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pdfOMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 17-1-3777; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
FORGED STEEL FITTINGS FROM CHINA, ITALY, AND TAIWAN
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by October 19, 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 and antidumping duty investigations concerning forged steel fittings from China,
Italy, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-589 and 731-TA-1394-1396 (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 forged steel fittings (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: FSF)
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 - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on October 5, 2017, by
Bonney Forge Corporation, Mount Union, PA; and United Steel Workers, Pittsburgh, PA. 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/forged_steel_fittings_china_italy_and_taiwan/preliminary.htm
Forged steel fittings covered by these investigations are carbon and alloy forged steel fittings, whether
unfinished (commonly known as blanks or rough forgings) or finished. Such fittings are made in a variety
of shapes including, but not limited to, elbows, tees, crosses, laterals, couplings, reducers, caps, plugs,
bushings and unions. Forged steel fittings are covered regardless of end finish, whether threaded,
socket-weld or other end connections.
While these fittings are generally manufactured to specifications ASME B16.11, MSS SP-79, and MSS SP83, ASTM A105, ASTM A350, and ASTM A182, the scope is not limited to fittings made to these
specifications.
The term forged is an industry term used to describe a class of products included in applicable
standards, and does not reference an exclusive manufacturing process. Forged steel fittings are not
manufactured from casting. Pursuant to the applicable standards fittings may also be machined from
bar stock or machined from seamless pipe and tube.
All types of fittings are included in the scope regardless of nominal pipe size (which may or may not be
expressed in inches of nominal pipe size), pressure rating (usually, but not necessarily expressed in
pounds of pressure, e.g., 2,000 or 2M; 3,000 or 3M; 6,000 or 6M; 9,000 or 9M), wall thickness, and
whether or not heat treated.
Excluded from this scope are all fittings entirely made of stainless steel. Also excluded are flanges and
butt weld fittings.
Forged steel fittings are currently imported under statistical reporting numbers 7307.99.5045,
7307.99.5060, 7307.99.1000, and 7307.99.3000 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTSUS). They may also be imported under HTSUS statistical reporting numbers 7307.92.3010,
7307.92.3030, 7307.92.9000, or 7326.19.0010. The HTSUS provisions are for convenience and customs
purposes; the written description of the scope is dispositive.
Reporting of information.-- If information is not readily available from your records, provide carefully
prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire (i.e., a producer, importer,
and/or purchaser questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.--The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 3
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 forged steel fittings 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.
I-1a.
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
No
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
I-2.
Page 4
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 forged steel fittings,
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
I-3.
Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire:
.
Petition support.--Does your firm support or oppose the petition?
Country
Support
Oppose
Take no position
China CVD
China AD
Italy AD
Taiwan AD
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 - Forged Steel Fittings
I-5.
Related importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing forged steel fittings from China, Italy, and/or Taiwan into
the United States or that are engaged in exporting forged steel fittings from China, Italy, and/or
Taiwan to the United States?
No
Yes--List the following information.
Firm name
I-6.
Country
Affiliation
Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of forged steel fittings?
No
Yes--List the following information.
Firm name
I-7.
Page 5
Country
Affiliation
Firm types.--Please indicate which type of operation best describes that of your firm and follow
directions to the relevant portions of the questionnaire.
“Finishing only” Any operations involving the purchase of unfinished fittings that are covered by
the investigations (defined on page 2) and conducting further machining (drilling holes, beveling,
sanding, et cetera) or processing activities involved in producing a finished steel fitting still
covered by the investigations.
Operations
Forging and finishing steel fittings
Forging steel fittings only
Finishing only
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 6
PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Amelia Shister (202-2052047, Amelia.Shister@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 forged steel fittings 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 - Forged Steel Fittings
II-3a.
Page 7
Production using same forging machinery.--Please report your firm’s production of products
made on the same forging equipment and machinery used to produce steel fittings, and the
combined production capacity on this shared equipment and machinery in the periods
indicated.
“Overall 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
Overall forging capacity
Production of:
Forged steel fittings3
Other products
Total
1
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
The overall forging capacity is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year.
Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s forging capacity.
3
Data entered for production of forged steel fittings will populate here once reported in question II-7.
4
Please identify these products:
.
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
II-3b.
Page 8
Production using same finishing machinery.--Please report your firm’s production of products
made on the same finishing equipment and machinery used to produce forged steel fittings, and
the combined production capacity on this shared equipment and machinery in the periods
indicated.
“Overall 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
Overall finishing capacity
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
12
Production on finishing equipment
and machinery:
Using your own forgings
Using purchases3
Subtotal, finished steel fittings
Other products
Total
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
The overall finishing capacity is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year.
Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s finishing capacity.
3
Data entered for production of finished steel fittings made from purchased unfinished steel fittings will populate here once
reported in question II-9.
4
Please identify these machine worked products:
.
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 9
II-3c. Capacity calculation.--Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall forging
capacity reported in II-3a, and explain any changes in reported capacity.
II-3d.
Capacity calculation.--Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall finishing capacity
reported in II-3b, and explain any changes in reported capacity.
II-3e.
Production constraints.--Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s
production capacity.
II-3f.
Forgings and finished steel fittings.—
(i)
Please describe the similarities and differences in the physical characteristics and functions
of steel fitting forgings and finished steel fittings.
(ii)
Please describe the uses and markets for your firm’s steel fitting forgings that it does not
further manufacture into finished steel fittings.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
II-3g.
Page 10
Finishing only operations.--Since January 1, 2014, has your firm purchased unfinished forged
steel fittings covered by the investigations (either domestic or imported) and further processed
those purchases into products that still match the definition of forged steel fittings?
No
Yes
If yes—Please describe the nature and extent of the following items in
relation to your firm's finishing processing operations in the United States.
Capital investments
Technical expertise
Value added
Employment
Quantity, type and source
of parts
Costs and activities
II-3h.
Finishing only processing operations' complexity and importance.--On a scale of 1 to 5, please
provide your firm's subjective opinion as to the complexity, intensity, and importance of
finishing only processing activities. 1 being minimally complex, intense or important. 5 being
extremely complex, intense, and important.
1:
Minimally complex,
intense, and
important
2
3
Please describe the reason for your rating.
4
5:
Extremely complex,
intense, and
important
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
II-3i.
Product shifting.—
(i)
Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between forged steel fittings and other
products using the same equipment and/or labor?
No
(ii)
II-4.
Page 11
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 forged steel fittings?
“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 - Forged Steel Fittings
II-5.
Page 12
Foreign trade zones.-Firm's FTZ operations.--Does your firm produce forged steel fittings in and/or admit
forged steel fittings 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 forged steel fittings into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for use in distribution of
forged steel fittings 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 forged steel fittings, either finished or
unfinished?
“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 - Forged Steel Fittings
II-7.
Page 13
Production, shipment, and inventory data – integrated production.--Report your firm’s
production capacity, production, shipments, and inventories related to the production of forged
steel fittings in its U.S. establishment(s) during the specified periods. In this question include
only data relating to forged steel fittings (regardless of whether they were sold as finished
forged steel fittings or unfinished forged steel fittings) that your firm itself forged in the United
States. Do not include data relating to forged steel fittings that your firm purchased or imported
as an unfinished fitting and finished in the United States. Also do not include resales.
“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 - Forged Steel Fittings
II-7.
Page 14
Production, shipment, and inventory data.--Continued
Forged Steel Fittings (Integrated Production)
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Average production capacity
(quantity) (A)
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
1
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 inventories
(quantity) (L)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (M)
To finishers/converters (N)
To end users (O)
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:
.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
II-7.
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.
Reconciliation
B + C – D – F – H – J – L = should equal zero
("0") or provide an explanation.1
1
Calendar years
2015
2014
0
January-June
2016
2017
2016
0
0
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless accurate:
0
.
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines M, N, and O) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. shipments
(i.e., line D) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the
data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
M + N + O – D = zero ("0"), if not
revise.
2014
2015
0
January-June
2016
0
2016
0
2017
0
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
II-8.
Page 16
U.S. shipments by product type.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) by product
type during the specified periods.
Forged Steel Fittings (Integrated Production)
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
2014
January-June
2015
2016
2016
2017
U.S. shipments:
Unfinished forged steel fittings
not otherwise processed after
forging:
Quantity (P)
Value (Q)
Forged steel fittings, processed
after forging but not finished:
Quantity (R)
Value (S)
Finished forged steel fittings:
Quantity (T)
Value (U)
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for U.S. shipments in this
question (i.e., lines P through U) in each time period equal the quantity reported for U.S. shipments a
previous question (i.e., lines D through I) 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.
Reconciliation
Quantity: P + R + T – D –F – H = zero
("0"), if not revise.
Value: Q + S + U – E –G – I = zero
("0"), if not revise.
Calendar years
2015
2014
January-June
2016
2017
2016
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
II-9.
Page 17
Production, shipment, and inventory data – finishing operations only.--Report your firm’s
production capacity, production, shipments, and inventories related to the production of
finished forged steel fittings in its U.S. establishment(s) during the specified periods. In this
question include only data relating to forged steel fittings that your firm finished in the United
States but did not forge, i.e., data relating to purchased unfinished flanges that your firm
finished prior to sale to a customer. Do not include data reported in question II-7. Also do not
include resales.
“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 - Forged Steel Fittings
II-9.
Page 18
Production, shipment, and inventory data.--Continued
Forged Steel Fittings (Finishing Operations Only)
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Average production capacity
(quantity) (V)
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
1
Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (W)
Production (quantity) using.-Purchases of U.S.-manufactured
unfinished FSFs (X)
Purchases/imports of unfinished
FSFs from subject sources (Y)
Purchases/imports of unfinished
FSFs from nonsubject sources
(Z)
Total production (AA)
0
0
0
0
0
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (AB)
Value (AC)
Internal consumption:2
Quantity (AD)
Value2 (AE)
Transfers to related firms:2
Quantity (AF)
Value2 (AG)
Export shipments:3
Quantity (AH)
Value (AI)
End-of-period inventories
(quantity) (AJ)
Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (AK)
To end users (AL)
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:
.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 19
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line AJ) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line
W), plus production (i.e., lines X through Z), less total shipments (i.e., lines AB, AD, AF, and AH). 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.
Reconciliation
W + X + Y + Z – AB – AD – AF – AH – AJ =
should equal zero ("0") or provide an
explanation.1
1
Calendar years
2015
2014
0
2016
0
2016
January-June
2017
0
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless accurate:
0
.
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines AK and AL) in each time period equal the quantity reported for commercial U.S. shipments (i.e.,
line AB) 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
AK + AL – AB = zero ("0"), if not
revise.
2014
2015
0
January-June
2016
0
2016
0
2017
0
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
II-10.
Page 20
Employment data – integrated operations.--Report your firm’s employment-related data
related to the production of finished forged steel fittings 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 June periods, calculate similarly and divide by 6.
“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. If
there are hours that are not specific to either forging or finishing operations, allocate them on
the same basis as the ratio that exists for hours that can be specifically identified (e.g., if your
there are 600 hours for forging activities and 400 for finishing activities, and an additional 100
hours that cannot be tired to either level of processing, report 60 of that 100 under forging and
40 of that 100 under finishing).
“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.
Forged Steel Fittings (Integrated Production)
Calendar years
Item
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
Average number of PRWs (number)
Hours worked by PRWs (1,000 hours)
dedicated to forging activities
Hours worked by PRWs (1,000 hours)
dedicated to finishing activities
Hours worked by PRWs (1,000 hours)
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
Explanation of trends:
0
0
0
0
0
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
II-11.
Page 21
Employment data – finishing only operations.--Report your firm’s employment-related data
related to the production of unfinished forged steel fittings 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 June periods, calculate similarly and divide by 6.
“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.
Forged Steel Fittings (Finishing Operations Only)
Calendar years
Item
Average number of PRWs (number)
Hours worked by PRWs (1,000 hours)
Wages paid to PRWs ($1,000)
Explanation of trends:
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 22
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.
II-13.
Purchases.--Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased forged steel fittings
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
January-June
2016
2016
2017
Purchases from U.S.
importers1 of forged steel
fittings from—
China
Italy
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 - Forged Steel Fittings
II-14.
Page 23
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 - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 24
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 forged steel fittings:
2.
Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for forged steel fittings:
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,
10Qs,
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 forged steel fittings, 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 - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 25
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 forged steel fittings, and provide the share of net sales accounted for by these
products in your firm’s most recent fiscal year.
Products
Share of sales
forged steel fittings
%
%
%
%
%
III-6.
Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or any services) used in the
production of forged steel fittings 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 forged steel
fittings that your firm purchases from related suppliers and that are reflected in question III-9a.
For “Share of total COGS” please report this information by relevant input on the basis of your
most recently completed fiscal year. For “Input valuation” please describe the basis, as
recorded in your company’s own accounting system, of the purchase cost from the related
supplier; e.g., the related supplier’s actual cost, cost plus, negotiated transfer price to
approximate fair market value.
Input
Related supplier
Share of total COGS
Input valuation as recorded in the firm’s accounting books and records (e.g., cost plus, FMV, etc.)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
III-8.
Page 26
Inputs purchased from related suppliers.--Please confirm that the inputs purchased from
related suppliers, as identified in III-7, were reported in III-9a (financial results on forged steel
fittings) 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 - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 27
III-9a. Operations on forged steel fittings –Integrated producers.--Report the revenue and related
cost information requested below on the forged steel fittings 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.
Forged Steel Fittings (Integrated Production)
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
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
Total COGS
0
0
0
0
0
Gross profit or (loss)
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
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
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Page 28
III-9b. Alternative COGS based on level of processing –Integrated producers.--Report the cost of
goods sold below on the forged steel fittings operations of your firm’s U.S. establishment(s).1 If
there are costs that are not specific to either forging or finishing operations, allocate them on
the same basis as the ratio that exists for costs that can be specifically identified (e.g., if there
are $600 costs for forging activities and $400 costs for finishing activities, and there are an
additional $100 costs that are not specific to either level of the process, put $60 of that $100
under forging and $40 of that $100 under finishing). Note that most, if not all, raw materials
would be classified under forging costs.
Forged Steel Fittings (Integrated Production)
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Forging costs
Finishing costs
Total COGS
0
0
0
0
0
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the total COGS in III-9a equals the total COGS in this
question in each. 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
Should equal = zero ("0"), if not
revise.
2014
2015
0
January-June
2016
0
2016
0
2017
0
0
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
III-9c.
Page 29
Operations on forged steel fittings –Producers that purchase unfinished forged steel fittings
and further finish them.--Report the revenue and related cost information requested below on
the finished forged steel fittings 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.
Forged Steel Fittings (Firms with Finishing Operations Only)
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
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
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
3
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Purchased unfinished forged steel fittings – domestically produced
Purchased unfinished forged steel fittings – subject imports
Purchased unfinished forged steel fittings – nonsubject imports
Total purchased unfinished forged steel fittings
Other 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
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Page 30
III-9d. Financial data reconciliation.--The calculable line items from questions III-9a and III-9c (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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 31
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 questions III-9a or III9c, please specify all material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the
schedule below, the specific questions III-9a or III-9c 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 questions III-9a or III-9c; 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 questions III-9a or III-9c.
Forged Steel Fittings (Integrated Production)
Fiscal years ended--
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
Nonrecurring item: In this column please provide a brief
Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the amount of the relevant
description of each nonrecurring item and indicate the
nonrecurring item reported in question III-9a.
specific line item in table III-9a where the nonrecurring item is
classified.
Value ($1,000)
1.
, classified as
2.
, classified as
3.
, classified as
4.
, classified as
5.
, classified as
6.
, classified as
7.
, classified as
Forged Steel Fittings (Firms with Finishing Operations Only)
Fiscal years ended--
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
Nonrecurring item: In this column please provide a brief
Nonrecurring item: In these columns please report the amount of the relevant
description of each nonrecurring item and indicate the
nonrecurring item reported in question III-9c.
specific line item in table III-9c where the nonrecurring item is
classified.
Value ($1,000)
1.
, classified as
2.
, classified as
3.
, classified as
4.
, classified as
5.
, classified as
6.
, classified as
7.
, classified as
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 32
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-12a. Asset values – Integrated Producers.--Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long-term
assets) associated with the production, warehousing, and sale of forged steel fittings. If your
firm does not maintain some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total
assets for forged steel fittings 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.
Forged Steel Fittings (Integrated Production)
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
Total assets (net)
1
Describe
1
2014
2015
2016
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 33
III-12b. Asset values – Finishing Operations Only.--Report the total assets (i.e., both current and longterm assets) associated with the production, warehousing, and sale of forged steel fittings. If
your firm does not maintain some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate
total assets for forged steel fittings 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-9c. 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.
Forged Steel Fittings (Finishing Operations Only)
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
Total assets (net)
1
Describe
1
2014
2015
2016
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Page 34
III-13a. Capital expenditures and research and development expenses – Integrated producers.-Report your firm’s capital expenditures and research and development expenses for forged
steel fittings. Provide data for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for
the specified interim periods.
Forged Steel Fittings (Integrated Production)
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended--
Item
Capital expenditures
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
2017
1
2
Research and development expenses
1
2
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-13b. Capital expenditures and research and development expenses – Finisher operations only.-Report your firm’s capital expenditures and research and development expenses for forged
steel fittings. Provide data for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for
the specified interim periods.
Forged Steel Fittings (Finishing Operations Only)
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended--
Item
Capital expenditures
2014
2015
January-June
2016
2016
1
2
Research and development expenses
1
2
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.
2017
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Page 35
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 on your firm’s fiscal year:
Calendar year
Fiscal year
Specify fiscal year
Please note the quantities and values reported in question III-9a should reconcile with the data
reported in question II-7 (including export shipments) as long as they are reported on the same
calendar year basis.
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 for 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.
Forged Steel Fittings (Integrated Production)
Full year data
Reconciliation
2014
2015
Partial year periods
2016
2016
2017
Quantity: Trade data from question
II-7 (lines D, F, H, and J) less financial
total net sales quantity data from
question III-9a, = zero ("0").
0
0
0
0
0
Value: Trade data from question II-7
(lines E, G, I, and K) less financial
total net sales value data from
question III-9a, = zero ("0").
0
0
0
0
0
Do these data in question III-9a reconcile with data in question II-7?
Yes
No
If no, please explain.
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Page 36
III-14. Data consistency and reconciliation.--Continued
Forged Steel Fittings (Finishing Operations Only)
Full year data
Reconciliation
2014
2015
Partial year periods
2016
2016
2017
Quantity: Trade data from question
II-9 (lines AB, AD, AF, and AH) less
financial total net sales quantity data
from question III-9b, = zero ("0").
0
0
0
0
0
Value: Trade data from question II-9
(lines AC, AE, AG, and AI) less
financial total net sales value data
from question III-9b, = zero ("0").
0
0
0
0
0
Do these data in question III-9c reconcile with data in question II-9?
Yes
No
If no, please explain.
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Page 37
If your responses to any of the items in questions III-15, III-16, and III-17 differ by country, please
describe these differences and, as applicable, indicate which country or countries your response refers
to in the relevant form fields.
III-15. 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 forged steel fittings from China, Italy, and/or Taiwan?
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
(please describe)
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 38
III-16. 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 forged steel fittings from China, Italy, and/or
Taiwan?
No
Yes--My firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows:
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
Rejection of bank loans
Lowering of credit rating
Problem related to the issue
of stocks or bonds
Ability to service debt
Other
III-17. Anticipated effects of imports.--Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
forged steel fittings from China, Italy, and/or Taiwan?
No
Yes
If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows:
III-18. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative box, please note the question number and the explanation in
the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your firm had in
providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with the MS Word
questionnaire.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
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PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Tamara Gurevich (202-2053403, tamara.gurevich@usitc.gov).
IV-1.
Contact information.--Please identify the individual that Commission staff may contact
regarding the confidential information submitted in part IV.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
Fax
PRICE DATA
IV-2.
This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2014 of the following integrated forged steel
fittings produced by your firm.
Product 1.—ASME B16.11, ¼” 3000 Tee (threaded)
Product 2.—ASME B16.11, 1” 2000 90 Elbow (threaded)
Product 3.—ASME B16.11, ¾” 3000 Union (threaded)
Product 4.—ASME B16.11 2” 3000 Coupling (threaded)
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). Only include values related to integrated products (i.e.,
both forged and finished in the United States).
IV-2 (a). During January 2014-June 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 40
IV-2(b). Price data – integrated production.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing
products2 produced and sold by your firm.
Report data in pounds (not short tons) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Forged Steel Fittings (Integrated Production)
Product 1
Quantity
Value
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 4
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
April-June
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:
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 41
IV-2(c). Price data – finishing operations.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2
produced and sold by your firm.
Report data in pounds (not short tons) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Forged Steel Fittings (Finishing Operations Only)
Product 1
Quantity
Value
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 4
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
April-June
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:
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
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IV-2 (d). Price data checklist.--Please check that the pricing data in question IV-2(b) has been correctly
reported.
Is the price data reported above:
√ if Yes
In actual dollars (not $1,000)
In pounds (not short tons)
F.o.b. U.S. point of shipment (i.e., does not include U.S. transport costs)?
Net of all discounts and rebates?
Have returns credited to the quarter in which the sale occurred?
Less than reported commercial shipments in question II-7 (integrated
production) or II-9 (finishing operations) in each year?
IV-2 (e). 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 - Forged Steel Fittings
IV-3.
Price setting.--How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of forged steel
fittings (check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample pages of a
recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction
IV-4.
Contracts
Other
If other, describe
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 forged steel fittings?
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 forged steel fittings usually quoted
(check one)?
Delivered
IV-6.
Set
price
lists
Discount policy.--Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that apply).
Quantity
discounts
IV-5.
Page 43
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 forged
steel fittings in 2016 was on a (1) long-term contract basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3) shortterm 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
%
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
IV-7.
Page 44
Contract provisions.--Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
U.S.-produced forged steel fittings (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on a longterm, short-term and/or annual contract basis).
Typical sales
contract provisions
Item
Average contract
duration
No. of
days
Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)
Yes
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
Fixed quantity
and/or price
Price
Both
Yes
Meet or release
provision
No
Not applicable
IV-8.
Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales from inventory and produced to order and what
is the typical lead time between a customer’s order and the date of delivery for your firm’s sales
of its U.S.-produced forged steel fittings?
Source
Share of 2016 Lead time (Average
sales
number of days)
From inventory
%
Produced to order
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
0.0 %
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
IV-9.
Page 45
Shipping information.-(a)
What is the approximate percentage of the cost of U.S.-produced forged steel fittings
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 forged steel fittings 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 forged steel fittings 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
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 46
IV-11. End uses.--List the end uses of the forged steel fittings that your firm manufactures. For each
end-use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by forged steel fittings and
other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
End use product
Forged steel fittings
Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)
Other inputs
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
IV-12. Substitutes.-- Can other products be substituted for forged steel fittings?
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 forged steel fittings?
No Yes
Explanation
1.
2.
3.
IV-13. Demand trends.--Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for forged steel fittings has changed since January 1, 2014. Explain any trends
and describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.
Market
Within the United States
Outside the United States
Overall
increase
Fluctuate
No
Overall
with no
change decrease clear trend
Explanation and factors
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 47
IV-14. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of forged steel fittings since January 1, 2014?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.
IV-15. Conditions of competition.-(a) Is the forged steel fittings market subject to business cycles (other than general economywide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to forged steel
fittings? 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
forged steel fittings since January 1, 2014?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 48
IV-16. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply forged steel
fittings 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 forged steel fittings 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 forged
steel fittings.
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 49
IV-18. Interchangeability.--Is forged steel fittings produced in the United States and in other countries
interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same applications)?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = the products from a specified country-pair are always interchangeable
F = the products are frequently interchangeable
S = the products are sometimes interchangeable
N = the products are never interchangeable
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair
Country-pair
China
Italy
Taiwan
Other countries
United States
China
Italy
Taiwan
For any country-pair producing forged steel fittings that is sometimes or never
interchangeable, identify the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude
interchangeable use:
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 50
IV-19. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between forged steel fittings
produced in the United States and in other countries a significant factor in your firm’s sales of
the products?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = such differences are always significant
F = such differences are frequently significant
S = such differences are sometimes significant
N = such differences are never significant
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair
Country-pair
China
Italy
Taiwan
Other countries
United States
China
Italy
Taiwan
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of forged steel fittings, identify the country-pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:
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IV-20. Approved manufacturers’ lists.—
(a) Please estimate the share of your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments of forged steel fittings that
were to customers that required the listing of the producer on an approved manufacturers’ list
(whether published or proprietary).
Share of 2016 sales
Estimated share of your firm’s commercial U.S. shipments of
imported forged steel fittings subject to an approved manufacturers’
listing
%
(b) With what frequency are forged steel fittings produced by firms listed on approved
manufacturers’ lists and forged steel fittings produced by firms not on approved manufacturers’
lists interchangeable?
Always
Please explain your answer:
Usually
Sometimes
Never
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Forged Steel Fittings
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IV-21. Customer identification.--List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for forged steel fittings since January 1, 2014. Indicate the share of the quantity of
your firm’s total shipments of forged steel fittings 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-22. Competition from imports
(a)
Lost revenue.--Since January 1, 2014: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling forged
steel fittings from China, Italy, and/or Taiwan, 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 forged steel fittings to
imports of this product from China, Italy, and/or Taiwan?
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: FSF)
IV-23. 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 - Forged Steel Fittings
Page 54
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/forged_steel_fittings_china_italy_and_taiwan/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: FSF
• E-mail.—E-mail the MS Word questionnaire to NAME@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 |
| Subject | Title 7 investigations |
| Author | Boyland, David |
| File Modified | 2017-10-25 |
| File Created | 2017-10-25 |