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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 15‐1‐3372; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
CERTAIN HYDROFLUOROCARBON BLENDS AND COMPONENTS FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015
See last page for filing instructions.
The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its antidumping investigations concerning hydrofluorocarbon blends and components (“HFC blends and
components”) from China (inv. No. 731‐TA‐1279 (Preliminary)). The information requested in the questionnaire is
requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure to reply as directed
can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records or information in your firm’s possession (19
U.S.C. § 1333(a)).
Name of firm
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Website
Has your firm produced HFC blends or HFC components (as defined on next page) at any time since January 1,
2012?
NO
(Sign the certification below and promptly return only this page of the questionnaire to the Commission)
YES
(Complete all parts of the questionnaire, and return the entire questionnaire to the Commission)
Return questionnaire via the U.S. International Trade Commission Drop Box by clicking on the
following link: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: 1279)
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the information herein supplied in response to this questionnaire is complete and correct to the best of my
knowledge and belief and understand that the information submitted is subject to audit and verification by the Commission.
By means of this certification I also grant consent for the Commission, and its employees and contract personnel, to use the
information provided in this questionnaire and throughout this proceeding in any other import‐injury proceedings conducted by
the Commission on the same or similar merchandise.
I acknowledge that information submitted in this questionnaire response and throughout this proceeding may be used by the
Commission, its employees, and contract personnel who are acting in the capacity of Commission employees, for developing or
maintaining the records of this proceeding 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
Date
Phone:
Signature
Fax:
Email address
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background. This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on June 25, 2015, by The
American HFC Coalition and its members (Amtrol, Inc., West Warwick, Rhode Island; Arkema, Inc., King
of Prussia, Pennsylvania; The Chemours Company FC LLC, Wilmington, Delaware; Honeywell
International Inc., Morristown, New Jersey; Hudson Technologies, Pearl River, New York; Mexichem
Fluor Inc., St. Gabriel, Louisiana; Worthington Industries, Inc., Columbus, Ohio) and District Lodge 154 of
the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (“IAMAW”). Antidumping duties
may be assessed on the subject imports as a result of these proceedings if the Commission makes an
affirmative determination of injury, threat, or material retardation, and if the U.S. Department of
Commerce makes an affirmative determination of dumping. Questionnaires and other information
pertinent to this proceeding are available at
http://wwwadmin.usitc.gov/investigations/title_7/2015/hydrofluorocarbon_blends_and_components_c
hina/preliminary.htm.
Certain hydroflurocarbon blends and components (“HFC blends and components")): The products
covered by these investigations are: blended hydrofluorocarbons (“HFCs”) and single HFC components
of those blends thereof, whether or not imported for blending, including the following:
HFC blends covered by the scope of these investigations:
(1) R‐404A: a zeotropic mixture consisting of 52 percent 1,1,1‐Trifluoroethane, 44 percent by
weight Pentafluoroethane, and 4 percent 1,1,1,2‐Tetrafluoroethane.
R‐404A is sold under various trade names, including Forane® 404A, Genetron® 404A, Solkane®
404A, Klea® 404A, and Suva®404A.
(2) R‐407A: a zeotropic mixture of 20 percent Difluoromethane, 40 percent Pentafluoroethane,
and 40 percent eight 1,1,1,2‐Tetrafluoroethane.
R‐407A is sold under various trade names, including Forane® 407A, Solkane® 407A, Klea®407A,
and Suva®407A.
(3) R‐407C: a zeotropic mixture of 23 percent Difluoromethane, 25 percent Pentafluoroethane,
and 52 percent 1,1,1,2‐Tetrafluoroethane.
R‐407C is sold under various trade names, including Forane® 407C, Genetron® 407C, Solkane®
407C, Klea® 407C and Suva® 407C.
(4) R‐410A: a zeotropic mixture of 50 percent Difluoromethane and 50 percent
Pentafluoroethane.
R‐410A is sold under various trade names, including EcoFluor R410, Forane® 410A, Genetron®
R410A and AZ‐20, Solkane® 410A, Klea® 410A, Suva® 410A, and Puron®.
(5) R‐507A: an azeotropic mixture of 50 percent Pentafluoroethane and 50 percent 1,1,1‐
Trifluoroethane also known as R‐507.
R‐507A is sold under various trade names, including Forane® 507, Solkane® 507, Klea®507,
Genetron®AZ‐50, and Suva®507.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 3
The foregoing percentages are nominal percentages by weight. Actual percentages of single
component refrigerants by weight may vary by plus or minus two percent points from the
nominal percentage identified above.
HFC components covered by the scope of these investigations
The subject merchandise also includes the following single component hydrofluorocarbons used
to produce the foregoing blends:
(6) R‐32 or Difluoromethane has the chemical formula CH2F2, and is registered as CAS No. 75‐10‐
5. It may also be known HFC‐32, FC‐32, Freon‐32, Methylene difluoride, Methylene fluoride,
Carbon fluoride hydride, halocarbon R32, fluorocarbon R32, and UN 3252.
R‐32 is sold under various trade names, including Solkane®32, Forane®32, and Klea®32.
(7) R‐125 or 1,1,1,2,2‐Pentafluoroethane has the chemical formula CF3CHF2 and is registered as
CAS No. 354‐33‐6. R‐125 may also be known as R‐125, HFC‐125, Pentafluoroethane, Freon 125,
and Fc‐125, R‐125.
R‐125 is sold under various trade names, including Solkane®125, Klea®125, Genetron®125, and
Forane®125.
(8) R‐143a or 1,1,1‐Trifluoroethane has the chemical formula CF3CH3 and is registered as CAS
No. 420‐46‐2. R‐143a may also be known as R‐143a, HFC‐143a, Methylfluoroform, 1,1,1‐
Trifluoroform, and UN2035.
R‐143a is sold under various trade names, including Solkane®143a, Genetron®143a, and
Forane®125.
Products excluded from the scope of these investigations
Excluded from this investigation are:
(1) Blends of refrigerant chemicals that include products other than HFCs, such as blends
including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
(2) Patented HFC blends, such as ISCEON® blends, including include MO99™ (RR‐438A), MO79
(R‐422A), MO59 (R‐417A), MO49Plus™ (R‐437A) and MO29™ (R‐422D), and Genetron®
Performax™ LT (R‐407F).
(3) HFC component R‐134a.
HFC blends covered by the scope of this investigation are currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (“HTS”) at subheading 3824.78.0000. Component single HFCs are
currently classified at subheading 2903.39.2030, HTSUS. Although the HTSUS subheading and CAS
registry number are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the
scope is dispositive.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 4
Repackers.‐‐This questionnaire DOES NOT apply to firms that only repackage HFC blends or HFC
components, whether from domestic or foreign sources. If your firm has both blending and repacking
operations, you must remove all information regarding your repacking operations and complete this
questionnaire for your blending operations only.
Reporting of information.‐‐ If information is not readily available from your records, provide carefully
prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire (i.e., a producer, importer,
and/or purchaser questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.‐‐The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Verification.‐‐The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.‐‐The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1677f) and section 207.7 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR § 207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import‐injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals. In addition, if your firm is a U.S. producer, the information you
provide on your production and imports of HFC blends and components and your responses to the
questions in Part I of the producer questionnaire will be provided to the U.S. Department of Commerce,
upon its request, for use in connection with (and only in connection with) its requirement pursuant to
section 702(c)(4)/732(c)(4) of the Act (19 U.S.C. § 1671a(c)(4)/1673a(c)(4)) to make a determination
concerning the extent of industry support for the petition requesting this proceeding. Any information
provided to Commerce will be transmitted under the confidentiality and release guidelines set forth
above. Your response to these questions constitutes your consent that such information be provided to
Commerce under the conditions described above.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
I‐1a.
Page 5
OMB statistics.‐‐Please report below the actual number of hours required and the cost to your
firm of completing this questionnaire.
Hours
Dollars
The questions in this questionnaire have been reviewed with market participants to ensure that
issues of concern are adequately addressed and that data requests are sufficient, meaningful,
and as limited as possible. Public reporting burden for this questionnaire is estimated to average
50 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data, and
completing and reviewing the questionnaire.
We welcome comments regarding the accuracy of this burden estimate, suggestions for
reducing the burden, and any suggestions for improving this questionnaire. Please attach such
comments to your response or send to the Office of Investigations, USITC, 500 E St. SW,
Washington, DC 20436.
I‐1b. TAA information release.‐‐In the event that the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
makes an affirmative final determination in this proceeding, do you consent to the USITC's
release of your contact information (company name, address, contact person, telephone
number, email address) appearing on the front page of this questionnaire to the Departments of
Commerce, Labor, and Agriculture, as applicable, so that your firm and its workers can be made
eligible for benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program?
No
Yes
I‐2.
Establishments covered.‐‐Provide the city, state, zip code, and brief description of each
establishment covered by this questionnaire. If your firm is publicly traded, please specify the
stock exchange and trading symbol in the footnote to the table. Firms operating more than one
establishment should combine the data for all establishments into a single report.
“Establishment”‐‐Each facility of a firm involved in the production of HFC components or blends,
including auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate
from) such facilities.
Establishments
City, State
Zip (5 digit)
Description
covered1
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire: .
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
I‐3.
Petition support.‐‐Does your firm support or oppose the petition?
China
China
I‐4.
I‐5.
Page 6
Support
Oppose
Take no position
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
(percent)
Related importers/exporters.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing HFC blends or components from China into the United
States or that are engaged in exporting HFC blends or components from China to the United
States?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
I‐6.
Related producers.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of HFC blends or components?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 7
PART II.‐‐TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Joanna Lo (202‐205‐1888,
joanna.lo@usitc.gov). Supply all data requested on a calendar‐year basis.
II‐1. Contact information.‐‐Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part II.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
II‐2. Changes in operations.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the production of HFC blends or components since January 1, 2012.
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
plant openings
plant closings
relocations
expansions
acquisitions
consolidations
prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments
revised labor agreements
other (e.g., technology)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 8
II‐3a. Production using same machinery.‐‐Please report your firm’s production of products made on
the same equipment and machinery used to produce HFC components and HFC blends, and the
combined production capacity on this shared equipment and machinery in the periods
indicated.
“Overall production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
normal operating conditions (i.e., using equipment and machinery in place and ready to
operate; normal operating levels (hours per week/weeks per year) and time for downtime,
maintenance, repair, and cleanup).
“Production” – All production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Item
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
Machinery and equipment used to produce HFC components:
Overall production capacity
Production of:
HFC components1
2
Other products
Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Machinery and equipment used to produce HFC blends:
Overall production capacity
Production of:
HFC blends3
4
Other products
Total
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Data entered for production of HFC components will populate here once reported in question II‐7.
Please identify the products produced on the same machinery and equipment as the HTC
components:
.
3
Data entered for production of HFC blends will populate here once reported in question II‐9.
4
Please identify the products produced on the same machinery and equipment as the HTC blends:
.
2
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 9
II‐3b. Operating parameters.‐‐The production capacity reported in II‐3a is based on operating hours
per week, weeks per year.
II‐3c. Capacity allocation.‐‐If your firm produces products other than HFC components or HFC blends on
the same equipment (as reported above), please describe the methodology used to allocate overall
machinery and equipment capacity reported in question II‐3a (above) to the HFC component‐
specific capacity in reported question II‐7 or the HFC blend‐specific capacity reported in question II‐
9.
II‐3d. Production constraints.‐‐Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s
production capacity.
II‐3e. HFC component product shifting.—
(i)
Since January 1, 2012, did your firm produce one or more of the following HFC
components: R‐32, R‐125, R‐134a, and R‐143a in the United States?
No
Yes
(ii)
Since January 1, 2012, which of the following HFC components does your firm produce
in the United States (check all that apply)?
R‐32
R‐125
R‐134a
R‐143a
(iii)
Is your firm able to switch production from one HFC component to another HFC
component?
No/NA
Yes‐‐ (i.e., have produced different HFC components on using the same
equipment and/or labor).
(iv)
Please describe the factors that affect your firm’s ability to shift production capacity
between HFC components (e.g., time, cost, relative price change, etc.), and the degree to
which these factors enhance or constrain such shifts.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
II‐3g.
Page 10
Swap Agreements of HFC Components.‐‐
“Swap Agreement”‐‐Agreement between two firms whereby firm A produces one HFC
component X and trades a portion of that HFC component X with firm B’s production and/or
imports of HFC component Y.
(i)
Since January 1, 2012, has your firm been involved in a swap agreement for HFC
components in order to produce HFC blends?
No
Yes‐‐Please describe the nature of the swap arrangement(s),
including the parties, description of the merchandise
swapped, and the quantities involved.
(ii)
Since January 1, 2012, has your firm used imported HFC components to satisfy any
portion of your swap agreement?
No/NA
Yes‐‐Please describe the source of the imported HFC components
and quantities supplied.
II‐3h. Product shifting HFC components and other products.—
(i)
Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between HFC components and other
products using the same equipment and/or labor?
No/NA
Yes‐‐ (i.e., have produced other products or are able to produce other
products). Please identify other actual or potential products:
Actual or potential other products (not including other HFC components)
(ii)
Please describe the factors that affect your firm’s ability to shift production capacity
between from any HFC compenent(s) to the "other" products described above (e.g., time,
cost, relative price change, etc.), and the degree to which these factors enhance or constrain
such shifts.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
II‐3i.
Page 11
Type of operation of HFC blends.—
(i)
Since January 1, 2012, did your firm produce one or more of the following HFC blends: R‐
404A, R‐407A, R‐407C, R‐410A, and R‐507A in the United States?
No
Yes—continue to part (b) and provide data on these operations in
question II‐8
(ii)
Since January 1, 2012, which of the following HFC blends does your firm produce in the
United States (check all that apply)?
R‐404A
(iii)
R‐407A
R‐407C
R‐410A
R‐507A
Is your firm able to switch production from one HFC blend to another HFC blend?
No
Yes‐‐ (i.e., have produced different HFC blend on using the same
equipment and/or labor).
(iv)
Please describe the factors that affect your firm’s ability to shift production capacity
between HFC blends (e.g., time, cost, relative price change, etc.), and the degree to which
these factors enhance or constrain such shifts.
II‐3j.
Product shifting HFC blends and other products.—
(i)
Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between HFC blends and other products
using the same equipment and/or labor?
No
Yes‐‐ (i.e., have produced other products or are able to produce other
products). Please identify other actual or potential products:
Actual or potential other products (not including other HFC blends)
(ii)
Please describe the factors that affect your firm’s ability to shift production capacity
between products (e.g., time, cost, relative price change, etc.), and the degree to which
these factors enhance or constrain such shifts.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
II‐3k.
Page 12
Capital investments.—
(i)
Please describe and quantify the amount of capital investments needed to produce one or
more of the HFC components (excluding the costs of any blends operations) in the United
States.
(ii)
Please describe and quantify the amount of capital investments needed to produce one or
more of the HFC blends (excluding the costs of the individual HFC components) in the
United States.
II‐4.
Tolling.‐‐Since January 1, 2012, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of HFC blends and/orHFC components?
“Toll agreement”‐‐Agreement between two firms whereby the first firm furnishes the raw
materials and the second firm uses the raw materials to produce a HFC blends and/or HFC
components that it then returns to the first firm with a charge for processing costs, overhead,
etc.
No
Yes‐‐Please describe the toll arrangement(s) and name the firm(s) involved
and check all that apply.
(Check all the apply)
Our firm is a toller for HFC components (actually produces) using raw materials provided
by another firm
Our firm is a tollee for HFC components (another firm actually produces) using raw
materials provided by our firm
Our firm is a toller for HFC blends (actually produces) using raw materials provided by
another firm
Our firm is a tollee for HFC blends (another firm actually produces) using raw materials
provided by our firm
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
II‐5.
Page 13
Foreign trade zones.‐‐
(a)
Firm's FTZ operations.‐‐Does your firm produce HFC blends or components in and/or
admit HFC blends or components into a foreign trade zone (FTZ)?
“Foreign trade zone” is a designated location in the United States where firms utilize
special procedures that allow delayed or reduced customs duty payments on foreign
merchandise. A foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in the Foreign‐Trade Zones Act.
No
Yes‐‐Describe the nature of your firms operations in FTZs and
identify the specific FTZ site(s).
(b)
Other firms' FTZ operations.‐‐To your knowledge, do any firms in the United States
import HFC blends or components into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for use in distribution
of HFC blends or components and/or the production of downstream articles?
No/Don’t know
Yes‐‐Identify the firms and the FTZs.
II‐6.
Importer.‐‐Since January 1, 2012, has your firm imported HFC blends or components?
“Importer” – The person or firm primarily liable for the payment of any duties on the
merchandise, or an authorized agent acting on his behalf. The importer may be the consignee,
or the importer of record.
No
Yes‐‐COMPLETE AND RETURN A U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 14
Trade Data Definitions
“Average production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
normal operating conditions (i.e., using equipment and machinery in place and ready to
operate; normal operating levels (hours per week/weeks per year) and time for downtime,
maintenance, repair, and cleanup; and a typical or representative product mix).
“Production” – All production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
“U.S. commercial shipments” –Shipments made within the United States as a result of an arm’s
length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net values (i.e., gross
sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment.
“Internal consumption” – Product consumed internally by your firm.
“Transfers to related firms” –Shipments made to related domestic firms. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“Related firm” –A firm that your firm solely or jointly owns, manages, or otherwise controls.
Such transactions are valued at fair market value.
“Export shipments” –Shipments to destinations outside the United States, including shipments
to related firms.
“Inventories”— Finished goods inventory, not raw materials or work‐in‐progress.
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records
used in the preparation of the trade data, as Commission staff may contact your firm regarding
questions on the trade data. The Commission may also request that your company submit copies
of the supporting documents/records (such as production and sales schedules, inventory records,
etc.) used to compile these data.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
II‐7.
Page 15
Production, shipment and inventory data for HFC components.‐‐Report your firm’s production
capacity, production, shipments, and inventories related to the production of HFC components
in its U.S. establishment(s) during the specified periods.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
Average production capacity1 (quantity) (A)
2014
2015
Beginning‐of‐period inventories (quantity)
(B)
Production (quantity):
R‐32 (C)
R‐125 (D)
R‐134a (E)
R‐143a (F)
Total production of components (G)
0
0
0
0
0
2
Swap transactions of components:
Quantity given, net (H)
Quantity received, net (I)
3
Net monetary exchange (J)
4
Total available for shipment (K)
1
0
0
0
0
0
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 allocate overall production capacity reported in question
II‐3a to the subject merchandise reported here. .
2
Please describe the swap transactions including (i) the goods involved, (ii) how your firms accounts for the
nonmonetary exchange, (iii) the counterparties to the exchange(s), and (iv) the economic rationale for this business
model. .
3
Was there any monetary consideration exchanged, also known as a boot in accounting slang, involved in the swap
transactions? No Yes‐‐Report the net amount exchanged (report negative values if your firm paid, positive
values if your firm received consideration) in line J and describe how the amount exchanged was determined .
4
Total available for shipment in a given year is the net after swap quantity available for shipment (e.g., BOP inventories,
plus production, net of swap exchanges).
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
II‐7.
Page 16
Production, shipment and inventory data for HFC components.—Continued
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
5
U.S. shipments of HFC components:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (L)
Value (M)
Internal consumption:
Quantity (N)
6
Value (O)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (P)
6
Value (Q)
7
Export shipments:
Quantity (R)
Value (S)
End‐of‐period inventories (quantity) (T)
5
Report all uses of HFC components. If the component was used by your firm for the production of an HFC blend,
report the shipment as internal consumption. Even though r‐134a is excluded from the scope of these investigations
when sold unblended, please include r‐134a data in this grid as the next question will break‐out commercial U.S.
shipments by specific HFC component.
6
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses 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: .
7
Identify your firm’s principal export markets: .
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line T) should be equal total product available for shipment (i.e., line K),
less total shipments (i.e., lines L, N, P, and R). Please ensure that any differences are not due to data
entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your firm’s records; and also provide any
likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record systems issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
K – L – N – P – R – T = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
1
2012
2013
0
January‐March
2014
0
2014
0
2015
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless accurate: .
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
II‐8.
Page 17
Commercial shipments of components by channel and by product type.‐‐Report your firm’s
commercial U.S. shipments by channel and product type.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
Commercial U.S. shipments:
R‐32:
Sold to distributors and
service companies:
Quantity (U)
Value (V)
R‐125:
Sold to distributors and
service companies:
Quantity (AA)
Value (AB)
Sold to blenders/repackagers
Quantity (W)
Value (X)
Sold to original equipment
manufacturers
Quantity (Y)
Value (Z)
Sold to blenders/repackagers
Quantity (AC)
Value (AD)
Sold to original equipment
manufacturers
Quantity (AE)
Value (AF)
Question continued next page
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
II‐8.
Page 18
Commercial shipments of components by channel and by product type.‐‐Continued
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
R‐134a:
Sold to distributors and
service companies:
Quantity (AG)
Value (AH)
Value (AL)
R‐143a:
Sold to distributors and
service companies:
Quantity (AM)
Value (AN)
Sold to blenders/repackagers
Quantity (AI)
Value (AJ)
Sold to original equipment
manufacturers
Quantity (AK)
Sold to blenders/repackagers
Quantity (AO)
Value (AP)
Sold to original equipment
manufacturers
Quantity (AQ)
Value (AR)
RECONCILIATION OF COMMERCIAL SHIPMENTS.‐‐Quantity data broken out by channel and product
should sum to equal the quantity and value reported in question II‐7 (lines L and M)
Calendar years
Reconciliation
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
Quantity.‐‐Sum of Quantities in II‐8
less quantity reported in II‐7 (line L),
should equal to zero "0", if not revise
0
0
0
0
0
Value.‐‐Sum of Values in II‐8 less
quantity reported in II‐7 (line M),
should equal to zero "0", if not revise
0
0
0
0
0
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
II‐9.
Page 19
Production, shipment and inventory data for HFC blends.‐‐Report your firm’s production
capacity, production, shipments, and inventories related to the production of HFC components
in its U.S. establishment(s) during the specified periods.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
Average production capacity1 (quantity) (AS)
2014
2015
Beginning‐of‐period inventories (quantity)
(AT)
Production (quantity):
R‐404A (AU)
R‐407A(AV)
R‐407C (AW)
R‐410A (AX)
R‐507A (AY)
Total production of blends (AZ)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (BA)
0
0
0
0
0
Value (BB)
Internal consumption:
Quantity (BC)
2
Value (BD)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (BE)
2
Value (BF)
3
Export shipments:
Quantity (BG)
Value (BH)
End‐of‐period inventories (quantity) (BI)
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, transfers to related firms, and swap transactions must be valued at fair market value. In the
event that your firm uses 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 firm’s principal export markets: .
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 20
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line BI) should be equal to beginning of period inventories (i.e., line AT)
plus production (i.e., line AZ), less total shipments (i.e., lines BA, BC, BE, and BI). Please ensure that any
differences are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your firm’s
records; and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record
systems issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
AT + AZ – BA – BC BE – BG – BI = should
equal zero ("0") or provide an
explanation.1
1
2012
2013
0
January‐March
2014
0
2014
0
2015
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless accurate: .
0
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
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II‐10. Sources of HFC components used in the production of HFC blends.—Report your firm’s
production of HFC blends, by source of HFC components (R‐32, R‐124, 134a, and 143a), for the
specified periods.
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Item
2012
Production of HFC blends using HFC
components‐‐
Produced in the United States (including
swapped)1 by your firm (BJ)
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
0
0
0
0
0
Imported from China (direct imports or
purchases of imports) (BM)1
Imported from sources other than China
(direct imports or purchases of imports)
(BN) 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Purchased by your firm and produced in the
United States by another firm (BK)
Total production using domestic
components (BL)
Total production using imported sources
(BO)
Total production of blends (BP)
1
Count as domestic any inputs used by your firm with swapped merchandise if your firm gave its own
domestic product for a component of foreign origin (knownly or unknownly). Count as foreign any inputs used
by your firm (even if the actual component used was produced in the United States) if your firm procured the
domestic component pursuant to swap arrangement in which you gave imported components.
RECONCILIATION OF PRODUCTION.—Total production of blends reported in II‐10 by source of inputs
should equal total production of blends reported in II‐9 by type of blend.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
BP – AZ = should equal zero ("0"), if not
revise
2012
2013
0
January‐March
2014
0
2014
0
2015
0
0
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 22
II‐11. Commercial shipments of blends by channel and by product type.‐‐Report your firm’s
commercial U.S. shipments by channel and product type.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Commercial U.S. shipments:
R‐404A:
Sold to distributors and service
companies:
Quantity (BQ)
2012
2013
Value (BR)
Sold to blenders/repackagers
Quantity (BS)
Value (BT)
Sold to original equipment
manufacturers
Quantity (BU)
Value (BV)
R‐407A:
Sold to distributors and service
companies:
Quantity (BW)
Value (BX)
Sold to blenders/repackagers
Quantity (BY)
Value (BZ)
Sold to original equipment
manufacturers
Quantity (CA)
Value (CB)
Commercial U.S. shipments:
R‐407C:
Sold to distributors and service
companies:
Quantity (CC)
Value (CD)
Sold to blenders/repackagers
Quantity (CE)
Value (CF)
Sold to original equipment
manufacturers
Quantity (CG)
Value (CH)
Question continued next page
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 23
II‐11. Commercial shipments of components by channel and by product type.‐‐Continued
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Commercial U.S. shipments:
R‐410A:
Sold to distributors and service
companies:
Quantity (CI)
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
Value (CL)
Sold to original equipment
manufacturers
Quantity (CM)
Value (CN)
R‐507A:
Sold to distributors and service
companies:
Quantity (CO)
Value (CP)
Sold to blenders/repackagers
Quantity (CQ)
Value (CR)
Sold to original equipment
manufacturers
Quantity (CS)
2015
Value (CJ)
Sold to blenders/repackagers
Quantity (CK)
2014
Value (CT)
RECONCILIATION OF COMMERCIAL SHIPMENTS.‐‐Quantity data broken out by channel and product
should sum to equal the quantity and value reported in question II‐9 (lines BA and BB)
Calendar years
Reconciliation
Quantity.‐‐Sum of Quantities in II‐11
less quantity reported in II‐9 (line
BA), should equal to zero "0", if not
revise
Value.‐‐Sum of Values in II‐11 less
quantity reported in II‐9 (line BB),
should equal to zero "0", if not revise
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 24
II‐12. Employment data.‐‐Report your firm’s employment‐related data related to the production of
HFC blends and HFC components and provide any explanation for any trends in these data.
“Production Related Workers” (PRWs) includes working supervisors and all nonsupervisory
workers (including group leaders and trainees) engaged in fabricating, processing, assembling,
inspecting, receiving, storage, handling, packing, warehousing, shipping, trucking, hauling,
maintenance, repair, janitorial and guard services, product development, auxiliary production
for plant’s own use (e.g., power plant), recordkeeping, and other services closely associated with
the above production operations.
Average number employed may be computed by adding the number of employees, both full
time and part time, for the 12 pay periods ending closest to the 15th of the month and divide
that total by 12. For the January to March periods, calculate similarly and divide by 3.
“Hours worked” includes time paid for sick leave, holidays, and vacation time. Include overtime
hours actually worked; do not convert overtime pay to its equivalent in straight time hours.
“Wages paid” –Total wages paid before deductions of any kind (e.g., withholding taxes, old‐age
and unemployment insurance, group insurance, union dues, bonds, etc.). Include wages paid
directly by your firm for overtime, holidays, vacations, and sick leave.
Calendar years
Item
HFC components
Average number of PRWs (number)
Hours worked by PRWs
(1,000 hours)
2012
2013
Hours worked by PRWs
(1,000 hours)
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
Explanation of trends:
2014
2014
2015
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
HFC blends
Average number of PRWs (number)
January‐March
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 25
II‐13. Related firms.‐‐If your firm reported transfers to related firms in question II‐8, 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.
II‐14. Purchases of HFC components.‐‐Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased
HFC components since January 1, 2012?
“Purchase” – A transaction to buy HFC blends and/or HFC components from a U.S. corporate
entity such as another U.S. producer, a U.S. distributor, or a U.S. firm that has directly imported
the HFC blends and/or HFC components.
“Direct import” –A transaction to buy from a foreign producer where your firm is the importer
of record or consignee. (Per question II‐6, if your firm directly imports HFC components or
blends it should be submitting a separate U.S. importers' questionnaire response).
Note.—Re‐sales of purchases (including repackaged components) should not be include in
questions II‐7 through II‐13. If purchased goods were blended, then the data on the production
of HFC blends should be provided in questions II‐9 through II‐13.
No
Yes‐‐Report such purchases below and explain the reasons for your firms'
purchases:
(Quantity in short tons)
Calendar years
Item
HFC components (for
blending, repackaging, or
resale)
Purchases from U.S.
importers1 of HFC
components from—
China
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
Purchases from domestic
producers2
Purchases from other
sources2
All other sources
1
Please list the name of the importer(s) from which your firm purchased this product. If your firm’s import
suppliers differ by source, please identify the source for each listed supplier: .
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
2
Page 26
Please list the name of the producer(s) or U.S. distributor(s) from which your firm purchased this product:
.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 27
II‐15. Purchases of HFC blends.‐‐Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased HFC
blends since January 1, 2012?
“Purchase” – A transaction to buy HFC blends and/or HFC components from a U.S. corporate
entity such as another U.S. producer, a U.S. distributor, or a U.S. firm that has directly imported
the HFC blends and/or HFC components.
“Direct import” –A transaction to buy from a foreign producer where your firm is the importer
of record or consignee. (Per question II‐6, if your firm directly imports HFC components or
blends it should be submitting a separate U.S. importers' questionnaire response).
Note.—Re‐sales of purchases (including repackaged blends) should not be include in questions
II‐9 through II‐13.
No
Yes‐‐Report such purchases below and explain the reasons for your firms'
purchases:
(Quantity in short tons)
Calendar years
Item
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
HFC blends (for repackaging
or resale)
Purchases from U.S.
importers1 of HFC blends
from—
China
All other sources
Purchases from domestic
producers2
Purchases from other
sources2
1
Please list the name of the importer(s) from which your firm purchased this product. If your firm’s import
suppliers differ by source, please identify the source for each listed supplier: .
2
Please list the name of the producer(s) or U.S. distributor(s) from which your firm purchased this product:
.
II‐16. Other explanations:‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
that did not provide a narrative box, please note the question number and the explanation in
the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your firm had in
providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with the MS Word
questionnaire.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 28
PART III.‐‐FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to David Boyland (202‐708‐4725,
david.boyland@usitc.gov).
III‐1. Contact information.‐‐ Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part III.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
III‐2. Accounting system.‐‐Briefly describe your firm’s financial accounting system.
A.
When does your firm’s fiscal year end (month and day)?
If your firm’s fiscal year changed during the data‐collection period, explain
below:
B.1. Describe the lowest level of operations (e.g., plant, division, company‐wide) for
which financial statements are prepared that include HFC blends and
components:
2. Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for HFC blends and components:
Yes
No
3. 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, 10 Qs,
Monthly, quarterly, semi‐annually, annually
4. Accounting basis: GAAP, cash, tax, or other comprehensive
basis of accounting (specify)
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records
used in the preparation of the financial data, as Commission staff may contact your firm
regarding questions on the financial data. The Commission may also request that your company
submit copies of the supporting documents/records (financial statements, including internal
profit‐and‐loss statements for the division or group that includes HFC blends and components, as
well as specific statements and worksheets) used to compile these data.
III‐3.
Cost accounting system.‐‐Briefly describe your firm’s cost accounting system (e.g., standard
cost, job order cost, etc.).
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
III‐4.
Page 29
Allocation basis.‐‐Briefly describe your firm’s allocation basis, if any, for COGS, SG&A, and
interest expense and other income and expenses.
III‐5.
Other products.‐‐Please list the products your firm produced in the facilities in which your firm
produced HFC blends and/or HFC components, and provide the share of net sales accounted for
by these other products in your firm’s most recent fiscal year.
Products
III‐6.
Share of sales
HFC blends and components
%
%
%
%
%
Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or any services) used in the
production of HFC blends and/or HFC components from any related suppliers (e.g., inclusive of
transactions between related firms, divisions and/or other components within the same
company)?
Yes‐‐Continue to question III‐7.
III‐7.
No‐‐Continue to question III‐9a.
Inputs from related suppliers.‐‐Please identify the inputs used in the production of HFC blends
and/or HFC components that your firm purchases from related suppliers and that are reflected
in table III‐9b. For “Share of total COGS” please report this information by relevant input on the
basis of your most recently completed fiscal year. For “Input valuation” please describe the
basis, as recorded in your company’s own accounting system, of the purchase cost from the
related supplier; e.g., the related supplier’s actual cost, cost plus, negotiated transfer price to
approximate fair market value.
Input
Related supplier
Share of total COGS
Input valuation as recorded in the firm’s accounting books and records
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
III‐8.
Page 30
Inputs purchased from related suppliers.‐‐Please confirm that the inputs purchased from
related suppliers, as identified in III‐7, were reported in tables III‐9a and III‐9b (financial results
on HFC blends and components) in a manner consistent with your firm’s accounting books and
records.
Yes
No‐‐In the space below, please report the valuation basis of inputs purchased from related
suppliers as reported in table III‐9a and III‐9b.
III‐9a. Internally‐produced HFC component costs recognized in COGS.‐‐Report the requested cost
information specific to HFC components produced in your firm’s U.S. establishment(s) and
recognized in financial results on HFC blends and components (as reported in table III‐9b). The
total amount reported in this table should reconcile to the total line item (Cost of internally‐
produced components recognized in COGS) reported in table III‐9b. Input purchases from
related suppliers should be consistent with and based on information in the firm’s accounting
books and records. Provide data for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and
for the specified interim periods.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
Cost of internally‐produced components recognized in
COGS (table III‐9b):1
Raw materials (internally‐produced components)
0
0
0
0
0
Direct labor(internally‐produced components)
0
0
0
0
0
Other factory costs (internally‐produced components)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total cost of internally‐produced components
1 Total cost of internally‐produced components should reconcile to the relevant line item in table III‐9b (Cost of internally‐produced
components recognized in COGS).
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 31
III‐9b. Operations on HFC blends and/or HFC components.‐‐Report the revenue and related cost
information requested below on the HFC blends and/or HFC components operations of your
firm’s 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. Input purchases from related
suppliers should be consistent with and based on information in the firm’s accounting books and
records. Provide data for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for the
specified interim periods. If your firm was involved in tolling operations (either as the toller or as
the tollee), please contact David Boyland at (202) 708‐4725 before completing this section of
the questionnaire.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
2
Net sales quantities:
Commercial sales (“CS”)
Internal consumption (“IC”)
Transfers to related firms (“Transfers”)
Total net sales quantities
Net sales values:2
Commercial sales
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Internal consumption
0
0
0
0
0
Transfers to related firms
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total net sales values
Cost of goods sold (COGS):3
Cost of internally‐produced components
4
recognized in COGS (from III‐9a)
0
0
0
0
0
Purchased or swapped components recognized in
COGS (U.S. origin)5
0
0
0
0
0
Purchased components recognized in COGS
(imported)5
0
0
0
0
0
All other raw materials (blending operations only)
0
0
0
0
0
Direct labor (blending operations only)
0
0
0
0
0
Other factory costs (blending operations only)
0
0
0
0
0
Total COGS
0
0
0
0
0
Gross profit or (loss)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
All other expense items
0
0
0
0
0
All other income items
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total SG&A expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other expenses and income:
Interest expense
Net income or (loss) before income taxes
Depreciation/amortization included above
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 32
1 Include only sales (whether domestic or export) and costs related to your U.S. manufacturing operations.
2
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.
3
COGS (whether for domestic or export sales) should include costs associated with CS, IC, and Transfers.
4 Total cost of internally‐produced components recognized in COGS are reported in question III‐9a and will populate in this grid.
5 Relevant SWAP‐related costs should be consistent with the company’s responses to question II‐7.
Note ‐‐ The table above contains calculations that will appear when you have entered data in the MS
Word form fields.
III‐9c. Financial data reconciliation.‐‐The calculable line items from question III‐9b (i.e., total net sales
quantities and values, total COGS, gross profit (or loss), total SG&A, and net income (or loss))
have been calculated from the data submitted in the other line items. Do the calculated fields
return the correct data according to your firm's financial records ignoring non‐material
differences that may arise due to rounding?
Yes No‐‐If the calculated fields do not show the correct data, please double check the
feeder data for data entry errors and revise.
Also, check signs accorded to the post operating income line items; the two
expense line items should report positive numbers (i.e., expenses are
positive and incomes or reversals are negative‐‐instances of the latter
should be rare in those lines) while the income line item also in most
instances should have its value be a positive number (i.e., income is positive,
expenses or reversals are negative).
If after reviewing and potentially revising the feeder data your firm has
provided, the differences between your records and the calculated fields
persist please identify and discuss the differences in the space below.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 33
III‐10. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in HFC blends and/or HFC components
financial results.‐‐For each annual and interim period for which financial results are reported in
question III‐9b, please specify all material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in
the schedule below, the specific table III‐9b line item where the nonrecurring items are
included, a brief description of the relevant nonrecurring items, and the associated values (in
$1,000), as reflected in table III‐9b; i.e., if an aggregate nonrecurring item has been allocated to
table III‐9b, only the allocated value amount included in table III‐9b should be reported in the
schedule below. Note: The Commission’s objective here is to gather information only on
material (significant) nonrecurring items which impacted the reported financial results in table
III‐9b.
Fiscal years ended‐‐
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
Nonrecurring item: In this column please provide a brief
Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the amount of the relevant
description of each nonrecurring item and indicate the
nonrecurring item reported in table III‐9b.
specific line item in table III‐9b where the nonrecurring item is
classified.
Value ($1,000)
1. , classified as
2. , classified as
3. , classified as
4. , classified as
5. , classified as
6. , classified as
7. , classified as
III‐11. Classification of identified nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the accounting books and
records of the company.‐‐If non‐recurring items were reported in table III‐10 above, please
identify where your company recorded these items in your accounting books and records in the
normal course of business; i.e., III‐10 information designates where these items are reported in
table III‐9b.
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III‐12. Property, plant, and equipment and total assets.‐‐Report the property, plant, and equipment
(PP&E) and total assets (i.e., both current and long‐term assets) associated with the production,
warehousing, and sale of HFC blends and/or HFC components. If your firm does not maintain
some or all of the specific information necessary to report this information (specific to HFC
blends and/or HFC components) in the normal course of business, please estimate this
information based upon a method (such as production, sales, or costs) that is consistent with
your firm’s cost allocations in the table III‐9b. Provide data as of the end of your firm’s three
most recently completed fiscal years.
Note: PP&E and total assets should reflect net assets after any accumulated depreciation and
allowances deducted.
PP&E and total assets should be allocated to the subject products if they are also related to
other products. Please provide a brief explanation if there are any substantial changes in PP&E
and/or total assets during the period; e.g., due to asset write‐offs, revaluation, and major
purchases.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2012
1
Property, plant, and equipment (net)
1
Total assets (net)
1
2013
January‐March
2014
2014
2015
Describe nature of substantial changes in PP&E and total asset balance
III‐13a. Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.‐‐Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses on HFC blends and/or HFC components.
Provide data for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for the specified
interim periods.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2012
2013
January‐March
2014
Capital expenditures
Research and development expenses
2014
III‐13b. Capital expenditures.‐‐Please indicate the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital
expenditures on HFC blends and/or HFC components.
2015
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III‐14. Data consistency and reconciliation.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm’s financial data for
questions III‐9b, 12, and 13a are based on a calendar year or on your firm’s fiscal year:
Calendar year
Fiscal year Specify fiscal year
Please note the quantities and values reported in question III‐9b should reconcile with the
relevant data reported in questions II‐7 and II‐9 (including export shipments) as long as they are
reported on the same calendar year basis.
Do these data in question III‐9b reconcile with relevant data in questions II‐7 and II‐9?
Yes
No
If no, please explain.
III‐15. Effects of imports.‐‐Since January 1, 2012, has your firm experienced any actual negative effects
on its return on investment or its growth, investment, ability to raise capital, existing
development and production efforts (including efforts to develop a derivative or more advanced
version of the HFC blends and/or HFC components), or the scale of capital investments as a
result of imports of HFC blends and/or HFC components from China?
No
Yes‐‐My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
Cancellation, postponement, or rejection of expansion projects
Denial or rejection of investment proposal
Reduction in the size of capital investments
Rejection of bank loans
Lowering of credit rating
Problem related to the issue of stocks or bonds
Other (specify):
III‐16. Anticipated effects of imports.‐‐Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
HFC blends and/or HFC components from China?
No
Yes
If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows:
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III‐17. Other explanations:‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative box, please note the question number and the explanation in
the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your firm had in
providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with the MS Word
questionnaire.
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PART IV.‐‐ PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Michele Breaux (202‐205‐
2781, michele.breaux@usitc.gov).
IV‐1. Contact information.‐‐Please identify the individual that Commission staff may contact
regarding the confidential information submitted in part IV.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
PRICE DATA
IV‐2. This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2012 of the following products produced by your
firm.
Product 1.‐‐ R‐410A in bulk containers (1,000 lbs. or greater);
Product 2.‐‐ R‐410A in 25‐lb. disposable tanks or cylinders;
Product 3.‐‐ R‐404A in 24‐lb. disposable tanks or cylinders;
Product 4.‐‐ R‐407C in 25‐lb. disposable tanks or cylinders;
Product 5.‐‐ R‐32 in bulk containers (1,000 lbs. or greater);
Product 6.‐‐ R‐125 in in bulk containers (over 1,000 lbs. or greater).
Please note that values should be f.o.b., U.S. point of shipment and should not include U.S.‐inland
transportation costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid to your firm (i.e., should be net
of all deductions for discounts or rebates).
During January 2012‐March 2015, did your firm produce and sell to unrelated U.S. customers
any of the above listed products (or any products that were competitive with these products)?
Yes.‐‐Please complete the following pricing data table(s) as appropriate.
No.‐‐Skip to question IV‐3.
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records used in
the preparation of the price data, as Commission staff may contact your firm regarding questions on the
price data. The Commission may also request that your company submit copies of the supporting
documents/records (such as sales journal, invoices, etc.) used to compile these data.
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IV‐2a. Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm.
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in pounds , value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Period of shipment
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
2012:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2013:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2014:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2015:
January‐March
1
Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of
returned goods), f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Note.‐‐If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified
product, provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported
pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
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IV‐2a. Price data(continued).‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced
and sold by your firm.
Report data in actual pounds and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Period of shipment
2012:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2013:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2014:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2015:
January‐March
(Quantity in pounds , value in dollars)
Product 4
Product 5
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 6
Quantity
Value
1
Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of
returned goods), f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Note.‐‐If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified
product, provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported
pricing data.
Product 4:
Product 5:
Product 6:
IV‐2b. Pricing data methodology.—Please describe the method and the kinds of documents/records
that were used to compile your price data.
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IV‐2c. Price data component country‐of‐origin.‐‐Report below the average share of total quantity of
each individual HFC blend pricing products (e.g., products 1 through 4)'s input components by
source.
Percent total quantity over period
(January 2012‐March 2015)
Domestic
components1
(percent)
Product
Components
imported
from China1
(percent)
Components
imported
from all other
sources1
(percent)
Total (should
sum to
100.0%)
Product 1‐ R‐410A in bulk
containers (1,000 lbs. or
greater)
0.0
Product 2‐ R‐410A in 25‐
lb. disposable tanks or
cylinders
0.0
Product 3‐ R‐404A in 24‐
lb. disposable tanks or
cylinders
0.0
Product 4‐ R‐407C in 25‐
lb. disposable tanks or
cylinders
0.0
1
Count as domestic any inputs used by your firm with swapped merchandise if your firm gave its own
domestic product for a component of foreign origin (knowingly or unknowingly). Count as foreign any
inputs used by your firm (even if the actual component used was produced in the United States) if your
firm procured the domestic component pursuant to swap arrangement in which you gave imported
components.
IV‐3.
Price setting.‐‐How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of HFC blends
and/or HFC components (check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit
sample pages of a recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction
Contracts
IV‐4.
Other
If other, describe
Discount policy.‐‐Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that apply).
Quantity
discounts
Set
price
lists
Annual
total
volume
discounts
No
discount
policy
Other
Describe
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IV‐5.
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Pricing terms.‐‐
(a)
What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its U.S.‐produced HFC blends and/or HFC
components?
Net 30
days
Net 60
days
(b)
Other
Other (specify)
On what basis are your firm’s prices of domestic HFC blends and/or HFC components
usually quoted (check one)?
IV‐6.
2/10 net
30 days
Delivered
F.o.b.
If f.o.b., specify point
Contract versus spot.‐‐Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.‐produced HFC
blends and/or HFC components in 2014 was on a (1) long‐term contract basis, (2) annual
contract basis, (3) short‐term contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?
Long‐term
contracts
(multiple
deliveries for
more than 12
months)
Share of 2014
sales
%
Type of sale
Short‐term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for 12
less than 12
months)
months)
%
%
Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)
%
Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)
0.0
%
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IV‐7.
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Contract provisions.‐‐Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
U.S.‐produced HFC blends and/or HFC components (or check “not applicable” if your firm does
not sell on a long‐term, short‐term and/or annual contract basis).
Typical sales
contract provisions
Average contract
duration
Item
Short‐term contracts
(multiple deliveries
for less than 12
months)
Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)
Long‐term contracts
(multiple deliveries for
more than 12 months)
# of days
365
Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)
Yes
No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes
No
Fixed quantity
and/or price
Meet or release
provision
Not applicable
IV‐8.
Lead times.‐‐What is your firm’s share of sales from inventory and produced to order and what
is the typical lead time between a customer’s order and the date of delivery for your firm’s sales
of its U.S.‐produced HFC blends and/or HFC components?
Share of 2014
Source
sales
Lead time (days)
From inventory
%
Produced to order
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
0.0 %
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IV‐9.
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Shipping information.‐‐
(a)
(b)
(c)
What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of U.S.‐produced HFC
blends and/or HFC components that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation
costs? percent
Who generally arranges the transportation to your firm’s customers’ locations?
Your firm Purchaser (check one)
Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of HFC blends and/or HFC
components that are delivered the following distances from its production facility.
Distance from production facility
Share
Within 100 miles
%
101 to 1,000 miles
%
Over 1,000 miles
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
0.0 %
IV‐10. Geographical shipments.‐‐ In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold its U.S.‐
produced HFC blends and/or HFC components since January 1, 2012 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
√ if applicable
Northeast.–CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT.
Midwest.–IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, and WI.
Southeast.–AL, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, and WV.
Central Southwest.–AR, LA, OK, and TX.
Mountains.–AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, and WY.
Pacific Coast.–CA, OR, and WA.
Other.–All other markets in the United States not previously listed,
including AK, HI, PR, and VI, among others.
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IV‐11. End uses.—For 2014, report the quantity of U.S. commercial shipments of your firm’s U.S.
produced blends by end use.
2014
R‐404A
R‐407A
End‐use application
R‐407C
Total
commercial
U.S.
R‐507A shipments
R‐410A
Quantity (short tons)
Residential a/c and heat
pumps
0
Commercial a/c
0
Commercial refrigeration
0
Transport refrigeration
0
Process refrigeration
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Other
Total commercial U.S.
shipments
1
Explain the other end uses: .
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.‐‐ Data in question II‐11 should
reconcile with data reported in this question, (i.e., the reconciliations below should return zero, "0"). If
the reconciliations are not returning zero, please revise the inconsistency in the data prior to submission
of the completed questionnaire to the Commission.
Reconciliation
R‐404A
R‐407A
R‐407C
R‐410A
R‐507A
Total
Should equal zero ("0"), if not
revise here (or question II‐11).
0
0
0
0
0
0
IV‐12. Substitutes.‐‐ Can other products be substituted for HFC blends and/or HFC components?
No
Yes‐‐Please fill out the table.
Substitute
End use in which this
substitute is used
Have changes in the prices of this substitute
affected the price for HFC blends and/or HFC
components?
No Yes
1.
2.
3.
Explanation
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IV‐13. Demand trends.‐‐ Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for HFC blends and/or HFC components has changed since January 1, 2012.
Explain any trends and describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in
demand.
Market
Overall
No
Overall
increase change decrease
Fluctuate
with no
clear trend
Explanation and factors
Within
the United
States
Outside
the United
States
IV‐14. Product changes.‐‐Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of HFC blends and/or HFC components since January 1, 2012?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.
IV‐15. Conditions of competition.‐‐
(a) Is the HFC blends and/or HFC components market subject to business cycles (other than
general economy‐wide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to
HFC blends and/or HFC components? If yes, describe.
Check all that apply.
Please describe.
No
Skip to question IV‐16.
Yes‐Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes‐Other distinctive
conditions of competition
(b) If yes, have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition for
HFC blends and/or HFC components since January 1, 2012?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
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IV‐16. Supply constraints.‐‐Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply HFC blends
and/or HFC components since January 1, 2012 (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, been unable to meet timely shipment
commitments, etc.)?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe.
IV‐17. Raw materials.‐‐How have HFC blends and component raw materials prices changed since
January 1, 2012?
Fluctuate
Overall
No
Overall
with no
increase change decrease clear trend
Explain, noting how raw material price changes
have affected your firm’s selling prices for HFC
blends and constituents.
IV‐18. Interchangeability.‐‐Are HFC blends and/or HFC components produced in the United States and
in other countries interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same applications)?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = the products from a specified country‐pair are always interchangeable
F = the products are frequently interchangeable
S = the products are sometimes interchangeable
N = the products are never interchangeable
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country‐pair
Components
Country‐pair
United States
Components
China
China
Other
Countries
China
Other Countries
United States
Blends
China
Blends
For any country‐pair producing HFC blends and/or HFC components that is sometimes or
never interchangeable, identify the country‐pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude
interchangeable use:
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IV‐19. Factors other than price.‐‐Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network,product range, technical support, etc.) between HFC blends and/or HFC
components produced in the United States and in other countries a significant factor in your
firm’s sales of the products?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = such differences are always significant
F = such differences are frequently significant
S = such differences are sometimes significant
N = such differences are never significant
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country‐pair
Components
Country‐pair
United States
Components
China
China
Other
Countries
China
Other Countries
United States
Blends
China
Blends
For any country‐pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of HFC blends and/or HFC components, identify the country‐pair
and report the advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:
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IV‐20. Customer identification‐‐List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for HFC blends and/or HFC components since January 1, 2012. Indicate the share of
the quantity of your firm’s total shipments of HFC blends and components that each of these
customers accounted for in 2014.
Customer’s name
Contact person
Email
Telephone
City
State
Share
of
2014
sales
(%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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IV‐21. Competition from imports
(a)
Lost revenue.‐‐Since January 1, 2012: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling HFC
blends and/or HFC components from China, did your firm:
No
Yes
Reduce prices
Roll back announced price increases
(b)
Lost sales.‐‐Since January 1, 2012: Did your firm lose sales of HFC blends and
components to imports of this HFC blends and/or HFC components from China?
No
Yes
(c)
The submission of lost sales/lost revenue allegations is to be completed only by NON‐
PETITIONERS. (Note: petitioners may provide allegations involving quotes made
AFTER the filing of the petition.) Please do not resubmit allegations provided
previously.
If your firm indicated “yes” to any of the above, your firm can provide the Commission
with additional information by downloading and completing the lost sales/lost revenues
worksheet at http://usitc.gov/trade_remedy/question.htm. Note that the Commission
may contact the firms named to verify the allegations reported.
Is your firm submitting the lost sales/lost revenues worksheet?
No—Please explain.
Yes—Please complete the worksheet and submit via the Commission dropbox.
https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: 1279)
IV‐22. Other explanations‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part IV
that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.
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PART V.‐‐PRODUCT COMPARISONS
V‐1. Interchangeability of individual HFC blends with each other.‐‐Are individual HFC blends
interchangeable with each other for use in the same end use applications (i.e., can they
physically be used in the same applications)?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = the blends are always interchangeable
F = the blends are frequently interchangeable
S = the blends are sometimes interchangeable
N = the blends are never interchangeable
0 = no familiarity with blend being compared
Within scope blends
Product‐pair
R‐407A
Within
scope
blends
R‐404A
R‐407A
R‐407C
R‐410A
R‐407C
R‐410A
R‐507A
For any individual HFC blend comparison components that is sometimes or never
interchangeable, identify the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:
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Semi‐finished HFC components vs HFC blends.‐‐For each of the following individual HFC
components. If you do not have the knowledge to be able to respond this question, please
leave it blank.
(a)
Uses other than in HFC blend production.—Indicate whether each individual HFC
component has a use other than in the production of downstream HFC blends. If there
are uses for individual HFC component other than for use in the production of HFC
blends, please indicate what uses those uses are.
HFC
component
No.‐‐
Yes.‐‐Other
Dedicated
uses
Explanation (if yes).—Describe the other uses
R‐32
R‐125
R‐134a
R‐143a
(b)
Differences in markets.—Are the markets, to the degree that the individual HFC blends
are sold commercially, separate and/or distinct from the market(s) for the downstream
HFC blends? If there are differences in the markets, please describe them in the space
provided. (If there are no markets for the HFC components, check no or leave blank).
HFC
No.—Similar
component market(s)
R‐32
R‐125
R‐134a
R‐143a
Yes.—
Separate/
distinct
market(s)
Explanation (if yes).—Describe the differences
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Semi‐finished HFC components vs HFC blends.—Continued
(c)
Similar physical characteristics and functions.—Are there distinct physical
characteristics and functions of HFC components from HFC blends? .
No.—
HFC component Similar
Yes.—
Distinct
Explanation (if yes).—Describe the distinct
physical characteristics and functions
R‐32
R‐125
R‐134a
R‐143a
(d)
Differences in price or value.—Are there large differences in the price for or value of
the individual HFC components from the downstream HFC blends?
Yes.—
No.—
Divergent
Similar
HFC
component price/value price/value
Explanation (if yes).—Describe the differences
in and drivers of price/value
R‐32
R‐125
R‐134a
R‐143a
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Semi‐finished HFC components vs HFC blends.—Continued
(e)
Extensive process to convert to HFC blend.—Is the process to create an HFC blend
from the individual HFC component extensive and/or complicated?
HFC
component
No.—
Simple
Yes.—
Extensive/
complicate Explanation (if yes).—Describe the complexities
d
of creating an HFC blend
R‐32
R‐125
R‐134a
R‐143a
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Page 54
Comparability of HFC blends vs HCFC/CFC blends.‐‐For each of the following indicate whether
refined HFC blends and HCFC/CFC blends are: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no
differentiation between them; mostly comparable or similar; somewhat comparable or similar;
never or not‐at‐all comparable or similar; or no familiarity with products. If there are
differences for individual HFC blends vs individual HCFC/CFC blends please provide that
information in the narrative fields.
Definitions of like products (+Link to previous defined products)
“CFC blends.”‐‐Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are organic compounds that contain only carbon,
chlorine, and fluorine. They are commonly known by the DuPont brand name Freon. The most
common representative is dichlorodifluoromethane (R‐12 or Freon‐12). A CFC blend is one that
includes chlorofluorocarbons and other components.
“HCFC blends.”‐‐Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are organic compounds that contain only
carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine. The most common HCFC is R‐22 (also known as
chlorodifluoromethane or difluoromonochloromethane). An HCFC blend is one that includes
hydrochlorofluorocarbons and other components.
(a)
Characteristics and Uses.‐‐ The differences and similarities in the physical
characteristics and end uses between HFC blends and HCFC/CFC blends.
Mostly
Somewhat
Not at all
Fully comparable
comparable
comparable
comparable
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
characteristics and uses:
(b)
Interchangeability.‐‐The ability to substitute refined HFC blends and HCFC/CFC blends
in the same application.
Fully
interchangeable
Mostly
interchangeable
Somewhat
interchangeable
Not at all
interchangeable
NA/no
familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of
their interchangeability:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
V‐3.
Page 55
Comparability of HFC blends vs HCFC/CFC blends.‐‐Continued
(c)
Manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees.‐‐ Whether
refined HFC blends and HCFC/CFC blends are manufactured in the same facilities, from
the same inputs, on the same machinery and equipment, and using the same
employees.
Fully the same
Mostly the same
Somewhat the
same
Not at all the
same
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
manufacturing processes:
(d)
Channels of distribution.‐‐ Channels of distribution/market situation through which
HFC blends and HCFC/CFC blends are sold (i.e., sold direct to end users, through
distributors, etc.).
Fully comparable
Mostly
comparable
Somewhat
comparable
Not at all
comparable
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
channels of distribution:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
V‐3.
Page 56
Comparability of HFC blends vs HCFC/CFC blends.‐‐Continued
(e)
Customer and producer perceptions.‐‐Perceptions as to the differences and/or
similarities in HFC blends and HCFC/CFC blends in the market (e.g., sales/marketing
practices).
Fully comparable
Mostly
comparable
Somewhat
comparable
Not at all
comparable
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
customer and producer perceptions:
(f)
Price.‐‐Whether prices are comparable or differ between HFC blends and HCFC/CFC
blends.
Fully comparable
Mostly
comparable
Somewhat
comparable
Not at all
comparable
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
prices:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
V4.
Page 57
Comparability of HFC blends vs HFO blends.‐‐For each of the following indicate whether refined
HFC blends and HFO blends are: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation
between them; mostly comparable or similar; somewhat comparable or similar; never or not‐at‐
all comparable or similar; or no familiarity with products. If there are differences for individual
HFC blends vs individual HFO blends please provide that information in the narrative fields.
Definitions of like products (+Link to previous defined products)
“HFO blends.”‐‐Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are organic compounds that contain only hydrogen,
fluorine, and carbon. They are distinguished from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by being
derivatives of alkenes (olefins) rather than alkanes. HFOs are being developed as "fourth
generation" refrigerants with lower global‐warming potential than HFCs. HFOs currently in use
include 2,3,3,3‐tetrafluoropropene (HFO‐1234yf) and 1,3,3,3‐tetrafluoropropene (HFO‐1234ze).
1‐Chloro‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropene (HFO‐1233zd) is also under development. An HFO blend is one
that includes hydrofluoroolefins and other components.
(a)
Characteristics and Uses.‐‐The differences and similarities in the physical
characteristics and end uses between HFC blends and HFO blends.
Fully comparable
Mostly
comparable
Somewhat
comparable
Not at all
comparable
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
characteristics and uses:
(b)
Interchangeability.‐‐The ability to substitute refined HFC blends and HFO blends in the
same application.
Fully
interchangeable
Mostly
interchangeable
Somewhat
interchangeable
Not at all
interchangeable
NA/no
familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of
their interchangeability:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
V‐4.
Page 58
Comparability of HFC blends vs HFO blends.‐‐Continued
(c)
Manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees.‐‐ Whether
refined HFC blends and HFO blends are manufactured in the same facilities, from the
same inputs, on the same machinery and equipment, and using the same employees.
Fully the same
Mostly the same
Somewhat the
same
Not at all the
same
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
manufacturing processes:
(d)
Channels of distribution.‐‐ Channels of distribution/market situation through which
HFC blends and HFO blends are sold (i.e., sold direct to end users, through distributors,
etc.).
Fully comparable
Mostly
comparable
Somewhat
comparable
Not at all
comparable
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
channels of distribution:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
V‐4.
Page 59
Comparability of HFC blends vs HFO blends.‐‐Continued
(e)
Customer and producer perceptions.‐‐Perceptions as to the differences and/or
similarities in HFC blends and HFO blends in the market (e.g., sales/marketing
practices).
Fully comparable
Mostly
comparable
Somewhat
comparable
Not at all
comparable
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
customer and producer perceptions:
(f)
Price.‐‐Whether prices are comparable or differ between HFC blends and HFO blends.
Fully comparable
Mostly
comparable
Somewhat
comparable
Not at all
comparable
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
prices:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (P)
Page 60
HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
http://wwwadmin.usitc.gov/investigations/title_7/2015/hydrofluorocarbon_blends_an
d_components_china/preliminary.htm
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods noted
below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or cannot use one
of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the Commission for further
instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/
Pin: 1279
• E‐mail.—E‐mail the MS Word questionnaire to joanna.lo@usitc.gov; include a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1). Please note that submitting your questionnaire by e‐mail may subject
your firm’s business proprietary information to transmission over an unsecure environment and to
possible disclosure. If you choose this option, the Commission warns you that any risk involving possible
disclosure of such information is assumed by the submitter and not by the Commission.
If your firm does not produce HFC blends and/or HFC components in the United States, please fill out
page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned copy to the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, it is required to serve a copy of the
completed questionnaire on parties to the proceeding that are subject to administrative protective
order (see 19 CFR § 207.7). A list of such parties may be obtained from the Commission’s Secretary (202‐
205‐1803). A certificate of service must accompany the completed questionnaire you submit (see 19 CFR
§ 207.7). Service of the questionnaire must be made in paper form.
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Microsoft Word - US producer questionnaire - HFC blends and components from China (P) |
| Author | joanna.lo |
| File Modified | 2015-06-30 |
| File Created | 2015-06-30 |