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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 18‐2‐3945; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020
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U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
RUBBER BANDS FROM CHINA AND THAILAND
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by October 5, 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 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning rubber bands from China and
Thailand (Inv. Nos. 701‐TA‐598 and 600 and 731‐TA‐1408 and 1410 (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 imported rubber bands (as defined on next page) and/or imported any other merchandise under
statistical reporting number 4016.99.3510 other than rubber bands (as defined on next page) from any country
at any time since January 1, 2015?
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: BAND)
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. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.‐‐ This proceeding was instituted in response to petitions filed on January 30, 2018 by
Alliance Rubber Co., Hot Springs, Arkansas. Antidumping and countervailing 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 dumping and subsidization. Questionnaires and
other information pertinent to this proceeding are available at
https://usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2018/rubber_bands_china_and_thailand/final.htm
Rubber bands covered by these investigations are bands made of vulcanized rubber, with a flat length,
as actually measured end‐to‐end by the band lying flat, no less than ½ inch and no greater than 10
inches; with a width, which measures the dimension perpendicular to the length, actually of at least
3/64 inch and no greater than 2 inches; and a wall thickness actually from 0.020 inch to 0.125 inch.
Vulcanized rubber has been chemically processed into a more durable material by the addition of sulfur
or other equivalent curatives or accelerators. Subject products are included regardless of color or
inclusion of printed material on the rubber band’s surface, including but not limited to, rubber bands
with printing on them, such as a product name, advertising, or slogan, and printed material (e.g., a tag)
fastened to the rubber band by an adhesive or another temporary type of connection. The scope
includes vulcanized rubber bands which are contained or otherwise exist in various forms and packages,
such as, without limitation, vulcanized rubber bands included within a desk accessory set or other type
of set or package, and vulcanized rubber band balls. The scope excludes products that consist of an
elastomer loop and durable tag all‐in‐one, and bands that are being used at the time of import to fasten
an imported product. Excluded from the scope of these investigations are vulcanized rubber bands of
various sizes with arrow shaped rubber protrusions from the outer diameter that exceeds at the anchor
point a wall thickness of 0.125 inches and where the protrusion is used to loop around, secure and lock
in place. Also excluded from the scope of these investigations are yarn/fabric‐covered vulcanized rubber
hair bands, regardless of size. Merchandise covered by these investigations is currently classified in the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 4016.99.3510. Merchandise
covered by the scope may also enter under HTSUS subheading 4016.99.6050. While the HTSUS
subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope
of the investigations is dispositive.
Importer.‐‐Any person or firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary, in
importing rubber bands (as defined above) into the United States from a foreign manufacturer or
through its selling agent.
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.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 3
Confidentiality.‐‐The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Verification.‐‐ The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.‐‐The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1677f) and section 207.7 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR § 207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import‐injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals.
Valid number error messages.‐‐If you are completing this form in a country that uses periods (“.”) to
delineate multiples of 1000 (e.g., one million would appear as $1.000.000 rather than $1,000,000), you
may be unable to enter in numbers greater than 999 in numeric form fields. The solution to this data
entry issue is to temporarily change your operating system’s number formatting to be consistent with
the U.S. number formatting system while you complete this form. Detailed instructions on how to
resolve this issue is provided at the end of this questionnaire and is available upon request from
Christopher W Robinson (202‐205‐2542, chris.robinson@usitc.gov).
D‐GRIDS tool.‐‐The Commission has a tool that firms can use to move data from their own MS Excel
compilation files into self‐contained data tables within this MS Word questionnaire, thereby reducing
the amount of cell‐by‐cell data entry that would be required to complete this form. This tool is a macro‐
enabled MS Excel file available for download from the Commission's generic questionnaires webpage
(https://www.usitc.gov/trade_remedy/question.htm) called the "D‐GRIDs tool." Use of this tool to help
your firm complete this questionnaire is optional. Firms opting to use the D‐GRIDs tool to populate their
data into this questionnaire will need the D‐GRIDs specification sheet PDF file specific to this proceeding
(available on the case page which is linked under the "Background" above) which includes the necessary
references relating to this questionnaire, as well as the macro‐enable MS Excel D‐GRIDs tool itself from
the generic questionnaires page. More detailed instructions on how to use the D‐GRIDs tool are
available within the D‐GRIDs tool itself.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
I‐1.
Page 4
OMB statistics.‐‐Please report below the actual number of hours required and the cost to your
firm of completing this questionnaire.
Hours
Dollars
I‐2.
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
40 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.
Establishments covered.‐‐Provide the name and address of establishment(s) covered by this
questionnaire. If your firm is publicly traded, please specify the stock exchange and trading
symbol.
“Establishment”‐‐Each facility of a firm involved in the importation of rubber bands, including
auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate from) such
facilities.
I‐3.
Ownership.‐‐Is your firm owned, in whole or in part, by any other firm?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information
Firm name
Address
Extent of
ownership
(percent)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
I‐4.
I‐5.
Page 5
Related importers/exporters.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing rubber bands from China and/or Thailand into the United
States or that are engaged in exporting rubber bands from China and/or Thailand to the United
States?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Country
Affiliation
Related producers.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of rubber bands?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Country
Affiliation
I‐6.
Importing operations.‐‐Please indicate the nature of your firm’s importing operations on rubber
bands. More than one answer may be applicable.
Importer of record
Takes title to the
imported product(s)
Consignee of the
imported products(s)
Customs broker or
freight forwarder
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
I‐7.
I‐8.
Page 6
Consignee.‐‐If your firm is an importer of record of rubber bands but is not the consignee,
please list the consignees below (firm name, address, telephone number, and individual to
contact).
Firm name
Address
Contact person
and phone
number
FTZ, TIB, or bonded warehouses.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm enters rubber bands into,
or withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses. Also indicate
whether your firm imports rubber bands under the TIB (temporary importation under bond)
program.
“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, as
well as other savings. A foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in the Foreign‐Trade Zones Act.
“Bonded warehouse” is a secured facility supervised by U.S. customs, where dutiable landed
imports are stored pending their re‐export, or release after payment of import duties, taxes, and
other charges. A bonded warehouse must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in 19 U.S.C. § 1555.
“Temporary Importation under Bond (“TIB”) program” is a procedure whereby imported
merchandise may be entered under certain conditions for a limited time into the United States
free of duty. Under the program, an importer posts a bond for twice the amount of duty, taxes,
etc. that would otherwise be owed on the importation and agrees to export or destroy the
merchandise within a specified time or pay liquidated damages. This program is restricted to
certain categories of merchandise listed in subheadings 9813.00.05 through 9813.00.75 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS).
Item
I‐9.
No
Yes
Foreign trade zones
Bonded warehouses
Temporary importation under bond
Other trade actions.‐‐To your knowledge, have the products subject to this proceeding been the
subject of any other import relief proceedings in the United States or in any other countries?
No
Yes
If yes, Yes–Please specify.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 7
PART II.‐‐TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Christopher W. Robinson
(202‐205‐2542, chris.robinson@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 importation of rubber bands since January 1, 2015.
(check as many as appropriate)
(If checked, please describe; leave blank if not applicable)
Office/warehouse openings
Office/warehouse closings
Relocations
Expansions
Acquisitions
Consolidations
Prolonged shutdowns or
importation curtailments
Revised labor agreements
Other (e.g., technology)
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
II‐3.
Page 8
Arranged imports.‐‐Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of rubber bands for
delivery after June 30, 2018?
“Arranged imports” are imports for which your firm has placed an order with a foreign supplier
for subject merchandise, but delivery of those imports is not scheduled to occur until after the
date listed above.
No
Yes
If yes, fill out the table below.
Period
Source
Jul‐Sep 2018
II‐4.
Oct‐Dec 2018
Jan‐Mar 2019
Apr‐Jun 2019
Quantity (in pounds)
China
Thailand—Liang
Hah Heng/Hah
Shung Heng
Thailand—All
other firms
Other sources
Reasons for importing if producer.‐‐If your firm also produces rubber bands in the United
States, please indicate the reasons for importing this product. If your firm’s reasons differ by
source, please elaborate.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 9
Definitions
“Imports” –Those products identified for Customs purposes as imports for consumption for
which your firm was the importer of record (i.e., was responsible for paying any import duty) or
consignee (i.e., to which the merchandise was first delivered).
“Import quantities” –Quantities reported should be net of returns.
“Import values”—Values reported should be landed, duty‐paid values at the U.S. port of entry,
including ocean freight and insurance costs, brokerage charges, and import duties (i.e., all
charges except inland freight in the United States).
“Non‐retail 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. For the purposes of this
questionnaire, non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments should include sales to distributors, sales
to retailers, and sales other end users, but should not include sales made at the retail level of
trade by your firm to individual customers (including to other businesses).
“Retail 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. For the purposes of this
questionnaire, retail commercial U.S. shipments should only include sales at the retail level of
trade by your firm to individual customers (including to other businesses).
“Internal consumption” ‐‐Product consumed internally by your firm. Such transactions should
be valued at fair market value of the bulk rubber bands (i.e., not the retail price).
“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. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 10
II‐5a. U.S. imports of in‐scope rubber bands from China.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s
shipments and inventories of in‐scope rubber bands imported from China by your firm during
the specified periods.
China
Quantity (in pounds), value (in dollars)
Calendar years
2015
Item
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
2016
January‐June
2017
2017
2018
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
1
U.S. shipments:
Non‐retail commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Retail commercial shipments:
Quantity (F)
Value (G)
2
Internal consumption:
Quantity (H)
2
Value (I)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (J)
2
2
Value (K)
Export shipments:
Quantity (L)
3
Value (M)
End‐of‐period inventories (quantity) (N)
1
Please identify the foreign producers, if known: .
Internal consumption. 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: .
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 11
II‐5a. U.S. imports of in‐scope rubber bands from China.–Continued
China
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line N) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line
A), plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, J, and L). Please ensure that any
differences are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your
firm’s records; and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage,
record systems issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
January‐June
Reconciliation
A + B – D – F – H – J – L – N = should
equal zero ("0") or provide an
explanation.1
1
2015
0
2016
0
2017
0
2017
0
2018
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate: .
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 12
II‐5b. Channels of distribution (China).‐‐Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of non‐retail
commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and
transfers to related firms) of imports of in‐scope rubber bands from China by channel of
distribution. If your firm is a retailer and directly imports in‐scope rubber bands for use in your
own or a related firm’s retail locations, please report those as U.S. shipments “To retailers”
here.
China
Calendar years
Item
2015
2016
January‐June
2017
2017
2018
Quantity (in pounds)
Channels of distribution:
U.S. shipments:
To distributors (O)
To and/or by retailers and office
supply stores: branded1 (P)
To and/or by retailers and office
supply stores: private label1 (Q)
To end users:
agricultural/floral/grocery (R)
To end users:
industrial/hardware/construction (S)
To end users:
newspaper/packaging/stationery2 (T)
3
To end users: all other end users (U)
1
Include stationery stores, such as Staples, Office Depot, etc., in retail category.
Include end users, such as government or post offices, that purchase rubber bands for stationery use in end users
category.
3
Please specify the other types of end users: .
2
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines O through U) in each time period equal the quantity reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D, F,
H, and J) 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
January‐June
Reconciliation item
O + P + Q + R + S + T + U – D – F – H –
J = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2015
2016
0
2017
0
2017
0
0
2018
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
II‐5c.
Page 13
U.S. shipments by rubber content (China).‐‐Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption,
and transfers to related firms) of imports of in‐scope rubber bands from China by rubber
content.
China
Quantity (in pounds)
Item
Calendar year
2017
U.S. shipments.‐‐
In‐scope rubber bands with rubber content of:
<50% (V)
>=50% and <65% (W)
>=65% and <80% (X)
>=80% and <95% (Y)
>95% (Z)
In‐scope synthetic bands (AA)
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantity reported for U.S.
shipments by rubber content (i.e., lines V through AA) in 2017 equal the quantity reported for U.S.
shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J) in 2017 in question II‐5a. 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: V + W + X + Y + Z + AA – D – F – H – J = zero
("0"), if not revise.
Calendar year
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 14
II‐5d. U.S. shipments by product size (China).‐‐Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption,
and transfers to related firms) of imports of in‐scope rubber bands from China by product size.
China
Quantity (in pounds)
Item
Calendar year
2017
U.S. shipments.‐‐
Rubber bands balls (AB)
Other than rubber band balls:
Sizes 8 through 19 and 117‐A1 (AC)
Sizes 27 through 33 and 117‐B2 (AD)
3
All other sizes (AE)
1
Sizes 8 through 19 and 117‐A, based on common industry standards, have a width of 1/16”. Lengths are
as follows: size 8—7/8”, size 10—1 ¼”, size 12—1 ¾”, size 14—2”, size 16—2 ½”, size 18—3”, size 19—3 ½”,
and size 117‐A—7”.
2
Sizes 27 through 33 and 117‐B, based on common industry standards, have a width of 1/8”. Lengths are
as follows: size 27—1 ¼”, size 30—2”, size 31—2 ½”, size 32—3”, size 33—3 ½”, and size 117‐B—7”.
3
Please specify the other sizes: .
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for
US shipments by product type (i.e., lines AB through AE) in 2017 equal the quantity and value
reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D through K) in 2017 in question II‐5a. 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: AB + AC + AD + AE – D – F – H – J = zero ("0"), if
not revise.
Calendar year
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 15
II‐5e. Monthly U.S. imports (China).–Report your firm’s monthly U.S. imports of in‐scope rubber
bands from China during the specified periods from the following entities or groups of entities in
China:
Graceful Imp. & Exmp. Co., Ltd
Moyoung Trading Co., Ltd
Ningbo Syloon Imp & Exp Co., Ltd
All other firms
Quantity ( pounds)
Monthly U.S. imports from China
Month
Graceful
2017.‐‐
January
Moyoung Trading
Ningbo Syloon All other firms
Total Imports
0
February
0
March
0
April
0
May
0
June
0
July
0
August
0
September
0
October
0
November
0
December
0
0
February
0
March
0
April
0
May
0
June
0
2018.‐‐
January
Item
Full year 2017
Aggregation of monthly imports
Jan‐Jun 2017
0
Jan‐Jun 2018
0
0
RECONCILIATION OF MONTHLY IMPORTS.‐‐ Please ensure that the total imports reported for full year 2017, and for
the two partial periods (e.g., January‐June 2017 and January‐June 2018) reported in question II‐5a matches the
monthly data reported here. 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 for
Aggregated monthly data minus
U.S. imports from China (II‐5a),
revise if not returning zero ("0")
Full year 2017
Jan‐Jun 2017
0
Jan‐Jun 2018
0
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 16
II‐6a. U.S. imports of in‐scope rubber bands from Thai producer/exporter Liang Hah Heng
International Rubber Co., Ltd. (“Liang Hah Heng”) and affiliated company Hah Shung Heng Co.
(“Hah Shung Heng”).–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories of
in‐scope rubber bands imported from Thai producer/exporter Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng
by your firm during the specified periods.
Thailand—Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng
Quantity (in pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
2015
Item
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
2016
January‐June
2017
2017
2018
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
1
U.S. shipments:
Non‐retail commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Retail commercial shipments:
Quantity (F)
Value (G)
Internal consumption (including for
retail sale by your firm):2
Quantity (H)
2
Value (I)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (J)
2
2
Value (K)
Export shipments:
Quantity (L)
3
Value (M)
End‐of‐period inventories (quantity) (N)
1
The foreign producer/exporter for data reported is Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng.
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: .
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 17
II‐6a. U.S. imports of in‐scope rubber bands from Thai producer/exporter Liang Hah Heng
International Rubber Co., Ltd. (“Liang Hah Heng”) and affiliated company Hah Shung Heng Co.
(“Hah Shung Heng”).–Continued
Thailand—Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line N) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line
A), plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, J, and L). Please ensure that any
differences are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your
firm’s records; and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage,
record systems issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
January‐June
Reconciliation
A + B – D – F – H – J – L – N = should
equal zero ("0") or provide an
explanation.1
1
2015
0
2016
0
2017
0
2017
0
2018
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate: .
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 18
II‐6b. Channels of distribution (Thai producer/exporter Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng).‐‐Report
your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports of
in‐scope rubber bands from Thai producer/exporter Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng by
channel of distribution. If your firm is a retailer and directly imports in‐scope rubber bands for
use in your own or a related firm’s retail locations, please report those as U.S. shipments “To
retailers” here.
Thailand—Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng
Calendar years
Item
2015
2016
January‐June
2017
2017
2018
Quantity (in pounds)
Channels of distribution:
U.S. shipments:
To distributors (O)
To and/or by retailers and office
supply stores: branded1 (P)
To and/or by retailers and office
supply stores: private label1 (Q)
To end users:
agricultural/floral/grocery (R)
To end users:
industrial/hardware/construction (S)
To end users:
newspaper/packaging/stationery2 (T)
To end users: all other end users3 (U)
1
Include stationery stores, such as Staples, Office Depot, etc., in retail category.
Include end users, such as government or post offices, that purchase rubber bands for stationery use in end users
category.
3
Please specify the other types of end users: .
2
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines O through U) in each time period equal the quantity reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D, F,
H, and J) 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
January‐June
Reconciliation item
O + P + Q + R + S + T + U – D – F – H –
J = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2015
2016
0
2017
0
2017
0
0
2018
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
II‐6c.
Page 19
U.S. shipments by rubber content (Thai producer/exporter Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng).‐
‐Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports of
in‐scope rubber bands from Thai producer/exporter Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng by rubber
content.
Thailand—Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng
Quantity (in pounds)
Item
Calendar year
2017
U.S. shipments.‐‐
In‐scope rubber bands with rubber content of:
<50% (V)
>=50% and <65% (W)
>=65% and <80% (X)
>=80% and <95% (Y)
>95% (Z)
In‐scope synthetic bands (AA)
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantity reported for U.S.
shipments by rubber content (i.e., lines V through AA) in 2017 equal the quantity reported for U.S.
shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J) in 2017 in question II‐6a. 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: V + W + X + Y + Z + AA – D – F – H – J = zero
("0"), if not revise.
Calendar year
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 20
II‐6d. U.S. shipments by product size (Thai producer/exporter Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng).‐‐
Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports of
in‐scope rubber bands from Thai producer/exporter Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng by
product size.
Thailand—Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng
Quantity (in pounds)
Calendar year
2017
Item
U.S. shipments.‐‐
Rubber bands balls (AB)
Other than rubber band balls:
Sizes 8 through 19 and 117‐A1 (AC)
2
Sizes 27 through 33 and 117‐B (AD)
All other sizes (AE)3
1
Sizes 8 through 19 and 117‐A, based on common industry standards, have a width of 1/16”. Lengths are
as follows: size 8—7/8”, size 10—1 ¼”, size 12—1 ¾”, size 14—2”, size 16—2 ½”, size 18—3”, size 19—3 ½”,
and size 117‐A—7”.
2
Sizes 27 through 33 and 117‐B, based on common industry standards, have a width of 1/8”. Lengths are
as follows: size 27—1 ¼”, size 30—2”, size 31—2 ½”, size 32—3”, size 33—3 ½”, and size 117‐B—7”.
3
Please specify the other sizes: .
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for
US shipments by product type (i.e., lines AB through AE) in 2017 equal the quantity and value
reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D through K) in 2017 in question II‐6a. 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: AB + AC + AD + AE – D – F – H – J = zero ("0"), if
not revise.
Calendar year
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 21
II‐7a. U.S. imports of in‐scope rubber bands from all other Thai producers/exporters (i.e., all Thai
producers/exporters OTHER than Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng).–Report your firm’s
imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories of in‐scope rubber bands imported from all
other Thai producers/exporters by your firm during the specified periods.
Thailand‐‐All other firms
Quantity (in pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
2015
Item
2016
January‐June
2017
2017
2018
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
Imports:1
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
U.S. shipments:
Non‐retail commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Retail commercial shipments:
Quantity (F)
Value (G)
Internal consumption (including for
retail sale by your firm):2
Quantity (H)
Value2 (I)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (J)
2
2
Value (K)
Export shipments:
Quantity (L)
3
Value (M)
End‐of‐period inventories (quantity) (N)
1
Please identify the foreign producers, if known: .
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: .
2
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 22
II‐7a. U.S. imports of in‐scope rubber bands from all other Thai producers/exporters (i.e., all Thai
producers/exporters OTHER than Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng).–Continued
Thailand‐‐All other firms
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line N) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line
A), plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, J, and L). Please ensure that any
differences are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your
firm’s records; and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage,
record systems issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
January‐June
Reconciliation
A + B – D – F – H – J – L – N = should
equal zero ("0") or provide an
explanation.1
1
2015
0
2016
0
2017
0
2017
0
2018
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate: .
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 23
II‐7b. Channels of distribution (All other Thai producers/exporters).‐‐Report your firm’s U.S.
shipments (i.e., inclusive of non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports of in‐scope rubber
bands from all other Thai producers/exporters by channel of distribution. If your firm is a
retailer and directly imports in‐scope rubber bands for use in your own or a related firm’s retail
locations, please report those as U.S. shipments “To retailers” here.
Thailand‐‐All other firms
Calendar years
Item
2015
2016
January‐June
2017
2017
2018
Quantity (in pounds)
Channels of distribution:
U.S. shipments:
To distributors (O)
To and/or by retailers and office
supply stores: branded1 (P)
To and/or by retailers and office
supply stores: private label1 (Q)
To end users:
agricultural/floral/grocery (R)
To end users:
industrial/hardware/construction (S)
To end users:
newspaper/packaging/stationery2 (T)
3
To end users: all other end users (U)
1
Include stationery stores, such as Staples, Office Depot, etc., in retail category.
Include end users, such as government or post offices, that purchase rubber bands for stationery use in end users
category.
3
Please specify the other types of end users: .
2
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines O through U) in each time period equal the quantity reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D, F,
H, and J) 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
January‐June
Reconciliation item
O + P + Q + R + S + T + U – D – F – H –
J = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2015
2016
0
2017
0
2017
0
0
2018
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
II‐7c.
Page 24
U.S. shipments by rubber content (All other Thai producers/exporters).‐‐Report your firm’s
U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports of in‐scope rubber
bands from all other Thai producers/exporters by rubber content.
Thailand‐‐All other firms
Quantity (in pounds)
Item
Calendar year
2017
U.S. shipments.‐‐
In‐scope rubber bands with rubber content of:
<50% (V)
>=50% and <65% (W)
>=65% and <80% (X)
>=80% and <95% (Y)
>95% (Z)
In‐scope synthetic bands (AA)
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantity reported for U.S.
shipments by rubber content (i.e., lines V through AA) in 2017 equal the quantity reported for U.S.
shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J) in 2017 in question II‐7a. 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: V + W + X + Y + Z + AA – D – F – H – J = zero
("0"), if not revise.
Calendar year
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 25
II‐7d. U.S. shipments by product size (All other Thai producers/exporters).‐‐Report your firm’s U.S.
shipments (i.e., inclusive of non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports of in‐scope rubber
bands from all other Thai producers/exporters by product size.
Thailand—All other firms
Quantity (in pounds)
Calendar year
2017
Item
U.S. shipments.‐‐
Rubber bands balls (AB)
Other than rubber band balls:
Sizes 8 through 19 and 117‐A1 (AC)
2
Sizes 27 through 33 and 117‐B (AD)
3
All other sizes (AE)
1
Sizes 8 through 19 and 117‐A, based on common industry standards, have a width of 1/16”. Lengths are
as follows: size 8—7/8”, size 10—1 ¼”, size 12—1 ¾”, size 14—2”, size 16—2 ½”, size 18—3”, size 19—3 ½”,
and size 117‐A—7”.
2
Sizes 27 through 33 and 117‐B, based on common industry standards, have a width of 1/8”. Lengths are
as follows: size 27—1 ¼”, size 30—2”, size 31—2 ½”, size 32—3”, size 33—3 ½”, and size 117‐B—7”.
3
Please specify the other sizes: .
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for
US shipments by product type (i.e., lines AB through AE) in 2017 equal the quantity and value
reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D through K) in 2017 in question II‐7a. 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: AB + AC + AD + AE – D – F – H – J = zero ("0"), if
not revise.
Calendar year
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 26
II‐7e. Monthly U.S. imports (All other Thai producers/exporters (i.e., all Thai producers/exporters
OTHER than Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng)).–Report your firm’s monthly U.S. imports of in‐
scope rubber bands from all other Thai producers/exporters during the specified periods from
the following entities or groups of entities in Thailand:
U. Yong Industry Co., Ltd. (“U. Yong”)
All other firms in Thailand (i.e., all Thai firms other than U. Yong and Liang Hah
Heng/Hah Shung Heng)
Thailand—All other firms
Quantity (pounds)
Monthly U.S. imports from all other Thai producers/exporters
Month
2017.‐‐
January
All other firms in
Thailand (i.e., excluding Total imports from
all other firms in
U. Yong and Liang Hah
Thailand
Heng/Hah Shung Heng)
U. Yong
0
February
0
March
0
April
0
May
0
June
0
July
0
August
0
September
0
October
0
November
0
December
0
0
February
0
March
0
April
0
May
0
June
0
2018.‐‐
January
Item
Aggregation of monthly imports
Full year 2017
0
Jan‐Jun 2017
Jan‐Jun 2018
0
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 27
II‐7e. Monthly U.S. imports (All other Thai producers/exporters (i.e., all Thai producers/exporters
OTHER than Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng)).–Continued
U. Yong Industry Co., Ltd. (“U. Yong”)
All other firms in Thailand (i.e., all Thai firms other than U. Yong and Liang Hah
Heng/Hah Shung Heng)
Thailand—All other firms
RECONCILIATION OF MONTHLY IMPORTS.‐‐ Please ensure that the total imports reported for full year 2017, and for
the two partial periods (e.g., January‐June 2017 and January‐June 2018) reported in question II‐7a matches the
monthly data reported here. 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 for
Aggregated monthly data minus
U.S. imports from Thailand—All
other firms (II‐7a), revise if not
returning zero ("0")
Full year 2017
Jan‐Jun 2017
0
Jan‐Jun 2018
0
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 28
II‐8a. U.S. imports of in‐scope rubber bands from All Other Sources (i.e., from all countries other
than China and Thailand).–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of in‐scope rubber bands imported from All Other Sources by your firm during the
specified periods.
All Other Sources
(list sources:
)
Quantity (in pounds), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
2015
Item
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (A)
2016
January‐June
2017
2017
2018
Imports:
Quantity (B)
Value (C)
1
U.S. shipments:
Non‐retail commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Retail commercial shipments:
Quantity (F)
Value (G)
Internal consumption (including for
retail sale by your firm):2
Quantity (H)
2
Value (I)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (J)
2
2
Value (K)
Export shipments:
Quantity (L)
3
Value (M)
End‐of‐period inventories (quantity) (N)
1
Please identify the foreign producers, if known: .
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: .
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 29
II‐8a. U.S. imports of in‐scope rubber bands from All Other Sources.–Continued
All Other Sources
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the
end‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line N) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line
A), plus imports (i.e., line B), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, J, and L). Please ensure that any
differences are not due to data entry errors in completing this form, but rather actually reflect your
firm’s records; and also provide any likely explanations for any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage,
record systems issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
January‐June
Reconciliation
A + B – D – F – H – J – L – N = should
equal zero ("0") or provide an
explanation.1
1
2015
0
2016
0
2017
0
2017
0
2018
0
Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate: .
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 30
II‐8b. Channels of distribution (All Other Sources).‐‐Report your firm’s U.S. shipments(i.e., inclusive of
non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption,
and transfers to related firms) of imports of in‐scope rubber bands from All Other Sources by
channel of distribution. If your firm is a retailer and directly imports in‐scope rubber bands for
use in your own or a related firm’s retail locations, please report those as U.S. shipments “To
retailers” here.
All Other Sources
Calendar years
Item
2015
2016
January‐June
2017
2017
2018
Quantity (in pounds)
Channels of distribution:
U.S. shipments:
To distributors (O)
To and/or by retailers and office
supply stores: branded1 (P)
To and/or by retailers and office
supply stores: private label1 (Q)
To end users:
agricultural/floral/grocery (R)
To end users:
industrial/hardware/construction (S)
To end users:
newspaper/packaging/stationery2 (T)
3
To end users: all other end users (U)
1
Include stationery stores, such as Staples, Office Depot, etc., in retail category.
Include end users, such as government or post offices, that purchase rubber bands for stationery use in end users
category.
3
Please specify the other types of end users: .
2
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines O through U) in each time period equal the quantity reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D, F,
H, and J) 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
January‐June
Reconciliation item
O + P + Q + R + S + T + U – D – F – H –
J = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2015
2016
0
2017
0
2017
0
0
2018
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
II‐8c.
Page 31
U.S. shipments by rubber content (All Other Sources).‐‐Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e.,
inclusive of non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal
consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports of in‐scope rubber bands from All Other
Sources by rubber content.
All Other Sources
Quantity (in pounds)
Item
Calendar year
2017
U.S. shipments.‐‐
In‐scope rubber bands with rubber content of:
<50% (V)
>=50% and <65% (W)
>=65% and <80% (X)
>=80% and <95% (Y)
>95% (Z)
In‐scope synthetic bands (AA)
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantity reported for U.S.
shipments by rubber content (i.e., lines V through AA) in 2017 equal the quantity reported for U.S.
shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J) in 2017 in question II‐8a. 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: V + W + X + Y + Z + AA – D – F – H – J = zero
("0"), if not revise.
Calendar year
2017
0
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 32
II‐8d. U.S. shipments by product size (All Other Sources).‐‐Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e.,
inclusive of non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments, retail commercial U.S. shipments, internal
consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports of in‐scope rubber bands from All Other
Sources by product size.
All Other Sources
Quantity (in pounds)
Calendar year
2017
Item
U.S. shipments.‐‐
Rubber bands balls (AB)
Other than rubber band balls:
Sizes 8 through 19 and 117‐A1 (AC)
2
Sizes 27 through 33 and 117‐B (AD)
3
All other sizes (AE)
1
Sizes 8 through 19 and 117‐A, based on common industry standards, have a width of 1/16”. Lengths are
as follows: size 8—7/8”, size 10—1 ¼”, size 12—1 ¾”, size 14—2”, size 16—2 ½”, size 18—3”, size 19—3 ½”,
and size 117‐A—7”.
2
Sizes 27 through 33 and 117‐B, based on common industry standards, have a width of 1/8”. Lengths are
as follows: size 27—1 ¼”, size 30—2”, size 31—2 ½”, size 32—3”, size 33—3 ½”, and size 117‐B—7”.
3
Please specify the other sizes: .
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for
US shipments by product type (i.e., lines AB through AE) in 2017 equal the quantity and value
reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D through K) in 2017 in question II‐8a. 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: AB + AC + AD + AE – D – F – H – J = zero ("0"), if
not revise.
II‐9.
0
Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
that did not provide a narrative 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.
Calendar year
2017
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 33
PART III.‐‐PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Amelia Preece (202‐205‐
3250, amelia.preece@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
PRICE DATA
III‐2. This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s non‐retail commercial
shipments to unrelated U.S. firms since January 1, 2015 of the following products your firm
imported from China and/or Thailand:
Product 1.‐‐Size #32 rubber bands (3” x 1/8”), with a natural rubber/latex content >=65% and
<80%, sold in 1 lb. poly bags.
Product 2.‐‐Size #33 rubber bands (3 1/2” x 1/8”), with a natural rubber/latex content >=65%
and <80%, sold in 1 lb. poly bags.
Product 3.‐‐Size #64 rubber bands (3 1/2” x 1/4”), with a natural rubber/latex content >=65%
and <80%, sold in 1 lb. poly bags.
Product 4.‐‐Size #18 rubber bands (3” x 1/16”), newspaper size, with a natural rubber/latex
content >=65% and <80%, sold in 1 lb. poly bags.
Product 5.‐‐Size #14 rubber bands (2" x 1/16"), agricultural size, with a natural rubber/latex
content >=65% and <80%, sold in 1 lb. poly bags.
Product 6.‐‐ Size #18 rubber bands (3” x 1/16”), with a natural rubber/latex content >=65% and
<80%, sold in 3.5 ounce bags.
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). Please do not include retail sales.
III‐2(a). During January 2015‐June 2018, did your firm import from China and/or Thailand and sell at the
wholesale or non‐retail level to unrelated U.S. firms any of the above listed products (or any
products that were competitive with these products)?
Yes.‐‐Please complete the following pricing data table(s) as appropriate.
No.‐‐Skip to question III‐3.
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
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III‐2(b). Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from China
and sold by your firm (not including retail sales).
China
Report data in pounds and dollars.
(Quantity in pounds, 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
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 III.
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:
Table continued on next page.
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
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III‐2(b). Price data.—Continued.
China
Report data in pounds and dollars.
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 4
Product 5
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 6
Quantity
Value
Period of shipment
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
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 III.
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:
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
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III‐2(c). Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from Thailand
from Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng and sold by your firm (not including retail sales).
Thailand‐‐Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng
Report data in pounds and dollars.
(Quantity in pounds, 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
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 III.
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:
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
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III‐2(c). Price data.‐‐ Continued.
Thailand‐‐Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng
Report data in pounds and dollars.
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 4
Product 5
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
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
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 III.
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:
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III‐2(c). Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from Thailand
from firms other than from Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng and sold by your firm (not
including retail sales).
Thailand‐‐ All other firms
Report data in pounds and dollars.
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Period of shipment
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
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 III.
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:
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III‐2(c). Price data.‐‐ Continued.
Thailand‐‐ All other firms
Report data in pounds and dollars.
(Quantity in pounds, value in dollars)
Product 4
Product 5
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
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
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 III.
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:
III‐2 (d). Price data checklist.‐‐Please check that the pricing data in question III‐2(a) has been correctly
reported.
Is the price data reported above:
√ if Yes
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 part II in each year?
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III‐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.
III‐3a. Imports for internal use, repackaging, or retail sale.‐‐Did your firm import rubber bands for
internal consumption, repackaging, or use for sales in your firm’s retail locations since January 1,
2015?
Yes.‐‐Please complete the following table as appropriate.
No.‐‐Skip to question III‐4.
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III‐3b. Imports for internal use, repackaging, or retail sale.—Continued.
Report below the import data1 for pricing product 62 imported from China and used by your own firm or
sold at retail.
Please note that values should be landed, duty‐paid and should not include U.S.‐inland transportation
costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid by your firm (i.e., should be net of all returns,
discounts, allowances, and rebates).
China
Report data in pounds and dollars.
Period of shipment
Quantity
(pounds)
Landed, duty‐paid (LDP)
value1 (dollars)
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
April‐June
1
LDP value (i.e., landed duty‐paid values): Values reported should be landed, duty‐paid values at the U.S.
port of entry, including ocean freight and insurance costs, brokerage charges, and import duties (i.e., all charges
except inland freight in the United States). See “Import values” definition in Part II (Trade and Related
Information – Definitions).
2
Product 6.‐‐ Size #18 rubber bands (3” x 1/16”), with a natural rubber/latex content >=65% and <80%, sold
in 3.5 ounce bags.
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.
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
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III‐3c. Imports for internal use, repackaging, or retail sale ‐‐ Continued.
Report below the import data1 for pricing product 62 imported from Thailand from Liang Hah Heng/Hah
Shung Heng and used by your own firm or sold at retail.
Please note that values should be landed, duty‐paid and should not include U.S.‐inland transportation
costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid by your firm (i.e., should be net of all returns,
discounts, allowances, and rebates).
Thailand‐‐Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng
Report data in pounds and dollars.
Period of shipment
Quantity
(pounds)
Landed, duty‐paid (LDP)
value1 (dollars)
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
April‐June
1
LDP value (i.e., landed duty‐paid values): Values reported should be landed, duty‐paid values at the U.S.
port of entry, including ocean freight and insurance costs, brokerage charges, and import duties (i.e., all charges
except inland freight in the United States). See “Import values” definition in Part II (Trade and Related
Information – Definitions).
2
Product 6.‐‐ Size #18 rubber bands (3” x 1/16”), with a natural rubber/latex content >=65% and <80%, sold
in 3.5 ounce bags.
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.
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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
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III‐3c. Imports for internal use, repackaging, or retail sale ‐‐ Continued.
Report below the import data1 for pricing product 62 imported from Thailand from firms other than
Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng and used by your own firm or sold at retail.
Please note that values should be landed, duty‐paid and should not include U.S.‐inland transportation
costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid by your firm (i.e., should be net of all returns,
discounts, allowances, and rebates).
Thailand‐‐All other firms
Report data in pounds and dollars.
Period of shipment
Quantity
(pounds)
Landed, duty‐paid (LDP)
value1 (dollars)
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
April‐June
1
LDP value (i.e., landed duty‐paid values): Values reported should be landed, duty‐paid values at the U.S.
port of entry, including ocean freight and insurance costs, brokerage charges, and import duties (i.e., all charges
except inland freight in the United States). See “Import values” definition in Part II (Trade and Related
Information – Definitions).
2
Product 6.‐‐ Size #18 rubber bands (3” x 1/16”), with a natural rubber/latex content >=65% and <80%, sold
in 3.5 ounce bags.
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.
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III‐3d. Additional costs for your firm’s direct imports of rubber bands for your firm’s internal use,
repackaging, or retail sale.
(i)
If your firm reported direct import purchase costs above (question III‐3a), please identify
the factors (other than of inland transportation costs or costs already included in landed
duty paid values) that add to your cost of importing directly since January 1, 2015,
estimate the share of the cost of the landed duty‐paid value, and explain the specific
costs associated with each category.
NOTE: Report only costs that are not included in the landed duty paid costs provided in the
table(s) above.
Estimated share
of landed duty‐
paid value
(percent)
Explanation
Factors
Logistical or supply chain
management costs (not already
included in LDP value)
Warehousing/inventory
carrying costs (not already
included in LDP value)
Insurance costs (not already
included in LDP value)
Other, please identify ( )
(ii)
To which source(s) does your firm compare costs in determining your additional
transaction costs to directly import?
U.S. importers U.S. producers
Both
Neither
(iii)
(a) Briefly identify the benefits of directly importing rubber bands instead of purchasing
rubber bands from a U.S. importer or from a U.S. producer.
(b) Please provide the estimated margin saved by having directly imported rubber bands
instead of purchasing from a U.S. importer. percent of landed duty‐paid value.
(c) Explain any variation in the margin saved since January 1, 2015.
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III‐3e. Inland transportation costs for your firm’s direct imports of rubber bands for internal use,
repackaging, or retail sale.‐‐
If your firm reported import purchases costs above (questions III‐3a through III‐b), what is the
approximate percentage of the total cost rubber bands that you directly imported from China
and/or Thailand that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs from the port of
importation to your distribution network, retail store(s), or manufacturing plant(s)?
Country
Percent
China
%
Thailand
%
III‐3f. Did your firm purchase rubber bands from a U.S. producer?
No
Yes—Please complete the U.S. purchasers questionnaire.
III‐4. Price setting.‐‐How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of rubber bands
(check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample pages of a recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction
Contracts
III‐5.
Other
If other, describe
Discount policy.‐‐Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that apply).
Quantity
discounts
III‐6.
Set
price
lists
Annual
total
volume
discounts
No
discount
policy
Other
Describe
Pricing terms.‐‐On what basis are your firm’s prices of imported rubber bands from China
and/or Thailand usually quoted (check one)?
Delivered
F.o.b.
If f.o.b., specify point
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III‐7. Contract versus spot.‐‐Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of rubber bands imported
from China and/or Thailand in 2017 was on a (1) short‐term contract basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3)
long‐term contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?
Item
Share of 2017
sales
III‐8.
Type of sale
Long‐term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for 12
less than 12
months)
months)
Short‐term
contracts
(multiple
deliveries for
more than 12
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
rubber bands from China and/or Thailand (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on
a short‐term, annual and/or long‐term contract basis).
Short‐term contracts Annual contracts
(multiple
(multiple deliveries
deliveries for 12
for less than 12
months)
months)
Long‐term contracts
(multiple deliveries
for more than 12
months)
Typical sales
contract provisions
Item
Average contract
duration
No. of
days
Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)
Yes
No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes
No
Fixed quantity
and/or price
Indexed to raw
material costs1
Not applicable
1
Please identify the indexes used:
365
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III‐9.
Page 47
Lead times.‐‐What is your firm’s share of sales of rubber bands imported from China and/or
Thailand 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 rubber bands?
Lead time
(Average number
of days)
Source
Share of 2017 sales
From your firm’s U.S. inventory
%
From foreign manufacturers’ inventory
%
Produced to order
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
0.0 %
III‐10. Shipping information.—
(a)
What is the approximate percentage of the cost of rubber bands imported from China
and/or Thailand 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)
When your firm sells rubber bands imported from China and/or Thailand, from where is
it shipped?
Point of importation Storage facility (check one)
(d)
Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of rubber bands imported from
China and/or Thailand that are delivered the following distances from your firm’s U.S.
point of shipment.
Distance from your firm’s U.S. point of shipment
Within 100 miles
%
101 to 1,000 miles
%
Over 1,000 miles
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
Share
0.0 %
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III‐11. Geographical shipments.‐‐In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold rubber
bands imported from subject countries since January 1, 2015 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
China
Thailand
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.
III‐12. End uses.‐‐List the end uses of the rubber bands that your firm imports. For each end‐use
product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by rubber bands and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end‐use product
accounted for by
Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)
Rubber bands
Other inputs
End use product
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
III‐13. Substitutes.‐‐Can other products be substituted for rubber bands?
No
Yes‐‐Please fill out the table.
Substitute
End use in which this
substitute is used
Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for rubber bands?
No Yes
Explanation
1.
2.
3.
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III‐14. Demand trends.‐‐Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for rubber bands has changed since January 1, 2015. Explain any trends and
describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.
Overall
No
Overall Fluctuate with
increase change decrease no clear trend
Market
Explanation and factors
Within the United States
Outside the United States
III‐15. Product changes.‐‐Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix or
marketing of rubber bands since January 1, 2015?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe.
III‐16. Conditions of competition.—
(a) Is the rubber bands market subject to business cycles (other than general economy‐wide
conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to rubber bands?
Check all that apply.
Please describe.
No
Skip to question III‐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
rubber bands since January 1, 2015?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
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III‐17. Supply constraints.‐‐Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply rubber bands
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.
III‐18. Raw materials.‐‐How have rubber bands raw material prices changed since January 1, 2015?
Explain, noting how raw material price changes
Fluctuate
with no have affected your firm’s selling prices for rubber
Overall
No
Overall
bands.
increase change decrease clear trend
III‐19. Interchangeability.‐‐Is rubber bands 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
United States
China
Thailand
China
Thailand
Other countries
For any country‐pair producing rubber bands which is sometimes or never interchangeable, please
identify the country‐pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:
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III‐20. Factors other than price.‐‐Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between rubber bands 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
United States
China
Thailand
China
Thailand
Other countries
For any country‐pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant factor in
your firm’s purchases of rubber bands, identify the country‐pair and report the advantages or
disadvantages imparted by such factors:
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III‐21. Customer identification.‐‐List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for rubber bands since January 1, 2015. Indicate the share of the quantity of your
firm’s total shipments of rubber bands that each of these customers accounted for in 2017.
Customer’s name
City
State
Share of 2017
sales (%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
III‐22. Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.
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PART IV.—OUT‐OF‐SCOPE RUBBER BAND PRODUCTS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Christopher W. Robinson
(202‐205‐2542, chris.robinson@usitc.gov).
IV‐1. Out‐of‐scope rubber band imports under HTS statistical reporting number 4016.99.3510.‐‐
Report your firm’s imports from China, Thailand, and All Other Sources of out‐of‐scope rubber
band products entered under HTS statistical reporting number 4016.99.3510. These out‐of‐
scope items do not match the definition of “rubber bands” as defined on page 2 (e.g., products
that consist of an elastomer loop and durable tag all‐in‐one, bands that are being used at the
time of import to fasten an imported product, and bands that fall outside the size limitations of
an in‐scope product as defined on page 2) and should not be included in data reported in part II.
Quantity (in pounds) and Value (in dollars)
Calendar years
Item
2015
U.S. imports under statistical
reporting number 4016.99.3510 not
matching the definition of rubber
bands from
China:1
Quantity
Value
Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung Heng
in Thailand:2
Quantity
Value
2016
January‐June
2017
2017
2018
3
All other firms in Thailand:
Quantity
Value
All other sources: 4
Quantity
Value
1
Identify the out‐of‐scope rubber band products imported from China: . Identify the foreign producers in
China: .
2
Identify the out‐of‐scope rubber band products imported from Thai producer Liang Hah Heng/Hah Shung
Heng: .
3
Identify the out‐of‐scope rubber band products imported from Thai producers other than Liang Hah Heng/Hah
Shung Heng: . Identify the foreign producers in Thailand: .
4
Identify the out‐of‐scope rubber band products imported from All Other Sources: . Identify the countries
and producers for which data are reported for All Other Sources: .
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Correcting Valid number error messages.‐‐If you are completing a Commission
questionnaire in a country that uses periods (“.”) to delineate multiples of 1000 (e.g., one million would
appear as $1.000.000 instead of as $1,000,000), you may be unable to enter in numbers greater than
999 in numeric form fields. This issues stem from your computer number formatting setting (e.g., not
the MS Word document itself, but the computer from which you are opening up the document). In the
United States commas (,) delineate multiples of 1000 and periods (.) delineate fractions less than one.
Many EU countries use the reverse where multiples of 1000 are delineated with periods (.) and
fractions less than one are delineated with commas (,). The US International Trade Commission’s
questionnaires are set‐up in the United States with the U.S. number formatting. When this formatting
interacts with a computer set to EU number formatting, we believe this may cause this issue.
The solution to this data entry issue is to temporarily change your operating system’s number
formatting to be consistent with the U.S. number formatting system while you complete the
questionnaire.
To temporarily change your computer’s number settings to U.S. settings, please do the following (for
Microsoft Windows Operating system):
START
Control Panel
Region and Language (under Clock, Language, and Region category)
Format tab
Change the Format from your existing one (e.g. “Italian (Italy)”) to “English (United States)” (see
screen shots below)
When you do this the number “twelve million dollars and thirty five cents” would change from
$12.000.000,35 (Italy format) to $12,000,000.35 (U.S. format), and then there will be no conflict with
the questionnaire. When you finish reporting the data then you can close the questionnaire and switch
back to Italy settings.
Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire ‐ Rubber Bands (Final)
Page 55
HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
https://usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2018/rubber_bands_china_and_thailand/final.
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: BAND
• E‐mail.—E‐mail the MS Word questionnaire to chris.robinson@usitc.govinclude 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 did not import this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned copy to
the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, it is required to serve a copy of the
completed questionnaire on parties to the proceeding that are subject to administrative protective
order (see 19 CFR § 207.7). A list of such parties may be obtained from the Commission’s Secretary (202‐
205‐1803). A certificate of service must accompany the completed questionnaire you submit (see 19 CFR
§ 207.7). Service of the questionnaire must be made in paper form.
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Microsoft Word - US importer--Rubber Bands (F) |
| Author | mary.messer |
| File Modified | 2018-09-06 |
| File Created | 2018-09-06 |