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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 16‐3‐3474; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
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U.S. PURCHASERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
HYDROFLUOROCARBONS BLENDS AND COMPONENTS FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by April 28, 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 investigations concerning hydrofluorocarbon blends and components from China (inv.
No. 731‐TA‐1279 (Final)). 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)). Further information on
this questionnaire can be obtained from Michele Breaux (202‐2015‐2781, Michele.breaux@usitc.gov).
Name of firm
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Website
Has your firm purchased in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components (as defined on next page) from
any China at any time since January 1, 2013?
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: XXXX)
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 submitting 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. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.‐‐This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on June 25, 2015, by The
American HFC Coalition and its members (Amtrol, Inc., West Warwick, Rhode Island; Arkema, Inc., King
of Prussia, Pennsylvania; The Chemours Company FC LLC, Wilmington, Delaware; Honeywell
International Inc., Morristown, New Jersey; Hudson Technologies, Pearl River, New York; Mexichem
Fluor Inc., St. Gabriel, Louisiana; Worthington Industries, Inc., Columbus, Ohio) and District Lodge 154 of
the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Antidumping duties may be
assessed on the subject imports as a result of this proceeding 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_7/2016/hydrofluorocarbon_blends_and_components_china/f
inal.htm.
Certain hydroflurocarbon blends and components: The products covered by these investigations are:
blended hydrofluorocarbons (“HFCs”) and single HFC components of those blends thereof, whether or
not imported for blending, including the following:
HFC components covered by the scope of this investigation:
(1) R‐32 or “Difluoromethane” has the chemical formula CH2F2, and is registered as CAS No. 75‐
10‐5. It may also be known HFC‐32, FC‐32, Freon‐32, Methylene difluoride, Methylene fluoride,
Carbon fluoride hydride, halocarbon R32, fluorocarbon R32, and UN 3252.
R‐32 is sold under various trade names, including Solkane®32, Forane®32, and Klea®32.
(2) R‐125 or “1,1,1,2,2‐Pentafluoroethane” has the chemical formula CF3CHF2 and is registered
as CAS No. 354‐33‐6. R‐125 may also be known as HFC‐125, Pentafluoroethane, Freon 125, and
Fc‐125.
R‐125 is sold under various trade names, including Solkane®125, Klea®125, Genetron®125, and
Forane®125.
(3) R‐143a or “1,1,1‐Trifluoroethane” has the chemical formula CF3CH3 and is registered as CAS
No. 420‐46‐2. R‐143a may also be known as HFC‐143a, Methylfluoroform, 1,1,1‐Trifluoroform,
and UN2035.
R‐143a is sold under various trade names, including Solkane®143a, Genetron®143a, and
Forane®125.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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HFC blends covered by the scope of this investigation:
(1) R‐404A: a zeotropic mixture consisting of 52 percent R‐143a, 44 percent by weight R‐125,
and 4 percent 1,1,1,2‐Tetrafluoroethane (“R‐134a”).
R‐404A is sold under various trade names, including Forane® 404A, Genetron® 404A, Solkane®
404A, Klea® 404A, and Suva®404A.
(2) R‐407A: a zeotropic mixture of 20 percent R‐32, 40 percent R‐125, and 40 percent R‐134a.
R‐407A is sold under various trade names, including Forane® 407A, Solkane® 407A, Klea®407A,
and Suva®407A.
(3) R‐407C: a zeotropic mixture of 23 percent R‐32, 25 percent R‐125, and 52 percent R‐134a.
R‐407C is sold under various trade names, including Forane® 407C, Genetron® 407C, Solkane®
407C, Klea® 407C and Suva® 407C.
(4) R‐410A: a zeotropic mixture of 50 percent R‐32 and 50 percent R‐125.
R‐410A is sold under various trade names, including EcoFluor R410, Forane® 410A, Genetron®
R410A and AZ‐20, Solkane® 410A, Klea® 410A, Suva® 410A, and Puron®.
(5) R‐507A: an azeotropic mixture of 50 percent R‐125 and 50 percent R‐143a also known as R‐
507.
R‐507A is sold under various trade names, including Forane® 507, Solkane® 507, Klea®507,
Genetron®AZ‐50, and Suva®507.
The foregoing percentages are nominal percentages by weight. Actual percentages of single
component refrigerants by weight may vary by plus or minus two percent points from the
nominal percentage identified above.
Products excluded from the scope of this investigation:
Excluded from this investigation are:
(1) Blends of refrigerant chemicals that include products other than HFCs, such as blends
including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
(2) Patented HFC blends, such as ISCEON® blends, including MO99™ (RR‐438A), MO79 (R‐422A),
MO59 (R‐417A), MO49Plus™ (R‐437A) and MO29™ (R‐422D), and Genetron® Performax™ LT (R‐
407F), Choice® R‐421A, and Choice® R‐421B.
(3) HFC component R‐134a.
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 4
HFC blends included in the scope of this investigation are currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (“HTS”) in subheadings 3824.78.0020 and 3824.78.0050.1 Single
component HFCs included in the scope of this investigation are currently classified at subheading
2903.39.2035.2 Although the HTSUS subheading and CAS registry number are provided for convenience
and customs purposes, the written description of the scope is dispositive.
Practical terminology for products in this questionnaire
Components
In‐scope HFC components = three (3) components, R‐32, R‐125, and R‐143a.
Out‐of‐scope HFC component = one (1) component, R‐134a.3
HFC components = four (4) components, R‐32, R‐125, R‐143a, and R‐134a.
Blends
In‐scope HFC blends = five (5) blends, R‐404A, R‐407A, R‐407C, R‐410A, and R‐507A.
Out‐of‐scope refrigerant blends = any blend that uses at least one in‐scope HFC component and
is not part of the 5 "in‐scope HFC blends" listed above. These include all other refrigerant
blends, including HFC, HCFC, and HFO blends. This includes proprietary and patented refrigerant
blends. See question V‐5 for a list of various out‐of‐scope refrigerant blends.
Producer.‐‐If your firm produces HFC components R‐32, R‐125, R‐143a, and R‐134a, HFC blends R‐404A,
R‐407A, R‐407C, R‐410A, and R‐507A, you are considered a “producer” in this investigation.
Reclaimer.‐‐If your firm removes impurities from any in‐scope HFC blends (R‐404A, R‐407A, R‐407C, R‐
410A, and R‐507A) through reclaiming, reconstituting, and/or recycling in order to produce the in‐scope
HFC blends by bringing these blends back to AHRI standards for customers, you must complete a
producer questionnaire.
Repackers.‐‐If your firm has both blending and repacking operations, please report your blending
operations only.
Importer.‐‐Any person or firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary, in
importing HFC blends and components (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.
1 Prior to 2016, HFC blends were classified in HTS subheading 3824.78.0000.
2 Prior to 2016, single component HFCs were classified in HTS subheading 2903.39.2030.
3 With the exception of questions in sections II‐4a and II‐4 on your firm’s ability to shift from in‐scope to out‐of‐
scope components and blends, discussion and data for out‐of‐scope HFC component refer only to R‐134a.
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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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. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 6
I‐1.
OMB statistics.‐‐Please report the actual number of hours required and the cost to your firm of
completing this questionnaire.
I‐2.
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
25 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 your U.S. establishment(s) covered
by this questionnaire, if different from that listed on the cover page. 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 importation of HFC blends and
components, 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. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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I‐4.
Related SUBJECT importers/exporters.‐‐ Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic
or foreign, that are engaged in importing HFC blends or HFC components from China into the
United States or that are engaged in exporting HFC blends or HFC components from China to the
United States?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
I‐5.
I‐6.
Address
Affiliation
Related NONSUBJECT importers/exporters.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either
domestic or foreign, which import HFC blends or HFC components from countries other than
China into the United States or which export HFC blends or HFC components from countries
other than China to the United States?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name and country
Address
Affiliation
Related producers.‐‐ Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of HFC blends or HFC components?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Firm name
Address
Affiliation
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 8
PART II.‐‐PURCHASES
Contact information.‐‐ Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which Commission
staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted in this questionnaire.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
II‐1. Purchases.—
(a) Report your firm’s total U.S. purchases of in‐scope HFC components. (Do not include imports
for which your firm was the importer of record; such imports should be reported in your U.S.
importer’s questionnaire.)
Item
2013
2014
2015
Purchases of in‐scope HFC components
produced in‐‐
United States
Quantity (in short tons)
All other countries:
Sources unknown
China
1
1
Please identify these countries:
(b) Report your firm’s total U.S. purchases of in‐scope HFC blends. (Do not include imports for
which your firm was the importer of record; such imports should be reported in your U.S.
importer’s questionnaire.)
Item
Purchases of in‐scope HFC blends
produced in‐‐
United States
2014
2015
Quantity (in short tons)
All other countries:
Sources unknown
China
1
1
Please identify these countries:
2013
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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II‐2. Changes in purchasing patterns.‐‐
(a) Please indicate how the shares of your firm’s purchases of in‐scope HFC components from
different sources have changed since January 1, 2013.
Source of Did not
purchases purchase Decreased Increased Constant Fluctuated
Explanation for trend
United
States
China
All other
countries
Sources
unknown
(a) Please indicate how the shares of your firm’s purchases of in‐scope HFC blends from
different sources have changed since January 1, 2013.
Source of Did not
purchases purchase Decreased Increased Constant Fluctuated
Explanation for trend
United
States
China
All other
countries
Sources
unknown
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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II‐3. Purchases from one country only.‐‐If your firm has purchased in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐
scope HFC components from only one country, please explain the reasons for doing so.
II‐4.
Supplier identification.‐‐Please list your firm’s FIVE largest suppliers for in‐scope HFC blends
and/or in‐scope HFC components since January 1, 2013. Also, provide the share of the quantity
of your firm’s total purchases of in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components that each
of these suppliers accounted for in 2015.
No.
Supplier’s name
City and state
Share of quantity of
2015 purchases
1
%
2
%
3
%
4
%
5
%
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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PART III.‐‐MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND PURCHASING PRACTICES
III‐1. Firm type.‐‐Which of the following best describes your firm as a purchaser of in‐scope HFC
blends and/or in‐scope HFC components (check all that apply)?
End user End user
Distributor
Other
Describe other
(blender) (reclaimer)
If your firm is a distributor of In‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components, please answer
questions III‐2 and III‐3.
III‐2. Competition for sales.‐‐Does your firm compete for sales to customers with the manufacturers
or importers from which your firm purchases wthin scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC
components?
No
Yes If yes, please describe.
III‐3.
Types of customers.‐‐What are the major types of consumers to which your firm sells in‐scope
HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components?
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 12
If your firm is an end user of in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components, please answer
questions III‐4 and III‐5.
III‐4. End uses.‐‐List the top 3 products your firm makes using in‐scope HFC blends and estimate the
percent of your total production cost that is accounted for by in‐scope HFC blends and by other
inputs (such as labor, energy, and other raw materials).
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)
End use product
In‐scope HFC blends
Other inputs
Residential a/c units
and heat pumps
%
%
0.0 %
Commercial a/c units
%
%
0.0 %
Commercial
refrigeration units
%
%
0.0 %
Transport
refrigeration units
%
%
0.0 %
Process refrigeration
units
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
1
Other
1
Explain the other end uses: .
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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III‐5. Demand for end use products.‐‐
(a)
End use demand.‐‐Has the demand for your firm’s final products incorporating in‐scope
HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components changed since January 1, 2013?
Overall
No
Overall
increase change decrease
Market
Fluctuate
with no
clear trend
Explanation and factors
In‐scope HFC components
Within
the United
States
Outside
the United
States
In‐scope HFC blends
Within
the United
States
Outside
the United
States
(b)
Subject product demand.—Have changes in the end use demand had any effect on your
firm’s demand for in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components?
No
Yes
Explain
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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III‐6. Substitutes.—
(a)
Component substitutes.‐‐ Can other products be substituted for in‐scope HFC
components?
No
Yes‐‐Please fill out the table.
In‐scope
Direct
HFC
Replacement?
component
replaced No
Yes
Explain, noting if Have changes in the price of this
any changes to substitute affected the price for
in‐scope components?
equipment are
needed.
No
Yes
Explanation
1.
2.
3.
Substitute
(b)
Blend substitutes.‐‐ Can other products be substituted for in‐scope HFC blends?
No
Yes‐‐Please fill out the table.
Substitute
Explain, noting if Have changes in the price of this
any changes to substitute affected the price for
Direct
In‐scope
in‐scope blends?
Replacement? equipment are
HFC blend
needed.
replaced No
Yes
No
Yes
Explanation
1.
2.
3.
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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III‐7. Demand trends.‐‐ Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components has changed since
January 1, 2013. 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
HFC components
Within the United
States
Outside the United
States
HFC blends
Within the United
States
Outside the United
States
III‐8.
Importance of purchasing domestic product.‐‐Please fill out the table below, estimating the
percentage of your firm’s total 2015 purchases of in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC
components that required in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components produced in
the United States.
Purchases that did not require domestic product
Purchases that were required by law or regulation to be domestic product
(e.g., government purchases under “Buy American” provisions)
Purchases that were not required by law or regulation, but were required by
your customers to be domestic product
Purchases that were required to be domestic product for other reasons
(explain: )
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
Estimated percentage of
your firm’s total 2015
purchases of in‐scope HFC
blends and/or in‐scope
HFC components
%
%
%
%
0.0 %
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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III‐9. Conditions of competition.‐‐
(a)
Is the market for in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components subject to
business cycles (other than general economy‐wide conditions) and/or other conditions
of competition distinctive to in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components? If
yes, describe.
Check all that apply.
Please describe.
In‐scope HFC components
No
Yes‐Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes‐Other distinctive
conditions of competition
In‐scope HFC blends
(b)
No
Yes‐Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes‐Other distinctive
conditions of competition
If yes, have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition for
in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components since January 1, 2013?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
In‐scope HFC
components
In‐scope HFC
blends
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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III‐10. Decisions based on producer and country‐of‐origin.‐‐How often does your firm, and if known,
do your customers, make purchasing decisions involving in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope
HFC components based on its producer or country of origin?
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Never
If at least sometimes, explain.
Decision based on producer
Your firm
Your
customers
Decision based on country of origin
Your firm
Your
customers
III‐11. Availability of supply.—
(a)
In‐scope HFC components.‐‐ Has the availability of in‐scope HFC components in the U.S.
market changed since January 1, 2013?
Availability in the U.S.
Please explain, noting the countries and reasons for the
market
No Yes changes.
U.S.‐produced product
Imports from China
Nonsubject imports
(b)
In‐scope HFC blends.‐‐ Has the availability of in‐scope HFC blends in the U.S. market
changed since January 1, 2013?
Availability in the U.S.
Please explain, noting the countries and reasons for the
market
No Yes changes.
U.S.‐produced product
Imports from China
Nonsubject imports
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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III‐12. Supply constraints.‐‐Has any firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply your firm with in‐
scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components since January 1, 2013 (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.
In‐scope HFC
components
In‐scope HFC
blends
III‐13. Purchasing frequency.‐‐
(a)
How frequently does your firm make purchases of in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope
HFC components (check one)?
Daily Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly Annually
Other If other, specify
(b)
Has this purchasing frequency changed since January 1, 2013?
No
Yes If yes, please describe.
III‐14. Number of suppliers contacted.‐‐How many suppliers does your firm generally contact before
making a purchase? Between and firms
III‐15. Supplier negotiations.‐‐Does your firm’s purchases of in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC
components usually involve negotiations between supplier and purchaser?
If yes, explain the factors your firm generally
negotiates and note whether your firm quotes
competing prices during negotiations.
No
Yes
In‐scope HFC
components
In‐scope HFC
blends
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
III‐16. Change in suppliers.‐‐Has your firm changed suppliers since January 1, 2013?
No
Yes
Page 19
If yes, please list the supplier(s), whether the firm was added or dropped,
and the reasons for the change.
III‐17. New suppliers.‐‐Are you aware of any new suppliers, either foreign or domestic, that have
entered the market since January 1, 2013?
No
Yes
If yes, please identify the firms.
III‐18. Supplier qualification.‐‐Do you require your suppliers to be or to become certified or qualified
to sell in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components to your firm?
If yes, provide the following information.
The number of days to qualify a new supplier.
A general description of the certification or qualification process. Also, a brief
description of the factors that you consider when qualifying a new supplier (e.g., quality
of product, reliability of supplier, etc.).
No
Yes
Number
of days Process and factors
III‐19. Failure to certify.‐‐Since January 1, 2013, have any domestic or foreign producers failed in their
attempts to certify or qualify their in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components with
your firm or have any producers lost their approved status?
No
Yes
If yes, please identify these firms, the countries where they are located,
and the reasons why they failed the certification/qualification.
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U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
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III‐20. Major purchasing factors.—
(a)
In‐scope HFC components.‐‐ Please list, in order of their importance, the main factors
your firm considers in deciding from whom to purchase in‐scope HFC components
(examples include availability, extension of credit, contracts, price, quality, range of
supplier’s product line, traditional supplier, etc.).
1.
2.
3.
Please list any other factors that are very important in your purchase decisions:
(a)
In‐scope HFC blends.‐‐ Please list, in order of their importance, the main factors your firm
considers in deciding from whom to purchase in‐scope HFC blends (examples include
availability, extension of credit, contracts, price, quality, range of supplier’s product line,
traditional supplier, etc.).
1.
2.
3.
Please list any other factors that are very important in your purchase decisions:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
III‐21. Purchasing factors.‐‐Please rate the importance of the following factors in your firm’s
purchasing decisions for in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components.
Very
important
Factor
Somewhat
important
Page 21
Not
important
Availability
Delivery terms
Delivery time
Discounts offered
Extension of credit
Minimum quantity requirements
Packaging
Price
Product consistency
Product range
Quality exceeds industry standards
Quality meets industry standards
Reliability of supply
Technical support/service
U.S. transportation costs
III‐22. Quality characteristics.‐‐What characteristics does your firm consider when determining the
quality of their in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components?
III‐23. Frequency of decisions based on price.‐‐How often does your firm purchase the in‐scope HFC
blends and/or in‐scope HFC components that are offered at the lowest price?
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Never
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 22
III‐24. Price leaders.— A price leader is defined as (1) one or more firms that initiate a price change,
either upward or downward, that is followed by other firms, or (2) one or more firms that have a
significant impact on prices. A price leader is not necessarily the lowest‐priced supplier.
Please list the names of any firms you considered price leaders in the in‐scope HFC blends
and/or in‐scope HFC components market since January 1, 2013.
Firm(s)
Describe how the firm(s) exhibited price leadership
III‐25. Switching to imports.—
(a)
Since January 2013, did your firm switch any of its purchases from U.S.‐produced in‐
scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components to imports of in‐scope HFC blends
and/or in‐scope HFC components from China?
No
(If “No” to both, skip to
Yes
(also respond to parts (b) and (c))
question III‐26)
In‐scope HFC
components
In‐scope HFC blends
(b)
If you responded “Yes” to part (a), was the imported product priced lower than the
domestic product?
In‐scope HFC
components
In‐scope HFC blends
Yes
No
(c)
If you responded “Yes” to part (a) above, was price a primary reason for the shift?
Source
Yes
In‐scope HFC
components
If Yes, estimate the
quantity of purchases
that your firm shifted to
imports since January
2013 because of price
(in #units)
In‐scope HFC blends
III‐26. U.S. producers and import competition.—
No
If No, please indicate
the reason for the shift
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 23
(a)
Since January 1, 2013, in connection with a sale or offer to sell in‐scope HFC blends
and/or in‐scope HFC components to your firm, did U.S. producers reduce their prices of
domestically produced in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components in order
to compete with lower‐priced imports of in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC
components from China?
Yes (also respond to
question part (b))
In‐scope HFC
components
In‐scope HFC blends
(b)
No (If “No” for both, skip
to question III‐27)
Don’t know
If your firm responded “yes” in‐scope HFC blends or in‐scope HFC components, please
provide an estimate of the reduction in U.S. producers’ prices, and any additional
explanations, such as timing (e.g., months/years), frequency of price reductions, or
other market/competitive factors.
Estimated
reduction in
U.S. prices
(percent)
In‐scope HFC
components
%
In‐scope HFC
blends
%
Additional explanation, including such information as
timing (e.g., months/years), frequency of price
reductions, or other market/competitive factors
III‐27. Patents.— Do patents and/or licensing for patents influence the price of in‐scope HFC blends?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe.
III‐28. Raw materials.— Does the price of raw materials have an effect on the contract or spot prices
of in‐scope HFC blends and/or components?
Yes
No effect
HFC prices
indexed to raw
material prices
HFC prices have
raw material
surcharge
Other
Explain.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 24
PART IV.—PRODUCT COMPARISONS
IV‐1. Country knowledge.‐‐Please indicate the countries of origin for in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐
scope HFC components for which your firm has actual marketing/pricing knowledge.
United
States
IV‐2.
China
Other
countries
Other countries (specify)
Interchangeability.‐‐Are in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components produced in the
United States and in other countries interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the
same applications)?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = the products from a specified country‐pair are always interchangeable
F = the products are frequently interchangeable
S = the products are sometimes interchangeable
N = the products are never interchangeable
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country‐pair
In‐scope HFC components
Country‐pair1
In‐scope United States
HFC
components China
In‐scope
HFC blends
1
China
Other
Countries
In‐scope HFC blends
China
United States
China
Other Countries
Country comparisons between products of the United States, China, and other countries
should be made on a component by component or blend by blend basis.
For any country‐pair producing In‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components that is
sometimes or never interchangeable, identify the country‐pair and explain the factors that
limit or preclude interchangeable use:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 25
IV‐3. Factors other than price.‐‐Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between in‐scope HFC blends
and/or in‐scope HFC components produced in the United States and in other countries a
significant factor in your firm’s sales of the products?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = such differences are always significant
F = such differences are frequently significant
S = such differences are sometimes significant
N = such differences are never significant
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country‐pair
In‐scope HFC components
Country‐pair1
In‐scope United States
HFC
components China
China
Other
Countries
In‐scope HFC blends
China
United States
In‐scope
HFC blends
Other Countries
China
1
Country comparisons between products of the United States, China, and other countries
should be made on a component by component or blend by blend basis.
For any country‐pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components, identify
the country‐pair and report the advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:
IV‐4.
Country preferences.‐‐Do you or your customers ever specifically order in‐scope HFC blends
and/or in‐scope HFC components from one country in particular over other possible sources of
supply?
No
Yes
If yes, identify the countries and explain.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 26
IV‐5. Availability of merchandise.‐‐Are certain grades/types/sizes of in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐
scope HFC components only available from certain country sources?
IV‐6.
In‐scope HFC
components
In‐scope HFC
blends
Choice of product not based on price.‐‐If you purchased in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope
HFC components from one country source although a comparable product was available from
another country source at a lower price, please explain your reasons for doing so (please specify
by country).
No Yes If yes, please identify the countries and the grade/type/size.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 27
IV‐7. Factor country comparisons.‐‐For the factors listed below, please rate how in‐scope HFC blends
and/or in‐scope HFC components produced in each country you identified in your response to
the first question in Part IV compares with in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC
components produced in each of the other countries you identified
Inferior
Comparable
Superior
Inferior
Comparable
Superior
Factor
Inferior
Superior
Comparable
If you are unfamiliar with the product from a particular country, please leave the boxes for those
country comparisons blank.
Product from
Product from
United States
United States
Product from
China compared to
compared to
compared to
product from
product from
product from
China
Nonsubject
Nonsubject
Availability
Delivery terms
Delivery time
Discounts offered
Extension of credit
Minimum quantity requirements
Packaging
Price1
Product consistency
Product range
Quality exceeds industry standards
Quality meets industry standards
Reliability of supply
Technical support/service
1
U.S. transportation costs
1
A rating of superior on price and U.S. transportation costs indicates that the first country generally has lower
prices/U.S. transportation costs than the second country.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 28
IV‐8. Minimum quality.‐‐How often does in‐scope HFC blends and/or in‐scope HFC components from
the following countries meet minimum quality specifications for your uses or your customers’
uses?
Rarely or
Don’t
Source
Always
Usually
Sometimes
never
know
United States
China
Other:
IV‐9.
Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to any question that
did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the explanation
in the space provided below.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 29
PART V.—ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION
V‐1. Semi‐finished analysis.‐‐For each of the following individual HFC components, provide the
requested assessments. If you do not have the knowledge to be able to respond this question,
please leave it blank.
(a)
Uses in addition to in‐scope HFC blend production.‐‐Indicate whether each individual
HFC component is dedicated to the production of in‐scope blends or has uses in
addition to the production of downstream in‐scope HFC blends. If there are uses for an
individual HFC component other than for the production of in‐scope HFC blends, please
list these other uses. If any in‐scope HFC component can be sold as an individual
component, provide that information in the explanation section of the table below.
HFC
No.‐‐
Yes.‐‐Other
component Dedicated
uses
Explanation (if yes).‐‐Describe the other uses
R‐32
R‐125
R‐143a
R‐134a
(out‐of‐scope)
(b)
Differences in markets.‐‐Are the markets for HFC components, to the degree that the
individual HFC components are sold commercially, separate and/or distinct from the
market(s) for the downstream in‐scope HFC blends? If there are differences in the
markets, please describe them in the space provided. (If there are no markets for the
individual HFC component, leave blank).
HFC
No.‐‐Similar
component market(s)
R‐32
R‐125
R‐143a
R‐134a
(out‐of‐scope)
Yes.‐‐
Separate/
distinct
market(s)
Explanation (if yes).‐‐Describe the differences
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 30
V‐1. Semi‐finished analysis.‐‐Continued
(c)
Similar physical characteristics and functions.‐‐Are there distinct physical
characteristics and functions of HFC components from in‐scope HFC blends?
No.—
Yes.—
Explanation (if yes).—Describe the distinct
HFC component Similar Distinct
physical characteristics and functions
R‐32
R‐125
R‐143a
R‐134a
(out‐of‐scope)
(d)
Differences in price or value.‐‐Are there differences in the price for or value of the
individual HFC components and the downstream in‐scope HFC blends?
Yes.—
No.—
Divergent
Similar
HFC
component price/value price/value
R‐32
R‐125
R‐143a
R‐134a
(out‐of‐scope)
Explanation (if yes).—Describe the differences
in and drivers of price/value
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 31
V‐1. Semi‐finished analysis.—Continued
(e)
Extensive process to convert to in‐scope HFC blend.‐‐Is the process to create a in‐
scope HFC blend from the individual HFC component extensive and/or complicated?
Yes.—
Extensive/ Explanation (if yes).—Describe the complexities
HFC
No.—
of creating a in‐scope HFC blend
component
Simple complicated
R‐32
R‐125
R‐143a
R‐134a
(out‐of‐scope)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 32
V‐2. Comparability of in‐scope HFC blends vs out‐of‐scope refrigerant blends.‐‐For each of the
following indicate whether in‐scope HFC blends and out‐of‐scope refrigerant blends are: fully
comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them; mostly comparable or
similar; somewhat comparable or similar; never or not‐at‐all comparable or similar; or no
familiarity with products. If there are differences between individual in‐scope HFC blends and
individual out‐of‐scope refrigerant blends please provide that information in the narrative fields.
(a)
Characteristics and Uses.—How comparable are in‐scope HFC blends and out‐of‐scope
refrigerant blends in physical characteristics and end uses?
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.‐‐How substitutable are in‐scope HFC blends and out‐of‐scope
refrigerant blends in the same application?
Fully
interchangeable
Mostly
interchangeable
Somewhat
interchangeable
Not at all
interchangeable
NA/no
familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of
their interchangeability:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
V‐2. Comparability of in‐scope HFC blends vs out‐of‐scope refrigerant blends.‐‐Continued
(c)
Page 33
Manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees.‐‐Are in‐
scope HFC blends and out‐of‐scope refrigerant blends manufactured using the same
facilities, the same inputs, the same machinery and equipment, and 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.‐‐Compare the channels of distribution/market situation
through which in‐scope HFC blends and out‐of‐scope refrigerant blends are sold (i.e.,
sold direct to end users, through distributors, etc.).
Fully comparable
Mostly
comparable
Somewhat
comparable
Not at all
comparable
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
channels of distribution:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 34
V‐2. Comparability of in‐scope HFC blends vs out‐of‐scope refrigerant blends.‐‐Continued
(e)
Customer and producer perceptions.‐‐How do customers and producers view the
comparability of in‐scope HFC blends and out‐of‐scope refrigerant blends in the
market (e.g., sales/marketing practices/end uses)?
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
customer and producer perceptions:
(f)
Price.‐‐Are prices comparable or different for in‐scope HFC blends and out‐of‐scope
refrigerant blends?
Fully comparable
Mostly
comparable
Somewhat
comparable
Not at all
comparable
NA/no familiarity
Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
prices:
Business Proprietary
U.S. Purchasers’ Questionnaire ‐ HFC Blends and Components from China (F)
Page 35
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_7/2016/hydrofluorocarbon_blends_and_com
ponents_china/final.htm
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods noted
below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or cannot use one
of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the Commission for further
instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/
Pin: 1279
• E‐mail.—E‐mail the MS Word questionnaire to michele.breaux@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 purchase 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 your firm submits (see
19 CFR § 207.7). Service of the questionnaire must be made in paper form.
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Microsoft Word - US purchaser q- HFC China (Final) |
| Author | joanna.lo |
| File Modified | 2016-03-29 |
| File Created | 2016-03-29 |