18-2-3881 US importers' questionnaire

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

US importers--SS bar

STAINLESS STEEL BAR FROM BRAZIL, INDIA, JAPAN, AND SPAIN (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-678-679 and 681-682 (Fourth Review))

OMB: 3117-0016

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OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 18-2-3881; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020
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U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
STAINLESS STEEL BAR FROM BRAZIL, INDIA, JAPAN, AND SPAIN
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by May 14, 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 review of the antidumping duty order concerning stainless steel bar from Brazil, India, Japan, and
Spain (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-678-679 and 681-682 (Fourth Review)). The information requested in the questionnaire is
requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure to reply as directed
can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records or information in your firm’s possession (19
U.S.C. § 1333(a)).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

Website
Has your firm imported stainless steel bar (as defined on the next page) from any country at any time
since January 1, 2012?

(Sign the certification below and promptly return only this page of the questionnaire to the Commission)

YES

(Complete all parts of the questionnaire, and return the entire questionnaire to the Commission)

Return questionnaire via the Commission Drop Box by clicking on the following link:
https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: SSBAR)
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 investigations or reviews
conducted by the Commission on the same or similar merchandise.
I, the undersigned, acknowledge that information submitted in response to this request for information and throughout this
proceeding or other proceedings may be disclosed to and used: (i) by the Commission, its employees and Offices, and contract
personnel (a) for developing or maintaining the records of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in internal investigations, audits,
reviews, and evaluations relating to the programs, personnel, and operations of the Commission including under 5 U.S.C.
Appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S. government employees and contract personnel, solely for cybersecurity purposes. I understand that all
contract personnel will sign appropriate nondisclosure agreements.
Name of Authorized Official

Title of Authorized Official

Date

Phone:
Signature

Email address

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

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PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--On February 21, 1995, the Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) issued antidumping
duty orders on imports of stainless steel bar from Brazil, India, and Japan (60 FR 9661), and
subsequently issued an antidumping duty order on imports of stainless steel bar from Spain (60 FR
11656) on March 2, 1995. On July 3, 2017, the Commission instituted reviews pursuant to section 751(c)
of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1675(c)) (the Act) to determine whether revocation of the
orders would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry
within a reasonably foreseeable time. If both the Commission and Commerce make affirmative
determinations, the orders will remain in place. If either the Commission or Commerce makes negative
determinations, Commerce will revoke the orders. Questionnaires and other information pertinent to
this proceeding are available at
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2017/stainless_steel_bar_brazil_india_japan_and_spain/f
ourth_review_full.htm.
Stainless steel bar covered by these reviews are articles of stainless steel in straight lengths that have
been either hot-rolled, forged, turned, cold-drawn, cold-rolled or otherwise cold-finished, or ground,
having a uniform solid cross section along their whole length in the shape of circles, segments of circles,
ovals, rectangles (including squares), triangles, hexagons, octagons or other convex polygons. Stainless
steel bar includes cold-finished stainless steel bars that are turned or ground in straight lengths, whether
produced from hot-rolled bar or from straightened and cut rod or wire, and reinforcing bars that have
indentations, ribs, grooves, or other deformations produced during the rolling process.
Except as specified above, the term does not include stainless steel semi-finished products, cut length
flat-rolled products (i.e., cut length rolled products which if less than 4.75 mm in thickness have a width
measuring at least 10 times the thickness, or if 4.75 mm or more in thickness having a width which
exceeds 150 mm and measures at least twice the thickness), wire (i.e., cold-formed products in coils, of
any uniform solid cross section along their whole length, which do not conform to the definition of flatrolled products), and angles, shapes and sections.
Exclusions for Japan: Effective for entries entered, or withdrawn for warehouse, for consumption on or
after February 1, 2010, the term does not include one stainless steel bar product under Grade 304 and
two types of stainless steel bar products under Grade 440C.
(1) The Grade 304 product meets the following descriptions: round cross-section, cold finished,
chrome plated (plating thickness 10 microns or greater), hardness of plating a minimum 750 HV
on the Vickers Scale, maximum roundness deviation of 0.020 mm (based on circularity tolerance
described in JIS B 0021 (1984)), in actual (measured) lengths from 2000 mm to 3005 mm, in
nominal outside diameters ranging from 6 mm to 30 mm (diameter tolerance for any size from
minus 0.010 mm to minus 0.053 mm). Tolerance can be defined as the specified permissible
deviation from a specified nominal dimension; for example if the nominal outside diameter of
the product entering is 6 mm, then the actual measured sizes should fall within 5.947 mm to
5.990 mm;
(2) The first Grade 440C product meets the following descriptions: round cross-section, cold
finished, heat treated through induction hardening, minimum Rockwell hardness of 56 Hardness
of 56 HRC, maximum roundness deviation of 0.007 mm (based on circularity tolerance described
in JIS B 0021 (1984)), in actual (measured) lengths from 500 mm to 3005 mm, in nominal outside
diameters ranging from 3 mm to 38.10 mm (diameter tolerance for any size from 0.00 mm to
minus 0.150 mm). Tolerance can be defined as the specified permissible deviation from a
specified nominal dimension; for example if the nominal outside diameter of the product
entering is 3 mm, then the actual measured sizes should fall within 2.850 mm to 3.000 mm;

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

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(3) The second Grade 440C product meets the following descriptions: round cross-section, cold
finished, chrome plated (plating thickness 5 microns or greater), heat treated through induction
hardening, minimum Rockwell Hardness of 56 HRC, maximum roundness deviation of 0.007 mm
(based on circularity tolerance described in JIS B 0021 (1984)), in actual (measured) lengths from
2000 mm to minus 3005 mm, (diameter tolerance for any size from minus 0.004 mm to minus
0.020 mm). Tolerance can be defined as the specified permissible deviation from a specified
nominal dimension; for example if the nominal outside diameter of the product entering is 6
mm, then the actual measured sizes should fall within 5.980 mm to 5.996 mm. Except as
specified above, the term does not include stainless steel semi-finished products, cut length flatrolled products (i.e., cut-length rolled products which if less than 4.75 mm in thickness have a
width measuring at least 10 times the thickness, or if 4.75 mm or more in thickness having a
width which exceeds 150 mm and measures at least twice the thickness), wire (i.e., cold-formed
products in coils, of any uniform solid cross section along their whole length, which do not
conform to the definition of flat-rolled products), and angles, shapes and sections.
Stainless steel bar is currently imported under statistical reporting numbers 7222.10.00, 7222.11.00,
7222.19.00, 7222.20.00, and 7222.30.00 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTSUS). The HTSUS provisions are for convenience and customs purposes; the written description of
the scope is dispositive.
Importer.--Any person or firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary, in
importing stainless steel bar (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,
purchaser and/or foreign producer questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.--The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Verification.--The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.--The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1677f) and section 207.7 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR § 207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import-injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

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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 Kristina
Lara (202-205-3386, kristina.lara@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 macroenabled 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.
I-1.

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
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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
I-2.

Page 5

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 stainless steel bar,
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

Firm name

I-4.

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 stainless steel bar into the United States or that are
engaged in exporting stainless steel bar to the United States?
No
Firm name

Yes--List the following information and describe any affiliation, including the
share of foreign ownership in the domestic producer.
Country

Affiliation

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
I-5.

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

Yes--List the following information and describe any affiliation, including the
share of foreign ownership in the domestic producer.

Firm name

I-6.

Country

Affiliation

Importing operations.--Please indicate the nature of your firm’s importing operations on
stainless steel bar. More than one answer may be applicable.
Importer of record

I-7.

Page 6

Takes title to the
imported product(s)

Consignee of the
imported products(s)

Customs broker or
freight forwarder

Consignees.--If your firm is an importer of record of stainless steel bar 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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
I-8.

Page 7

FTZ, TIB, or bonded warehouses.--Please indicate whether your firm enters stainless steel bar
into, or withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses. Also
indicate whether your firm imports stainless steel bar 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 (HTS).
Item

Yes

Foreign trade zones
Bonded warehouses
Temporary importation under bond

I-9.

Business plan.--In Parts II and III of this questionnaire we request a copy of your company’s
business plan. Does your company or any related firm have a business plan or any internal
documents that describe, discuss, or analyze expected market conditions for stainless steel bar?
No

I-10.

Yes–Please provide the requested documents. If you are not providing the
requested documents, please explain why not.

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–Please specify.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

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PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Kristina Lara (202-205-3386,
kristina.lara@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-2a

Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the importation of stainless steel bar since January 1, 2012.
Check as many as appropriate.
Office/warehouse openings
Office/warehouse closings
Relocations
Expansions
Acquisitions
Consolidations
Prolonged shutdowns or
importation curtailments
Revised labor agreements
Other (e.g., technology)

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II -2b

Anticipated changes in operations.--Does your firm anticipate any changes in in the character of
its operations or organization relating to the importation of stainless steel bar in the future?

II-3.

Page 9

Yes

If yes, supply details as to the time, nature, and significance of
such changes and provide underlying assumptions, along with
relevant portions of business plans or other supporting
documentations that address this issue.

Arranged imports.--Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of stainless steel bar
for delivery after March 31, 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–Fill out the table below.
Quantity (in short tons)

Period/Source

Apr-Jun 2018

Jul-Sept 2018

Oct-Dec 2018

Jan-Mar 2019

Brazil
India other than Viraj and Venus
India, Viraj and Venus
Japan
Spain
Other sources
II-4.

Reasons for importing if producer.--If your firm also produces stainless steel bar in the United
States, please indicate the reasons for importing this product. If your firm’s reasons differ by
source, please elaborate.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

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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).
“U.S. commercial shipments”--Shipments made within the United States as a result of an arm’s
length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net values (i.e., gross
sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment.
“Internal consumption”--Product consumed internally by your firm. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“Transfers to related firms”--Shipments made to related domestic firms. Such transactions are
valued at fair market value.
“Related firm”--A firm that your firm solely or jointly owns, manages, or otherwise controls.
“Export shipments”--Shipments to destinations outside the United States, including shipments
to related firms.
“Inventories”--Finished goods inventory, not raw materials or work in progress.
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records
used in the preparation of the trade data, as Commission staff may contact your firm regarding
questions on the trade data. The Commission may also request that your company submit copies
of the supporting documents/records (such as production and sales schedules, inventory records,
etc.) used to compile these data.

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-5a.

Page 11

Imports from Brazil.--Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories of
stainless steel bar imported from Brazil during the specified periods.

Brazil
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (A)
Imports:1
Quantity (B)
Value (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

Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
.
provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
2

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-5a.

Page 12

Imports from Brazil.–Continued

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line L) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line
A), plus imports (i.e., line B), 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 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
Reconciliation

2015

2016

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

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
II-5b.

Channels of distribution: Brazil.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports
from Brazil by channel of distribution.

Brazil

Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

Quantity (in short tons)
Channels of distribution:
U.S. shipments:
To distributors (M)
To fabricators and finishers (N)
To 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 U.S. shipments (i.e., line D, F,
and H) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values other than zero (i.e., “0”), the
data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Calendar years
Reconciliation item
M + N+O – D = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2015

2016
0

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
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Shipments by grade: Brazil.--Report your firm’s total U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) in 2017, of
stainless steel bar imported from Brazil, by AISI (or equivalent) grade.

Brazil
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar Year 2017
Item

Quantity

U.S. shipments.-AISI grade 303 (P)
AISI grade 304/304L (Q)
AISI grade 316/316L (R)
AISI grade 410 (S)
AISI grade 416 (T)
1

Other (U)

All grades
1

List the grade(s) for which you entered data in the “other” category

RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS BY GRADE AND TOTAL SHIPMENTS REPORTED IN 2017.—The
U.S. shipments by grade reported (i.e., lines P through U) should be equal to the U.S. shipments
reported in 2017 for part "a" (i.e., lines D, F, and H). If the calculated fields below return values
other than zero (i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to submission to the
Commission.
Calendar year
Item

P + Q + R + S + T + U – D – F – H = should equal
zero (“0”), if not revise.

2017

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-5d.

Page 14

U.S. shipments by product type: Brazil.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports
from Brazil by the product type for the specified periods.

Brazil
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Product Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

U.S. shipments.-Hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded:
Quantity (V)
Value (W)
Cold-formed or cold-finished:
Quantity (X)
Value (Y)
Other:
Quantity (Z)
Value (AA)
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities and value reported for US shipments
by product type (i.e., lines V through AA) in each time period equal the quantities and values reported for
U.S. shipments reported in part "a" of this question (i.e., lines D through I). 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

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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

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

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-6a.

Page 15

Imports from firms in India other than Viraj and Venus.--Report your firm’s imports and your
firm’s shipments and inventories of stainless steel bar imported from India producers other than
Viraj and Venus during the specified periods.

India: Other than Viraj and Venus
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
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Page 16

Imports from firms in India other than Viraj and Venus.–Continued

2015

2016

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

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
II-6b.

Channels of distribution: India other than Viraj and Venus.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments
(i.e., inclusive of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related
firms) of imports from firms in India other than Viraj and Venus by channel of distribution.

India: Other than Viraj and Venus
Calendar years

Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

2015

2016
0

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-6c.

Page 17

Shipments by grade: India other than Viraj and Venus.--Report your firm’s total U.S. shipments
(i.e., inclusive of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related
firms) in 2017, of stainless steel bar imported from firms in India other than Viraj and Venus, by
AISI (or equivalent) grade.

India: Other than Viraj and Venus
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar Year 2017
Item

Quantity

U.S. shipments.-AISI grade 303 (P)
AISI grade 304/304L (Q)
AISI grade 316/316L (R)
AISI grade 410 (S)
AISI grade 416 (T)
1

Other (U)

All grades
1

List the grade(s) for which you entered data in the “other” category

P + Q + R + S + T + U – D – F – H = should equal
zero (“0”), if not revise.

2017

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-6d.

Page 18

U.S. shipments by product type: India other than Viraj and Venus.--Report your firm’s U.S.
shipments (i.e., inclusive of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to
related firms) of imports from firms in India other than Viraj and Venus by the product type for
the specified periods.

India: Other than Viraj and Venus
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Product Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-7a.

Page 19

Imports from India, Viraj and Venus.--Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of stainless steel bar imported from India producers Viraj and Venus during the
specified periods.

India: Viraj and Venus
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

Beginning-of-period inventories
(quantity) (A)
Imports: 1
Quantity (B)
Value (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

Please identify the foreign producers (i.e., Viraj or Venus or both)
Sales to related firms (including internal consumption) must be valued at fair market value. In the event that your firm
uses a different basis for valuing these sales within your company, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.) and
.
provide value data using that basis for each of the periods noted above:
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
2

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-7a.

Page 20

Imports from India, Viraj and Venus.–Continued

2015

2016

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

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
II-7b.

Channels of distribution: India Viraj and Venus.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e.,
inclusive of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of
imports from firms Viraj and Venus in India by channel of distribution.

India: Viraj and Venus
Calendar years

Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

2015

2016
0

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-7c.

Page 21

Shipments by grade: Imports from Viraj and Venus.--Report your firm’s total U.S. shipments
(i.e., inclusive of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related
firms) in 2017, of stainless steel bar imported from Viraj and Venus, by AISI (or equivalent)
grade.

India: Viraj and Venus
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar Year 2017
Item

Quantity

U.S. shipments.-AISI grade 303 (P)
AISI grade 304/304L (Q)
AISI grade 316/316L (R)
AISI grade 410 (S)
AISI grade 416 (T)
1

Other (U)

All grades
1

List the grade(s) for which you entered data in the “other” category

P + Q + R + S + T + U – D – F – H = should equal
zero (“0”), if not revise.

2017

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-7d.

Page 22

U.S. shipments by product type: India Viraj and Venus.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e.,
inclusive of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of
imports from Viraj and Venus in India by the product type for the specified periods.

India: Viraj and Venus
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Product Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-8a.

Page 23

Imports from Japan.--Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories of
stainless steel bar imported from Japan during the specified periods.

Japan
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-8a.

Page 24

Imports from Japan.–Continued

2015

2016

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

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
II-8b.

Channels of distribution: Japan.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports
from Japan by channel of distribution.

Japan

Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

2015

2016
0

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-8c.

Page 25

Shipments by grade: Japan.--Report your firm’s total U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) in 2017, of
stainless steel bar imported from Japan, by AISI (or equivalent) grade.

Japan
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar Year 2017
Item

Quantity

U.S. shipments.-AISI grade 303 (P)
AISI grade 304/304L (Q)
AISI grade 316/316L (R)
AISI grade 410 (S)
AISI grade 416 (T)
1

Other (U)

All grades
1

List the grade(s) for which you entered data in the “other” category

P + Q + R + S + T + U – D – F – H = should equal
zero (“0”), if not revise.

2017

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-8d.

Page 26

U.S. shipments by product type: Japan.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports
from Japan by the product type for the specified periods.

Japan
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Product Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-9a.

Page 27

Imports from Spain.--Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories of
stainless steel bar imported from Spain during the specified periods.

Spain
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-9a.

Page 28

Imports from Spain.–Continued

2015

2016

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

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
II-9b.

Channels of distribution: Spain.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports
from Spain by channel of distribution.

Spain

Calendar years
Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

2015

2016
0

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-9c.

Page 29

Shipments by grade: Spain.--Report your firm’s total U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) in 2017, of
stainless steel bar imported from Spain, by AISI (or equivalent) grade.

Spain
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar Year 2017
Item

Quantity

U.S. shipments.-AISI grade 303 (P)
AISI grade 304/304L (Q)
AISI grade 316/316L (R)
AISI grade 410 (S)
AISI grade 416 (T)
1

Other (U)

All grades
1

List the grade(s) for which you entered data in the “other” category

P + Q + R + S + T + U – D – F – H = should equal
zero (“0”), if not revise.

2017

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
II-9d.

Page 30

U.S. shipments by product type: Spain.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports
from Spain by the product type for the specified periods.

Spain
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Product Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 31

II-10a. Imports from all other sources.--Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of stainless steel bar imported from all other sources during the specified periods.

(list sources:

All other sources
)
Quantity (in short tons), value (in $1,000)
Calendar years

Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 32

II-10a. Imports from all other sources.–Continued
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, IMPORTS, AND INVENTORIES.--Generally, the data reported for the
end-of-period inventories (i.e., line L) should be equal to the beginning-of-period inventories (i.e., line
A), plus imports (i.e., line B), 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 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
Reconciliation

2015

2016

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

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
II-10b. Channels of distribution: All other sources.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports
from Japan by channel of distribution.

All other sources
Calendar years

Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

2015

2016
0

January-March
2017

2017
0

2018
0

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 33

II-10c. Shipments by grade: All other sources.--Report your firm’s total U.S. shipments (i.e., inclusive
of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) in 2017, of
stainless steel bar imported from all other sources, by AISI (or equivalent) grade.

All other sources
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar Year 2017
Item

Quantity

U.S. shipments.-AISI grade 303 (P)
AISI grade 304/304L (Q)
AISI grade 316/316L (R)
AISI grade 410 (S)
AISI grade 416 (T)
1

Other (U)

All grades
1

List the grade(s) for which you entered data in the “other” category

P + Q + R + S + T + U – D – F – H = should equal
zero (“0”), if not revise.

2017

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 34

II-10d. U.S. shipments by product type: All other sources.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e.,
inclusive of commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of
imports from all other sources by the product type for the specified periods.

All other sources
Quantity (in short tons)
Calendar years
Product Item

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

2015

2016

January-March
2017

2017

2018

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

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 35

For questions II-12 and II-13, if your firm’s response differs for particular orders, please indicate and
explain the particular effect of imposition and/or revocation of specific orders.
II-11.

Effect of order(s).--Describe the significance of the existing antidumping duty order covering
imports of stainless steel bar from Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain in terms of its effect on your
firm’s imports, U.S. shipments of imports, and inventories. You may wish to compare your firm’s
operations before and after the imposition of the order.

II-12.

Likely impact of revocation. --Would your firm anticipate any changes in the character of its
operations or organization, including its imports, U.S. shipments of imports, or inventories of
stainless steel bar in the future if the antidumping duty orders on stainless steel bar from Brazil,
India, Japan, and Spain were to be revoked?

II-13.

Yes

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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 36

PART III.--PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Lauren Gamache (202-2053489, lauren.gamache@usitc.gov).
III-1.

PRICE DATA
III-2.

This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers of the following products your firm imported from Brazil, India,
Japan, and/or Spain:
Product 1.--stainless steel bar, grade AISI 304/304L, 3.000 inch in diameter, annealed, coldfinished, of round shape.
Product 2.--Stainless steel bar, grade AISI 303, 1.000 inch in diameter, annealed, cold-finished,
of round shape.
Product 3.--Stainless steel bar, grade AISI 303, 2.000 inch in diameter, annealed, cold-finished,
of round shape.
Product 4.--Stainless steel bar, grade AISI 316, 3.000 inch in diameter, annealed, cold-finished,
of round shape.

Please note that values should be f.o.b., U.S. point of shipment and should not include U.S.-inland
transportation costs. Values should reflect the final net amount paid to your firm (i.e., should be net
of all deductions for discounts or rebates).
(a) During January 2015-March 2018, did your firm import from Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain
and sell to unrelated U.S. customers any of the above listed products (or any products that
were competitive with these products)?
Yes.--Please complete the following pricing data table(s) as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question III-3.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 37

III-2(b). Price data (Brazil).--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
Brazil and sold by your firm.

Brazil

Report data in short tons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in short tons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Product 4
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 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 the product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
Product 4:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 38

III-2(c). Price data (India, Viraj and Venus).--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2
imported from Indian firms Viraj or Venus and sold by your firm.

India
Viraj and Venus
Report data in short tons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in short tons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 39

III-2(d). Price data (India, other).--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported
from Indian firms other than Viraj and Venus in India and sold by your firm.

India
Other than Viraj and Venus
Report data in short tons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in short tons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 40

III-2(e). Price data (Japan).--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
Japan and sold by your firm.

Japan

Report data in short tons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in short tons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 41

III-2(f). Price data (Spain).--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
Spain and sold by your firm.

Spain

Report data in short tons and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in short tons, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 42

III-2 (f). Price data checklist.--Please check that the pricing data in question III-2(b) has been correctly
reported.
√ if Yes

Is the price data reported above:
In actual dollars (not $1,000) and 1,000 short tons?
F.o.b. U.S. point of shipment (i.e., does not include U.S. transport costs)?
Net of all discounts and rebates?
Have returns credited to the quarter in which the sale occurred?
Less than reported commercial shipments in question II-5a, II-6a, II-7a, and II8a in each year?

III-2(g). 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-3.

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

III-4.

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
III-5.

Pricing terms.-(a)

What are your firm’s typical sales terms for stainless steel bar imported from Brazil,
India, Japan, and/or Spain?
Net 30
days

(b)

Net 60
days

2/10 net
30 days

Other

Other (specify)

On what basis are your firm’s prices of imported stainless steel bar from Brazil, India,
Japan, and/or Spain usually quoted? (check one)
Delivered

III-6.

Page 43

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Contract versus spot.-- Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of stainless steel bar
imported from Brazil, India, Japan, and/or Spain in 2017 was on a (1) long-term contract basis,
(2) annual contract basis, (3) short-term contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Item
Share of 2017
sales

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

Type of sale
Annual
contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)

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

Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)
%

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)
0.0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
III-7.

Page 44

Contract provisions.--Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
stainless steel bar from Brazil, India, Japan, and/or Spain (or check “not applicable” if your firm
does not sell on a long-term, short-term, and/or contract basis).

Typical sales
contract provisions

Item

Average contract
duration

No. of
days

Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)

Yes

Fixed quantity
and/or price

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

Annual contracts
(multiple
deliveries for 12
months)

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

365

No
Quantity
Price
Both

Indexed to raw
material costs1

Yes

Meet or release
provision

Yes

No
No

Not applicable
1

Please identify the indexes used:

III-8.

Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales of stainless steel bar imported from Brazil, India,
Japan, and/or Spain 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 stainless steel bar?

Source

Lead time
(Average number of
days)

Share of 2017
sales

From inventory

From foreign manufacturers’ inventory

Produced to order

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0 %

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)
III-9.

Page 45

Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the cost of stainless steel bar imported from
Brazil, India, Japan, and/or Spain that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation
costs?
%

(b)

Who generally arranges the transportation to your firm’s customers’ locations?
Your firm
Purchaser (check one)

(c)

When your firm sells stainless steel bar imported from Brazil, India, Japan, and/or Spain,
from where is it shipped?
Point of importation
Storage facility (check one)

(d)

Indicate the approximate percentage of your sales of stainless steel bar imported from
Brazil, India, Japan, and/or Spain 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%)

0.0

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Page 46

III-10. Geographical shipments.--In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold stainless
steel bar imported from subject countries since January 1, 2012 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area

Brazil

India

Japan

Spain

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-11. End uses.-(a)

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

(b)

Stainless steel bar

Other inputs

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

0.0 %

Have there been any changes in the end uses of stainless steel bar since January 1,
2012? Do you anticipate any future changes?

Changes in end
uses
Changes since
January 1, 2012
Anticipated
changes

Yes

Explain

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 47

III-12. Substitutes.-(a)

Can other products be substituted for stainless steel bar?
No

Substitute

Yes--Please fill out the table.

End use in which this
substitute is used

Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for stainless steel bar?
No Yes

Explanation

1.
2.
3.
(b)

Have there been any changes in the number or types of products that can be
substituted for stainless steel bar since January 1, 2012? Do you anticipate any future
changes?
Changes in
substitutes

Changes since
January 1, 2012
Anticipated
changes

No Yes

Explain

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

Page 48

III-13. Availability of supply.--Has the availability of stainless steel bar in the U.S. market changed since
January 1, 2012? Do you anticipate any future changes?
Availability in the U.S.
market

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

Changes since January 1, 2012:
U.S.-produced product
Imports from Brazil,
India, Japan, and/or
Spain
Imports from all other
countries
Anticipated changes:
U.S.-produced product
Imports from Brazil,
India, Japan, and/or
Spain
Imports from all other
countries

III-14. Demand trends.-- Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for stainless steel bar has changed since January 1, 2012, and how you
anticipate demand will change in the future. Explain any trends and describe the principal
factors that have affected, and that you anticipate will affect, these changes in demand.

Market

Fluctuate
Overall
No
Overall
with no
increase change decrease clear trend
Demand since January 1, 2012

Within the United States
Outside the United States
Anticipated future demand
Within the United States
Outside the United States

Explanation and factors

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III-15. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of stainless steel bar since January 1, 2012? Do you anticipate any future changes?
Changes in
product range,
product mix, or
marketing
No Yes

Explain

Changes since
January 1, 2012
Anticipated
changes
III-16. Conditions of competition.-(a) Is the stainless steel bar market subject to business cycles (other than general economywide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to stainless steel bar?
Check all that apply.

Please describe.

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
stainless steel bar since January 1, 2012?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

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III-17. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply stainless steel
bar since January 1, 2012 (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.--Indicate how stainless steel bar raw material prices have changed since January
1, 2012, and how you expect they will change in the future.

Raw
materials
prices

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

Changes since
January 1,
2012
Anticipated
changes
III-19. Surcharges.-(a)

Does your firm employ a surcharge for any of the following inputs (check all that apply)?
If yes, please describe the surcharge
formula applied for each input and
whether the formula has changed since
2012.
Input

Chrome
Copper
Iron
Molybdenum
Nickel
Energy (natural gas and /or electricity)
Fuel (for transport)
Other (describe:

)

Yes

Spot sales

Contract

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U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Stainless steel bar (Fourth Review)

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III-19. Surcharges.--Continued.
(b)

How frequently does your firm change or adjust its surcharges for stainless steel bar?
Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

Annually

Other

If other, specify

III-20. Base price.—
(a)

How does your firm determine its base price for stainless steel bar?

(b)

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

(c)

Yes

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

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

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

Annually

Other

If other, specify

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

III-22. Market studies.--Please provide as a separate attachment to this request any studies, surveys,
etc. that you are aware of that quantify and/or otherwise discuss stainless steel bar supply
(including production capacity and capacity utilization) and demand in (1) the United States, (2)
each of the other major producing/consuming countries, including Brazil, India, Japan, and
Spain, and (3) the world as a whole. Of particular interest is such data from 2015 to the present
and forecasts for the future.

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III-23. Effect of 232 investigation of steel on conditions of competition.-(a) Are you familiar with the 232 investigation or the imposition of tariffs on imported steel
products?
No (skip to III-24)

Yes (complete parts b through c)

(b) Did the announcement of the 232 investigation in April 2017 or the imposition of tariffs on
imported steel products in March 2018 impact on the conditions of competition for stainless
steel bar?
No

Yes If yes, describe.

Announcement of the 232 investigation in
April 2017
Imposition of tariffs on imported steel
products in March 2018
(c) How has the imposition of tariffs on imported steel products affect your sourcing decisions
for stainless steel bar?

Source
United States
Brazil
India
Japan
Spain

Explain how tariffs have affected or will affect your firm’s sourcing
decisions

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III-24. Interchangeability.--Is stainless steel bar 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

Brazil

India

Japan

Spain

Other
countries

United States
Brazil
India
Japan
Spain
For any country-pair producing stainless steel bar that is sometimes or never interchangeable, identify
the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:

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III-25. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between stainless steel bar
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

Brazil

India

Japan

Spain

Other
countries

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

III-26. Other explanations.-(a) If your firm would like to further explain a response to any question that did not provide a
narrative response box, please note the question number and the explanation in the space
provided below.

(b) If your firm’s responses are substantially different for a subset of years since January 2012,
please describe below.

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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.

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HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2017/stainless_steel_bar_brazil_india_ja
pan_and_spain/fourth_review_full.htm
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods noted
below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or cannot use one
of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the Commission for further
instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/

Pin: SSBAR

• E-mail.—E-mail the MS Word questionnaire to kristina.lara@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 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 (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	Importers questionnaire - sunset
Author	Duncan, Russell
File Modified	2018-04-03
File Created	2018-04-03