Form 17-1-3653 U.S. Producers' Questionnaire

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

US Producers--SSSS review

Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, Inv. No(s). 701-TA-382 and 731-TA-800, 801, and 803 (Third Review)

OMB: 3117-0016

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OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 17-1-3653; Expiration Date: 6/30/2017
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
STAINLESS STEEL SHEET AND STRIP FROM JAPAN, KOREA, AND TAIWAN
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by May 12, 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 reviews of the countervailing duty order concerning stainless steel sheet and strip from Korea and
the antidumping duty orders concerning stainless steel sheet and strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA382 and 731-TA-800, 801, and 803 (Third Review)). 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 stainless steel sheet and strip (as defined on the next page) at any time since January 1,
2011?

(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 Commission Drop Box by clicking on the following link:
https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/ (PIN: STS3)
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 or reviews
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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

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PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--On July 27, 1999, the Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) issued the antidumping
duty orders on imports of stainless steel sheet and strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan (64 FR 40565
and 64 FR 40555) and on August 6, 1999, Commerce issued the countervailing duty order on imports of
stainless steel sheet and strip Korea (64 FR 42923). Following five-year reviews by Commerce and the
Commission, effective August 4, 2005, Commerce issued a continuation of the countervailing duty order
on imports of stainless steel sheet and strip Korea and the antidumping duty orders on imports of
stainless steel sheet and strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan (70 FR 44886). Following second five-year
reviews by Commerce and the Commission, effective August 11, 2011, Commerce issued a second
continuation of the countervailing duty order on imports of stainless steel sheet and strip Korea and the
antidumping duty orders on imports of stainless steel sheet and strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan and
(76 FR 49726). On July 1, 2016, the Commission instituted a review pursuant to section 751(c) of the
Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1675(c)) (the Act) to determine whether revocation of the orders would
be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry within a
reasonably foreseeable time. Each order for which the Commission and Commerce make affirmative
determinations will remain in place. If the Commission makes a negative determination on a particular
order, the Department of Commerce will revoke that order. Questionnaires and other information
pertinent to this proceeding are available at
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/stainless_steel_sheet_and_strip_japan_korea_and/
third_review_full.htm.
Stainless steel sheet and strip (“SSSS”).-- The merchandise covered by these AD and CVD orders is
stainless steel sheet and strip in coils. Stainless steel is an alloy steel containing, by weight, 1.2 percent
or less of carbon and 10.5 percent or more of chromium, with or without other elements. The subject
sheet and strip is a flat-rolled product in coils that is greater than 9.5 mm in width and less than 4.75
mm in thickness, and that is annealed or otherwise heat treated and pickled or otherwise descaled. The
subject sheet and strip may also be further processed (e.g., cold-rolled, polished, aluminized,
coated, etc.) provided that it maintains the specific dimensions of sheet and strip following such
processing.
The merchandise subject to these orders is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States (HTSUS) at subheadings: 7219.13.00.31, 7219.13.00.51, 7219.13.00.71, 7219.13.00.81,
7219.14.00.30, 7219.14.00.65, 7219.14.00.90, 7219.32.00.05, 7219.32.00.20, 7219.32.00.25,
7219.32.00.35, 7219.32.00.36, 7219.32.00.38, 7219.32.00.42, 7219.32.00.44, 7219.33.00.05,
7219.33.00.20, 7219.33.00.25, 7219.33.00.35, 7219.33.00.36, 7219.33.00.38, 7219.33.00.42,
7219.33.00.44, 7219.34.00.05, 7219.34.00.20, 7219.34.00.25, 7219.34.00.30, 7219.34.00.35,
7219.35.00.05, 7219.35.00.15, 7219.35.00.30, 7219.35.00.35, 7219.90.00.10, 7219.90.00.20,
7219.90.00.25, 7219.90.00.60, 7219.90.00.80, 7220.12.10.00, 7220.12.50.00, 7220.20.10.10,
7220.20.10.15, 7220.20.10.60, 7220.20.10.80, 7220.20.60.05, 7220.20.60.10, 7220.20.60.15,
7220.20.60.60, 7220.20.60.80, 7220.20.70.05, 7220.20.70.10, 7220.20.70.15, 7220.20.70.60,
7220.20.70.80, 7220.20.80.00, 7220.20.90.30, 7220.20.90.60, 7220.90.00.10, 7220.90.00.15,
7220.90.00.60, and 7220.90.00.80. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and
customs purposes, the Department's written description of the merchandise subject to these orders is
dispositive.
Excluded from the scope of these orders are the following: (1) Sheet and strip that is not annealed or
otherwise heat treated and pickled or otherwise descaled, (2) sheet and strip that is cut to length, (3)
plate (i.e.,flat-rolled stainless steel products of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more), (4) flat wire (i.e., coldrolled sections, with a prepared edge, rectangular in shape, of a width of not more than 9.5 mm), and (5)

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razor blade steel, (6) flapper valve steel, (7) suspension foil, (8) certain stainless steel foil for automotive
catalytic converters, (9) permanent magnet iron-chromium-cobalt alloy stainless strip, (10) certain
electrical resistance ally steel, (11) certain martensitic precipitation-hardenable stainless steel, and (12)
three specialty stainless steels typically used in certain industrial blades and surgical and medication
instruments. Items 5 through 12 are further described below.
Razor blade steel is a flat-rolled product of stainless steel, not further worked than cold-rolled (coldreduced), in coils, of a width of not more than 23 mm and a thickness of 0.266 mm or less, containing,
by weight, 12.5 to 14.5 percent chromium, and certified at the time of entry to be used in the
manufacture of razor blades. See Chapter 72 of the HTSUS, “Additional U.S. Note” 1(d).
Flapper valve steel is also excluded from the scope. This product is defined as stainless steel strip in coils
containing, by weight, between 0.37 and 0.43 percent carbon, between 1.15 and 1.35 percent
molybdenum, and between 0.20 and 0.80 percent manganese. This steel also contains, by weight,
phosphorus of 0.025 percent or less, silicon of between 0.20 and 0.50 percent, and sulfur of 0.020
percent or less. The product is manufactured by means of vacuum arc remelting, with inclusion controls
for sulphide of no more than 0.04 percent and for oxide of no more than 0.05 percent. Flapper valve
steel has a tensile strength of between 210 and 300 ksi, yield strength of between 170 and 270 ksi, plus
or minus 8 ksi, and a hardness (Hv) of between 460 and 590. Flapper valve steel is most commonly used
to produce specialty flapper valves in compressors.
Suspension foil excluded from the scope is a specialty steel product used in the manufacture of
suspension assemblies for computer disk drives. Suspension foil is described as 302/304 grade or 202
grade stainless steel of a thickness between 14 and 127 microns, with a thickness tolerance of plus-orminus 2.01 microns, and surface glossiness of 200 to 700 percent Gs. Suspension foil must be supplied in
coilwidths of not more than 407 mm, and with a mass of 225 kg or less. Roll marks may only be visible
on one side, with no scratches of measurable depth. The material must exhibit residual stresses of 2 mm
maximum deflection, and flatness of 1.6 mm over 685 mm length.
Certain stainless steel foil for automotive catalytic converters is also excluded from the scope. This
stainless steel strip in coils is a specialty foil with a thickness of between 20 and 110 microns used to
produce a metallic substrate with a honeycomb structure for use in automotive catalytic converters. The
steel contains, by weight, carbon of no more than 0.030 percent, silicon of no more than 1.0 percent,
manganese of no more than 1.0 percent, chromium of between 19 and 22 percent, aluminum of no less
than 5.0 percent, phosphorus of no more than 0.045 percent, sulfur of no more than 0.03 percent,
lanthanum of less than 0.002 or greater than 0.05 percent, and total rare earth elements of more than
0.06 percent, with the balance iron.
Permanent magnet iron-chromium-cobalt alloy stainless strip is also excluded from the scope. This
ductile stainless steel strip contains, by weight, 26 to 30 percent chromium, and 7 to 10 percent cobalt,
with the remainder of iron, in widths 228.6 mm or less, and a thickness between 0.127 and 1.270 mm. It
exhibits magnetic remanence between 9,000 and 12,000 gauss, and a coercivity of between 50 and 300
oersteds. This product is most commonly used in electronic sensors and is currently available under
proprietary trade names such as “Arnokrome III.”1
Certain electrical resistance alloy steel is also excluded from the scope. This product is defined as a nonmagnetic stainless steel manufactured to American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
specification B344 and containing, by weight, 36 percent nickel, 18 percent chromium, and 46 percent
1

“Arnokrome III” is a trademark of the Arnold Engineering Company.

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iron, and is most notable for its resistance to high temperature corrosion. It has a melting point of 1390
degrees Celsius and displays a creep rupture limit of 4 kilograms per square millimeter at 1000 degrees
Celsius. This steel is most commonly used in the production of heating ribbons for circuit breakers and
industrial furnaces, and in rheostats for railway locomotives. The product is currently available under
proprietary trade names such as “Gilphy 36.”2
Certain martensitic precipitation-hardenable stainless steel is also excluded from the scope. This highstrength, ductile stainless steel product is designated under the Unified Numbering System (UNS) as
S45500-grade steel, and contains, by weight, 11 to 13 percent chromium, and 7 to 10 percent nickel.
Carbon, manganese, silicon and molybdenum each comprise, by weight, 0.05 percent or less, with
phosphorus and sulfur each comprising, by weight, 0.03 percent or less. This steel has copper, niobium,
and titanium added to achieve aging, and will exhibit yield strengths as high as 1700 Mpa and ultimate
tensile strengths as high as 1750 Mpa after aging, with elongation percentages of 3 percent or less in 50
mm. It is generally provided in thicknesses between 0.635 and 0.787 mm, and in widths of 25.4 mm. This
product is most commonly used in the manufacture of television tubes and is currently available under
proprietary trade names such as “Durphynox 17.”3
Three specialty stainless steels typically used in certain industrial blades and surgical and medical
instruments are also excluded from the scope. These include stainless steel strip in coils used in the
production of textile cutting tools (e.g., carpet knives).4 This steel is similar to AISI grade 420 but
containing, by weight, 0.5 to 0.7 percent of molybdenum. The steel also contains, by weight, carbon of
between 1.0 and 1.1 percent, sulfur of 0.020 percent or less, and includes between 0.20 and 0.30
percent copper and between 0.20 and 0.50 percent cobalt. This steel is sold under proprietary names
such as “GIN4 Mo.” The second excluded stainless steel strip in coils is similar to AISI 420-J2 and
contains, by weight, carbon of between 0.62 and 0.70 percent, silicon of between 0.20 and 0.50 percent,
manganese of between 0.45 and 0.80 percent, phosphorus of no more than 0.025 percent and sulfur of
no more than 0.020 percent. This steel has a carbide density on average of 100 carbide particles per 100
square microns. An example of this product is “GIN5” steel. The third specialty steel has a chemical
composition similar to AISI 420 F, with carbon of between 0.37 and 0.43 percent, molybdenum of
between 1.15 and 1.35 percent, but lower manganese of between 0.20 and 0.80 percent, phosphorus of
no more than 0.025 percent, silicon of between 0.20 and 0.50 percent, and sulfur of no more than 0.020
percent. This product is supplied with a hardness of more than Hv 500 guaranteed after customer
processing, and is supplied as, for example, “GIN6”.5
In addition, as a result of changed circumstances reviews, the Department has revoked, in part, the
Japanese AD order with respect to imports of the following products:6
•
•

Stainless steel welding electrode strips that are manufactured in accordance with
American Welding Society (AWS) specifications ANSI/AWS A5.9-93
Certain stainless steel used for razor blades, medical surgical blades, and industrial
blades that are sold under proprietary names such as DSRIK7, DSRIKA, and DSRIK9;

“Gilphy 36” is a trademark of Imphy, S.A.
“Durphynox 17” is a trademark of Imphy, S.A.
4
This list of uses is illustrative and provided for descriptive purposes only.
5
“GIN4 Mo,” “GIN5” and “GIN6” are the proprietary grades of Hitachi Metals America, Ltd.
6
See the following Federal Register notices entitled Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils From Japan: Final Results
of Changed Circumstance Antidumping Duty Review, and Determination To Revoke Order in Part: 65 FR 17856,
April 5, 2000; 65 FR 54841, September 11, 2000; 65 FR 64423, October 27, 2000; and 65 FR 77578, December 12,
2000.
3

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
•
•

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Certain stainless steel lithographic sheet that is made of 304-grade stainless steel; and
Certain nickel clad stainless steel sheet.

Reporting of information.-- If information is not readily available from your records in exactly the form
requested, furnish carefully prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire
in connection with this proceeding (i.e., a producer, importer, and/or purchaser questionnaire), you
need not respond to duplicated questions in the questionnaires.
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 of your 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 - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
I-1.

Page 6

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-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 stainless steel sheet and
strip, including auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically
separate from) such facilities.
Establishments
Covered1

City, State

Zip (5 digit)

1
2
3
4
5
6
1

Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire:

Description

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
I-3.

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Position regarding continuation of order.--Does your firm support or oppose continuation of
the following antidumping and/or countervailing duty orders currently in place for stainless steel
sheet and strip?
Country

Support

Oppose

Take no position

Japan - antidumping
Korea - antidumping
Korea – countervailing duty
Taiwan - antidumping
I-4.

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

Yes--List the following information.

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 stainless steel sheet and strip into the United States or
that are engaged in exporting stainless steel sheet and strip to the United States?
No

Yes--List the following information.
Firm name

Country

Affiliation

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
I-6.

Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of stainless steel sheet and strip?
No

Yes--List the following information.
Firm name

I-7.

Page 8

Country

Affiliation

Business plan.--In Parts II and IV of this questionnaire we request a copy of your company’s
business plan. Does your company or any related firm have a business plan or any internal
documents that describe, discuss, or analyze expected market conditions for stainless steel
sheet and strip?

Yes

If yes, please provide the requested documents. If you are not providing the
requested documents, please explain why not.

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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 stainless steel sheet and strip since January 1, 2011.
Check as many as appropriate.
Plant openings
Plant closings
Relocations
Expansions
Acquisitions
Consolidations
Prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments (please
specify the dates and volume of
capacity that was made
unavailable)
Revised labor agreements
Other (e.g., technology)

If checked, please describe; leave blank if not applicable.

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Anticipated changes in operations.--Does your firm anticipate any changes in the character of
operations or organization (as noted above) relating to the production of stainless steel sheet
and strip in the future?
No

Yes--Supply details as to the time, nature, and significance of such changes
and provide underlying assumptions, along with relevant portions of
business plans or other supporting documentation that address this
issue. Include in your response a specific projection of your firm’s
capacity to produce stainless steel sheet and strip (in short tons) for
2017 and 2018.

For question II-4, if your firm’s response differs for particular orders, please indicate and explain the
particular effect of revocation of specific orders.
II-4.

Anticipated changes in operations in the event the order is revoked.--Would your firm
anticipate any changes in the character of its operations or organization (as noted above)
relating to the production of stainless steel sheet and strip in the future if the countervailing
duty order on stainless steel sheet and strip from Korea and/or the antidumping duty orders on
stainless steel sheet and strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan were to be revoked?
No

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
II-5a.

Page 11

Production using same HRAP machinery.--Please report your firm’s production of products
made on the same equipment and machinery used to produce stainless steel sheet and strip,
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 year
Item

2014

2015

January-March
2016

2016

2017

Hot-rolled annealed and pickled (HRAP) steel:
Overall production capacity (A)
Production HRAP.-In-scope SSSS to be further processed/CR (B)
In-scope SSSS to be sold as HRAP (C)
All in-scope HRAP SSSS (D)

All out-of-scope other products (E)
Total production on same machinery (F)
Your firm’s allocation of overall HRAP capacity
to all in-scope HRAP SSSS (G)
1

Data reported in line G should represent the portion of overall HRAP capacity reported in line A that covers all SSSS production in line E,
and should exclude any portion of the overall production capacity used for the production of out-of-scope products.

II-5b.

HRAP operating parameters.--The production capacity reported 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-5c.

HRAP capacity calculations.--Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall
production capacity in line A as well as allocate overall capacity to all in-scope HRAP stainless
steel sheet and strip in line G, and explain any changes in reported capacity.

II-5d.

HRAP production constraints.--Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your
firm’s stainless steel sheet and strip hot-rolled production capacity.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
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Production using same CR machinery.—Please report your firm’s production of products made
on the same equipment and machinery used to produce stainless steel sheet and strip, and the
combined production capacity on this shared equipment and machinery in the periods
indicated.
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar year
Item

2014

2015

January-March
2016

2016

2017

Cold rolled (CR) steel:
Overall production capacity (H)
Production CR.-In-scope CR SSSS (I)
Out-of-scope other products (J)
Total production on same machinery (K)

Your firm’s allocation of overall CR capacity to
1
in-scope CR SSSS (L)
1

Data reported in line L should represent the portion of overall CR capacity reported in line H that covers all SSSS production in line I,
and should exclude any portion of the overall production capacity used for the production of out-of-scope products.

II-6b.

CR operating parameters.--The production capacity reported 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-6c.

CR capacity calculations.--Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall production
capacity in line H as well as allocate overall capacity to all in-scope CR stainless steel sheet and
strip in line L, and explain any changes in reported capacity.

II-6d.

CR production constraints.--Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s
stainless steel sheet and strip hot-rolled production capacity.

II-7.

Product shifting.--Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between stainless steel sheet and
strip and other products using the same equipment and/or labor?
No

II-8.

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

Product shifting factors.--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.

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Production, shipment, and inventory data.--Report your firm’s production capacity, production,
shipments, and inventories related to the production of stainless steel sheet and strip 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.
“U.S. commercial shipments” –Shipments made within the United States as a result of an arm’s
length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net values (i.e., gross
sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment.
“Internal consumption” – Product consumed internally by your firm. 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.

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Page 14

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

Average production capacity
(quantity) (M)

2014

2015

January-March
2016

2016

2017

Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (N)
Production (quantity) (O)2

U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
quantity (P)
value (Q)
Internal consumption:3
quantity (R)
value (S)
Transfers to related firms:3
quantity (T)
value (U)
Export shipments:4
quantity (V)
value (W)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (X)
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 (use additional pages as necessary).
.
2
Production of all in-scope SSSS is the sum of data reported in line C in question II-5a and line I in question II-6a. Data will auto
populate into this question once entered into the aforementioned lines.
3
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms should 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:
.
4
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
II-9.

Page 15

Production, shipment, and inventory data.--Continued

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line L) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line B),
plus production (i.e., line C), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J). Please ensure that any
differences are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather 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 year
Item

2014

N + O – P – R – T– V – X
= should equal zero
("0") or provide an
explanation.1

January-March

2015

2016

2017

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are
nonetheless accurate:
.
II-10.

Channels of distribution.--Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments by channel of
distribution.
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar year
Item

2014

2015

January-March
2016

2016

2017

Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments.—
to distributors (quantity) (Y)
to end users (quantity) (Z)
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines Z and Y) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. commercial
shipments (i.e., line P) 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 year
Reconciliation item
Y + Z – P = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

2014

2015
0

January-March
2016

2016
0

2017
0

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
II-11.

Page 16

Commercial U.S. shipments by product grade.--Report your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments
by grade of stainless steel.
2016
Item

Quantity (short tons)

Value (in $1,000)

Commercial U.S. shipments:
Grade 201 (AA)
Grade 304 (AB)
Grade 316 (AC)
Grade 409 (AD)
Grade 430 (AE)
1

All others (AF)

Total (AG)
1

Please identify these products:

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS BY GRADE-- Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for
U.S. producers commercial U.S. shipments by grade (i.e., lines AG) is equal the quantity and value
reported for commercial U.S. shipments (i.e., lines P and Q) in 2016 reported in question II-9. 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.
Item

Quantity (short tons)

Reconciliation with question II-9, should =
zero ("0"), if not revise prior to submission.

II-12.

Value (in $1,000)

U.S. shipments data (2011-13).--Report the quantity and value of your firm’s U.S. commercial
shipments of stainless steel sheet and strip during the specified periods.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar year
Item

U.S. shipments:
Commercial U.S. shipments.—
quantity
value

2011

2012

2013

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
II-13.

Page 17

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
stainless steel sheet and strip 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. For the January to March periods, calculate similarly and divide by 3.
“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 year
Item

2014

2015

January-March
2016

2016

2017

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

II-14.

Transfers to related firms.--If your firm reported transfers to related firms in question II-6,
please indicate the nature of the relationship between your firm and the related firms (e.g., joint
venture, wholly owned subsidiary), whether the transfers were priced at market value or by a
non-market formula, whether your firm retained marketing rights to all transfers, and whether
the related firms also processed inputs from sources other than your firm.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
II-15.

Page 18

Purchases.--Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased stainless steel sheet
and strip since January 1, 2014?
No

Yes-- Please indicate the reasons for your firm’s purchases (if your firms’
reasons differ by source, please elaborate) and report the quantity and
value of such purchases below for the specified periods.

“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.
Reason for purchases:

Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Item

2014

2015

January-March
2016

2016

2017

Purchases from U.S. importers of
stainless steel sheet and strip
from—
Japan
Korea
Taiwan
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:
.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
II-16.

Page 19

Toll production.--Since January 1, 2014, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement
regarding the production of stainless steel sheet and strip?
“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

II-17.

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

Foreign trade zones.-Firm's FTZ operations.--Does your firm produce stainless steel sheet and strip in and/or
admit stainless steel sheet and strip 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 stainless steel sheet and strip into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for use in
distribution of stainless steel sheet and strip and/or the production of downstream
articles?

(b)

No/Don’t know

II-18.

Yes--Identify the firms and the FTZs.

Direct imports.--Since January 1, 2014, has your firm imported stainless steel sheet and strip?
“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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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 20

For questions II-19 and II-20, if your response differs for particular orders, please indicate and explain
the particular effect of imposition and/or revocation of specific orders.
II-19.

Effect of orders.--Describe the significance of the existing countervailing duty order concerning
stainless steel sheet and strip from Korea and the antidumping duty orders concerning stainless
steel sheet and strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan in terms of their effect on your firm’s
production capacity, production, U.S. shipments, inventories, purchases, employment,
revenues, costs, profits, cash flow, capital expenditures, research and development
expenditures, and asset values. You may wish to compare your firm’s operations before and
after the imposition of the order.

II-20.

Likely effect of revocation of orders.--Would your firm anticipate any changes in its production
capacity, production, U.S. shipments, inventories, purchases, employment, revenues, costs,
profits, cash flow, capital expenditures, research and development expenditures, or asset values
relating to the production of stainless steel sheet and strip in the future if the countervailing
duty order concerning stainless steel sheet and strip from Korea and the antidumping duty
orders concerning stainless steel sheet and strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan on stainless
steel sheet and strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan were to be revoked?
No

II-21.

Other explanations:--If your firm would like to explain further 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 - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 21

PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to Jennifer Brinckhaus (202-205-3188,
jennifer.brinckhaus@usitc.gov).
III-1.

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

III-2.

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

When does your firm’s fiscal year end (month and day)?
If your firm’s fiscal year changed during the data-collection period, explain below:

B.1.

Describe the lowest level of operations (e.g., plant, division, company-wide) for which
financial statements are prepared that include stainless steel sheet and strip:

2.
3.

Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for stainless steel sheet and strip:
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 stainless steel sheet and
strip, 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 - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 22

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 produces in the facilities in which it produces
stainless steel sheet and strip, and provide the share of net sales accounted for by these
products in your firm’s most recent fiscal year.
Products

Share of sales

Stainless steel sheet and strip

%
%
%
%
%

III-6.

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

III-7.

No--Continue to question III-9a.

Inputs from related suppliers.--Please identify the inputs used in the production of stainless
steel sheet and strip that your firm purchases from related suppliers and that are reflected in
table III-9a. For “Share of total COGS” please report this information by relevant input on the
basis of your most recently completed fiscal year. For “Input valuation” please describe the
basis, as recorded in the 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
(percent)

Input valuation method (e.g., the related supplier’s actual cost, cost plus, FMV, etc.)

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
III-8.

Page 23

Inputs from related suppliers at cost.--Please confirm that the inputs purchased from related
suppliers, as identified in III-7, were reported in III-9a (financial results on stainless steel sheet
and strip) in a manner consistent with the 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.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 24

III-9a. Operations on stainless steel sheet and strip.--Report the revenue and related cost information
requested below on the stainless steel sheet and strip 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.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item

2014

2015

January-March
2016

2016

2017

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

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

Alloying elements
All other raw materials
Total raw materials
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

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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 25

III-9b. Financial data reconciliation.--The calculable line items from question III-9a (i.e., total net sales
quantities and values, total COGS, gross profit (or loss), total SG&A, and net income (or loss))
have been calculated from the data submitted in the other line items. Do the calculated fields
return the correct data according to your firm's financial records ignoring non-material
differences that may arise due to rounding?
Yes

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

III-10. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in the subject product financial results.--For
each annual and interim period for which financial results are reported in question III-9a, please
specify all material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the schedule below,
the specific question 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 question III-9a; i.e., if an aggregate nonrecurring item has been allocated to question
III-9a, only the allocated value amount included in question III-9a should be reported in the
schedule below. Note: The Commission’s objective here is to gather information only on
material (significant) nonrecurring items which impacted the reported financial results of the
subject product in question III-9a.
Fiscal years ended-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 where the nonrecurring item is classified.
1.

, classified as

2015

January-March
2016

2016

2017

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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 26

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 question III-10 above, please
identify where your company recorded these items in your accounting books and records in the
normal course of business; i.e., just as responses to question III-10 identify where these items
are reported in question III-9a.

III-12. Asset values.--Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long-term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of stainless steel sheet and strip. If your firm does not
maintain some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for
stainless steel sheet and strip 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 question III-9a. Provide data as of the end of your firm’s three most recently
completed fiscal years.
Note: Total assets should reflect net assets after any accumulated depreciation and allowances
deducted.
Total assets should be allocated to the subject products if these assets are also related to other
products. Please provide a brief explanation if there are any substantial changes in total asset
value during the period; e.g., due to asset write-offs, revaluation, and major purchases.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
Total assets (net)
1

2014
1

Describe any substantial changes

2015

2016

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 27

III-13. Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.--Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for stainless steel sheet and strip.
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

2014

2015

January-March
2016

2016

2017

Capital expenditures
Research and development
expenses
1

Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on the subject product.

Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to subject product.

III-14. Data consistency and reconciliation.--Please indicate whether your firm’s financial data for
questions III-9a, 12, and 13 are based on a calendar year or your firm’s fiscal year:
Calendar year

Fiscal year

Specify fiscal year

Please note the quantities and values reported in question III-9a should reconcile with the data
reported in question II-9 (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 unless the financial data from part III are reported on a fiscal year
basis, in which case only the interim periods must reconcile. 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

Partial year periods
2016

2016

2017

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

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
II-14.

Page 28

Data consistency and reconciliation.--Continued
Do these data in question III-9a reconcile with data in question II-9?
Yes

If no, please explain.

III-15. 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 - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 29

PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Cindy Cohen (202-205-3230,
cindy.cohen@usitc.gov).
IV-1.

PRICE DATA
IV-2.

This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers of the following products produced by your firm.
Product 1.—AISI Grade 304, 0.075 inch nominal thickness (0.068-0.082 inch actual), width 4860 inches, in coils, 2B finish.
Product 2.—AISI Grade 304, 0.029 inch nominal thickness (0.0260-0.032 inch actual), width 4860 inches, in coils, 2B finish.
Product 3.—AISI Grade 304, 0.036 inch nominal thickness (0.032-0.040 inch actual), width 4860 inches, in coils, 2B finish.
Product 4.—AISI Grade 316L, 0.060 inch nominal thickness (0.054-0.066 inch actual), width 4860 inches, 2B finish.
Product 5.—AISI Grade 409, 0.048 inch nominal thickness (0.0450-0.0510 inch actual), width
48-60 inches, in coils, 2B finish.
Product 6.—AISI Grade 430, 0.036 inch nominal thickness (0.032-0.040 inch actual), width 3648 inches, in coils, polished.

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).
(a) During January 2014-March 2017, 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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Page 30

IV-2(b). 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
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 3
Period of shipment
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
2017:
January-March
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 the product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 31

Product 6
Period of shipment
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
2017:
January-March
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 the product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 4:
Product 5:
Product 6:

IV-2(c). Pricing data methodology.--Please describe the method and the kinds of documents/records
that were used to compile your price data.
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records
used in the preparation of the price data, as Commission staff may contact your firm regarding
questions on the price data. The Commission may also request that your company submit copies
of the supporting documents/records (such as sales journal, invoices, etc.) used to compile these
data.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
IV-3.

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

IV-4.

Set
price
lists

Contracts

Other

If other, describe

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

Quantity
discounts

IV-5.

Page 32

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 stainless steel sheet and
strip?
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 stainless steel sheet and strip usually
quoted (check one)?
Delivered

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
IV-6.

Contract versus spot.-- Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.-produced
stainless steel sheet and strip 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
IV-7.

Page 33

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

Contract provisions.--Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
U.S.-produced stainless steel sheet and strip (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 the typical lead time between a customer’s order and the date of delivery
for your firm’s sales of its U.S.-produced stainless steel sheet and strip?

Source

Share of 2016
sales

From inventory

Produced to order

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0 %

Lead time (average
number of days)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
IV-9.

Page 34

Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the total delivered cost of U.S.-produced
stainless steel sheet and strip that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs?
%

(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 stainless steel sheet and
strip that are delivered the following distances from your firm’s 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-10. Geographical shipments.-- In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold its U.S.produced stainless steel sheet and strip since January 1, 2011 (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 - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 35

IV-11. End uses.-(a)

List the end uses of the stainless steel sheet and strip that your firm manufactures. For
each end-use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by stainless
steel sheet and strip and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
Stainless steel sheet
and strip

End use product

(b)

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

Other inputs

0.0 %

Have there been any changes in the end uses of stainless steel sheet and strip since
January 1, 2011? Do you anticipate any future changes?

Changes in end
uses
Changes since
January 1, 2011
Anticipated
changes

Yes

Explain

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 36

IV-12. Substitutes.-(a)

Can other products be substituted for stainless steel sheet and strip?
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 stainless steel sheet and
strip?
No Yes

Explanation

1.
2.
3.

(b)

Have there been any changes in the number or types of products that can be
substituted for stainless steel sheet and strip since January 1, 2011? Do you anticipate
any future changes?
Changes in
substitutes

Changes since
January 1, 2011
Anticipated
changes

No Yes

Explain

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 37

IV-13. Availability of supply.--Has the availability of stainless steel sheet and strip in the U.S. market
changed since January 1, 2011? Do you anticipate any future changes?
Availability in the U.S.
market

Please explain, noting the countries and reasons for the
No Yes changes.

Changes since January 1, 2011:
U.S.-produced product
Imports from Japan,
Korea, and Taiwan
Imports from all other
countries
Anticipated changes:
U.S.-produced product
Imports from Japan,
Korea, and Taiwan
Imports from all other
countries

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 38

IV-14. Demand trends.-- Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for stainless steel sheet and strip has changed since January 1, 2011, and how
you anticipate demand will change in the future. Explain any trends and describe the principal
factors that have affected, and that you anticipate will affect, these changes in demand.

Market

Overall
increase

No
change

Fluctuate
Overall
with no
decrease clear trend

Explanation and factors

Demand since January 1, 2011
Within the United States
Outside the United States
Anticipated future demand
Within the United States
Outside the United States
IV-15. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of stainless steel sheet and strip since January 1, 2011? Do you anticipate any
future changes?
Changes in
product range,
product mix, or
marketing
No Yes
Changes since
January 1, 2011
Anticipated
changes

Explain

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
IV-16.

Page 39

Conditions of competition.-(a)

Is the stainless steel sheet and strip market subject to business cycles (other than
general economy-wide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to
stainless steel sheet and strip?

Check all that apply.

Please describe.

Skip to question IV-17.

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 stainless steel sheet and strip since January 1, 2011?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

IV-17. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply stainless steel
sheet and strip since January 1, 2011 (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 - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 40

IV-18. Raw materials.-(a)

Indicate how stainless steel sheet and strip raw material prices have changed since
January 1, 2011, and how you expect they will change in the future.

Raw
materials
prices

Fluctuate
Explain, noting how raw material
with no
price changes have affected your
clear
firm’s selling prices for stainless steel
Overall
No
Overall
increase change decrease trend
sheet and strip.

Changes since
January 1,
2011
Anticipated
changes
(b)

Are your firm’s selling price for stainless steel sheet and strip indexed to raw material
costs?
Type of sale
By contract
Spot market

Yes

Please explain.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 41

IV-19. Surcharges.-(a)

Does your firm employ a surcharge for any of the following inputs (check all that apply)?
Input

Yes

Nickel
Chromium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Scrap (iron)
Energy (natural gas and /or electricity)
Fuel (for transport)
Other (describe:

)

(b)

If yes, please specify the surcharge formula(s) used and specify the yield rate.

(c)

Has your firm’s surcharge formula(s) changed since 2011?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe the change.

(d)

What is your firm’s estimated loss rate of raw materials in the production process?

(e)

How frequently does your firm change or adjust its surcharges?
Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

Annually

Other

If other, specify

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 42

IV-20. Base price.—
(a)

How does your firm determine its base price for stainless steel sheet and strip?

(b)

Does your base price include any raw material costs that are not included in your
surcharges?

(c)

Yes

If yes, please identify the raw material(s) and explain how raw
material price changes have affected your firm’s base price for
stainless steel sheet and strip

How frequently does your firm change or adjust its base price for stainless steel sheet
and strip?
Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

Annually

Other

If other, specify

IV-21. Price comparisons.--Please compare market prices of stainless steel sheet and strip in U.S. and
non-U.S. markets, if known. Provide specific information as to time periods and regions for any
price comparisons.

IV-22. Market studies.--Please provide as a separate attachment to this request any studies, surveys,
etc. that you are aware of that quantify and/or otherwise discuss stainless steel sheet and strip
supply (including production capacity and capacity utilization) and demand in (1) the United
States, (2) each of the other major producing/consuming countries, including Japan, Korea, and
Taiwan, and (3) the world as a whole. Of particular interest is such data from 2011 to the
present and forecasts for the future.
IV-23. Export constraints.--Describe how easily your firm can shift its sales of stainless steel sheet and
strip between the U.S. market and alternative country markets. In your discussion, please
describe any contracts, other sales arrangements, or other constraints that would prevent or
retard your firm from shifting stainless steel sheet and strip between the U.S. and alternative
country markets within a 12-month period.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 43

IV-24. Barriers to trade.--Are your firm’s exports of stainless steel sheet and strip subject to any tariff
or non-tariff barriers to trade in other countries?

Yes

If yes, please list the countries and describe any such barriers and any
significant changes in such barriers that have occurred since January 1,
2011, or that are expected to occur in the future.

IV-25. Interchangeability.--Is stainless steel sheet and strip 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

Japan

Korea

Taiwan

Other countries

United States
Japan
Korea
Taiwan
For any country-pair producing stainless steel sheet and strip 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 - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

Page 44

IV-26. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between stainless steel sheet
and strip 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

Japan

Korea

Taiwan

Other countries

United States
Japan
Korea
Taiwan
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of stainless steel sheet and strip, identify the country-pair and report
the advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:

IV-27. 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 - Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip

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://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2016/stainless_steel_sheet_and_strip_ja
pan_korea_and/third_review_full.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: STS3

• 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.

File Type	application/pdf
File Title	USITCQUESTIONNAIRE
Author	Duncan, Russell
File Modified	2017-04-07
File Created	2017-04-07