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pdfOMB No. 3117‐0016/USITC No. 18‐1‐3900; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020
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U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
STEEL PROPANE CYLINDERS FROM CHINA, TAIWAN, AND THAILAND
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by June 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 countervailing and antidumping duty investigations concerning steel propane cylinders from China,
Taiwan, and Thailand (Inv. Nos. 701‐TA‐607 and 731‐TA‐1417‐1419 (Preliminary)). The information requested in the
questionnaire is requested under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure to
reply as directed can result in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records or information in your
firm’s possession (19 U.S.C. § 1333(a)).
Name of firm
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Website
Has your firm produced steel propane cylinders (as defined on next page) 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: PROP)
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
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders
Page 2
PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.‐‐This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on May 22, 2018, by
Worthington Industries, (Columbus, Ohio) and Manchester Tank & Equipment Company, (Franklin,
Tennessee). 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
determinations of dumping and/or subsidization. Questionnaires and other information pertinent to this
proceeding are available at
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2018/steel_propane_cylinders_china_taiwan_and_thaila
nd/preliminary.htm.
Steel propane cylinders for purposes of these investigations are steel cylinders for compressed or
liquefied propane gas meeting the requirements of, or produced to meet the requirements of, U.S.
Department of Transportation (“USDOT”) Specifications 4B, 4BA, or 4BW, or Transport Canada
Specification 4BM, 4BAM, or 4BWM, or a UN pressure receptacle meeting standard ISO 4706, and range
from 2.5 pound nominal gas capacity (approximate 4‐6 pound tare weight) to 42 pound nominal gas
capacity (approximate 28‐32 pound tare weight), with up to 100 pound water capacity (“Steel Propane
Cylinders”). Steel Propane Cylinders may be certified to USDOT Specification 4B, 4BA, or 4BW either
before or after importation. Steel Propane Cylinders have two or fewer ports and may be imported
assembled or unassembled (i.e., welded or brazed before or after importation), with or without out all
components (including collars, valves, gauges, tanks, foot rings, and overfill prevention devices), and
coated or uncoated. Also included within the scope are parts of steel propane cylinders, unfinished
propane cylinders, collars, and foot rings for steel propane cylinders.
These petitions also cover steel propane cylinders that meet, are produced to meet, or are certified as
meeting, other U.S. or Canadian government, international, or industry standards (including, for
example, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (“ASME”), or American National Standard Institute
(“ANSI”)), if they also meet, are produced to meet, or are certified as meeting USDOT Specification 4B,
4BA, or 4BW, or Transport Canada Specification 4BM, 4BAM, or 4BWM, or a UN pressure receptacle
meeting standard ISO 4706.
Subject merchandise also includes steel propane cylinders that have been further processed in a third
country, including but not limited to attachment of collars, foot rings, or handles by welding or brazing,
heat treatment, painting, testing, certification, or any other processing that would not otherwise
remove the merchandise from the scope of the petitions if performed in the country of manufacture of
the in‐scope Steel Propane Cylinders.
Specifically excluded are seamless steel propane cylinders and propane cylinders made from stainless
steel (i.e., steel containing at least 10.5 percent chromium by weight and less than 1.2 percent carbon by
weight), aluminum, or composite fiber material.
The merchandise subject to these investigations is properly classified under statistical reporting
numbers 7311.00.0060 and 7311.00.0090 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTSUS). Although the HTSUS statistical reporting numbers are provided for convenience and customs
purposes, the written description of the merchandise is dispositive.
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 3
Reporting of information.‐‐If information is not readily available from your records, provide carefully
prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire (i.e., a producer, importer,
and/or purchaser questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.‐‐The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.
Verification.‐‐The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.‐‐The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1677f) and section 207.7 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR § 207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import‐injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals. In addition, if your firm is a U.S. producer, the information you
provide on your production and imports of steel propane cylinders and your responses to the questions
in Part I of the producer questionnaire will be provided to the U.S. Department of Commerce, upon its
request, for use in connection with (and only in connection with) its requirement pursuant to section
702(c)(4)/732(c)(4) of the Act (19 U.S.C. § 1671a(c)(4)/1673a(c)(4)) to make a determination concerning
the extent of industry support for the petition requesting this proceeding. Any information provided to
Commerce will be transmitted under the confidentiality and release guidelines set forth above. Your
response to these questions constitutes your consent that such information be provided to Commerce
under the conditions described above.
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.
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
I‐1a.
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
The questions in this questionnaire have been reviewed with market participants to ensure that
issues of concern are adequately addressed and that data requests are sufficient, meaningful,
and as limited as possible. Public reporting burden for this questionnaire is estimated to average
50 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data, and
completing and reviewing the questionnaire.
We welcome comments regarding the accuracy of this burden estimate, suggestions for
reducing the burden, and any suggestions for improving this questionnaire. Please attach such
comments to your response or send to the Office of Investigations, USITC, 500 E St. SW,
Washington, DC 20436.
I‐1b. TAA information release.‐‐In the event that the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
makes an affirmative final determination in this proceeding, do you consent to the USITC's
release of your contact information (company name, address, contact person, telephone
number, email address) appearing on the front page of this questionnaire to the Departments of
Commerce, Labor, and Agriculture, as applicable, so that your firm and its workers can be made
eligible for benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program?
No
Yes
I‐2.
Establishments covered.‐‐Provide the city, state, zip code, and brief description of each
establishment covered by this questionnaire. If your firm is publicly traded, please specify the
stock exchange and trading symbol in the footnote to the table. Firms operating more than one
establishment should combine the data for all establishments into a single report.
“Establishment”‐‐Each facility of a firm involved in the production of steel propane cylinders,
including auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate
from) such facilities.
Establishments
City, State
Zip (5 digit)
Description
covered1
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire: .
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
I‐3.
I‐4.
Petitioner status.‐‐Is your firm the petitioner in this proceeding or a member firm of the
petitioning entity?
No
Yes
Petition support.‐‐Does your firm support or oppose the petition?
Country
I‐5.
I‐6.
Page 5
Support
Oppose
Take no position
China CVD
China AD
Taiwan AD
Thailand AD
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)
Related importers/exporters.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing steel propane cylinders from China, Taiwan, and/or
Thailand into the United States or that are engaged in exporting steel propane cylinders from
China, Taiwan, and/or Thailand to the United States?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Country
Affiliation
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
I‐7.
Page 6
Related producers.‐‐Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or foreign, that are
engaged in the production of steel propane cylinders?
No
Yes‐‐List the following information.
Firm name
Country
Affiliation
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 7
PART II.‐‐TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Lawrence Jones (202‐205‐
3358, lawrence.jones@usitc.gov ). Supply all data requested on a calendar‐year basis.
II‐1. Contact information.‐‐Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part II.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
II‐2. Changes in operations.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the production of steel propane cylinders since January 1, 2015.
(check as many as appropriate)
(If checked, please describe; leave blank if not applicable)
plant openings
plant closings
relocations
expansions
acquisitions
consolidations
prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments
revised labor agreements
other (e.g., technology)
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 8
II‐3a. Production using same machinery.‐‐Please report your firm’s production of products using the
same equipment, machinery, or employees as used to produce steel propane cylinders, and the
combined production capacity on this shared equipment, machinery, or employees in the
periods indicated.
“Overall production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
normal operating conditions (i.e., using equipment and machinery in place and ready to
operate; normal operating levels (hours per week/weeks per year) and time for downtime,
maintenance, repair, and cleanup).
Note.‐‐If your firm does not produce any out‐of‐scope merchandise on the same machinery and
equipment as scope merchandise then the "overall production capacity" numbers reported in
this question should be exactly equal to the "average production capacity" numbers reported in
question II‐7. If, however, your firm does produce out‐of‐scope merchandise using the same
machinery and equipment as scope mercandhise, then the "average production capacity"
reported in question II‐7 should exclude the portion of "overall production capacity" that was
used to produce this out‐of‐scope merchandise.
“Production” – All production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
Quantity (in pounds, tare weight)
Calendar years
Item
2015
1
Overall production capacity
2017
2017
2018
0
0
0
0
0
Excluded portable stainless
steel propane cylinders
Excluded steel cylinders with
three or more ports
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Production of:
Steel propane cylinders2
Out‐of‐scope production.‐‐
Excluded portable high‐
pressure seamless steel
cylinders
3
Other products
Subtotal, out‐of‐scope
production
Total production using
same machinery or workers
1
2016
January‐March
Data reported for capacity (first line) should be greater than data reported for total production (last line).
Data entered for production of steel propane cylinders will populate here once reported in question II‐7.
3
Please identify these products: .
2
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 9
II‐3b. Operating parameters.‐‐The production capacity reported in II‐3a is based on the following
operating paramaters:
Hours per week
II‐3c.
Weeks per year
Capacity calculation.‐‐Please describe the methodology used to calculate overall production
capacity reported in II‐3a, and explain any changes in reported capacity.
II‐3d. Production constraints.‐‐Please describe the constraint(s) that set the limit(s) on your firm’s
production capacity.
II‐3e. Product shifting.—
(i)
Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between steel propane cylinders and other
products using the same equipment and/or labor?
No
Yes
If yes—(i.e., have produced other products or are able to produce other
products) Please identify other actual or potential products:
(ii)
Please describe the factors that affect your firm’s ability to shift production capacity
between products (e.g., time, cost, relative price change, etc.), and the degree to which
these factors enhance or constrain such shifts.
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
II‐4.
Page 10
Tolling.‐‐Since January 1, 2015, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of steel propane cylinders?
“Toll agreement”‐‐Agreement between two firms whereby the first firm furnishes the raw
materials and the second firm uses the raw materials to produce a product that it then returns
to the first firm with a charge for processing costs, overhead, etc.
II‐5.
No
Yes
If yes‐‐ Please describe the toll arrangement(s) and name the firm(s)
involved.
Foreign trade zones.‐‐
(a)
Firm's FTZ operations.‐‐Does your firm produce steel propane cylinders in and/or admit
steel propane cylinders into a foreign trade zone (FTZ)?
“Foreign trade zone” is a designated location in the United States where firms utilize
special procedures that allow delayed or reduced customs duty payments on foreign
merchandise. A foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in the Foreign‐Trade Zones Act.
No
Yes
If yes‐‐ Describe the nature of your firms operations in FTZs and identify
the specific FTZ site(s).
(b)
Other firms' FTZ operations.‐‐To your knowledge, do any firms in the United States
import steel propane cylinders into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for use in distribution of
steel propane cylinders and/or the production of downstream articles?
II‐6.
No
Yes
If yes‐‐Identify the firms and the FTZs.
Importer.‐‐Since January 1, 2015, has your firm imported steel propane cylinders?
“Importer” – The person or firm primarily liable for the payment of any duties on the
merchandise, or an authorized agent acting on his behalf. The importer may be the consignee,
or the importer of record.
No
Yes
If yes‐‐ COMPLETE AND RETURN A U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
II‐7.
Page 11
Production, shipment, and inventory data.‐‐Report your firm’s production capacity, production,
shipments, and inventories related to the production of steel propane cylinders in its U.S.
establishment(s) during the specified periods.
“Average production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
normal operating conditions (i.e., using equipment and machinery in place and ready to
operate; normal operating levels (hours per week/weeks per year) and time for downtime,
maintenance, repair, and cleanup; and a typical or representative product mix).
“Production”‐‐All production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
“Shipments”‐‐Shipments can include complete steel propane cylinders as well as partially
completed steel propane cylinders and parts for such products. See definition on page 2.
“Retail level commercial shipments”‐‐Shipments made within the United States, to be limited to
sales of unfilled steel propane cylinders, as a result of an arm’s length commercial transaction in
the ordinary course of business at or through retail establishments to individual consumers,
individuals or businesses. 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.
“Non‐retail level commercial shipments”‐‐Shipments made within the United States, to be
limited to sales of unfilled steel propane cylinders, as a result of an arm’s length commercial
transaction in the ordinary course of business sold to other businesses, and not through retail
establishments. 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. This includes, any instance in which your firm fills the steel propane
cylinder with propane prior to usage or sale (i.e., in a gas exchange), or incorporates the steel
propane cylinder within a larger piece of equipment (i.e., the manufacture of a recreational
vehicle). Internal consumption should be reported at the fair market value of the unfilled steel
propane cylinders at the time of filling and/or incorporation into a downstream product.
“Transfers to related firms”‐‐Shipments made to related firms in the United States. Transfers to
related firms should be valued at fair market value at the time of physical delivery or at the time
of the transfer of title if different.
“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. In particular,
parts for steel propane cylinders should only be reported as finished goods inventory if the
decision has been made to dedicate the parts for sale without further processing. Do not
include part inventories in this question if the parts could still be potentially used by your firm in
the production of steel propane cylinders.
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
II‐7.
Page 12
Production, shipment, and inventory data.‐‐Continued
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.
Quantity (in pounds, tare weight), value (in dollars)
Calendar years
Item
2015
2016
January‐March
2017
2017
2018
Average production capacity
(quantity) (A)1
Beginning‐of‐period inventories
(quantity) (B)
Production Quantity (C)
U.S. shipments:
Retail level commercial
shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Non retail level commercial
shipments:
Quantity (F)
Value (G)
2
Internal consumption:
Quantity (H)
Value2 (I)
Transfers to related firms:
Quantity (J)
2
2
Value (K)
Export shipments:3
Quantity (L)
Value (M)
End‐of‐period inventories (quantity)
(N)
1
The production capacity reported is based on operating hours per week, weeks per year. Please
describe the methodology used to calculate production capacity, and explain any changes in reported capacity
.
2
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. If your firm uses a
different basis for valuing these transactions in your records, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus,
etc.): . However, the data provided above in this table should be based on fair market value.
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets: .
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
II‐7.
Page 13
Production, shipment, and inventory data.‐‐Continued
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS, PRODUCTION, AND INVENTORY.‐‐Generally, the data reported for the end‐of‐
period inventories (i.e., line L) should be equal to the beginning‐of‐period inventories (i.e., line B), plus production
(i.e., line C), less total shipments (i.e., lines D, F, H, and J). Please ensure that any differences are not due to data
entry errors in completing this form, but rather reflect your firm’s actual records; and, also provide explanations for
any differences (e.g., theft, loss, damage, record systems issues, etc.) if they exist.
Calendar years
Reconciliation
2015
B + C – D – F – H – J – L – N = should
equal zero ("0") or provide an
explanation.1
2016
0
January‐March
2017
0
2017
0
2018
0
0
1 Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate: .
II‐8.
Channels of distribution.‐‐Report your firm’s non‐retail level commercial U.S. shipments by
channel of distribution during the specified periods.
Calendar years
Item
2015
2016
January‐March
2017
2017
2018
Quantity (in pounds, tare weight)
Channels of distribution
Non‐retail level commercial U.S.
shipments:
To retailers (O)1
2
To end users (Q)
To distributors (P)
3
1
Retailers (big box and/or other) can use the product in a gas exchange function or in off‐the‐shelf re‐sales.
Firms that re‐sell steel propane cylinders (unfilled) and do not have and maintain retail locations.
3
Firms that incorporate steel propane cylinders (filled or unfilled) into larger equipment or machinery, such as
recreational vehicle manufacturers, or gas exchangers.
2
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution (i.e., lines
O through R) in each time period equal the quantity reported for non‐retail commercial U.S. shipments (i.e., line F)
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
O + P + Q – F = zero ("0"), if not revise.
2015
0
2016
0
January‐March
2017
0
2017
0
2018
0
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
II‐9.
Page 14
U.S. shipments of steel propane cylinders, by type.‐‐Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e.,
inclusive of retail level commercial U.S. shipments, non‐retail level commercial shipments,
internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of steel propane cylinders produced by
your firm in 2017.
Item
Calendar year 2017
U.S. shipments.—
Capacity 4.25 pound cylinders.
Quantity in units (R)
Quantity in pounds, tare weight (S)
Value in dollars (T)
Capacity 10 and 11 pound cylinders.
Quantity in units (U)
Quantity in pounds, tare weight (V)
Value in dollars (W)
Capacity 20 pound cylinders.
Quantity in units (X)
Quantity in pounds, tare weight (Y)
Value in dollars (Z)
Capacity 30 pound cylinders.
Quantity in units (AA)
Quantity in pounds, tare weight (AB)
Value in dollars (AC)
All other (non‐standard) cylinder sizes.
Quantity in units (AD)
Quantity in pounds, tare weight (AE)
Value in dollars (AF)
1 2
Parts sold separately.
Quantity in units (AG)
Quantity in pounds, tare weight (AH)
Value in dollars (AI)
1
Describe the unassembled parts of steel cylinders in order of volume (pounds tare weight):
List the top five U.S. customers (firm name, contact name, and contract e‐mails) for parts sold
separately: .
2
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS BY FORM.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for US
shipments by type (i.e., lines S through AI) in each time period equal the quantity and value reported for
U.S. shipments (i.e., lines D through K) in each time period. If the calculated fields below return values
other than zero (i.e., “0”), the data reported must be revised prior to submission to the Commission.
Reconciliation
Calendar year 2017
Quantity: S + V + Y + AB + AE + AH – D – F – H – J = zero ("0"), if not revise
0
Value: : T + W + Z + AC + AF + AI – E –G – I – K = zero ("0"), if not revise
0
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 15
II‐10. Analysis of in‐scope parts.‐‐As described the petition’s scope, “Also included within the scope
are parts of steel propane cylinders”
a.
In the process of producing finished steel propane cylinders, does your firm produce
these expressly identified parts?
Item
If no, list the producers and/or suppliers of
these parts.
Yes
No
Unfinished cylinders / tanks
Collars
Foot rings
b.
Describe the machinery used to produce each part
Item
If no, list the producers and/or suppliers of these parts.
Unfinished cylinders / tanks
Collars
Foot rings
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 16
II‐10. Analysis of in‐scope parts.‐‐Continued
c.
Are there independent uses for such parts, i.e., uses other than for the production of
finished steel propane cylinders?
Item
No
Yes
If yes, list other uses for these products.
Unfinished cylinders / tanks
Collars
Foot rings
d.
Are there separate commercial markets for the following parts?
Item
No
Yes
If yes, list and describe the markets.
Unfinished cylinders / tanks
Collars
Foot rings
e.
Are the physical characteristics and functions for these parts the same or different from
the finished steel propane cylinders?
Item
Same
Different
If different, describe the differences.
Unfinished cylinders / tanks
Collars
Foot rings
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II‐10. Analysis of in‐scope parts.‐‐Continued
f.
What is the share of the total material weight (on average) for each of the parts out of
the finished steel propane cylinder? And what is the share of the total value (on
average) for each of the parts out of the finished steel propane cylinder?
Item
Unfinished cylinders / tanks
Collars
Foot rings
Other material inputs / value added
Total (should sum to 100.0 percent)
Share of total material
weight of the finished
steel propone cylinders
Share of total value
of the finished steel
propone cylinders
0.0
0.0
g.
Describe the processes used to transform the listed parts into a finished steel propane
cylinder.
Item
Describe the process to transform the listed parts into
finished steel propane cylinders.
Unfinished cylinders / tanks
Collars
Foot rings
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II‐11. Employment data.‐‐Report your firm’s employment‐related data related to the production of
steel propane cylinders and provide an explanation for any trends in these data.
“Production and Related Workers” (PRWs) includes working supervisors and all nonsupervisory
workers (including group leaders and trainees) engaged in fabricating, processing, assembling,
inspecting, receiving, storage, handling, packing, warehousing, shipping, trucking, hauling,
maintenance, repair, janitorial and guard services, product development, auxiliary production
for plant’s own use (e.g., power plant), recordkeeping, and other services closely associated with
the above production operations.
Average number employed may be computed by adding the number of employees, both full
time and part time, for the 12 pay periods ending closest to the 15th of the month and divide
that total by 12. For the January to March periods, calculate similarly and divide by 3.
If your firm had the same number of PRWs in all calendar years and had not experienced
any changes in PRWs in the most recent interim period, you would have the same
number of PRWs for the interim periods, regardless of whether the interim periods are
Jan‐Mar (Q1), Jan‐June (Q1+Q2), or Jan‐Sept (Q1+Q2+Q3).”
“Hours worked” includes time paid for sick leave, holidays, and vacation time. Include overtime
hours actually worked; do not convert overtime pay to its equivalent in straight time hours.
“Wages paid” –Total wages paid before deductions of any kind (e.g., withholding taxes, old‐age
and unemployment insurance, group insurance, union dues, bonds, etc.). Include wages paid
directly by your firm for overtime, holidays, vacations, and sick leave.
Calendar years
Item
2015
2016
January‐March
2017
2017
2018
Average number of PRWs
(number)
Hours worked by PRWs (hours)
Wages paid to PRWs (dollars)
Explanation of trends:
II‐12. Related firms.‐‐If your firm reported transfers to related firms in question II‐7, please indicate
the nature of the relationship between your firm and the related firms (e.g., joint venture,
wholly owned subsidiary), whether the transfers were priced at market value or by a non‐
market formula, whether your firm retained marketing rights to all transfers, and whether the
related firms also processed inputs from sources other than your firm.
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II‐13. Purchases.‐‐Has your firm purchased steel propane cylinders produced in the United States or in
other countries since January 1, 2015? (Do not include imports for which your firm was the
importer of record. These should be reported in a U.S. importers’ questionnaire).
“Purchase” – A transaction to buy product from a U.S. corporate entity such as another U.S.
producer, a U.S. distributor, or a U.S. firm that has directly imported the product.
“Import” –A transaction to buy from a foreign supplier where your firm is the importer of
record.
No
Yes
If yes‐‐ Report such purchases in the table below and explain the reasons
for your firm’s purchases:
Note: If your firm served as the importer of record for any purchases from foreign suppliers,
either for your own account or as a service for another entity, those purchases are to be
considered "imports" not "purchases" and should not be included in the table below
(Quantity in pounds, tare weight)
Calendar years
Item
2015
2016
January‐March
2017
2017
2018
1
Purchases from U.S. importers of
steel propane cylinders from—
China
Taiwan
Thailand
All other sources
Purchases from domestic producers
2
Purchases from other sources
2
1
Please list the name of the importer(s) from which your firm purchased this product. If your firm’s import
suppliers differ by source, please identify the source for each listed supplier: .
2
Please list the name of the producer(s) or U.S. distributor(s) from which your firm purchased this product:
.
II‐14. Imports.‐‐Since January 1, 2015, has your firm imported steel propane cylinders?
No
Yes
If yes‐‐ COMPLETE AND RETURN A U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
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II‐15. Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
that did not provide a narrative box, please note the question number and the explanation in
the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your firm had in
providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with the MS Word
questionnaire.
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PART III.‐‐FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to David Boyland (202‐708‐4725,
David.Boyland@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
III‐2. Accounting system.‐‐Briefly describe your firm’s financial accounting system.
A.
When does your firm’s fiscal year end (month and day)?
If your firm’s fiscal year changed during the data‐collection period, explain
below:
B.1. Describe the lowest level of operations (e.g., plant, division, company‐wide) for
which financial statements are prepared that include steel propane cylinders:
2. Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for steel propane cylinders:
Yes
No
3. How often did your firm (or parent company) prepare financial statements
(including annual reports, 10Ks)? Please check relevant items below.
Audited, unaudited, annual reports, 10Ks, 10 Qs,
Monthly, quarterly, semi‐annually, annually
4. Accounting basis: GAAP, cash, tax, or other comprehensive
basis of accounting (specify)
Note: As requested in Part I of this questionnaire, please keep all supporting documents/records
used in the preparation of the financial data, as Commission staff may contact your firm
regarding questions on the financial data. The Commission may also request that your company
submit copies of the supporting documents/records (financial statements, including internal
profit‐and‐loss statements for the division or product group that includes steel propane cylinders,
as well as specific statements and worksheets) used to compile these data.
III‐3.
Cost accounting system.‐‐Briefly describe your firm’s cost accounting system (e.g., standard
cost, job order cost, etc.).
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III‐4.
Page 22
Allocation basis.‐‐Briefly describe your firm’s allocation basis, if any, for COGS, SG&A, and
interest expense and other income and expenses.
III‐5.
Product listing.‐‐Please list the products your firm produced in the facilities in which your firm
produced steel propane cylinders, and provide the share of net sales accounted for by these
products in your firm’s most recent fiscal year.
Products
Share of sales
Steel propane cylinders
%
%
%
%
%
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III‐6.
Page 23
Inputs from related suppliers.‐‐Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or
any services) used in the production of steel propane cylinders from any related suppliers (e.g.,
inclusive of transactions between related firms, divisions and/or other components within the
same company)?
Yes‐‐Continue to question III‐7
III‐7.
No‐‐Continue to question III‐9a.
Inputs from related suppliers detailed.‐‐Please identify the inputs used in the production of
steel propane cylinders that your firm purchases from related suppliers and that are reflected in
question III‐9a. For “Share of total COGS” please report this information by relevant input on
the basis of your most recently completed fiscal year. For “Input valuation” please describe the
basis, as recorded in your company’s own accounting system, of the purchase cost from the
related supplier; e.g., the related supplier’s actual cost, cost plus, negotiated transfer price to
approximate fair market value.
Input
Related supplier
Share of total COGS
Input valuation as recorded in the firm’s accounting books and records
III‐8.
Inputs purchased from related suppliers.‐‐Please confirm that the inputs purchased from
related suppliers, as identified in III‐7, were reported in III‐9a (financial results on steel propane
cylinders) in a manner consistent with your firm’s accounting books and records.
Yes
No
If yes‐‐ In the space below, please report the valuation basis of inputs
purchased from related suppliers as reported in question III‐9a.:
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III‐9a. Operations on steel propane cylinders.‐‐Report the revenue and related cost information
requested below on the steel propane cylinders operations of your firm’s U.S. establishment(s).1
Do not report resales of products. Note that internal consumption and transfers to related firms
must be valued at fair market value. Input purchases from related suppliers should be
consistent with and based on information in the firm’s accounting books and records. Provide
data for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for the specified interim
periods. If your firm was involved in tolling operations (either as the toller or as the tollee),
please contact David Boyland at (202) 708‐4725 before completing this section of the
questionnaire.
Quantity (in pounds, tare weight) and value (in dollars)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2015
2016
January‐March
2017
2017
2018
Net sales quantities:2
Commercial sales (“CS”)
Internal consumption (“IC”)
Transfers to related firms (“Transfers”)
0
0
0
0
0
Total net sales quantities
Net sales values:2
Commercial sales
Internal consumption
Transfers to related firms
0
0
0
0
0
Total net sales values
Cost of goods sold (COGS):3
Raw materials
Direct labor
Other factory costs
Total COGS
0
0
0
0
0
Gross profit or (loss)
0
0
0
0
0
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A)
expenses:
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
All other expense items
All other income items
0
0
0
0
0
Total SG&A expenses
Operating income (loss)
Other expenses and income:
Interest expense
Net income or (loss) before income taxes
Depreciation/amortization included above
1 Include only sales (whether domestic or export) and costs related to your U.S. manufacturing operations.
2 Less discounts, returns, allowances, and prepaid freight. The quantities and values should approximate the corresponding
shipment quantities and values reported in Part II of this questionnaire.
3 COGS (whether for domestic or export sales) should include costs associated with CS, IC, and Transfers.
Note ‐‐ The table above contains calculations that will appear when you have entered data in the MS
Word form fields.
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III‐9b. Financial data reconciliation.‐‐The calculable line items from question III‐9a (i.e., total net sales
quantities and values, total COGS, gross profit (or loss), total SG&A, and net income (or loss))
have been calculated from the data submitted in the other line items. Do the calculated fields
return the correct data according to your firm's financial records ignoring non‐material
differences that may arise due to rounding?
Yes
No
If no‐‐ If the calculated fields do not show the correct data, please double
check the feeder data for data entry errors and revise. Also, check signs
accorded to the post operating income line items; the two expense line
items should report positive numbers (i.e., expenses are positive and
incomes or reversals are negative‐‐instances of the latter should be rare in
those lines) while the income line item also in most instances should have
its value be a positive number (i.e., income is positive, expenses or reversals
are negative). If after reviewing and potentially revising the feeder data
your firm has provided, the differences between your records and the
calculated fields persist please identify and discuss the differences in the
space below.
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III‐10. Nonrecurring items (charges and gains) included in the subject product financial results.‐‐For
each annual and interim period for which financial results are reported in question III‐9a, please
specify all material (significant) nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the schedule below,
the specific question III‐9a line item where the nonrecurring items are included, a brief
description of the relevant nonrecurring items, and the associated values (in $1,000), as
reflected in question III‐9a; i.e., if an aggregate nonrecurring item has been allocated to question
III‐9a, only the allocated value amount included in question III‐9a should be reported in the
schedule below. Note: The Commission’s objective here is to gather information only on
material (significant) nonrecurring items which impacted the reported financial results of the
subject product in question III‐9a.
Fiscal years
2015
2016
January‐March
2017
2017
2018
Value (dollars)
Nonrecurring item 1
Nonrecurring item 2
Nonrecurring item 3
Nonrecurring item 4
Nonrecurring item 5
Nonrecurring item 6
Nonrecurring item 7
Nonrecurring item: In this table please provide a brief description of each nonrecurring item reported above and
indicate the specific line item in table III‐9a where the nonrecurring item is classified.
Description of the
nonrecurring item
Income statement classification of the nonrecurring item
Nonrecurring item 1
Nonrecurring item 2
Nonrecurring item 3
Nonrecurring item 4
Nonrecurring item 5
Nonrecurring item 6
Nonrecurring item 7
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III‐11. Classification of identified nonrecurring items (charges and gains) in the accounting books and
records of the company.‐‐If non‐recurring items were reported in question III‐10 above, please
identify where your company recorded these items in your accounting books and records in the
normal course of business; i.e., just as responses to question III‐10 identify where these items
are reported in question III‐9a.
III‐12. Asset values.‐‐Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long‐term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of steel propane cylinders. If your firm does not maintain
some or all of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for steel propane
cylinders in the normal course of business, please estimate this information based upon a
method (such as production, sales, or costs) that is consistent with relevant cost allocations in
question III‐9a. Provide data as of the end of your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal
years.
Note: Total assets should reflect net assets after any accumulated depreciation and allowances
deducted.
Total assets should be allocated to the subject products if these assets are also related to other
products. Please provide a brief explanation if there are any substantial changes in total asset
value during the period; e.g., due to asset write‐offs, revaluation, and major purchases.
Value (dollars)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2015
2016
1
Total assets (net)
1
III‐13.
2017
Describe
Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.‐‐Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development expenses for steel propane cylinders. Provide
data for your firm’s three most recently completed fiscal years, and for the specified interim
periods.
Value (dollars)
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Item
2015
1
Capital expenditures
2
Research and development expenses
1
2016
January‐March
2017
2017
2018
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s capital expenditures on the subject product.
2
Please describe the nature, focus, and significance of your firm’s R&D expenses related to subject product.
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III‐14. Data consistency and reconciliation.‐‐Please indicate whether your firm’s financial data for
questions III‐9a, 12, and 13 are based on a calendar year or on your firm’s fiscal year:
Calendar year
Fiscal year Specify fiscal year
Please note the quantities and values reported in question III‐9a should reconcile with the data
reported in question II‐7 (including export shipments) as long as they are reported on the same
calendar year basis.
RECONCILIATION OF TRADE VS FINANCIAL DATA.‐‐Please ensure that the quantities and values reported
for total shipments in part II equal the quantities and values reported for total net sales in part III of this
questionnaire in each time period unless the financial data from part III are reported on a fiscal year
basis, in which case only the interim periods must reconcile. If the calculated fields below return values
other than zero (i.e., “0”) and both are being reported on a calendar basis, please explain the discrepancy
below.
Fiscal years ended‐‐
Reconciliation
2015
2016
January‐March
2017
2017
2018
Quantity: Trade data from question II‐6
(lines D, F, H, and J) less financial total
net sales quantity data from question III‐
9a, = zero ("0").
0
0
0
0
0
Value: Trade data from question II‐6
(lines E, G, I, and K) less financial total
net sales value data from question III‐9a,
= zero ("0").
0
0
0
0
0
Do these data in question III‐9a reconcile with data in question II‐7?
Yes
No
If no, please explain.
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Page 29
If your responses to any of the items in questions III‐15, III‐16, and III‐17 differ by country, please
describe these differences and, as applicable, indicate which country or countries your response refers
to in the relevant form fields.
III‐15. Effects of imports on investment.‐‐Since January 1, 2015, has your firm experienced any actual
negative effects on its return on investment or the scale of capital investments as a result of
imports of steel propane cylinders from China, Taiwan, and Thailand?
No
Yes
If yes, my firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows.
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
Cancellation,
postponement, or
rejection of expansion
projects
Denial or rejection of
investment proposal
Reduction in the size of
capital investments
Return on specific
investments negatively
impacted
Other
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III‐16. Effects of imports on growth and development.‐‐Since January 1, 2015, has your firm
experienced any actual negative effects on its growth, ability to raise capital, or existing
development and production efforts (including efforts to develop a derivative or more advanced
version of the product) as a result of imports of steel propane cylinders from China, Taiwan, and
Thailand?
No
Yes
If yes, my firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows.
(check as many as appropriate)
(please describe)
Rejection of bank loans
Lowering of credit rating
Problem related to the
issue of stocks or bonds
Ability to service debt
Other
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III‐17. Anticipated effects of imports.‐‐Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
steel propane cylinders from China, Taiwan, and Thailand?
No
Yes
If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows:
III‐18. Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
that did not provide a narrative box, please note the question number and the explanation in
the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your firm had in
providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with the MS Word
questionnaire.
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Page 32
PART IV.‐‐PRICING AND MARKET FACTORS
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Cindy Cohen (202‐205‐3230,
cindy.cohen@usitc.gov).
IV‐1. Contact information.‐‐Please identify the individual that Commission staff may contact
regarding the confidential information submitted in part IV.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone
PRICE DATA
IV‐2. This question requests quarterly quantity and value data for your firm’s non‐retail level
commercial shipments to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2015 of the following
products produced by your firm.
Product 1.‐‐20‐pound capacity steel cylinder for compressed or liquefied propane gas, without
gauge, meeting the requirements of U.S. Department of Transportation
specification 4BA.
Product 2.‐‐30‐pound capacity steel cylinder for compressed or liquefied propane gas, without
gauge, meeting the requirements of U.S. Department of Transportation
specification 4BA.
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).
IV‐2a. During January 2015‐March 2018, did your firm produce and sell to unrelated U.S. customers,
other than through your firm’s own retail establishments, any of the above listed products (or
any products that were competitive with these products)?
Yes.‐‐Please complete the following pricing data table as appropriate.
No.‐‐Skip to question IV‐3.
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IV‐2(b). Price data.‐‐Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold,
other than at the retail level, by your firm.
Report data in units and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
(Quantity in units, value in dollars)
Product 1
Product 2
Period of shipment
Quantity
Value
Quantity
Value
2015:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2016:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2017:
January‐March
April‐June
July‐September
October‐December
2018:
January‐March
1 Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods), f.o.b.
your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2 Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Note.‐‐If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product, provide a
description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
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IV‐2 (c). Price data checklist.‐‐Please check that the pricing data in question IV‐2(b) has been correctly
reported.
Is the price data reported above:
√ if Yes
In actual dollars (not $1,000)?
F.o.b. U.S. point of shipment (i.e., does not include U.S. transport costs)?
Net of all discounts and rebates?
Have returns credited to the quarter in which the sale occurred?
Less than reported non‐retail commercial shipments in question II‐7 in each
year?
IV‐2 (d). Pricing data methodology.‐‐Please describe the method and the kinds of documents/records
that were used to compile your price data.
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.
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IV‐3.
Page 35
Price setting.‐‐How does your firm determine the prices that it charges for sales of steel
propane cylinders (check all that apply)? If your firm issues price lists, please submit sample
pages of a recent list.
Transaction
by
transaction
Contracts
IV‐4.
Annual
total
volume
discounts
If other, describe
No
discount
policy
Other
Describe
Pricing terms.‐‐
(a)
What are your firm’s typical sales terms for its U.S.‐produced steel propane cylinders?
Net 30
days
Net 60
days
Other
Discount policy.‐‐Please indicate and describe your firm’s discount policies (check all that apply).
Quantity
discounts
IV‐5.
Set
price
lists
(b)
2/10 net
30 days
Other
Other (specify)
On what basis are your firm’s prices of domestic steel propane cylinders usually quoted
(check one)?
Delivered
F.o.b.
IV‐6.
If f.o.b., specify point
Contract versus spot.‐‐Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.‐produced steel
propane cylinders 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
Short‐term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for 12
less than 12
months)
months)
%
%
Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)
%
Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)
0.0
%
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IV‐7.
Page 36
Contract provisions.‐‐Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
U.S.‐produced steel propane cylinders (or check “not applicable” if your firm does not sell on a
long‐term, short‐term and/or annual contract basis).
Item
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)
Average contract
duration
No. of
days
365
Price renegotiation
(during contract
period)
Yes
No
Quantity
Price
Both
Yes
No
Typical sales
contract provisions
Fixed quantity
and/or price
Meet or release
provision
Not applicable
IV‐8.
Lead times.‐‐What is your firm’s share of sales from inventory and produced to order and what
is the typical lead time between a customer’s order and the date of delivery for your firm’s sales
of its U.S.‐produced steel propane cylinders?
Lead time (Average
Source
Share of 2017 sales number of days)
From inventory
%
Produced to order
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
0.0 %
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IV‐9.
Page 37
Shipping information.‐‐
(a)
(b)
(c)
What is the approximate percentage of the cost of U.S.‐produced steel propane
cylinders that is accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs? percent
Who generally arranges the transportation to your firm’s customers’ locations?
Your firm Purchaser (check one)
Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of steel propane cylinders that
are delivered the following distances from its production facility.
Distance from production facility
Share
Within 100 miles
%
101 to 1,000 miles
%
Over 1,000 miles
%
Total (should sum to 100.0%)
0.0 %
IV‐10. Geographical shipments.‐‐In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold its U.S.‐
produced steel propane cylinders since January 1, 2015 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
√ if applicable
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.
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 38
IV‐11. End uses.‐‐List the end uses of the steel propane cylinders that your firm manufactures. For
each end‐use product, what percentage of the total cost is accounted for by steel propane
cylinders and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
Total
(should sum to
Steel propane
100.0% across)
End use product
cylinders
Other inputs
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
0.0 %
%
%
IV‐12. Substitutes.‐‐ Can other products be substituted for steel propane cylinders?
No
Yes‐‐Please fill out the table.
End use in which this
substitute is used
Substitute
0.0 %
Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for steel propane cylinders?
No Yes
Explanation
1.
2.
3.
IV‐13. Demand trends.‐‐Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for steel propane cylinders has changed since January 1, 2015. Explain any
trends and describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.
Fluctuate
Overall
No
Overall
with no
increase change decrease clear trend
Market
Explanation and factors
Within the United States
Outside the United States
IV‐14. Product changes.‐‐Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of steel propane cylinders since January 1, 2015?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 39
IV‐15. Conditions of competition.‐‐
(a) Is the steel propane cylinders market subject to business cycles (other than general
economy‐wide conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to steel
propane cylinders? If yes, describe.
Check all that apply.
Please describe.
No
Skip to question IV‐16.
Yes‐Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business)
Yes‐Other distinctive
conditions of competition
(b) If yes, have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition for
steel propane cylinders since January 1, 2015?
No
Yes
If yes, describe.
IV‐16. Supply constraints.‐‐Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply steel propane
cylinders since January 1, 2015 (examples include placing customers on allocation or “controlled
order entry,” declining to accept new customers or renew existing customers, delivering less
than the quantity promised, being unable to meet timely shipment commitments, etc.)?
No
Yes
If yes, please describe.
IV‐17. Raw materials.‐‐How have steel propane cylinders raw material prices changed since January 1,
2015?
Fluctuate
Overall
No
Overall
with no
increase change decrease clear trend
Explain, noting how raw material price changes
have affected your firm’s selling prices for steel
propane cylinders.
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 40
IV‐18. Interchangeability.‐‐Is steel propane cylinders produced in the United States and in other
countries interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same applications)?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = the products from a specified country‐pair are always interchangeable
F = the products are frequently interchangeable
S = the products are sometimes interchangeable
N = the products are never interchangeable
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country‐pair
Country‐pair
China
Taiwan
Thailand
Other countries
United States
China
Taiwan
Thailand
For any country‐pair producing steel propane cylinders that is sometimes or never
interchangeable, identify the country‐pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude
interchangeable use:
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 41
IV‐19. Factors other than price.‐‐Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between steel propane cylinders
produced in the United States and in other countries a significant factor in your firm’s sales of
the products?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = such differences are always significant
F = such differences are frequently significant
S = such differences are sometimes significant
N = such differences are never significant
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country‐pair
Country‐pair
China
Taiwan
Thailand
Other countries
United States
China
Taiwan
Thailand
For any country‐pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s sales of steel propane cylinders, identify the country‐pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors:
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 42
IV‐20. Customer identification.‐‐List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for steel propane cylinders since January 1, 2015. Indicate the share of the quantity
of your firm’s total shipments of steel propane cylinders that each of these customers
accounted for in 2017.
Customer’s name
Contact person
Email
Telephone
City
State
Share
of
2017
sales
(%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 43
IV‐21. Competition from imports
(a)
Lost revenue.‐‐Since January 1, 2015: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling steel
propane cylinders from China, Taiwan, and Thailand, did your firm:
Item
No
Yes
(b)
Reduce prices
Roll back announced price increases
Lost sales.‐‐Since January 1, 2015: Did your firm lose sales of steel propane cylinders to
imports of this product from China, Taiwan, and Thailand?
No
Yes
(c)
The submission of lost sales/lost revenue allegations is to be completed only by NON‐
PETITIONERS.
If your firm indicated “yes” to any of the above, your firm can provide the Commission
with additional information by downloading and completing the lost sales/lost revenues
worksheet at http://usitc.gov/trade_remedy/question.htm. Note that the Commission
may contact the firms named to verify the allegations reported.
Is your firm submitting the lost sales/lost revenues worksheet?
No—Please explain.
Yes—Please complete the worksheet and submit via the Commission dropbox.
https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/. (PIN: PROP)
IV‐22. Other explanations.‐‐If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part
IV that did not provide a narrative response box, please note the question number and the
explanation in the space provided below. Please also use this space to highlight any issues your
firm had in providing the data in this section, including but not limited to technical issues with
the MS Word questionnaire.
Contains Business Proprietary Information
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire – Steel Propane Cylinders (Preliminary)
Page 44
HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the
Commission’s website at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2018/steel_propane_cylinders_china_tai
wan_and_thailand/preliminary.htm
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods noted
below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or cannot use one
of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the Commission for further
instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/
Pin: PROP
• E‐mail.—E‐mail the MS Word questionnaire to Lawrence.jones@usitc.gov; include a scanned copy of
the signed certification page (page 1). Submitters are strongly encouraged to encrypt nonpublic
documents that are electronically transmitted to the Commission to protect your sensitive information
from unauthorized disclosure. The USITC secure drop‐box system and the Electronic Document
Information System (EDIS) use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140‐2 cryptographic
algorithms to encrypt data in transit. Submitting your nonpublic documents by a means that does not
use these encryption algorithms (such as by email) may subject your firm’s nonpublic information to
unauthorized disclosure during transmission. If you choose a non‐encrypted method of electronic
transmission, the Commission warns you that the risk of such possible unauthorized disclosure is
assumed by you and not by the Commission.
If your firm does not produce this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned copy
to the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, it is required to serve a copy of the
completed questionnaire on parties to the proceeding that are subject to administrative protective
order (see 19 CFR § 207.7). A list of such parties may be obtained from the Commission’s Secretary (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 producers--Steel propane cylinders (P) |
| Author | lawrence.jones |
| File Modified | 2018-05-24 |
| File Created | 2018-05-24 |