17-1-3661 U.S. Producers' Questionnaire

OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 17-1-3661; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
CARBON AND CERTAIN ALLOY STEEL WIRE ROD (“WIRE ROD”) FROM
BELARUS, ITALY, KOREA, RUSSIA, SOUTH AFRICA, SPAIN, TURKEY,
THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, UKRAINE, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by April 11, 2017
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 investigations and antidumping duty investigations concerning wire rod from Belarus, Italy,
Korea, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-573574 and 731-TA-1349-1358 (Preliminary)). The information requested in the questionnaire is requested under the authority
of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure to reply as directed can result in a subpoena or other
order to compel the submission of records or information in your firm’s possession (19 U.S.C. § 1333(a)).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

Website
Has your firm produced wire rod (as defined on next page) at any time since January 1, 2014?

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: WR10)
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
proceeding or other proceedings may be disclosed to and used: (i) by the Commission, its employees and Offices, and contract
personnel (a) for developing or maintaining the records of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in internal investigations, audits,
reviews, and evaluations relating to the programs, personnel, and operations of the Commission including under 5 U.S.C.
Appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S. government employees and contract personnel, solely for cybersecurity purposes. I understand that all
contract personnel will sign appropriate nondisclosure agreements
Name of Authorized Official

Title of Authorized Official

Date

Phone:
Signature

Fax:

Email address

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Wire Rod

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--This proceeding was instituted in response to a petitions filed on March 28, 2017, by
Charter Steel, Saukville, Wisconsin; Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc., Tampa, Florida; Keystone Consolidated
Industries, Inc., Peoria, Illinois; and Nucor Corporation, Charlotte, North Carolina. Countervailing and/or
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://www.usitc.gov/investigations/title_7/2017/carbon_and_certain_alloy_steel_wire_rod_belarus/
preliminary.htm.
Wire rod.-- The merchandise covered by these investigations are certain hot‐rolled products of carbon
steel and alloy steel, in coils, of approximately round cross section, less than 19.00 mm in actual solid
cross‐sectional diameter. Specifically excluded are steel products possessing the above‐noted physical
characteristics and meeting the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) definitions for
(a) stainless steel; (b) tool steel; (c) high‐nickel steel; (d) ball bearing steel; or (e) concrete reinforcing
bars and rods. Also excluded are free cutting steel (also known as free machining steel) products (i.e.,
products that contain by weight one or more of the following elements: 0.1 percent or more of lead,
0.05 percent or more of bismuth, 0.08 percent or more of sulfur, more than 0.04 percent of
phosphorous, more than 0.05 percent of selenium, or more than 0.01 percent of tellurium). All products
meeting the physical description of subject merchandise that are not specifically excluded are included
in this scope.
Wire rod is currently imported under statistical reporting numbers 7213.91.3011, 7213.91.3015,
7213.91.3020, 7213.91.3093; 7213.91.4500, 7213.91.6000, 7213.99.0030, 7227.20.0030, 7227.20.0080,
7227.90.6010, 7227.90.6020, 7227.90.6030, and 7227.90.6035 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTSUS). Products entered under subheadings 7213.99.0090 and 7227.90.6090 of the
HTSUS also may be included in this scope if they meet the physical description of subject merchandise
above. The HTSUS provisions are for convenience and customs purposes; the written description of the
scope is dispositive.
Carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod includes (but is not limited to) the products listed below.
(1) Low and medium-low carbon industrial and standard quality rods.–Rods manufactured from low or
medium-low carbon steel and primarily intended for drawing into industrial or standard quality wire.
This category also includes special quality rods. For the purpose of these questionnaires, data for chain
quality rods, cold finishing rods, fine wire quality rods, and nondeformed concrete reinforcement rods
should be reported in this category.
(2) High and medium-high carbon industrial and standard quality rods.–Rods manufactured from high
or medium-high carbon steel and primarily intended for drawing into wire for such products as strand,
hose, upholstery spring, mechanical spring, oil tempering, cold rolling, bearing, rope, screens, aluminum
conductor steel reinforcement (“ACSR”) core, pipe wrap, prestressed concrete wire, utility strand, and
music wire.
(3) Tire cord and tire bead quality rods.--High-carbon wire rods that downstream purchasers, either
specialized wire drawers or producers of steel-reinforced pneumatic tires, draw into bead or cord wire.
Tire bead reinforces the bead (inner edge) of a tire and seals the tire against the wheel whereas tire cord
is adhered to the inside of the tread for steel-reinforced pneumatic tires.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 3

(4) Welding quality rods.–Rods intended for producing wire for gas welding, electric arc welding,
submerged arc welding, and metal insert gas welding.
(5) Cold heading quality (“CHQ”) rods.–Rods used in the manufacture of heading, forging, or cold
extrusion quality wire.
(6) Other specialty carbon and alloy quality rods.–For the purpose of these questionnaires, data for
scrapless nut, aircraft, cold heading bearing, and valve spring quality rods should be reported in this
category.
Reporting of information.-- If information is not readily available from your records, provide carefully
prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire (i.e., a producer, importer,
and/or purchaser questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.--The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Verification.--The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.--The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1677f) and section 207.7 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR § 207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import-injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals. In addition, if your firm is a U.S. producer, the information you
provide on your production and imports of wire rod and your responses to the questions in Part I of the
producer questionnaire will be provided to the U.S. Department of Commerce, upon its request, for use
in connection with (and only in connection with) its requirement pursuant to section 702(c)(4)/732(c)(4)
of the Act (19 U.S.C. § 1671a(c)(4)/1673a(c)(4)) to make a determination concerning the extent of
industry support for the petition requesting this proceeding. Any information provided to Commerce
will be transmitted under the confidentiality and release guidelines set forth above. Your response to
these questions constitutes your consent that such information be provided to Commerce under the
conditions described above.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
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.

No

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 wire rod, 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:

.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
I-3.

Page 5

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

Support

Oppose

Take no position

Belarus (antidumping)
Italy (antidumping)
Italy (countervailing duty)
Korea (antidumping)
Russia (antidumping)
South Africa (antidumping)
Spain (antidumping)
Turkey (antidumping)
Turkey (countervailing duty)
UAE (antidumping)
Ukraine (antidumping)
United Kingdom (antidumping)
I-4.

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

Firm name

Yes--List the following information.

Address

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
I-5.

Related importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing wire rod from Belarus, Italy, Korea, Russia, South Africa,
Spain, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, and/or United Kingdom into the United States or that are engaged
in exporting wire rod from Belarus, Italy, Korea, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UAE,
Ukraine, and/or United Kingdom to the United States?
No
Firm name

I-6.

Page 6

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

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

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 7

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Michael Szustakowski (202205-3169, mgs@usitc.gov). Supply all data requested on a calendar-year basis.
II-1.

Contact information.--Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part II.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax

II-2.

Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the production of wire rod since January 1, 2014.
(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)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
II-3a.

Page 8

Production using same machinery.--Please report your firm’s production of products made on
the same equipment and machinery used to produce wire rod, and the combined production
capacity on this shared equipment and machinery in the periods indicated.
“Overall production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
normal operating conditions (i.e., using equipment and machinery in place and ready to
operate; normal operating levels (hours per week/weeks per year) and time for downtime,
maintenance, repair, and cleanup).
“Production” – All production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

Overall production capacity
Production of in-scope merchandise:
Wire rod1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Production of out-of-scope merchandise:
Stainless steel bars and rods
Tool steel and high-nickel steel bars and rods
Ball bearing steel bars and rods
Concrete reinforcing bars and rods
Other products2
Total production
1
2

Data entered for production of wire rod will populate here once reported in question II-7.
Please identify these products:
.

II-3b.

Operating parameters.--The production capacity reported in II-3a is based on operating
hours
per week,
weeks per year. Report any date-specific periods when the establishments were
not operating (i.e., not actually producing product) at the reported parameters.

II-3c.

Capacity calculation.--Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall production
capacity reported in II-3a, and explain any changes in reported capacity.

II-3d.

Production constraints.--Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s
production capacity.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
II-3e.

Product shifting.—
(i)

Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between wire rod 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, 2014, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of wire rod?
“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

If yes-- Please describe the toll arrangement(s) and name the firm(s)
involved.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
II-5.

Page 10

Foreign trade zones.-Firm's FTZ operations.--Does your firm produce wire rod in and/or admit wire rod 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

If 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 wire rod into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for use in distribution of wire rod and/or
the production of downstream articles?

(b)

No

II-6.

Yes

Yes

If yes--Identify the firms and the FTZs.

Importer.--Since January 1, 2014, has your firm imported wire rod?
“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
If yes-- COMPLETE AND RETURN A U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
II-7.

Page 11

Production, shipment, and inventory data.--Report your firm’s production capacity, production,
shipments, and inventories related to the production of wire rod in its U.S. establishment(s)
during the specified periods.
“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. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“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.
“Export shipments” –Shipments to destinations outside the United States, including shipments
to related firms.
“Inventories”— Finished goods inventory, not raw materials or work-in-progress.

Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records used in
the preparation of the trade data, as Commission staff may contact your firm regarding questions on the
trade data. The Commission may also request that your company submit copies of the supporting
documents/records (such as production and sales schedules, inventory records, etc.) used to compile
these data.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
II-7.

Page 12

Production, shipment, and inventory data.--Continued
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

1

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:2
Quantity (F)
Value2 (G)
Transfers to related firms:2
Quantity (H)
Value2 (I)
Export shipments:3
Quantity (J)
Value (K)
End-of-period inventories4 (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

2014

2015

0

2016

0

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

0
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
II-8.

Page 13

Channels of distribution.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) by channel of distribution.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

Channels of distribution:
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 U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D, F,
and H) 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
M + N – D – F – H = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2014

2015

0

2016

0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 14

Monthly U.S. shipments.—Report the quantities your firm’s monthly U.S. shipments (i.e.,
inclusive of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of
wire rod from January 2014 through December 2016.

II-9.

Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Month of shipment

2014

2015

2016

January (O)
February (P)
March (Q)
April (R)
May (S)
June (T)
July (U)
August (V)
September (W)
October (X)
November (Y)
December (Z)
Total (AA)

0

0

0

RECONCILIATION OF MONTLY US SHIPMENTS.--Generally, the data reported for the monthly U.S.
shipments in a year (i.e., lines O through Z) should be equal U.S. shipments reported in question II-7 (i.e.,
lines D, F, and H) for that same year. 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
AA – D – F – H = should equal zero
("0"), if not revise.

2014

2015
0

2016
0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
II-10.

Page 15

U.S. shipments by type.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (including U.S. commercial
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers), by type, related to the production of wire rod
in your U.S. establishment(s) during calendar year 2016.
U.S. shipments in 2016
Commercial
shipments
Item

Internal
consumption

Transfers

Quantity (in short tons)

U.S. shipments.-Low/medium-low carbon
industrial/standard quality wire rod (AB)
High/medium-high carbon
industrial/standard quality wire rod (AC)
Tire cord quality wire rod and tire bead
quality wire rod (AD)
Welding quality wire rod (AE)
Cold heading quality (CHQ) wire rod (AF)
Other specialty carbon and alloy quality
wire rod (AG)
All other wire rod shipments (AH)
Total (AI)

0

0

0

RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for U.S. shipments
(i.e., line AI) in 2016 in this question equal their equivalent item in the previous questions (i.e., line D for
commercial U.S. shipments, line F for internal consumption, and line H for transfers to related firms) in in
2016. 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.
U.S. shipments in 2016
Commercial
shipments
Item Reconciliation
AB + AC + AD + AE + AF + AG +AH – D/F/H =
zero ("0"), if not revise.

Internal
consumption

Transfers

Quantity (in short tons)
0

0

0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
II-11.

Page 16

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
wire rod and provide an explanation for any trends in these data.
“Production and 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.
“Hours worked” includes time paid for sick leave, holidays, and vacation time. Include overtime
hours actually worked; do not convert overtime pay to its equivalent in straight time hours.
“Wages paid” –Total wages paid before deductions of any kind (e.g., withholding taxes, old-age
and unemployment insurance, group insurance, union dues, bonds, etc.). Include wages paid
directly by your firm for overtime, holidays, vacations, and sick leave.
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

Average number of PRWs (number)
Hours worked by PRWs (1,000 hours)
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
Explanation of trends:

II-12.

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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
II-13.

Page 17

Purchases.--Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased wire rod since
January 1, 2014?
“Purchase” – A transaction to buy product from a U.S. corporate entity such as another U.S.
producer, a U.S. distributor, or a U.S. firm that has directly imported the product.
“Direct import” –A transaction to buy from a foreign supplier where your firm is the importer of
record or consignee.
No

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

(Quantity in short tons)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

Purchases from U.S.
importers1 of wire rod
from—
Belarus
Italy
Korea
Russia
South Africa
Spain
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Canada
All other sources
Purchases from domestic
producers2
Purchases from other
sources3
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:
.
3
Please list the name of the firm(s) from which your firm purchased this product:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
II-14.

Page 18

Captive production use.—Please report your firm’s internal consumption and/or transfers to
related firms in 2016 by disposition.
Internal consumption
2016
(short tons)

Products
Sold as wire rod

Transfers to related firms
2016
(short tons)

N/A
1

Unusable/not further processed
Processed into other products2
Total

0

0

1

Please describe these products:
.
Please identify the top-5 products wire rod was processed into by your firm, rank ordered by larger to
smaller quantity:
.
2

RECONCILIATION OF INTERNAL CONSUMPTION AND TRANSFERS.—The sum of the data reported above
should be equal to the 2016 data reported for internal consumption and transfers in question II-7 for
2016. 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.

Reconciliation
Data in this question minus data in
question II-7.
II-15.

Internal consumption
2016
(short tons)

Transfers to related firms
2016
(short tons)
0

0

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 19

PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to Joanna Lo (202-205-1888, joanna.lo@usitc.gov).
III-1.

Contact information.--Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part III.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax

III-2.

Accounting system.--Briefly describe your firm’s financial accounting system.
A.

When does your firm’s fiscal year end (month and day)?
If your firm’s fiscal year changed during the data-collection period, explain
below:
Note.--Please note that we are requesting that firms report their financial data
on a calendar year basis.

B.1.

Describe the lowest level of operations (e.g., plant, division, company-wide) for
which financial statements are prepared that include wire rod:

2.

Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for wire rod:
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)

3.

4.

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 wire rod, as well as
specific statements and worksheets) used to compile these data.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 20

III-3.

Cost accounting system.--Briefly describe your firm’s cost accounting system (e.g., standard
cost, job order cost, etc.).

III-4.

Allocation basis.--Briefly describe your firm’s allocation basis, if any, for COGS, SG&A, and
interest expense and other income and expenses.

III-5.

Product listing.--Please list the products your firm produced in the facilities in which your firm
produced wire rod, and provide the share of net sales accounted for by these products in your
firm’s most recent calendar year.
Products
Wire rod

Share of sales
%
%
%
%
%

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
III-6.

Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or any services) used in the
production of wire rod from any related suppliers (e.g., inclusive of transactions between
related firms, divisions and/or other components within the same company)?
Yes--Continue to question III-7.

III-7.

Page 21

No--Continue to question III-9a.

Inputs from related suppliers.--Please identify the inputs used in the production of wire rod
that your firm purchases from related suppliers and that are reflected in table III-9a. For “Share
of total COGS” please report this information by relevant input on the basis of your most
recently completed calendar 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-7, were reported in table III-9a (financial results on total
wire rod) in a manner consistent with your firm’s accounting books and records.
Yes
No--In the space below, please report the valuation basis of inputs purchased from related
suppliers as reported in table III-9a.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 22

III-9a. Operations on wire rod (“total market sales”).--Report the revenue and related cost
information requested below on the wire rod 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 calendar years. If your firm was involved in
tolling operations (either as the toller or as the tollee), please contact Joanna Lo (202-205-1888,
joanna.lo@usitc.gov) before completing this section of the questionnaire.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

2

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

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

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

3

Direct labor
Other factory costs
Total COGS
Gross profit or (loss)
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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 23

III-9b. Operations on wire rod (“open market sales”).-- Report the revenue and related cost
information requested below on the wire rod operations of your U.S. establishment(s).1 Include
both domestic and export commercial sales of the wire rod your firm produced, but do not
include internal consumption or transfers to related firms. 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 calendar years.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

2016

2

Net sales quantities:
Commercial sales quantities from III-9a

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Net sales values:
Commercial sales values from III-9a
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Raw material costs

3

Direct labor
Other factory costs
Total COGS
Gross profit or (loss)
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.
2

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 24

III-10. Financial data reconciliation.--The calculable line items from tables 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 non-material
differences that may arise due to rounding?
Yes

No--If the calculated fields do not show the correct data, please double check the
feeder data for data entry errors and revise.
Also, check signs accorded to the post operating income line items; the two
expense line items should report positive numbers (i.e., expenses are
positive and incomes or reversals are negative--instances of the latter
should be rare in those lines) while the income line item also in most
instances should have its value be a positive number (i.e., income is positive,
expenses or reversals are negative).
If after reviewing and potentially revising the feeder data your firm has
provided, the differences between your records and the calculated fields
persist please identify and discuss the differences in the space below.

III-11. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in the wire rod financial results.--For each
annual period for which financial results are reported in tables III-9a or III-9b, please specify all
material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the schedule below, the specific
tables III-9a or 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). If an aggregate
nonrecurring item has been allocated to table III-9a or III-9b, only the allocated value amount
included in table III-9a or 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 of the subject product.
Calendar years
2014
Nonrecurring item: In this column please provide
a brief description of each nonrecurring item and
indicate the specific line item in table III-9a or III9b where the nonrecurring item is classified.
1.

, classified as

2.

, classified as

3.

, classified as

4.

, classified as

5.

, classified as

6.

, classified as

7.

, classified as

2015

2016

Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the amount
of the relevant nonrecurring item reported in table III-9a or III9b.
Value ($1,000)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 25

III-12. Classification of identified nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the accounting books and
records of the company.--If non-recurring items were reported in question III-11 above, please
identify where your company recorded these items in your accounting books and records in the
normal course of business.

III-13. Asset values.--Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long-term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of wire rod. If your firm does not maintain some or all of
the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for wire rod in the normal
course of business, please estimate this information based upon a method (such as production,
sales, or costs) that is consistent with relevant cost allocations in table III-9a. Provide data as of
the end of your firm’s three most recently completed calendar years.
Note: Total assets should reflect net assets after any accumulated depreciation and allowances
deducted.
Total assets should be allocated to wire rod 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)
Calendar years
Item
Total assets (net)
1

2014

2015

2016

1

Describe

III-14.

Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.--Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for wire rod. Provide data for your
firm’s three most recently completed calendar years.
Value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

Capital expenditures

2014

2015

1

Research and development expenses2
1
2

Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on wire rod:
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to wire rod:

2016

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 26

III-15. Data consistency and reconciliation.--Please confirm that the financial data for tables III-9a, III9b, III-11, III-13a, and III-14 are based on calendar years.
Yes

No

Please note the quantities and values reported in table III-9a should reconcile with the data
reported in question II-7 (including export shipments) as long as they are reported on the same
calendar year basis.
RECONCILIATION OF TRADE VS FINANCIAL DATA.--Please ensure that the quantities and values reported
for total shipments in part II equal the quantities and values reported total net sales in part III of this
questionnaire in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”)
and both are being reported on a calendar basis, please explain the discrepancy below.
Full year data
Reconciliation

2014

2015

2016

Quantity: Trade data from part II
less financial data from part III, = zero
("0") except as noted above.

0

0

0

Value: Trade data from part II less
financial data from part III, = zero
("0") except as noted above.

0

0

0

Do these data in table III-9a reconcile with data in question II-7?
Yes

No

If no, please explain.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 27

III-16a. Effects of imports on investment.--Since January 1, 2014, 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 wire rod from Belarus, Italy, Korea, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine,
and/or United Kingdom?
No

Yes--My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
(check as many as appropriate)
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-16b. Does your firm’s response differ by country?
No

Yes

If yes, indicate which country and why:

(please describe)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 28

III-17a. Effects of imports on growth and development.--Since January 1, 2014, 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 wire rod from Belarus, Italy, Korea, Russia, South
Africa, Spain, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, and/or United Kingdom?
No

Yes--My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
(check as many as appropriate)
Rejection of bank loans

Lowering of credit rating

Problem related to the issue
of stocks or bonds
Ability to service debt

Other

III-17b. Does your firm’s response differ by country?
No

Yes

If yes, indicate which country and why:

(please describe)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 29

III-18a. Anticipated effects of imports.--Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
wire rod from Belarus, Italy, Korea, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, and/or
United Kingdom?
No

Yes

If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows:

III-18b. Does your firm’s response differ by country?
No

Yes

If yes, indicate which country and why:

III-19. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative 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--Wire Rod

Page 30

PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Andrew Knipe (202-2052390, andrew.knipe@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

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, 2014 of the following products produced by your
firm.

Product 1.--Industrial quality wire rod, grade C1006, 5.5 mm (7/32 inch) through 12 mm (15/32 inch) in
diameter, for hangers, chain link fencing, collated nails and staples, grates, and other
formed products (in green condition, e.g., NOT cleaned, coated, etc.).
Product 2.--Industrial quality wire rod, grade C1008 through C1010, 5.5 mm (7/32 inch) through 12 mm
(15/32 inch) in diameter, for hangers, chain link fencing, collated nails and staples, grates,
and other formed products (in green condition, e.g., NOT cleaned, coated, etc.).
Product 3.--Mesh quality wire rod, grades C1006 through C1015, 5.5 mm (7/32 inch) through 14 mm
(9/16 inch) in diameter, for the manufacturing of concrete reinforcement products such as
wire for A-82 applications (in green condition, e.g., NOT cleaned, coated, etc.).
Product 4.--Grades C1050 through C1070, 5.5 mm (7/32 inch) through 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) in diameter, for
spring applications excluding valve spring (in green condition, e.g., NOT cleaned, coated,
etc.).
Product 5.--Industrial quality wire, grades C1060 through 1065, 5.5mm (7/32 inch) through 17.5 mm
(11/16 inch) in diameter, for spring wire rod used in upholstery and mechanical applications,
as well as oil-tempered spring applications.
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 2014-December 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 tables as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question IV-3.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 31

IV-2(a). Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm.
Report data in actual short tons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in short tons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Period of shipment
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
October-December

Quantity

Product 2
Value

Product 4

Quantity

Product 3
Value

Quantity

Value

Product 5

Period of shipment
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
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
October-December
1
Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods), f.o.b. your firm’s
U.S. point of shipment.
2
Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product, provide a description
of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
Product 4:
Product 5:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 32

IV-2(b). 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.
IV-3.

Price setting.-(a)

How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of wire rod (check all
that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample pages of a recent list.

Transaction
by
transaction

(b)

Other

If other, describe

How does your firm take into account scrap prices when setting prices for wire rod?

Included in
cost

IV-4.

Contracts

Set
price
lists

Separate
surcharge

Other

If other, describe. If separate surcharge, describe how
your surcharge mechanism works.

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

Quantity
discounts

Annual
total
volume
discounts

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
IV-5.

Pricing terms.-(a)

What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its U.S.-produced wire rod?
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 wire rod usually quoted (check one)?
Delivered

IV-6.

Page 33

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.-produced wire
rod in 2016 was on a (1) long-term contract basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3) short-term
contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Share of 2016
sales

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

Type of sale
Short-term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for 12
less than 12
months)
months)
%

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)

Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)
%

%

0.0

%

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
IV-7.

Page 34

Contract provisions.--Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
U.S.-produced wire rod (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

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

Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)

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

365

No
Quantity

Meet or release
provision

Price
Both
Yes
No

Not applicable
IV-8.

Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales from inventory vs. 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 wire rod?

Source

Share of 2016
sales

Lead time (average
number of days)

From inventory

%

Produced to order

%

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0 %

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod
IV-9.

Page 35

Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of U.S.-produced wire
rod 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 wire rod that are delivered
the following distances from its production facility.
Distance from production facility

Share

Within 100 miles

%

101 to 1,000 miles

%

Over 1,000 miles

%

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

%

IV-10. Geographical shipments.--In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold its U.S.produced wire rod since January 1, 2014 (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--Wire Rod

Page 36

IV-11. End uses.-(a)

List the end uses of the wire rod that your firm manufactures and sells commercially.
For each end-use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by wire
rod vs. other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
End use product
(commercial sales)

(b)

Wire rod

Other inputs

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

%

%

0.0 %

%

%

0.0 %

%

%

0.0 %

List the top three end uses of the wire rod that your firm manufactures and transfers to
related firms and or consumes internally. For each end-use product, what percentage of
the total cost is accounted for by wire rod vs. other inputs?

End use product
(internal consumption
or transferred to a
related firm)

Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
Wire rod

Other inputs

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

%

%

0.0 %

%

%

0.0 %

%

%

0.0 %

IV-12. Substitutes.--Can other products be substituted for wire rod?
No

Substitute
1.
2.
3.

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 wire rod?
No Yes

Explanation

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire--Wire Rod

Page 37

IV-13. Demand trends.--Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for wire rod has changed since January 1, 2014. Explain any trends and
describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.

Overall
increase

Market

Fluctuate
No
Overall
with no
change decrease clear trend

Explanation and factors

Within the United States
Outside the United States
IV-14. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of wire rod since January 1, 2014?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.

IV-15. Conditions of competition.-(a)

Is the wire rod market subject to business cycles (other than general economy-wide
conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to wire rod? If yes,
describe.

Check all that apply.

Please describe.

No

Skip to question IV-16.

Yes-Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes-Other distinctive
conditions of competition
(b)

If yes, have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition
for wire rod since January 1, 2014?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

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IV-16. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply wire rod since
January 1, 2014 (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, being unable to meet timely shipment commitments, etc.)?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe.

IV-17. Raw materials.--How have wire rod raw material prices changed since January 1, 2014?
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 wire
rod.

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IV-18. Interchangeability.--Is wire rod 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
Countrypair
Belarus

Italy

Korea

Russia

South
Africa

Spain

Turkey

UAE

Ukraine

UK

Canada

Other
countries

United
States
Belarus
Italy
Korea
Russia
South
Africa
Spain
Turkey
UAE
Ukraine
UK

For any country-pair producing wire rod that is sometimes or never interchangeable, identify the country-pair and
explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:

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IV-19. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between wire rod 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
Countrypair
Belarus

Italy

Korea

Russia

South
Africa

Spain

Turkey

UAE

Ukraine

UK

Canada

Other
countries

United
States
Belarus
Italy
Korea
Russia
South
Africa
Spain
Turkey
UAE
Ukraine
UK

For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant factor in your firm’s
sales of wire rod, identify the country-pair and report the advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:

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IV-20. Customer identification.--List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for wire rod since January 1, 2014. Indicate the share of the quantity of your firm’s
total shipments of wire rod that each of these customers accounted for in 2016.

Customer’s name

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Contact person

Email

Telephone

City

State

Share
of
2016
sales
(%)

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IV-21. Competition from imports
(a)

Lost revenue.--Since January 1, 2014: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling wire
rod from Belarus, Italy, Korea, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, and/or
United Kingdom, did your firm:
Item

No

Yes

Reduce prices
Roll back announced price increases
(b)

Lost sales.--Since January 1, 2014: Did your firm lose sales of wire rod to imports of this
product from Belarus, Italy, Korea, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine,
and/or United Kingdom?
No

(c)

Yes

The submission of lost sales/lost revenue allegations is to be completed only by NONPETITIONERS.
If your firm indicated “yes” to any of the above, your firm can provide the Commission
with additional information by downloading and completing the lost sales/lost revenues
worksheet at http://usitc.gov/trade_remedy/question.htm. Note that the Commission
may contact the firms named to verify the allegations reported.
Is your firm submitting the lost sales/lost revenues worksheet?
No—Please explain.
Yes—Please complete the worksheet and submit via the Commission dropbox.
https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: WR10)

IV-22. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part
IV that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.

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HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/title_7/2017/carbon_and_certain_alloy_steel_wir
e_rod_belarus/preliminary.htm.
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods noted
below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or cannot use one
of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the Commission for further
instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/

Pin: WR10

• E-mail.—E-mail the MS Word questionnaire to mgs@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 (202205-1803). 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.