2005?
No

Yes--Please describe and quantify if possible.

III-27. Anticipated product changes.--Do you anticipate any changes in terms of the product range,
product mix, or marketing of stainless steel plate in coils?
No

Yes--Please identify.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

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PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-28. Demand trends.-(a)

How has the demand within the United States for stainless steel plate in coils 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 for stainless steel plate in coils 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

III-29. Anticipated demand trends.-(a)

How do you anticipate demand will change within the United States for stainless steel
plate in coils 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
plate in coils 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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 32

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-30. Business cycles.-(a) Is the stainless steel plate in coils 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 plate in coils changed
since January 1, 2005?
No

Yes-- Please describe any such change.

III-31. Price comparisons.—
(a) Please compare market prices of stainless steel plate in coils in U.S. and non-U.S. markets.
Provide information as to time periods and regions for any price comparisons.

(b) Please discuss whether the U.S. market prices of stainless steel plate in coils vary by region in
the United States. Provide specific information as to time periods and U.S. 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.).

III-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 plate in coils supply
(including production capacity and capacity utilization) and demand in (1) the United States, (2)
each of the other major producing/consuming countries, including Belgium, Italy, Korea, South
Africa, 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.

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PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-33. Interchangeability by country-pair.--Is stainless steel plate in coils 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

Belgium

Italy

Korea

Mexico

Taiwan

Other
countries

United
States
Belgium
Italy
Korea
South Africa
Taiwan
1

For any country-pair producing stainless steel plate in coils which is sometimes or never interchangeable,
please explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Stainless steel plate in coils

Page 34

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS--Continued
III-34. Differences other than price by country-pair.--Are differences other than price (i.e., quality,
availability, transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between stainless steel
plate in coils 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

Belgium

Italy

Korea

Mexico

Taiwan

Other
countries

United States
Belgium
Italy
Korea
South Africa
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 plate in coils, identify the country-pair and report the advantages or disadvantages
imparted by such factors: