Form 18-1-3852 US producers' questionnaire

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

US producer--Cast iron soil pipe fittings (F)

Cast iron soil pipe fittings from China (Inv. nos. 701-TA-583 and 731-TA-1381)

OMB: 3117-0016

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OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 18-1-3852; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
CAST IRON SOIL PIPE FITTINGS FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by April 30, 2018
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 cast iron soil pipe fittings from
China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-583 and 731-TA-1381 (Final)). The information requested in the questionnaire is requested
under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure to reply as directed can result
in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records or information in your firm’s possession (19 U.S.C. §
1333(a)).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

Website
Has your firm produced cast iron soil pipe fittings (as defined on next page) at any time since January 1, 2015?

(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: CISPF)
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

Email address

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on July 13, 2017, by Cast Iron
Soil Pipe Institute (“CISPI”), Mundelein, IL. Countervailing and antidumping duties may be assessed on
the subject imports as a result of these proceedings if the Commission makes an affirmative
determination of injury, threat, or material retardation, and if the U.S. Department of Commerce
(“Commerce”) makes an affirmative determination of subsidization and/or dumping. Questionnaires
and other information pertinent to this proceeding are available at
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2018/cast_iron_soil_pipe_fittings_china/final.htm.
Cast iron soil pipe fittings covered by this investigation is cast iron soil pipe fittings, finished and
unfinished, regardless of industry or proprietary specifications, and regardless of size. Cast iron soil pipe
fittings are nonmalleable iron castings of various designs and sizes, including, but not limited to, bends,
tees, wyes, traps, drains, and other common or special fittings, with or without side inlets.
Cast iron soil pipe fittings are classified into two major types—hubless and hub and spigot. Hubless cast
iron soil pipe fittings are manufactured without a hub, generally in compliance with Cast Iron Soil Pipe
Institute (CISPI) specification 301 and/or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
specification A888. Hub and spigot pipe fittings have hubs into which the spigot (plain end) of the pipe
or fitting is inserted. Cast iron soil pipe fittings are generally distinguished from other types of
nonmalleable cast iron fittings by the manner in which they are connected to cast iron soil pipe and
other fittings.
The subject imports are normally classified in subheading 7307.11.0045 of the Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (HTSUS): Cast fittings of nonmalleable cast iron for cast iron soil pipe. The
HTSUS subheading and specifications are provided for convenience and customs purposes only; the
written description of the scope of this investigation 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.
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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 3

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.
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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe 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 cast iron soil pipe 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 petitions?
Country

China AD
China CVD

Support

Oppose

Take no position

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
I-4.

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

Firm name

I-5.

Yes--List the following information.

Address

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

Related importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing cast iron soil pipe fittings from China into the United
States or that are engaged in exporting cast iron soil pipe fittings from China to the United
States?
No
Firm name

I-6.

Page 5

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

Related producers.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of cast iron soil pipe fittings?
No
Firm name

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 6

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Junie Joseph (202-205-3363,
junie.joseph@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

II-2.

Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the production of cast iron soil pipe fittings since January 1, 2015.
(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 – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
II-3a.

Page 7

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

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

Overall production capacity
Production of:
Cast iron soil pipe fittings1

Cast iron soil pipe
Other products2
Total
1
2

Data entered for production of cast iron soil pipe fittings will populate here once reported in question II-7.
Please identify these products:
.

II-3b.

Operating parameters.--The production capacity reported in II-3a is based on operating
per week,
weeks per year.

II-3c.

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

II-3d.

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

hours

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
II-3e.

Product shifting.—
(i)

Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between cast iron soil pipe fittings and
other products using the same equipment and/or labor?

(ii)

II-4.

Page 8

Yes

If 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, 2015, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of cast iron soil pipe 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.

Yes

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
II-5.

Page 9

Foreign trade zones.-(a)

Firm's FTZ operations.--Does your firm produce cast iron soil pipe fittings in and/or
admit cast iron soil pipe fittings into a foreign trade zone (FTZ)?
“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.

(b)

Other firms' FTZ operations.--To your knowledge, do any firms in the United States
import cast iron soil pipe fittings into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for use in distribution of
cast iron soil pipe fittings and/or the production of downstream articles?
No

II-6.

Yes

If yes-- Describe the nature of your firms operations in FTZs and identify
the specific FTZ site(s).

Yes

If yes--Identify the firms and the FTZs.

Importer.--Since January 1, 2015, has your firm imported cast iron soil pipe fittings?
“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 – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
II-7.

Page 10

Production, shipment, and inventory data.--Report your firm’s production capacity, production,
shipments, and inventories related to the production of cast iron soil pipe fittings in its U.S.
establishment(s) during the specified periods.
“Average production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
normal operating conditions (i.e., using equipment and machinery in place and ready to
operate; normal operating levels (hours per week/weeks per year) and time for downtime,
maintenance, repair, and cleanup; and a typical or representative product mix).
“Production” – All production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
“Commercial U.S. shipments” –Shipments made within the United States as a result of an arm’s
length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net values (i.e., gross
sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment.
“Internal consumption” – Product consumed internally by your firm. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“Transfers to related firms” –Shipments made to related domestic firms. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“Related firm” –A firm that your firm solely or jointly owns, manages, or otherwise controls.
“Export shipments” –Shipments to destinations outside the United States, including shipments
to related firms.
“Inventories”— Finished goods inventory, not raw materials or work-in-progress.

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
II-7.

Page 11

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

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

Average production capacity (quantity)
(A)
Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (B)
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption:2
Quantity (F)
Value2 (G)
Transfers to related firms:2
Quantity (H)
Value2 (I)
Export shipments:3
Quantity (J)
Value (K)
End-of-period inventories (quantity) (L)
1

The production capacity reported is based on operating
hours per week,
weeks per year. Please describe
the methodology used to calculate production capacity, and explain any changes in reported capacity
.
2
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. If your firm uses a different
basis for valuing these transactions in your records, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.):
. However,
the data provided above in this table should be based on fair market value.
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.--Generally, the data reported for the end-ofperiod inventories (i.e., line L) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line B), plus
production (i.e., line C), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J). Please ensure that any differences are not
due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather reflect your firm’s actual records; and, also provide
explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record systems issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years

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

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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

0
.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
II-8.

Page 12

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

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

Channels of distribution:
Commercial U.S. shipments:
To distributors (M)
To plumbers / contractors (N)
To other end users (O)
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

2015

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

2016
0

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

U.S. shipments by product type and region in 2017.--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 and region for calendar year 2017.
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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
II-9.

Page 13

U.S. shipments by product type and region in 2017.—Continued
Calendar year 2017
Hubless
Region

Epoxy coated

Hub and spigot

Not epoxy coated

Epoxy coated

Not epoxy coated

Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Northeast.-Quantity (P)
Value (Q)
Midwest.-Quantity (R)
Value (S)
Southeast.-Quantity (T)
Value (U)
Central Southwest.-Quantity (V)
Value (W)
Mountains.-Quantity (X)
Value (Y)
Pacific coast.-Quantity (Z)
Value (AA)
Other.-Quantity (AB)
Value (AC)
Entire United States.-Quantity
Value

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.--The data reported for the quantity and value of
U.S. shipments in this question (i.e., lines P through AC) across all columns should equal to the quantity and value of
U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D through I) for calendar year 2017 in the main trade grid, question II-7. If the calculated
fields below do not equal to zero, please revise these data prior to submission to the Commission.

Reconciliation

Calendar year 2017

Quantity: P + R + T + V + X + Z +AB – D - F – H = zero ("0"), if not revise.

Value: Q + S + U + W + Y + AA + AC – E - G – I = zero ("0"), if not revise.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
II-10.

Page 14

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
cast iron soil pipe 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 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 years
Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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

II-11.

Related firms.--If your firm reported transfers to related firms in question II-7, please indicate
the nature of the relationship between your firm and the related firms (e.g., joint venture,
wholly owned subsidiary), whether the transfers were priced at market value or by a nonmarket formula, whether your firm retained marketing rights to all transfers, and whether the
related firms also processed inputs from sources other than your firm.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
II-12.

Page 15

Purchases.--Other than direct imports, has your firm otherwise purchased cast iron soil pipe
fittings since January 1, 2015?
“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

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

Purchases from U.S.
importers1 of cast iron soil
pipe fittings from—
China
All other sources
Purchases from domestic
producers2
Purchases from other
sources2
1

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

II-13.

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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 16

PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to Emily Kim (202-205-1800, emily.kim@usitc.gov).
III-1.

III-2.

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

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

B.1.

Describe the lowest level of operations (e.g., plant, division, company-wide) for
which financial statements are prepared that include cast iron soil pipe fittings:

Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for cast iron soil pipe 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)

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 cast iron soil pipe
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 – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 17

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 cast iron soil pipe 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

Cast iron soil pipe fittings

Cast iron soil pipe

%
%
%
%
%

III-6.

Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or any services) used in the
production of cast iron soil pipe 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 cast iron soil
pipe 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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
III-8.

Page 18

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 cast iron soil
pipe 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 – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 19

III-9a. Operations on cast iron soil pipe fittings.--Report the revenue and related cost information
requested below on the cast iron soil pipe 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.
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended--

2015

Item

2016

January-March

2017

2018

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

Total COGS

Gross profit or (loss)

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

Direct labor
Other factory costs

Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A)
expenses:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total SG&A expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other expenses and income:
Interest expense
4

Legal fees and expenses
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.
4
Related to lawsuit alleging anticompetitive behavior when it was settled in 2016. Explain how legal fees and expenses were
allocated between cast iron soil pipe fittings, cast iron soil pipe (a product subject to related import injury proceeding), and other
product lines:
.
2

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 20

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--

2015

2016

January-March

2017

2018

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 21

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 cast iron soil pipe fittings. If your firm does not
maintain some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for cast
iron soil pipe 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.
Value (in $1,000)
Fiscal years ended-Item
Total assets (net)
1

III-13.

2015

2016

2017

Describe

Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.--Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for cast iron soil pipe fittings. 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
Capital expenditures

2015

2016

January-March

2017

2018

Research and development expenses

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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 22

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 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

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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.

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

If no, please explain.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 23

III-15. Effects of imports on investment.--Since January 1, 2015, 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 cast iron soil pipe fittings from China?
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)

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 24

III-16. Effects of imports on growth and development.--Since January 1, 2015, 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 cast iron soil pipe fittings from China?
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
cast iron soil pipe fittings from China?
No

Yes

If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows:

III-18. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative box, please note the question number and the explanation in
the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your firm had in
providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with the MS Word
questionnaire.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 25

PART IV.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Andrew Knipe (202-2052390, andrew.knipe@usitc.gov).
IV-1.

Contact information.--Please identify the individual that Commission staff may contact
regarding the confidential information submitted in part IV.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone

PRICE DATA
IV-2.

This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2015 of the following products produced by your
firm.
Product 1.--2” no hub, ¼ bend cast iron soil pipe fitting, other than epoxy coated
Product 2.--2” no hub, 1/8 bend cast iron soil pipe fitting, other than epoxy coated
Product 3.--2” no hub, sanitary Tee cast iron soil pipe fitting, other than epoxy coated
Product 4.--4” no hub, 1/8 bend cast iron soil pipe fitting, other than epoxy coated
Product 5.--6” no hub, 1/8 bend cast iron soil pipe fitting, other than epoxy coated
Product 6.--6” no hub 1/4 bend cast iron soil pipe fitting, other than epoxy coated

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, direct and indirect rebates, truckload rebates, promotional assistance,
etc.).
IV-2(a). During January 2015-March 2018, did your firm produce and sell to unrelated U.S. customers
any of the above listed products (or any products that were competitive with these products)?
Yes.--Please complete the following pricing data tables as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question IV-3.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 26

IV-2(b). Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm.
Report data in 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
2015:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2016:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2017:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2018:
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 your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 27

Product 6
Period of shipment
Quantity
Value
2015:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2016:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2017:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2018:
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 your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 4:
Product 5:
Product 6:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 28

IV-2 (c). 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)?
F.o.b. U.S. point of shipment (i.e., does not include U.S. transport costs)?
Net of all discounts and rebates, including rebates based on sales of cast iron
soil pipe fittings sold in conjunction with other products?
Have returns credited to the quarter in which the sale occurred?
Less than reported commercial shipments in question II-7 in each year?
IV-2(d). Pricing data methodology.--Please describe the method and the kinds of documents/records
that were used to compile your price data. These documents may be audited.

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 – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

IV-3.

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

IV-4.

Page 29

Contracts

Set
price
lists

Other

If other, describe

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

Quantity
discounts

Annual
total
volume
discounts

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

IV-5.

Rebates.—

(a)

List the names, amounts, and types of rebates offered to purchasers of cast iron soil pipe fittings
in 2017?

Rebate description (including payment
frequency and requirement(s) for payment)

Rebate amount
(percent)

Type of rebate
(direct/ indirect) 1
%

A direct rebate is based solely on the purchases of cast iron soil pipe fittings. An indirect rebate is
based on the joint purchase of cast iron soil pipe fittings and other products.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
IV-5.

Page 30

Rebates.—Continued
(b) For each indirect rebate listed in part (a), what proportion of the total rebate paid in 2017
was attributable to sale of cast iron soil pipe fittings vs. other products that helped to trigger
the payment of that rebate? The two proportions will sum to 100%.

Cast iron soil pipe
fittings

Type of rebate

IV-6.

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)

Other products

0.0

Pricing terms.-(a)

What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its U.S.-produced cast iron soil pipe 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 cast iron soil pipe fittings usually quoted
(check one)?
Delivered

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

IV-7.

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.-produced cast
iron soil pipe fittings in 2017 was on a (1) long-term contract basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3)
short-term contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Long-term
contracts
(multiple
deliveries for
more than 12
months)
Share of 2017
sales

IV-8.

Page 31

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 cast iron soil pipe fittings. Check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on a
long-term, short-term and/or annual contract basis in the appropriate column(s).

Typical sales
contract provisions

Item

Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes
No
Quantity

Fixed quantity
and/or price

Price
Both

Meet or release
provision
Not applicable

Yes
No

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

Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)
365

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings
IV-9.

Page 32

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 cast iron soil pipe fittings?
Share of 2017
sales

Source
From inventory

Produced to order

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

Lead time (Average
number of days)

0.0 %

IV-10. Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the cost of U.S.-produced cast iron soil pipe
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 cast iron soil pipe fittings
that are delivered the following distances from its production facility.
Distance from production facility

Within 100 miles

101 to 1,000 miles

Over 1,000 miles

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

IV-11. End uses.--List the end uses of the cast iron soil pipe fittings that your firm manufactures. For
each end-use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by cast iron soil pipe fittings
and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by

End use product
Building wastewater
plumbing system

Cast iron soil pipe
fittings

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

Other inputs

0.0 %

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 33

IV-12. Substitutes.--Can other products be substituted for cast iron soil pipe fittings?
No

Yes--Please fill out the table.

End use in which this
substitute is used

Substitute

Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for cast iron soil pipe
fittings?
No Yes

Explanation

1. Plastic pipe/fittings
2.
3.
IV-13. Demand trends.--Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for cast iron soil pipe fittings has changed since January 1, 2015. Explain any
trends and describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.
Fluctuate
Overall
No
Overall
with no
increase change decrease clear trend

Market

Explanation and factors

Within the United States
Outside the United States
IV-14. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of cast iron soil pipe fittings since January 1, 2015?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.

IV-15. Product types.--Does your firm manufacture sizes/types/grades/coatings of cast iron soil pipe
fittings that it does not sell in the United States?

Yes

If yes, please describe these products, where they are sold, why your firm
does not sell them in the U.S. market, and quantify if possible.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 34

IV-16. Conditions of competition.-(a) Is the cast iron soil pipe fittings market subject to business cycles (other than general
economy-wide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to cast iron
soil pipe fittings? If yes, describe.

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
cast iron soil pipe fittings since January 1, 2015?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

IV-17. Regional requirements.--In which regions/cities/areas are cast iron soil pipe fittings
required/used?

IV-18. Building requirements--In what types of building projects are cast iron soil pipe fittings
required?

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 35

IV-19. Sales bundles.—
(a)

Do your firm’s sales of cast iron soil pipe fittings also usually involve the sale of products
other than cast iron soil pipe fittings such as cast iron soil pipe, couplings, gaskets,
plastic pipe and fittings, etc.?
No (skip to
IV-20)

(b)

If yes, list the types of products involved in these sales.

Are cast iron soil pipe fittings sales invoiced separately or as part of the bundle with
products other than cast iron soil pipe fittings?
No

(c)

Yes

If yes, list the types of products also listed on these invoices.

Does your firm sell cast iron soil pipe fittings at different price list multipliers than
products other than cast iron soil pipe fittings such as cast iron soil pipe, couplings,
gaskets, plastic pipe and fittings, etc.?

Yes

If yes, list examples of recent sales that have different multipliers
including the approximate dates of those purchases.

IV-20. CISPI Trademark.—
(a)

What share of the cast iron soil pipe fittings that your firm sells carry the CISPI
trademark?
0-1%

2-10%

11-50%

51-90%

91-98%

Continue to part (b)
(b)

99-100%

Skip to IV-21

What share of the cast iron soil pipe fittings that your firm sells can be used if building
plans call for CISPI trademark materials?
0-1%

2-10%

11-50%

51-90%

91-98%

99-100%

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 36

IV-21. Anti-competitive allegations.--Have the following issues affected your firm and the market for
cast iron soil pipe fittings in general since January 1, 2015?
(a)

The Federal Trade Commission’s inquiry and 2013 consent order regarding Charlotte
Pipe’s 2010 acquisition of Star Pipe (see https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/casesproceedings/101-0080b/mcwane-inc-star-pipe-products-ltd-matter)
No

Yes

If yes, describe the effect(s)

Effect on
your firm
Effect on
the market
(b)

Litigation regarding alleged anti-competitive behavior filed in 2013 and settled in 2017
(see http://www.cispantitrustsettlement.com/courtdocuments.html)
No

Yes

If yes, describe the effect(s)

Effect on
your firm
Effect on
the market
IV-22. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply cast iron soil pipe
fittings since January 1, 2015 (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-23. Raw materials.--How have cast iron soil pipe fittings raw material prices changed since January
1, 2015?
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 cast
iron soil pipe fittings.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 37

IV-24. Interchangeability.--Is cast iron soil pipe 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

Other countries

United States
China
For any country-pair producing cast iron soil pipe fittings that is sometimes or never
interchangeable, identify the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude
interchangeable use:

IV-25. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., trademark, building code
requirements, coating, quality, availability, transportation network, product range, technical
support, etc.) between cast iron soil pipe 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

Other countries

United States
China
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of cast iron soil pipe fittings, identify the country-pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 38

IV-26. Customer identification.--List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for cast iron soil pipe fittings since January 1, 2015. Indicate the share of the quantity
of your firm’s total shipments of cast iron soil pipe fittings that each of these customers
accounted for in 2017.

Customer’s name

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Contact person

Telephone

City

State

Share
of
2017
sales
(%)

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 39

IV-27. Competition from imports
(a)

Lost revenue.--Since January 1, 2015: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling cast
iron soil pipe fittings from China, did your firm:
Item

Yes

Reduce prices
Roll back announced price increases
(b)

Lost sales.--Since January 1, 2015: Did your firm lose sales of cast iron soil pipe fittings
to imports of this product from China?
No

Yes

IV-28. 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 – Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings

Page 40

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/701731/2018/cast_iron_soil_pipe_fittings_china/f
inal.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: CISPF

• E-mail.—E-mail the MS Word questionnaire to junie.joseph@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	Shister, Amelia (Temporary)
File Modified	2018-03-26
File Created	2018-03-26