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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 15‐2‐3425; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
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U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
LARGE RESIDENTIAL WASHERS FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by January 4, 2016
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 investigation concerning large residential washers from China (Inv. No. 731‐TA‐1306
(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 imported large residential washers (as defined on next page) from any country 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: WASH)
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, the undersigned, acknowledge that information submitted in response to this request for information and throughout this
investigation or other proceeding may be disclosed to and used: (i) by the Commission, its employees and Offices, and contract
personnel (a) for developing or maintaining the records of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in internal investigations, audits,
reviews, and evaluations relating to the programs, personnel, and operations of the Commission including under 5 U.S.C.
Appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S. government employees and contract personnel, solely for cybersecurity purposes. I understand that all
contract personnel will sign appropriate nondisclosure agreements.
Name of Authorized Official Title of Authorized Official
Date
Phone:
Signature
Fax:
Email address
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background. This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on December 16, 2015, by
Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor, MI. 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://www.usitc.gov/investigations/title_7/2015/large_residential_washers_china/preliminary.htm
Large Residential Washers: The products covered by this petition are all large residential washers and
certain parts thereof. The term “large residential washers” denotes all automatic clothes washing
machines, regardless of the orientation of the rotational axis, with a cabinet width (measured from its
widest point) of at least 24.5 inches (62.23 cm) and no more than 32.0 inches (81.28 cm), except as
noted below.
Also covered are certain parts used in large residential washers, namely: (1) all cabinets, or
portions thereof, designed for use in large residential washers; (2) all assembled tubs1 designed for use
in large residential washers which incorporate, at a minimum: (a) a tub; and (b) a seal; (3) all assembled
baskets2 designed for use in large residential washers which incorporate, at a minimum: (a) a side
wrapper;3 (b) a base; and (c) a drive hub;4 and (4) any combination of the foregoing parts or
subassemblies.
Products Excluded from the Scope of this Investigation
(1) Stacked Washer‐Dryers & Commercial Washers
Excluded from the scope are stacked washer‐dryers and commercial washers. The term
“stacked washer‐dryers” denotes distinct washing and drying machines that are built on a
unitary frame and share a common console that controls both the washer and the dryer. The
term “commercial washer” denotes an automatic clothes washing machine designed for the
“pay per use” segment meeting either of the following two definitions:
(1) (a) it contains payment system electronics;5 (b) it is configured with an
externally mounted steel frame at least six inches high that is designed to
house a coin/token operated payment system (whether or not the actual
coin/token operated payment system is installed at the time of
importation); (c) it contains a push button user interface with a maximum of
six manually selectable wash cycle settings, with no ability of the end user to
otherwise modify water temperature, water level, or spin speed for a
1
A “tub” is the part of the washer designed to hold water.
A “basket” (sometimes referred to as a “drum”) is the part of the washer designed to hold clothing or other
fabrics.
3
A “side wrapper” is the cylindrical part of the basket that actually holds the clothing or other fabrics.
4
A “drive hub” is the hub at the center of the base that bears the load from the motor.
5
“Payment system electronics” denotes a circuit board designed to receive signals from a payment acceptance
device and to display payment amount, selected settings, and cycle status. Such electronics also capture cycles and
payment history and provide for transmission to a reader.
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 3
selected wash cycle setting; and (d) the console containing the user
interface is made of steel and is assembled with security fasteners;6 or
(2) (a) it contains payment system electronics; (b) the payment system
electronics are enabled (whether or not the payment acceptance device has
been installed at the time of importation) such that, in normal operation,7
the unit cannot begin a wash cycle without first receiving a signal from a
bona fide payment acceptance device such as an electronic credit card
reader; (c) it contains a push button user interface with a maximum of six
manually selectable wash cycle settings, with no ability of the end user to
otherwise modify water temperature, water level, or spin speed for a
selected wash cycle setting; and (d) the console containing the user
interface is made of steel and is assembled with security fasteners.
(2) Top Loading “Low‐Tech” Residential Washers
Also excluded from the scope are automatic clothes washing machines that meet all of the
following conditions: (1) have a vertical rotational axis; (2) are top loading;8 (3) have a drive
train consisting, inter alia, of (a) a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor,9 (b) a belt drive,10 and
(c) a flat wrap spring clutch.11
(3) Front Loading “Low‐Tech” Residential Washers
Also excluded from the scope are automatic clothes washing machines that meet all of the
following conditions: (1) have a horizontal rotational axis; (2) are front loading;12 and (3) have a
drive train consisting, inter alia, of (a) a controlled induction motor (CIM),13 and (b) a belt drive.
(4) “Extra‐Wide” Residential Washers
Also excluded from the scope are automatic clothes washing machines that meet all of the
following conditions: (1) have a horizontal rotational axis; (2) are front loading; and (3) have
cabinet width (measured from its widest point) of more than 28.5 inches (72.39 cm).
6
A “security fastener” is a screw with a non‐standard head that requires a non‐standard driver. Examples include
those with a pin in the center of the head as a “center pin reject” feature to prevent standard Allen wrenches or
Torx drivers from working.
7
“Normal operation” refers to the operating mode(s) available to end users (i.e., not a mode designed for testing
or repair by a technician).
8
“Top loading” means that access to the basket is from the top of the washer.
9
A “PSC motor” is an asynchronous, alternating current (AC), single phase induction motor that employs split
phase capacitor technology.
10
A “belt drive” refers to a drive system that includes a belt and pulleys.
11
A “flat wrap spring clutch” is a flat metal spring that, when engaged, links abutted cylindrical pieces on the input
shaft with the end of the concentric output shaft that connects to the drive hub.
12
“Front loading” means that access to the basket is from the front of the washer.
13
A “controlled induction motor” is an asynchronous, alternating current (AC), polyphase induction motor.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 4
HTS Tariff Classification of Large Residential Washers
The products subject to this petition are currently classifiable under subheadings 8450.20.0040
and 8450.20.0080 of the Harmonized Tariff System of the United States (HTSUS). Products subject to
this petition may also enter under HTSUS subheadings 8450.11.0040, 8450.11.0080, 8450.90.2000, and
8450.90.6000. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes,
the written description of the merchandise subject to this petition is dispositive.
Importer.‐‐Any person or firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary,
in importing large residential washers (as defined above) into the United States from a foreign
manufacturer or through its selling agent.
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
I‐1.
I‐2.
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
40 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.
Establishments covered.‐‐Provide the name and address of establishment(s) covered by this
questionnaire. If your firm is publicly traded, please specify the stock exchange and trading
symbol.
“Establishment”‐‐Each facility of a firm involved in the importation of large residential washers,
including auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate
from) such facilities.
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
(percent)
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
I‐4.
I‐5.
Page 6
Related importers/exporters.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing large residential washers from China into the United
States or that are engaged in exporting large residential washers from China to the United
States?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
Related producers.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of large residential washers?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
I‐6.
Importing operations.‐‐Please indicate the nature of your firm’s importing operations on large
residential washers. 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
I‐7.
Consignee.‐‐If your firm is an importer of record of large residential washers but is not the
consignee, please list the consignees below (firm name, address, telephone number, and
individual to contact).
Firm name
Address
Contact person
and phone
number
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
I‐8.
Page 7
FTZ, TIB, or bonded warehouses.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm enters large residential
washers into, or withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses.
Also indicate whether your firm imports large residential washers under the TIB (temporary
importation under bond) program.
“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, as
well as other savings. A foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in the Foreign‐Trade Zones Act.
“Bonded warehouse” is a secured facility supervised by U.S. customs, where dutiable landed
imports are stored pending their re‐export, or release after payment of import duties, taxes, and
other charges. A bonded warehouse must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in 19 U.S.C. § 1555.
“Temporary Importation under Bond (“TIB”) program” is a procedure whereby imported
merchandise may be entered under certain conditions for a limited time into the United States
free of duty. Under the program, an importer posts a bond for twice the amount of duty, taxes,
etc. that would otherwise be owed on the importation and agrees to export or destroy the
merchandise within a specified time or pay liquidated damages. This program is restricted to
certain categories of merchandise listed in subheadings 9813.00.05 through 9813.00.75 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States(HTS).
No
Yes
Foreign trade zones
Bonded warehouses
Temporary importation under bond
I‐9.
Third‐country trade activities.‐‐To your knowledge, have the products subject to this
proceeding been the subject of any other import relief proceedings in the United States or in
any other countries?
No
Yes–Please specify.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
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PART II.‐‐TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Chris Cassise (202‐708‐5408,
chris.cassise@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 importation of large residential washers since January 1, 2012.
(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 (e.g., technology)
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
II‐3.
Page 9
Arranged imports.‐‐Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of large residential
washers for delivery on or after September 30, 2015?
“Arranged imports” are imports for which your firm has placed an order with a foreign producer
for subject merchandise, but delivery of those imports is not scheduled to occur until after the
date listed above.
No
Yes–Fill out the table below.
Quantity (in actual units)
China
II‐4.
Reasons for importing if producer.‐‐If your firm also produces large residential washers in the
United States, please indicate the reasons for importing this product. If your firm’s reasons differ
by source, please elaborate.
II‐5.
U.S. imports of “certain parts thereof”.—Since January 1, 2012, has your firm imported parts or
components of large residential washers as defined in the scope of this investigation (definition
below)?
“Certain Parts Thereof”‐‐certain parts used in large residential washers, namely: (1) all cabinets,
or portions thereof, designed for use in large residential washers; (2) all assembled tubs
designed for use in large residential washers which incorporate, at a minimum: (a) a tub; and (b)
a seal; (3) all assembled baskets designed for use in large residential washers which
incorporate, at a minimum: (a) a side wrapper; (b) a base; and (c) a drive hub; and (4) any
combination of the foregoing parts or subassemblies.
No
Yes, please provide country of origin:
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 10
Definitions
“Imports” –Those products identified for Customs purposes as imports for consumption for
which your firm was the importer of record (i.e., was responsible for paying any import duty) or
consignee (i.e., to which the merchandise was first delivered).
“Import quantities” –Quantities reported should be net of returns.
“Import values”—Values reported should be landed, duty‐paid values at the U.S. port of entry,
including ocean freight and insurance costs, brokerage charges, and import duties (i.e., all
charges except inland freight in the United States).
“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. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
II‐6.
Page 11
IMPORTS FROM CHINA.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of large residential washers imported from China by your firm during the specified periods.
CHINA
Quantity (in actual units), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
2015
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
End‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (J)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors/retailers
(quantity) (K)
To end users/consumers
(quantity) (L)
1
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/
company transfers:
Quantity (F)
2
Value (G)
3
Export shipments:
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
1
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses 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 of the periods noted above: .
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets: .
2
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 12
II‐6. IMPORTS FROM CHINA.–Continued
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line J) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line A),
plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, and H). 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
2012
A + B – D – F – H – J = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
2013
0
January‐September
2014
0
0
2014
2015
0
0
1
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate: .
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines K and L) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. commercial
shipments (i.e., line D) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero
(i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
January‐September
Reconciliation item
K + L – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2012
2013
0
2014
0
2014
0
0
2015
0
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
II‐7.
Page 13
U.S. IMPORTS FROM CHINA: U.S. commercial shipment data, by configuration and efficiency.‐
‐Report your firm’s U.S. commercial shipments of U.S. imports of large residential washers from
China during the specified periods, by configuration (top vs. front load) and if reporting top load
residential washers then also by efficiency (non high efficiency vs. high efficiency).
Quantity (in actual units) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2012
Commercial U.S. shipments of U.S. imports of—
Top‐load LRWs.—
Non high efficiency top‐load LRWs.—
Quantity (M)
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
Value (N)
2015
1
High efficiency top‐load LRWs.—
Quantity (O)
Value (P)
Front load LRWs.—
Quantity (Q)
Value (R)
1
Please provide the standard your firm used to define “high efficiency” and explain any changes that occurred during the period of
investigation.
RECONCILIATION OF COMMERCIAL SHIPMENTS.—Quantity and value of commercial U.S. shipments
reported in this question should reconcile with the data reported in question II‐6. If the reconciliation
formulas below are not returning zeroes ("0")s in each period, please revise the data either in this
question or in question II‐6 so that they are returning zeroes prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
2015
Quantity reconciliation.‐‐M + O + Q ‐ D =
should equal zero ("0"), if not revise.
0
0
0
0
0
Value reconciliation.‐‐N + P + R ‐ E =
should equal zero ("0"), if not revise.
0
0
0
0
0
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
II‐8.
Page 14
IMPORTS FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments
and inventories of large residential washers imported from all other sources combined by your
firm during the specified periods.
ALL OTHER SOURCES COMBINED
(List sources:
)
Quantity (in actual units), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
2015
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
End‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (J)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors/retailers
(quantity) (K)
To end users/consumers
(quantity) (L)
1
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption/
company transfers:
Quantity (F)
2
Value (G)
3
Export shipments:
Quantity (H)
Value (I)
1
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses 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 of the periods noted above: .
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets: .
2
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
II‐8.
Page 15
IMPORTS FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES.–Continued
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line J) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line A),
plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, and H). 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
2012
A + B – D – F – H – J = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
2013
0
January‐September
2014
0
0
2014
2015
0
0
1
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate: .
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines K and L) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. commercial
shipments (i.e., line D) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero
(i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
January‐September
Reconciliation item
K + L – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2012
2013
0
2014
0
2014
0
0
2015
0
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
II‐9.
Page 16
U.S. IMPORTS FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES: U.S. commercial shipment data, by configuration
and efficiency.‐‐Report your firm’s U.S. commercial shipments of U.S. imports of large
residential washers from all other sources during the specified periods, by configuration (top vs.
front load) and if reporting top load residential washers then also by efficiency (non high
efficiency vs. high efficiency).
Quantity (in actual units) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2012
Commercial U.S. shipments of U.S. imports of—
Top‐load LRWs.—
Non high efficiency top‐load LRWs.—
Quantity (M)
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
Value (N)
2015
1
High efficiency top‐load LRWs.—
Quantity (O)
Value (P)
Front load LRWs.—
Quantity (Q)
Value (R)
1
Please provide the standard your firm used to define “high efficiency” and explain any changes that occurred during the period of
investigation.
RECONCILIATION OF COMMERCIAL SHIPMENTS.—Quantity and value of commercial U.S. shipments
reported in this question should reconcile with the data reported in question II‐8. If the reconciliation
formulas below are not returning zeroes ("0")s in each period, please revise the data either in this
question or in question II‐8 so that they are returning zeroes prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
2015
Quantity reconciliation.‐‐M + O + Q ‐ D =
should equal zero ("0"), if not revise.
0
0
0
0
0
Value reconciliation.‐‐N + P + R ‐ E =
should equal zero ("0"), if not revise.
0
0
0
0
0
II‐10. Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 17
PART III.‐‐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) and/or Cindy Cohen (202‐205‐3230, Cindy.cohen@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
PRICE DATA
III‐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 your firm imported
from China:
Product 1.‐‐ Front loading, Energy Star rated washer; direct drive; rated DOE capacity greater
than or equal to 3.7 cubic feet but less than 4.2 cubic feet; no water heater
included; no steam cycle(s) included; no LCD display; white finish.
Product 2.‐‐ Top loading, Energy Star rated washer; direct drive; impeller; rated DOE capacity
greater than or equal to 4.2 cubic feet but less than 4.7 cubic feet; no water heater
included; no steam cycle(s) included; solid opaque lid; white finish.
Product 3.‐‐ Front loading, Energy Star rated washer; direct drive; rated DOE capacity greater
than or equal to 3.7 cubic feet but less than 4.2 cubic feet; water heater included;
steam cycle(s) included; no LCD display; white finish.
Product 4.‐‐ Front loading, Energy Star rated washer; direct drive; rated DOE capacity greater
than or equal to 4.2 cubic feet but less than 4.7 cubic feet; no water heater
included; no steam cycle(s) included; no LCD display; white finish.
Product 5.‐‐ Top loading, Energy Star rated washer; direct drive; impeller; rated DOE capacity
greater than or equal to 4.7 cubic feet but less than 5.2 cubic feet; water heater
included; no steam cycle(s) included; lid includes clear or tinted window; white
finish.
Product 6.‐‐ Front loading, Energy Star rated washer; direct drive; rated DOE capacity greater
than or equal to 4.2 cubic feet but less than 4.7 cubic feet; water heater included;
steam cycle(s) included; no LCD display; any non‐white finish.
Product 7‐‐ Top loading washer; not Energy Star rated; no direct drive; impeller; no water heater
included; no steam cycle(s) included; solid opaque lid; white finish.
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 18
If the DOE rated capacity for a particular SKU/model number/product code changed during the
period, classify the SKU/model number/product code consistent with the capacity being
advertised at the time of sale. Classify a washer as Energy Star if it was being advertised as
Energy Star at the time of sale.
Please report values as follows:
Total dollar values should be f.o.b., U.S. point of shipment and should not include U.S.‐inland
transportation costs. Values should be net of direct and indirect discounts (i.e., all discounts,
incentives, allowances, rebates, promotional amount, cash incentives for retail sales
personnel (SPIFFs) or other sales support, and/or any other form of payment or allowance to a
retailer).
Direct discounts are tied to sales of the specific large residential washer(s) for which pricing data
are requested, whether or not such discounts are given on the sales price to the customer or are
in the form of a post‐sale discount, rebate or other type of sales support after the customer
resells the product to its customer.
Indirect discounts, while not specifically tied to the products in question, are properly allocable
to sales of such products because sales of such products were part of the basis on which the
discount, incentive, allowance, etc. was given. In each case, the basis for the allocation of these
allocated discounts, rebates, etc. should be the value of sales of the pricing product at issue as a
percentage of the value of all the products sold by your firm to a customer that also qualified for
the same discount, rebate, etc. Thus, for example, the value of a discount given to a customer
because it reached an annual large residential washer sales target would be allocated over large
residential washer sales to that customer.
III‐2a. During January 2012‐September 2015, did your firm import from China 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 as appropriate.
No.‐‐Skip to question III‐3.
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 19
III‐2b. Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported from China
and sold by your firm.
China
Report data in actual units and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity2 in actual units, value3 in actual dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 4
Period of shipment
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
April‐June
July‐September
1
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first two pages of Part III.
2
Report quantity net of returns.
3
Report the U.S. f.o.b. sales value net of returns, and net of direct and indirect discounts as defined on the second page of Part III. Also deduct
any U.S. freight costs to your customers’ receiving points that were absorbed by your firm (i.e., not charged to your customers).
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:
Product 4:
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 20
III‐2b. Price data.—Continued‐‐Report below the quarterly price data for pricing products1 imported
from China and sold by your firm.
China
Report data in actual units and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity2 in actual units, value3 in actual dollars)
Product 5
Product 6
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 7
Period of shipment
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
April‐June
July‐September
1
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first two pages of Part III.
2
Report quantity net of returns.
3
Report the U.S. f.o.b. sales value net of returns, and net of direct and indirect discounts as defined on the second page of Part III.
Also deduct any U.S. freight costs to your customers’ receiving points that were absorbed by your firm (i.e., not charged to your
customers).
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 5:
Product 6:
Product 7:
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 21
III‐2c. Pricing product SKUs.‐‐ Identify each SKU/model number/product code for which you have
reported data.
SKU/model number/product code1
Pricing Product
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Product 4
Product 5
Product 6
Product 7
1
Provide a specification sheet for each that allows the Commission to determine that each SKU/model
number/product code contains each of the characteristics identified in the product’s definition.
III‐2d. Pricing data methodology.—Please describe the method and the kinds of documents/records
that were used to compile your price data.
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 22
III‐3. Price setting.‐‐ How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of large
residential washers (check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample pages of a
recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction
Contracts
III‐4.
Set price
lists
Profit margin
off of minimum
advertised
price (MAP)
Other
If other, describe
Discount policy.—
(a)
Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that apply).
Annual
total
Sales
Quantity volume
discounts discounts incentives
Promotional
discounts
Cooperative
advertising
allowances
Co‐
marketing
funds
Other1
1
Describe other:
(b) Does your firm provide discounts, rebates, or any other type of allowances to a retailer
based on units sold by the retailer, based on sales from your firm to the retailer, or both?
No
Yes If yes, please describe.
(c) Describe each type of indirect discount, rebate or other form of sales support that your firm
offers to retailers and/or distributors of large residential washers. For each, describe how a
retailer qualifies, the formula that determines the indirect discount amount, and the timing
of the payment (for rebates and allowances).
(d) Does your firm negotiate for more floor space, end‐cap space, promotional displays, or
other promotional considerations in exchange for direct and/or indirect discounts?
No
Yes If yes, please describe.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
III‐5.
Page 23
Pricing terms.‐‐
(a)
What are your firm’s typical sales terms for large residential washers imported from
China?
Net 30
days
Net 60
days
2/10 net 30
days
Other
Other (specify)
(b)
On what basis are your firm’s prices of imported of large residential washers from China
usually quoted (check one)?
Delivered
F.o.b.
III‐6.
If f.o.b., specify point
Contract versus spot.‐‐Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of large residential
washers imported from China 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
%
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
III‐7.
Page 24
Contract provisions.—Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
large residential washers from China (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
Item
Short‐term
contracts
(multiple deliveries
for less than 12
months)
Average contract
duration
# of days
Long‐term contracts
Annual contracts
(multiple deliveries (multiple deliveries for
for 12 months)
more than 12 months)
365
Yes
No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes
No
Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)
Fixed quantity
and/or price
Meet or release
provision
Not applicable
III‐8.
Lead times.‐‐What is your firm’s share of sales of large residential washers imported from China
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 large residential washers?
Lead time
(average
number of
Share of
days)
Source
2014 sales
From your firm’s U.S. inventory
%
From foreign manufacturers’ inventory
%
Produced to order
%
0.0 %
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
III‐9.
Page 25
Shipping information.—
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of large residential
washers imported from China 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)
When your firm sells large residential washers imported from China, from where is it
shipped?
Point of importation Storage facility (check one)
Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of large residential washers
imported from China that are delivered the following distances from your firm’s U.S.
point of shipment.
Distance from your firm’s U.S. point of shipment
Share
Within 100 miles
%
101 to 1,000 miles
%
Over 1,000 miles
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
0.0 %
III‐10. Geographical shipments.‐‐In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold large
residential washers imported from subject countries since January 1, 2012 (check all that
apply)?
Geographic area
China
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 26
III‐11. Demand trends.‐‐ Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for large residential washers 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 Fluctuate with
increase change decrease no clear trend
Explanation and factors
Within
the United
States
Outside
the United
States
III‐12. Product changes.‐‐Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix or
marketing of large residential washers since January 1, 2012?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe.
III‐13. Conditions of competition.—
(a) Is the large residential washers market subject to business cycles (other than general
economy‐wide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to large
residential washers?
Check all that apply.
Please describe.
No
Skip to question III‐14.
Yes‐Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes‐Other distinctive
conditions of competition
(b) If yes, have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition for
large residential washers since January 1, 2012?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 27
III‐14. Supply constraints.‐‐Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply large residential
washers 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.
III‐15. Raw materials.‐‐ How have large residential washers raw materials prices changed since January
1, 2012?
Fluctuate
with no
Overall
No
Overall
increase change decrease clear trend
Explain, noting how raw material price changes
have affected your firm’s selling prices for large
residential washers.
III‐16. Interchangeability.—Are the large residential washers produced in the United States and in other
countries interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same applications)?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = the products from a specified country‐pair are always interchangeable
F = the products are frequently interchangeable
S = the products are sometimes interchangeable
N = the products are never interchangeable
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country‐pair
Country‐pair
China
Other countries
United States
China
For any country‐pair producing large residential washers that is sometimes or never
interchangeable, identify the country‐pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude
interchangeable use:
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 28
III‐17. Factors other than price.‐‐Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between large residential
washers 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
Country‐pair
China
Other countries
United States
China
For any country‐pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of large residential washers, identify the country‐pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 29
III‐18. Customer identification.‐‐List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for large residential washers since January 1, 2012. Indicate the share of the quantity
of your firm’s total shipments of large residential washers 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
III‐19. Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Large Residential Washers
Page 30
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://www.usitc.gov/investigations/title_7/2015/large_residential_washers_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: WASH
• E‐mail.—E‐mail the MS Word questionnaire to chris.cassise@usitc.gov; include a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1).
Submitters are strongly encouraged to encrypt nonpublic documents that are electronically transmitted
to the Commission to protect your sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. The USITC secure
drop‐box system and the Electronic Document Information System (EDIS) use Federal Information
Processing Standards (FIPS) 140‐2 cryptographic algorithms to encrypt data in transit. Submitting your
nonpublic documents by a means that does not use these encryption algorithms (such as by email) may
subject your firm’s nonpublic information to unauthorized disclosure during transmission. If you choose a
non‐encrypted method of electronic transmission, the Commission warns you that the risk of such
possible unauthorized disclosure is assumed by you and not by the Commission.
If your firm did not import this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned copy to
the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, it is required to serve a copy of the
completed questionnaire on parties to the proceeding that are subject to administrative protective
order (see 19 CFR § 207.7). A list of such parties may be obtained from the Commission’s Secretary (202‐
205‐1803). A certificate of service must accompany the completed questionnaire 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 - U.S. Importer_Washers_Prelim |
| Author | chris.cassise |
| File Modified | 2015-12-18 |
| File Created | 2015-12-18 |