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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 16‐1‐3432; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
CERTAIN BIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRID PRODUCTS FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by January 27, 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 countervailing and antidumping duty investigations concerning certain biaxial integral geogrid
products (“biaxial integral geogrids”) from China (Inv. Nos. 701‐TA‐554 and 731‐TA‐1309 (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 biaxial integral geogrids (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: GRID)
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. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.‐‐This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on January 13, 2016, by
Tensar Corporation, Morrow, Georgia. Countervailing and 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 subsidization and/or dumping. Questionnaires and other information pertinent to this
proceeding are available at
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/certain_biaxial_integral_geogrid_products_china/p
reliminary.htm.
Biaxial integral geogrid covered by these investigations are a polymer grid or mesh material (whether
or not finished, slit, cut‐to‐length, attached to woven or non‐woven fabric or sheet material, or
packaged) in which four‐sided openings in the form of squares, rectangles, rhomboids, diamonds, or
other four‐sided figures predominate. The products covered have strands (which generally have at least
some degree of molecular orientation) that constitute the sides of the openings and integral junctions
where the strands intersect. The products covered have a tensile strength of greater than 5 kilonewtons
per meter (“kN/m”) as measured by American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) Standard
D6637/D6637M in any direction and average overall flexural stiffness of more than 100,000 milligram‐
centimeter as measured under the ASTM D7748/D7748M Standard Test Method for Flexural Rigidity of
Geogrids, Geotextiles and Related Products.
Subject merchandise includes material matching the above description that has been finished,
packaged, or otherwise further processed in a third country, including by trimming, slitting, coating,
cutting, attaching to woven or non‐woven fabric or sheet material, or any other finishing, packaging, or
other further processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the
investigations if performed in the country of manufacture of the biaxial integral geogrid.
All products that meet the written physical description are within the scope of these investigations
unless specifically excluded. The following products are outside of and/or specifically excluded from the
scope of these investigations:
(i) grid or mesh materials comprised of strands (including strands consisting of bundled, coated, or
sheathed fibers or filaments) that are:
(a) woven, knitted, or stitched together;
(b) mechanically joined (such as through tying, stapling, or use of rings);
(c) joined together by calendaring, heating, lasers, or welding in such a way as to lack a
homogenous or integral junction, such as where strands running in different directions remain
mostly in two planes; or
(d) bonded together with adhesives or other materials; and
(ii) grid or mesh materials wholly comprised of materials other than polypropylene or high density
polyethylene.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 3
The products subject to the scope are currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States (“HTSUS”) under the following provisions: 3926.90.99.95. Subject
merchandise may also enter under provisions 3920.20.00.55 and 3925.90.00.00. The HTSUS
subheadings set forth above are provided for convenience and U.S. Customs purposes only. The
written description of the scope is dispositive.
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 biaxial integral geogrids 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 ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
I‐1a.
Page 4
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 biaxial integral geogrids,
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 ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
I‐3.
Petition support.‐‐Does your firm support or oppose the petition?
Support
Oppose
I‐4.
I‐5.
Page 5
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 biaxial integral geogrids from China into the United States
or that are engaged in exporting biaxial integral geogrids 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 biaxial integral geogrids?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 6
PART II.‐‐TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Amy Sherman (202‐205‐
3289, amy.sherman@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 biaxial integral geogrids 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 ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 7
II‐3a. Production using same machinery.‐‐Please report your firm’s production of products made on
the same equipment and machinery used to produce biaxial integral geogrids, 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).September
“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 pounds)
Calendar years
Item
Overall production capacity
Production of:
Biaxial integral geogrids1
2
Other products
Total
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
2015
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Data entered for production of biaxial integral geogrids will populate here once reported in question
II‐7.
2
Please identify these products: .
II‐3b. Operating parameters.‐‐The production capacity reported in II‐3a is based on operating hours
per week, weeks per year.
II‐3c. Capacity calculation.‐‐Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall production
capacity reported in II‐3a, and explain any changes in reported capacity.
II‐3d. Production constraints.‐‐Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s
production capacity.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 8
II‐3e. Product shifting.—
(i)
Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between biaxial integral geogrids 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: .
(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 ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
II‐4.
Page 9
Tolling.‐‐Since January 1, 2012, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of biaxial integral geogrids?
“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 product 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
II‐5.
Foreign trade zones.‐‐
(a)
Firm's FTZ operations.‐‐Does your firm produce biaxial integral geogrids in and/or admit
biaxial integral geogrids 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 biaxial integral geogrids into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for use in distribution of
biaxial integral geogrids 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 biaxial integral geogrids?
“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
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 10
“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 ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
II‐7.
Page 11
Production, shipment and inventory data.‐‐ Report your firm’s production capacity, production,
shipments, and inventories related to the production of biaxial integral geogrids in its U.S.
establishment(s) during the specified periods.
BIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
1
Average production capacity (quantity) (A)
2014
Beginning‐of‐period inventories (quantity)
(B)
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption:
Quantity (F)
2
Value (G)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (H)
2
Value (I)
Export shipments:3
Quantity (J)
Value (K)
End‐of‐period inventories4 (quantity) (L)
2015
1
The production capacity 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 .
2
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: .
3
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 L) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line B), plus
production (i.e., line C), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J). 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
B + C – D – F – H – J – L = should equal
zero ("0") or provide an explanation.1
1
2012
2013
0
January‐September
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 ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
II‐8.
Page 12
Channels of distribution.‐‐ Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments of biaxial integral
geogrids by channel of distribution.
BIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in pounds)
Calendar years
Item
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (quantity) (M)
To end users/contractors
(quantity) (N)
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
2015
Calendar years
Reconciliation
M + N – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2012
2013
0
January‐September
2014
0
2014
0
0
2015
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
II‐9.
Page 13
Employment data.‐‐Report your firm’s employment‐related data related to the production of
biaxial integral geogrids 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 September periods, calculate similarly and divide by 9.
“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
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
2015
Average number of PRWs
(number)
Hours worked by PRWs
(1,000 hours)
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
Explanation of trends:
II‐10. Related firms.‐‐If your firm reported transfers to related firms in question II‐7, please indicate
the nature of the relationship between your firm and the related firms (e.g., joint venture,
wholly owned subsidiary), whether the transfers were priced at market value or by a non‐
market formula, whether your firm retained marketing rights to all transfers, and whether the
related firms also processed inputs from sources other than your firm.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 14
II‐11. Purchases.‐‐Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased biaxial integral
geogrids since January 1, 2012?
“Purchase” – A transaction to buy product 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 product.
“Direct import” –A transaction to buy from a foreign producer where your firm is the importer
of record or consignee.
No
Yes‐‐Report such purchases below and explain the reasons for your firms'
purchases:
(Quantity in pounds)
Calendar years
Item
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
2015
Purchases from U.S.
importers1 of biaxial integral
geogrids from—
China
All other import 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‐12. 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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 15
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 biaxial integral geogrids:
2. Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for biaxial integral geogrids:
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 product group that includes biaxial integral
geogrids, 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.).
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
III‐4.
Page 16
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 biaxial integral geogrids, and provide the share of net sales accounted for by these
products in your firm’s most recent fiscal year.
Products
III‐6.
Share of sales
biaxial integral geogrids
%
%
%
%
%
Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or any services) used in the
production of biaxial integral geogrids 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 biaxial
integral geogrids that your firm purchases from related suppliers and that are reflected in table
III‐9a. 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 ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
III‐8.
Page 17
Inputs purchased from related suppliers.‐‐Please confirm that the inputs purchased from
related suppliers, as identified in III‐7, were reported in III‐9a (financial results on biaxial integral
geogrids) 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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 18
III‐9a. Operations on biaxial integral geogrids.‐‐Report the revenue and related cost information
requested below on the biaxial integral geogrids 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 (202‐708‐4725) before completing this section of the
questionnaire.
Quantity (in pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
Net sales quantities:2
Commercial sales (“CS”)
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
2015
0
0
0
0
0
Internal consumption (“IC”)
0
0
0
0
0
Transfers to related firms (“Transfers”)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total net sales quantities
2
Net sales values:
Commercial sales
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
Total net sales values
Cost of goods sold (COGS):3
Raw materials
Direct labor
Other factory costs
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
Total COGS
0
0
0
0
0
Gross profit or (loss)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A)
expenses:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
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
Total SG&A expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other expenses and income:
Interest expense
Net income or (loss) before income taxes
Depreciation/amortization included above
1 Include only sales (whether domestic or export) and costs related to your U.S. manufacturing operations.
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.
Note ‐‐ The table above contains calculations that will appear when you have entered data in the MS
Word form fields.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 19
III‐9b. Financial data reconciliation.‐‐The calculable line items from question III‐9a (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.
III‐10. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in the subject product financial results.‐‐For
each annual and interim period for which financial results are reported in question III‐9a, please
specify all material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the schedule below,
the specific table III‐9a 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‐9a; i.e., if an aggregate nonrecurring item has been allocated to table III‐9a, only the allocated
value amount included in table III‐9a 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 of the subject product in table III‐9a.
Fiscal years ended‐‐
2012
2013
January‐September
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‐9a.
specific line item in table III‐9a 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
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
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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., just as responses to question III‐10 identify where these items
are reported in table III‐9a.
III‐12. Asset values.‐‐Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long‐term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of biaxial integral geogrids. If your firm does not maintain
some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for biaxial
integral geogrids in the normal course of business, please estimate this information based upon
a method (such as production, sales, or costs) that is consistent with relevant cost allocations in
table III‐9a. Provide data as of the end of your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years.
Note: Total assets should reflect net assets after any accumulated depreciation and allowances
deducted.
Total assets should be allocated to the subject products if these assets are also related to other
products. Please provide a brief explanation if there are any substantial changes in total asset
value during the period; e.g., due to asset write‐offs, revaluation, and major purchases.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2012
2013
1
Total assets (net)
1
III‐13.
2014
Describe
Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.‐‐Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for biaxial integral geogrids. 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‐September
2014
Capital expenditures
Research and development expenses
1
2014
2015
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on the subject product.
2
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to subject product.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 21
III‐14. Data consistency and reconciliation.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm’s financial data for
questions III‐9a, III‐12, and III‐13 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‐9a should reconcile with the data
reported in question II‐7 (including export shipments) as long as they are reported on the same
calendar year basis.
Do these data in question III‐9a reconcile with data in question II‐7?
Yes
No
If no, please explain.
III‐15. Effects of imports on investment.‐‐Since January 1, 2012, has your firm experienced any actual
negative effects on its return on investment or the scale of capital investments as a result of
imports of biaxial integral geogrids from China?
No
Yes‐‐My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
Cancellation, postponement,
or rejection of expansion
projects
Denial or rejection of
investment proposal
Reduction in the size of
capital investments
Return on specific
investments negatively
impacted
Other
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 22
III‐16. Effects of imports on growth and development.‐‐Since January 1, 2012, has your firm
experienced any actual negative effects on its growth, ability to raise capital, or existing
development and production efforts (including efforts to develop a derivative or more advanced
version of the product) as a result of imports of biaxial integral geogrids from China?
No
Yes‐‐My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
Rejection of bank loans
Lowering of credit rating
Problem related to the issue
of stocks or bonds
Ability to service debt
Other
III‐17. Anticipated effects of imports.‐‐Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
biaxial integral geogrids from China?
No
Yes
If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows:
III‐18. 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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 23
PART IV.‐‐PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Cindy Cohen (202‐205‐3230,
cindy.cohen@usitc.gov).
IV‐1. 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. distributors and to unrelated U.S. end users/contractors since January 1, 2012
of the following products produced by your firm.
Product 1.‐‐Biaxial integral geogrid, made from polypropylene, commonly known as “Type 1” or
“BX 1100,” with a minimum rib thickness of 0.03 inches, and an ultimate tensile
strength of 850 lb/ft in the longitudinal direction (also known as “machine
direction” or “MD Value”) and 1,300 lb/ft in the transverse direction (also known as
“cross machine direction” or “XMD Value”).
Product 2.‐‐Biaxial integral geogrid, made from polypropylene, commonly known as “Type 2” or
“BX 1200,” with a minimum rib thickness of 0.05 inches, and an ultimate tensile
strength of 1,310 lb/ft for the MD Value, and 1,970 lb/ft for the XMD Value.
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‐September 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 tables as appropriate.
No.‐‐Skip to question IV‐3.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
IV‐2.
Page 24
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)
Sales to distributors
Sales to end users/contractors
Product 1
Product 2
Product 1
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
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
April‐June
July‐September
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:
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. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
IV‐3.
Page 25
Price setting.‐‐ How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of biaxial
integral geogrids (check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample
pages of a recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction
Contracts
IV‐4.
Set
price
lists
Other
If other, describe
Discount policy.‐‐ Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that
apply).
Quantity
discounts
Annual
total
volume
discounts
IV‐5.
Other
Describe
Pricing terms.‐‐
(a)
What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its U.S.‐produced biaxial integral geogrids?
Net 30
days
No
discount
policy
(b)
Net 60
days
2/10 net
30 days
Other
On what basis are your firm’s prices of domestic biaxial integral geogrids usually quoted
(check one)?
Delivered
Other (specify)
F.o.b.
If f.o.b., specify point
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
IV‐6.
Page 26
Contract versus spot.‐‐Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.‐produced biaxial
integral geogrids 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
IV‐7.
%
Type of sale
Short‐term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for 12
less than 12
months)
months)
%
Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)
Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)
%
%
0.0
%
Contract provisions.‐‐Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
U.S.‐produced biaxial integral geogrids (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on a
long‐term, short‐term and/or annual contract basis).
Long‐term contracts
(multiple deliveries for
more than 12 months)
365
Typical sales
contract provisions
Item
Average contract
duration
No. of
days
Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)
Yes
No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes
No
Fixed quantity
and/or price
Meet or release
provision
Not applicable
Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)
Short‐term contracts
(multiple deliveries
for less than 12
months)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
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 biaxial integral geogrids?
Share of 2014 Lead time (average
Source
sales
number of days)
From inventory
%
Produced to order
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
IV‐9.
Page 27
0.0 %
Shipping information.‐‐
(a)
(b)
(c)
What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of U.S.‐produced biaxial
integral geogrids 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 biaxial integral geogrids 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 biaxial integral geogrids 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.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 28
IV‐11. End uses.‐‐List the end uses of the biaxial integral geogrids that your firm manufactures. For
each end‐use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by biaxial integral
geogrids and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
Total
Biaxial integral
(should sum to
geogrids
Other inputs
End use product
100.0% across)
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
IV‐12. Substitutes.‐‐ Can other products be substituted for biaxial integral geogrids?
No
Yes‐‐Please fill out the table.
End use in which this
substitute is used
Substitute
0.0 %
Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for biaxial integral geogrids?
No Yes
Explanation
1.
2.
3.
IV‐13. Demand trends.‐‐ Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for biaxial integral geogrids 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
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 29
IV‐14. Product changes.‐‐Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of biaxial integral geogrids since January 1, 2012?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.
IV‐15. Conditions of competition.‐‐
(a) Is the biaxial integral geogrids market subject to business cycles (other than general
economy‐wide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to biaxial
integral geogrids? 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
biaxial integral geogrids since January 1, 2012?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
IV‐16. Supply constraints.‐‐Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply biaxial integral
geogrids 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 biaxial integral geogrids raw materials prices changed since January
1, 2012?
Fluctuate
Explain, noting how raw material price changes
Overall
No
Overall
with no
have affected your firm’s selling prices for biaxial
increase change decrease clear trend
integral geogrids.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 30
IV‐18. Interchangeability.‐‐Is biaxial integral geogrids 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
United States
China
China
Other countries
For any country‐pair producing biaxial integral geogrids 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. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 31
IV‐19. Factors other than price.‐‐Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between biaxial integral geogrids
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
United States
China
China
Other countries
For any country‐pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of biaxial integral geogrids, identify the country‐pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 32
IV‐20. Customer identification.‐‐List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for biaxial integral geogrids since January 1, 2012. Indicate the share of the quantity
of your firm’s total shipments of biaxial integral geogrids 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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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 33
IV‐21. Competition from imports
(a)
Lost revenue.‐‐Since January 1, 2012: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling biaxial
integral geogrids 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 biaxial integral geogrids to
imports of this product from China?
No
Yes
(c)
The submission of lost sales/lost revenue allegations is to be completed only by NON‐
PETITIONERS.
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: GRID)
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 34
PART V.‐‐ ALTERNATIVE PRODUCT INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Amy Sherman (202‐205
3289, amy.sherman@usitc.gov).
V‐1. Comparability of biaxial integral geogrids vs triaxial integral geogrids.‐‐For each of the
following indicate whether biaxial integral geogrids (subject to these investigations) and triaxial
integral geogrids (a related product) 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.
(a)
Characteristics and Uses.‐‐ The differences and similarities in the physical
characteristics and end uses between biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral
geogrids.
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 biaxial integral geogrids and
triaxial integral geogrids 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 ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
V‐1.
Page 35
Comparability of biaxial integral geogrids vs triaxial integral geogrids.‐‐Continued
(c)
Manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees.‐‐ Whether
refined biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral geogrids 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
biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral geogrids 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 ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
V‐1.
Page 36
Comparability of biaxial integral geogrids vs triaxial integral geogrids.‐‐Continued
(e)
Customer and producer perceptions.‐‐Perceptions as to the differences and/or
similarities in biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral geogrids 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 biaxial integral geogrids and
triaxial integral geogrids.
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 ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
V‐2.
Page 37
Production, shipment , inventory, and financial data of triaxial integral geogrids.‐‐ Report your
firm’s production capacity, production, shipments, inventories, and financial data related to the
production of triaxial integral geogrids in its U.S. establishment(s) during the specified periods.
TRIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2012
2013
2014
1
Average production capacity (quantity) (A)
Beginning‐of‐period inventories (quantity)
(B)
Value (G)
2
Value (I)
Export shipments:3
Quantity (J)
2
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (H)
Value (E)
Internal consumption:
Quantity (F)
2014
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
January‐September
Value (K)
2015
Net sales quantities
Net sales value
Cost of goods sold (value)
SG&A expenses (value)
Operating income or (loss) (value)
Capital expenditures (value)
1
0
0
0
0
End‐of‐period inventories4 (quantity) (L)
0
0
Gross profit or (loss) (value)
0
0
0
0
The production capacity 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 .
2
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: .
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets: .
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 38
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line L) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line B),
plus production (i.e., line C), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J). 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
B + C – D – F – H – J – L = should equal
zero ("0") or provide an explanation.1
1
2013
0
January‐September
2014
0
2014
0
2015
0
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless accurate: .
V‐3.
Channels of distribution.‐‐ Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments of triaxial integral
geogrids by channel of distribution.
TRIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in pounds) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (quantity) (M)
To end users/contractors
(quantity) (N)
2012
2013
January‐September
2014
2014
2015
Calendar years
Reconciliation
M + N – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2012
2013
0
January‐September
2014
0
2014
0
0
2015
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire ‐ Biaxial integral geogrids
Page 39
HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the Commission’s website at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/certain_biaxial_integral_geogrid_products_china/p
reliminary.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: GRID
• E‐mail.—E‐mail the MS Word questionnaire to amy.sherman@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 does not produce 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 - US producer questionnaire Biaxial Geogrid |
Author | amy.sherman |
File Modified | 2016-01-15 |
File Created | 2016-01-15 |