Form 16-1-3555 U.S. Producers' Questionnaire

Information collections for import injury investigations (producers, importers, purchasers, and foreign producer questionnaires and institution notices for 5-year reviews)

U.S. Producer -- Biaxial geogrids

Biaxial Integral Geogrid Products from China, Inv. No. 701-TA-554 and 731-TA-1309 (Final

OMB: 3117-0016

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OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 16-1-3555; 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 October 26, 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 duty and antidumping investigations concerning certain biaxial integral geogrid
products (“biaxial integral geogrids”) from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-554 and 731-TA-1309 (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)).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

Website
Has your firm produced biaxial integral geogrids (as defined on next page) or triaxial integral geogrids (as
defined on next page) at any time since January 1, 2013?

(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

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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 (“Commerce”)
makes an affirmative determination of subsidization and/or dumping. Questionnaires and other
information pertinent to this proceeding are available at:
https://usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/certain_biaxial_integral_geogrid_products_china/final.h
tm_0
IN-SCOPE MERCHANDISE
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 integral strands that have been
stretched to induce molecular orientation into the material (as evidenced by the strands being thinner
in width toward the middle between the junctions than at the junctions themselves) constituting the
sides of the openings and integral junctions where the strands intersect. The scope includes products in
which four-sided figures predominate whether or not they also contain additional strands intersecting
the four-sided figures and whether or not the inside corners of the four-sided figures are rounded off
or not sharp angles. As used herein, the term ‘‘integral’’ refers to strands and junctions that are
homogenous with each other. The products covered have a tensile strength of greater than 5
kilonewtons per meter (‘‘kN/m’’) according to American Society for Testing and Materials (‘‘ASTM’’)
Standard Test Method D6637/D6637M in any direction and average overall flexural stiffness of more
than 100,000 milligram-centimeter according to the ASTM D7748/D7748M Standard Test Method for
Flexural Rigidity of Geogrids, Geotextiles and Related Products, or other equivalent test method
standards.
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, punching holes, stretching, attaching to woven or nonwoven 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.
The products subject to the scope are currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (‘‘HTSUS’’) under the following subheading: 3926.90.9995. Subject merchandise may also
enter under subheadings 3920.20.0050 and 3925.90.0000. The HTSUS subheadings set forth above are
provided for convenience and U.S. Customs purposes only. The written description of the scope is
dispositive.
OUT-OF-SCOPE MERCHANDISE
Triaxial integral geogrid are a polymer grid or mesh material (whether or not finished, slit, cut-tolength, attached to woven or non-woven fabric or sheet material, or packaged) in which three-sided
openings in the form of triangles predominate. Triaxial integral geogrids have integral strands that have
been stretched to induce molecular orientation into the material (as evidenced by the strands being
thinner in width toward the middle between the junctions than at the junctions themselves)
constituting the sides of the openings and integral junctions where the strands intersect. Triaxial

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 3

integral geogrids are oriented in three directions and further directions can be added. As referenced
previously, the term ‘‘integral’’ refers to strands and junctions that are homogenous with each other.
Triaxial integral geogrids have a tensile strength of greater than 200 kilonewtons per meter (‘‘kN/m’’)
according to American Society for Testing and Materials (‘‘ASTM’’) Standard Test Method D6637 in any
direction and average overall flexural stiffness of more than 500,000 milligram-centimeter according to
the ASTM D7748 Standard Test Method for Flexural Rigidity of Geogrids, Geotextiles and Related
Products, or other equivalent test method standards.
Since the Commission defined the domestic like product as encompassing both in-scope biaxial integral
geogrids and out-of-scope triaxial integral geogrids in its preliminary determination as to injury, this
questionnaire in the final phase of these investigations seeks information on both product groups.
Geogrids.--For the purposes of this questionnaire, the term “geogrids” when referenced by itself refers
to both biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral geogrids, but excludes any other type of geogrid
not included in the definitions for biaxial and triaxial geogrids.
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.

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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?
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 geogrid,
including auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate
from) such facilities.
Establishments
covered1

City, State

Zip (5 digit)

Description

1
2
3
4
5
6
1

Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire:

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
I-3.

Page 5

Petition support.--Does your firm support or oppose the petitions?
Country

Support

Oppose

Take no position

China (antidumping duty)
China (countervailing duty)
I-4.

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

Firm name

I-5.

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
Firm name

I-6.

Yes--List the following information.

Yes--List the following information.
Address

Affiliation

Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of biaxial integral geogrids?
No
Firm name

Yes--List the following information.
Address

Affiliation

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

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PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Hangyul Chang (202-2053062, hangyul.chang@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

Unless otherwise indicated, please provide information in this section for all geogrids (as defined on
page 2). If your answer to any question differs between biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial integral
geogrids, please explain.
II-2.

Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the
following changes in relation to the production of geogrids since January 1, 2013.
(check as many as appropriate)
plant openings
plant closings
relocations
expansions
acquisitions
consolidations
prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments
revised labor agreements
other (e.g., technology)

(If checked, please describe; leave blank if not applicable)

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-3a.

Page 7

Production using same extrusion machinery.--Does your firm use the extrusion machinery it
uses to produce biaxial integral geogrids to produce products other than biaxial integral
geogrids?
The inputs for triaxial integral geogrid production (check only one):
No
Yes – the extrusions used to produce triaxial geogrids: without the need for
(re)calibration and/or (re)tooling
Yes -- the extrusions used to produce triaxial geogrids: but only with
(re)calibration and/or (re)tooling
All other polyprolene extrusions products (check only one):
No
Yes – products other than the intermediate products for biaxial and triaxial
geogrids: without the need for (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling
Yes -- products other than the intermediate products for biaxial and triaxial
geogrids: but only with (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling
Describe the other products that can be produced from your firm's extrusion machinery. And if
(re)calibration and/or (re)tooling is required to switch between the production of biaxial integral
geogrids and other products, please describe the downtime that is required for this machinery to
be (re)calibrated and/or (re)tooled, including all specific steps and processes necessary for the (re)
calibration and/or (re)tooling.

II-3b.

Production using same punching and stretching machinery.--Are other products punched and
stretched using the same machinery that is used to punch and stretch biaxial integral geogrids?
Punching and stretching for triaxial integral geogrid production (check only one):
No
Yes – the punching and stretching operations used to produce triaxial geogrids:
without the need for (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling
Yes -- the punching and stretching operations used to produce triaxial geogrids:
but only with (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling
Punching and stretching for any other products (check only one):
No
Yes – products other than the intermediate products for biaxial and triaxial
geogrids: without the need for (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling
Yes -- products other than the intermediate products for biaxial and triaxial
geogrids: but only with (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling
Describe the other products that can be produced from your firm's punching and stretching
machinery. And if (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling is required to switch between the production
of biaxial integral geogrids and other products, please describe the downtime that is required for
this machinery to be (re)calibrated and/or (re)tooled, including all specific steps and processes
necessary for the (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-3c.

Page 8

Production using "other machinery".—
(i)

Are there "other machinery" used in the production of biaxial integral geogrids other
than the extrustion machinery discussed in question II-3a and the punching and
stretching machinery discussed in question II-3b above? (check only one)
No

(ii)

Yes – Describe this machinery

If yes, are there products other than biaxial integral geogrids that also are produced
using these additional machinery? (check only one)
No

Yes -- without the need for (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling
Yes – but only with (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling

Describe the other products that can be produced from your firm's "other machinery." And
if (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling is required to switch between the production of biaxial
integral geogrids and other products, please describe the downtime that is required for this
machinery to be (re)calibrated and/or (re)tooled, including all specific steps and processes
necessary for the (re)calibration and/or (re)tooling.

II-3d.

Production constraints.--Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s
production capacities, and what if any impact these constraint(s) have on the data reported in
question II-7.
Extrusion machinery
Punching and
stretching machinery
Other machinery

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
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

(ii)

II-4.

Page 9

Yes-- (i.e., have produced other products or are able to produce other
products). Please identify other actual or potential products:
.

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.

Tolling.--Since January 1, 2013, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of 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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-5.

Page 10

Foreign trade zones.-Firm's FTZ operations.--Does your firm produce biaxial integral geogrids in and/or
admit geogrids into a foreign trade zone (FTZ)?

(a)

“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).

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
geogrids and/or the production of downstream articles?

(b)

No/Don’t know

II-6.

Yes--Identify the firms and the FTZs.

Importer.--Since January 1, 2013, 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

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“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.
“Commercial U.S. 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.
“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, oldage and unemployment insurance, group insurance, union dues, bonds, etc.). Include wages
paid directly by your firm for overtime, holidays, vacations, and sick leave.
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.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-7.

Page 12

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 square yards) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Average production capacity (quantity) (A)
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:
Quantity (J)

Value (K)
4

End-of-period inventories (quantity) (L)
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-ofperiod 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 reflect your firm’s actual records; and, also provide
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

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless accurate:

0
.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-8.

Page 13

Channels of distribution.-- Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments of biaxial integral
geogrids by channel of distribution.

BIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in square yards)
Calendar years
Item

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors: branded
product (quantity) (M)
To distributors: private label
(quantity) (N)
To end users (quantity) (O)
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution (i.e.,
lines M and N) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. shipments (i.e., line D) in
each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the data reported must
be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2013

M + N + O – D = zero ("0"), if not
revise.
II-9.

2014
0

January-September
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
biaxial integral geogrids and provide an explanation for any trends in these data.

BIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Calendar years
Item
Average number of PRWs
(number)
Hours worked by PRWs
(1,000 hours)
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
Explanation of trends:

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-10.

Page 14

Production, shipment, and inventory data. – Report your firm’s production capacity,
production, shipments, and inventories related to the production of triaxial integral geogrids in
its U.S. establishment(s) during the specified periods.

TRIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in square yards) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Value (G)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (H)
2

Value (I)
Export shipments:
Quantity (J)

Value (K)
4

End-of-period inventories (quantity) (L)
1

Reconciliation
B + C – D – F – H – J – L = should equal
zero ("0") or provide an explanation.1
1

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless accurate:

II-11.

Channels of distribution.-- Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments of triaxial integral
geogrids by channel of distribution.

0
.

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Page 15

TRIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in square yards) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (quantity) (M)
To end users (quantity) (N)
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution (i.e.,
lines M and N) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. shipments (i.e., line D) in
each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the data reported must
be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation

2013

M + N – D = zero ("0"), if not revise.
II-12.

2014
0

January-September
2015

2015
0

2016
0

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
triaxial integral geogrids and provide an explanation for any trends in these data.

TRIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Calendar years
Item
Average number of PRWs
(number)
Hours worked by PRWs
(1,000 hours)
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
Explanation of trends:

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 16

II-13.

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 nonmarket formula, whether your firm retained marketing rights to all transfers, and whether the
related firms also processed inputs from sources other than your firm.

II-14.

Purchases.—Other than transactions for which your firm was the importer of record (those
data should be reported in a completed U.S. importers' questionnaire response), has your firm
otherwise purchased biaxial integral geogrids since January 1, 2013?
“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. Excluding
imports for which your firm was the importer of record.
No

Yes--Report such purchases below and explain the reasons for your firms'
purchases:

BIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in square yards)
Calendar years
Item

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Purchases from U.S.
importers1 of biaxial integral
geogrids from-China
All other sources:
Purchases from domestic
producers2
Purchases from other
sources2
1

Please list the name of the importer(s) from which your firm purchased this product. If your firm’s import
suppliers differ by source, please identify the source for each listed supplier:
.
2
Please list the name of the producer(s) or U.S. distributor(s) from which your firm purchased this product:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
II-15.

Page 17

Purchases.--Other than transactions for which your firm was the importer of record (those data
should be reported in a completed U.S. importers' questionnaire response), has your firm
otherwise purchased triaxial integral geogrids since January 1, 2013?
“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. Excluding
imports for which your firm was the importer of record.
No

Yes--Report such purchases below and explain the reasons for your firms'
purchases:

TRIAXIAL INTEGRAL GEOGRIDS
Quantity (in square yards)
Calendar years
Item

2013

2014

January-September
2015

2015

2016

Purchases from U.S.
importers1 of triaxial integral
geogrids from-China
All other sources:
Purchases from domestic
producers2
Purchases from other
sources2
1

II-16.

Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part
II that did not provide a narrative box, please note the question number and the explanation in
the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your firm had in
providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with the MS
Word questionnaire.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 18

PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to David Boyland (202-708-4725,
david.boyland@usitc.gov).
III-1.

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.
3.

Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for biaxial integral geogrids:
Yes
No
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
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.).

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 19

III-4a. Allocation basis.--Briefly describe your firm’s allocation basis, if any, for COGS, SG&A, and
interest expense and other income and expenses. To the extent applicable, please also
describe the costs and expenses that are allocated between biaxial integral geogrids and
triaxial integral geogrids, as well as allocation basis.

III-4b. Charges related to inventory.--Please describe how your firm accounts for inventory
degradation, including damage to inventory and other inventory write-offs, and the extent to
which this impacted the financial results on biaxial integral geogrids (table III-9a) and/or triaxial
integral geogrids (table III-9b). Please note that inventory adjustment charges recognized in
the financial results on biaxial integral geogrids (table III-9a) and/or triaxial integral geogrids
(table III-9b) should also be separately disclosed in table III-10a and/or III-10b.

III-5.

Product listing.--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

Share of sales

Biaxial integral geogrids

Triaxial integral geogrids

%
%
%
%

III-6.

Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or any services) used in the
production of biaxial integral geogrids and/or triaxial 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-7a.

No--Continue to question III-9a.

III-7a. 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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 20

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

III-7b. Inputs from related suppliers.--Please identify the inputs used in the production of triaxial
integral geogrids that your firm purchases from related suppliers and that are reflected in table
III-9b. For “Share of total COGS” please report this information by relevant input on the basis
of your most recently completed fiscal year. For “Input valuation” please describe the basis, as
recorded in your company’s own accounting system, of the purchase cost from the related
supplier; e.g., the related supplier’s actual cost, cost plus, negotiated transfer price to
approximate fair market value.
Input

Related supplier

Share of total COGS

Input valuation as recorded in the firm’s accounting books and records

III-8.

Inputs purchased from related suppliers.--Please confirm that the inputs purchased from
related suppliers, as identified in III-7a and/or III-7b, were reported in III-9a (financial results on
biaxial integral geogrids) and/or III-9b (financial results on triaxial 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 and/or III-9b.

III-9a. Operations on biaxial integral geogrids.--Report the revenue and related cost information
requested below on the biaxial integral geogrid 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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 21

and records. Provide data for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for
the specified interim periods. If your firm was involved in tolling operations (either as the toller
or as the tollee), please contact David Boyland at (202) 205-4725 before completing this section
of the questionnaire.
Quantity (in square yards) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item

2013

2014

January-September

2015

2016

Net sales quantities:
Commercial sales (“CS”)
Internal consumption (“IC”)
Transfers to related firms (“Transfers”)
Total net sales quantities

Total COGS

Gross profit or (loss)

Net sales values:
Commercial sales
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
Total net sales values
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Raw materials

Direct labor
Other factory costs

Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A)
expenses:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total SG&A expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other expenses and income:
Interest expense
All other expense items
All other income items
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.
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.
2

Note -- The table above contains calculations that will appear when you have entered data in the MS
Word form fields.

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Page 22

III-9b. Operations on triaxial integral geogrids.--Report the revenue and related cost information
requested below on the triaxial integral geogrid operations of your firm’s U.S.
establishment(s).1 Do not report resales of products. Note that internal consumption and
transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. Input purchases from related
suppliers should be consistent with and based on information in the firm’s accounting books
and records. Provide data for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for
the specified interim periods. If your firm was involved in tolling operations (either as the toller
or as the tollee), please contact David Boyland at (202) 205-4725 before completing this section
of the questionnaire.
Quantity (in square yards) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item

2013

2014

January-September

2015

2016

Net sales quantities:
Commercial sales (“CS”)
Internal consumption (“IC”)
Transfers to related firms (“Transfers”)
Total net sales quantities

Total COGS

Gross profit or (loss)

Net sales values:
Commercial sales
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
Total net sales values
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Raw materials

Direct labor
Other factory costs

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
III-9c.

Page 23

Financial data reconciliation.--The calculable line items from question III-9a and III-9b (i.e.,
total net sales quantities and values, total COGS, gross profit (or loss), total SG&A, and net
income (or loss)) have been calculated from the data submitted in the other line items. Do the
calculated fields return the correct data according to your firm's financial records ignoring nonmaterial 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-10a. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in financial results on biaxial integral
geogrids.--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 in table
III-9a.
Fiscal years ended--

2013

2014

January-September

2015

2016

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

III-10b. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in financial results on triaxial integral
geogrids.--For each annual and interim period for which financial results are reported in

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 24

question III-9b, please specify all material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in
the schedule below, the specific table III-9b line item where the nonrecurring items are
included, a brief description of the relevant nonrecurring items, and the associated values (in
$1,000), as reflected in table III-9b; i.e., if an aggregate nonrecurring item has been allocated to
table III-9b, only the allocated value amount included in table III-9b should be reported in the
schedule below. Note: The Commission’s objective here is to gather information only on
material (significant) nonrecurring items which impacted the reported financial results in table
III-9b.
Fiscal years ended--

2013

2014

January-September

2015

2016

Nonrecurring item: In this column please provide a brief
Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the amount of the relevant
description of each nonrecurring item and indicate the
nonrecurring item reported in table III-9b.
specific line item in table III-9b where the nonrecurring item is
classified.
Value ($1,000)
1.

, classified as

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-10a and III-10b
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-10a and/or III10b identify where these items are reported in table III-9a and/or III-9b.

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Page 25

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 and triaxial 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 and triaxial 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 and III-9b. 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

2013

2014

2015

Total assets -- Biaxial integral
1
geogrids (net)
Total assets -- Triaxial integral
2
geogrids (net)
1
2

III-13.

Describe
Describe

Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.--Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for biaxial integral geogrids and triaxial
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

2013

2014

January-September

2015

2016

Capital expenditures-- Biaxial integral
1
geogrids
Capital expenditures-- Triaxial integral
2
geogrids
Research and development expenses-3
Triaxial integral geogrids
Research and development expenses-4
Biaxial integral geogrids
1

Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on biaxial integral
geogrids.
2
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on triaxial integral
geogrids.
3
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to biaxial integral
geogrids.
4
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to triaxial integral
geogrids.

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Page 26

III-14. Data consistency and reconciliation.--Please indicate whether your firm’s financial data for
questions III-9a, III-9b, 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 and III-9b, as applicable,
should reconcile with the data reported in questions II-7 and II-10 (including export shipments)
as long as they are reported on the same calendar year basis.
Do these data in question III-9a and III-9b reconcile with data in questions II-7 and II-10?
Yes

If no, please explain.

III-15. Effects of imports on investment.--Since January 1, 2013, 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

III-16. Effects of imports on growth and development.--Since January 1, 2013, 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?

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
No

Page 27

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.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 28

PART IV.-- PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Cindy Cohen (202-2053230, 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. customers since January 1, 2013 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.
Product 3.— A four-sided biaxial integral geogrid, made from polypropylene, commonly known
as “SX2020, BX2020” with a minimum rib thickness of 0.045 inches, and a balanced
ultimate tensile strength of 1,370 lb/ft in both the longitudinal direction (also
known as “machine direction” or “MD Value”) and transverse direction (also
known as “cross machine direction” or “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 2013-September 2016, did your firm produce and sell to unrelated U.S.
customers any of the above listed products (or any products that were competitive with these
products)?
Yes.--Please complete the following pricing data table as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question IV-3.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
IV-2.

Page 29

Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm.

Report data in actual square yards and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 1
Sales of branded product
to distributors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Sales of unbranded product
to private labelers
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Sales to end users/contractors

Quantity
Value
Period of shipment
(sq yds)
(dollars)
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
October-December
2016:
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:

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
IV-2.

Page 30

Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm.

Report data in actual square yards and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 2
Sales of branded product
to distributors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Sales of unbranded product
to private labelers
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Sales to end users/contractors

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
IV-2.

Page 31

Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm.

Report data in actual square yards and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 3
Sales of branded product
to distributors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Sales of unbranded product
to private labelers
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Sales to end users/contractors

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
IV-3.

Page 32

Price data (triaxial integral geogrids).--Report below the quarterly price data1 for your firm’s
commercial shipments to unrelated U.S. customers of triaxial integral geogrids produced and
sold by your firm.

Report data in actual square yards and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Triaxial integral geogrids
Sales to distributors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Sales to end users/contractors
Quantity
Value
(sq yds)
(dollars)

Period of shipment
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
October-December
2016:
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.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
IV-4.

Page 33

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.
Some questions in the rest of this section ask about geogrids in general (i.e., both biaxial and triaxial
integral geogrids). If your answer to any question referring to geogrids in the rest of this section
differs between biaxial and triaxial integral geogrids, please explain.
IV-5.

Price setting.-- How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of geogrids
(check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample pages of a recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction

IV-6.

Other

If other, describe

Discount policy.-- Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that
apply).

Quantity
discounts

IV-7.

Contracts

Set
price
lists

Annual
total
volume
discounts

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

Pricing terms.-(a)

What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its U.S.-produced geogrids?
Net 30
days

(b)

Net 60
days

2/10 net
30 days

Other

Other (specify)

On what basis are your firm’s prices of domestic geogrids usually quoted (check one)?
Delivered

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids
IV-8.

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.-produced
biaxial and triaxial integral geogrids in 2015 was on a (1) long-term contract basis, (2) annual
contract basis, (3) short-term contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Share of 2015
sales of biaxial
integral geogrids
Share of 2015
sales of triaxial
integral geogrids
IV-9.

Page 34

Long-term
contracts
(multiple
deliveries for
more than 12
months)

Type of sale
Short-term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for
less than 12
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 geogrids (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on a long-term,
short-term and/or annual contract basis).

Typical sales
contract provisions

Item

Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes

Fixed quantity
and/or price
Meet or release
provision
Not applicable

No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes
No

Short-term contracts
(multiple deliveries
for less than 12
months)

Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)
365

Long-term contracts
(multiple deliveries
for more than 12
months)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 35

IV-10. 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 geogrids?
Share of 2015 Lead time (average
sales
number of days)

Source
From inventory

Produced to order

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0 %

IV-11. Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of U.S.-produced
geogrids that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs?
percent

(b)

Who generally arranges the transportation to your firm’s customers’ locations?
Your firm
Purchaser (check one)

(c)

Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of geogrids that are delivered
the following distances from its production facility.
Distance from production facility

Within 100 miles

101 to 1,000 miles

Over 1,000 miles

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

IV-12. Geographical shipments.--In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold its U.S.produced geogrids since January 1, 2013 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
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.

√ if applicable

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 36

IV-13. End uses.--List the end uses of the geogrids that your firm manufactures. For each end-use
product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by geogrids and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
End use product

Geogrids

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

Other inputs
%

0.0 %

IV-14. Substitutes.--Can other products be substituted for geogrids?
No

Substitute

Yes--Please fill out the table.

End use in which this
substitute is used

Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for geogrids?
No Yes

Explanation

1.
2.
3.

IV-15. Demand trends.--Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for geogrids has changed since January 1, 2013. Explain any trends and
describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.

Market
Within the
United
States
Outside
the United
States

Overall
increase

Fluctuate
No
Overall
with no
change decrease clear trend

Explanation and factors

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 37

IV-16. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of geogrids since January 1, 2013?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.

IV-17. 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
geogrids? If yes, describe.
Check all that apply.

Please describe.

Skip to question IV-18.

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 geogrids since January 1, 2013?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

IV-18. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply geogrids 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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 38

IV-19. Raw materials.--How have geogrid raw material prices changed since January 1, 2013?
Fluctuate
Overall
No
Overall
with no
increase change decrease clear trend

Explain, noting how raw material price changes
have affected your firm’s selling prices for
geogrids.

IV-20. Interchangeability.--Are 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

China

Other countries

United States
China
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:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 39

IV-21. 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

China

Other countries

United States
China
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of 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 40

IV-22. Customer identification.--List the names and locations for your firm’s 10 largest U.S. customers
for biaxial and triaxial integral geogrids since January 1, 2013. Indicate the share of the quantity
of your firm’s total shipments of biaxial and triaxial integral geogrids that each of these
customers accounted for in 2015.

Customer’s name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

City

State

Share of 2015 sales of
biaxial integral
geogrids (%)

Share of 2015 sales of
triaxial integral
geogrids (%)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Biaxial integral geogrids

Page 41

IV-23. Competition from imports
(a)

Lost revenue.--Since January 1, 2013: 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, 2013: Did your firm lose sales of biaxial integral geogrids
to imports of this product from China?
No

Yes

IV-24. 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 42

PART V.-- ALTERNATIVE PRODUCT INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Hangyul Chang (202-2053062, hangyul.chang@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.

Fully comparable

Mostly
comparable

Somewhat
comparable

Not at all
comparable

NA/no familiarity

Please provide a narrative discussion for the comparability ratings you provided in terms of
their characteristics and uses:

(b)

Interchangeability.--The ability to substitute 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 43

Comparability of biaxial integral geogrids vs triaxial integral geogrids.--Continued
(c)

Manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees.—
Whether 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 44

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

Page 45

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://usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/certain_biaxial_integral_geogrid_products_china/final.h
tm_0
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 hangyul.chang@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	US producer questionnaire
Subject	Title 7 investigations
Author	Chang, Hangyul
File Modified	2016-09-20
File Created	2016-09-20