19-2-4014 US importers' questionnaire

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

US importer--Acetone (P)

Acetone from Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and Spain (Inv. nos. 731-TA-1435-1440)

OMB: 3117-0016

⚠️ Notice: This form may be outdated. More recent filings and information on OMB 3117-0016 can be found here:

Document [pdf]

Download: pdf | pdf

OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 19-2-4014; Expiration Date: 6/30/2020
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
ACETONE FROM BELGIUM, KOREA, SAUDI ARABIA, SINGAPORE, SOUTH AFRICA,
AND SPAIN
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by March 6, 2019
See last page for filing instructions.
The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its antidumping investigations concerning acetone from Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South
Africa, and Spain (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1435-1440 (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 imported acetone (as defined on next page) from any country at any time since January 1, 2016?

(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: ACET)
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

Signature

Title of Authorized Official

Phone

Date

Email address

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire – Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 2

PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on February 19, 2019, by
AdvanSix Inc., Parsippany, New Jersey, Altivia Petrochemicals, LLC, Haverhill, Ohio, and Olin Corporation,
Clayton, Missouri. Antidumping duties may be assessed on the subject imports as a result of these
proceedings if the Commission makes an affirmative determination of injury, threat, or material
retardation, and if the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) makes an affirmative
determination of dumping. Questionnaires and other information pertinent to this proceeding are
available at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2019/acetone_belgium_korea_saudi_arabia_singapore_s
outh/preliminary.htm
Acetone covered by these investigations is acetone of all grades of liquid or aqueous acetone. Acetone
is also known under the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (“IUPAC”) name propan-2one. In addition to the IUPAC name, acetone is also referred to as ß-ketopropane (or “betaketopropane”), ketone propane, methyl ketone, dimethyl ketone, DMK, dimethyl carbonyl, propanone,
2-propanone, dimethyl formaldehyde, pyroacetic acid, pyroacetic ether, and pyroactic spirit. Acetone is
an isomer of the chemical formula C3H6O, with a specific molecular formula of CH3COCH3 or (CH3)2CO.
The scope includes acetone that is combined or mixed with other products, including, but not limited to,
benzene, diethyl ether, methanol, chloroform, and ethanol. For such combined products, only the
acetone component is covered by the scope of these investigations. Acetone that has been combined
with other products is included within the scope, regardless of whether the combining occurs in third
countries.
Acetone that is otherwise subject to these investigations is not excluded when commingled with
acetone from sources not subject to these investigations. Only the subject merchandise component of
such commingled products is covered by the scope of these investigations. The Chemical Abstracts
Service (“CAS”) registry number for acetone is 67-64-1.
The merchandise covered by these investigations is currently classifiable under Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) subheadings 2914.11.1000 and 2914.11.5000. Although these
HTSUS subheadings and CAS registry number are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the
written description of the scope of these investigations is dispositive.
Importer.--Any person or firm engaged, either directly or through a parent company or subsidiary, in
importing acetone (as defined above) into the United States from a foreign manufacturer or through its
selling agent.
Reporting of information.--If information is not readily available from your records, provide carefully
prepared estimates. If your firm is completing more than one questionnaire (i.e., a producer, importer,
and/or purchaser questionnaire), you need not respond to duplicated questions.
Confidentiality.--The commercial and financial data furnished in response to this questionnaire that
reveal the individual operations of your firm will be treated as confidential by the Commission to the
extent that such data are not otherwise available to the public and will not be disclosed except as may
be required by law (see 19 U.S.C. § 1677f). Such confidential information will not be published in a
manner that will reveal the individual operations of your firm; however, general characterizations of
numerical business proprietary information (such as discussion of trends) will be treated as confidential
business information only at the request of the submitter for good cause shown.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 3

Verification.--The information submitted in this questionnaire is subject to audit and verification by the
Commission. To facilitate possible verification of data, please keep all files, worksheets, and supporting
documents used in the preparation of the questionnaire response. Please also retain a copy of the final
document that you submit.
Release of information.--The information provided by your firm in response to this questionnaire, as
well as any other business proprietary information submitted by your firm to the Commission in
connection with this proceeding, may become subject to, and released under, the administrative
protective order provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1677f) and section 207.7 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR § 207.7). This means that certain lawyers and
other authorized individuals may temporarily be given access to the information for use in connection
with this proceeding or other import-injury proceedings conducted by the Commission on the same or
similar merchandise; those individuals would be subject to severe penalties if the information were
divulged to unauthorized individuals.
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 Abu B.
Kanu (202-205-2597, abu.kanu@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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
I-1.

Page 4

OMB statistics.--Please report below the actual number of hours required and the cost to your
firm of completing this questionnaire.
Hours

Dollars

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.
I-2.

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 acetone, including
auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate from) such
facilities.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
I-3.

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

Firm name

I-4.

Page 5

Yes--List the following information

Address

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

Related importers/exporters.--Does your firm have any related firms, either domestic or
foreign, that are engaged in importing acetone from Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,
South Africa, and Spain into the United States or that are engaged in exporting acetone from
Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and Spain to the United States?
No
Firm name

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
I-5.

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

Yes--List the following information.

Firm name

I-6.

Country

Affiliation

Importing operations.--Please indicate the nature of your firm’s importing operations on
acetone. 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

Consignee.--If your firm is an importer of record of acetone 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 - Acetone (Preliminary)
I-8.

Page 7

FTZ, TIB, or bonded warehouses.--Please indicate whether your firm enters acetone into, or
withdraws such merchandise from, foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses. Also indicate
whether your firm imports acetone under the TIB (temporary importation under bond) program.
“Foreign trade zone” is a designated location in the United States where firms utilize special
procedures that allow delayed or reduced customs duty payments on foreign merchandise, as
well as other savings. A foreign trade zone must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in the Foreign-Trade Zones Act.
“Bonded warehouse” is a secured facility supervised by U.S. customs, where dutiable landed
imports are stored pending their re-export, or release after payment of import duties, taxes, and
other charges. A bonded warehouse must be designed as such pursuant to the rules and
procedures set forth in 19 U.S.C. § 1555.
“Temporary Importation under Bond (“TIB”) program” is a procedure whereby imported
merchandise may be entered under certain conditions for a limited time into the United States
free of duty. Under the program, an importer posts a bond for twice the amount of duty, taxes,
etc. that would otherwise be owed on the importation and agrees to export or destroy the
merchandise within a specified time or pay liquidated damages. This program is restricted to
certain categories of merchandise listed in subheadings 9813.00.05 through 9813.00.75 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS).
Item

Yes

Foreign trade zones
Bonded warehouses
Temporary importation under bond

I-9.

Other trade actions.--To your knowledge, have the products subject to this proceeding been the
subject of any other import relief proceedings in the United States or in any other countries?
No

Yes

If yes, Yes–Please specify.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 8

PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Abu B. Kanu (202-205-2597,
abu.kanu@usitc.gov). Supply all data requested on a calendar-year basis.
II-1.

Contact information.--Please identify the responsible individual and the manner by which
Commission staff may contact that individual regarding the confidential information submitted
in part II.
Name
Title
Email
Telephone

II-2.

Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the importation of acetone since January 1, 2016.
(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 - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-3a.

Page 9

Arranged imports.--Has your firm imported or arranged for the importation of acetone for
delivery after December 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

If yes, fill out the table below.

Period
Source

Jan-Mar 2019

Apr-Jun 2019

Jul-Sept 2019

Oct-Dec 2019

Quantity (in short tons)
Belgium
Korea
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
All other sources
II-3b.

Imports in the 12 month period preceding the petition.--Has your firm imported acetone from
any source between February 2018 through January 2019? (i.e., the last eleven months in 2018
and first month in 2019 combined)
No

Yes

If yes, report the quantity of such import below by source.

Quantity (in short tons)
Source
Belgium
Korea
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
All other sources

February 2018 through January 2019

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-4.

Page 10

Commingling. Do you import acetone mixed any other chemicals such as benzene, diethyl ether,
methanol, chloroform, ethanol, and other?
No

Yes

Period

If yes, report the quantity of such import below by shares.

Pure Acetone
Share

Blends
Share

2016
2017
2018

II-5.

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 11

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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-5a.

Page 12

U.S. imports from Belgium.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of acetone imported from Belgium by your firm during the specified periods.

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

2016

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)
Please identify the foreign producers, if known:
.
Internal consumption and transfers to related firms must be valued at fair market value. If your firm uses a different
basis for valuing these transactions in your records, please specify that basis (e.g., cost, cost plus, etc.):
. However,
the data provided above in this table should be based on fair market value.
3
Identify your firm’s principal export markets:
.
1
2

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-5a.

Page 13

U.S. imports from Belgium.–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

2016

2017

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

2018

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
1

II-5b.

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

Belgium
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

Quantity (in short tons)
Channels of distribution:
U.S. shipments:
To distributors (M)
To end users (N)
RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities reported for channels of distribution
(i.e., lines K and L) 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 – D – F – H = zero ("0"), if not
revise.

2016

2017
0

2018
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-5c.

Page 14

US shipments by grade: Belgium.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports from Belgium by
grade.

Belgium
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)

Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

U.S. shipments:
Standard / technical grade:
Quantity (O)
Value (P)
Specialty grades (e.g., low water,
NF grade):
Quantity (Q)
Value (R)
RECONCILIATION OF SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantity and value reported for US shipments
by grade (i.e., lines O through R) in each time period equal the quantity and value reported for U.S.
shipments (i.e., lines D through I) in part "a" of this question 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

2016

2017

2018

Quantity: O + Q – D – F – H = zero
("0"), if not revise.

Value: P + R – E – G – I = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-6a.

Page 15

U.S. imports from Korea.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of acetone imported from Belgium by your firm during the specified periods.

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

2016

2017

2018

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-6a.

Page 16

U.S. imports from Korea.–Continued

2016

2017

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

2018

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
1

II-6b.

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

Korea
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017
0

2018
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-6c.

Page 17

US shipments by grade: Korea.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports from Korea by
grade.

Korea
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)

Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

Quantity: O + Q – D – F – H = zero
("0"), if not revise.

Value: P + R – E – G – I = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-7a.

Page 18

U.S. imports from Saudi Arabia.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of acetone imported from Belgium by your firm during the specified periods.

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

2016

2017

2018

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-7a.

Page 19

U.S. imports from Saudi Arabia.–Continued

2015

2016

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

2017

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
1

II-7b.

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

Saudi Arabia
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017
0

2018
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-7c.

Page 20

US shipments by grade: Saudi Arabia.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports from Saudi Arabia by
grade.

Saudi Arabia
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)

Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

Quantity: O + Q – D – F – H = zero
("0"), if not revise.

Value: P + R – E – G – I = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-8a.

Page 21

U.S. imports from Singapore.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of acetone imported from Belgium by your firm during the specified periods.

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

2016

2017

2018

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-8a.

Page 22

U.S. imports from Singapore.–Continued

2016

2017

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

2018

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
1

II-8b.

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

Singapore
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017
0

2018
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-8c.

Page 23

US shipments by grade: Singapore.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports from Singapore by
grade.

Singapore
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)

Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

Quantity: O + Q – D – F – H = zero
("0"), if not revise.

Value: P + R – E – G – I = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-9a.

Page 24

U.S. imports from South Africa.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of acetone imported from Belgium by your firm during the specified periods.

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

2016

2017

2018

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-9a.

Page 25

U.S. imports from South Africa.–Continued

2016

2017

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

2018

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
1

II-9b.

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

South Africa
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017
0

2018
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-9c.

Page 26

US shipments by grade: South Africa.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports from South Africa by
grade.

South Africa
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)

Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

Quantity: O + Q – D – F – H = zero
("0"), if not revise.

Value: P + R – E – G – I = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 27

II-10a. U.S. imports from Spain.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and inventories
of acetone imported from Belgium by your firm during the specified periods.

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

2016

2017

2018

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 28

II-10a. U.S. imports from Spain.–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

2016

2017

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

2018

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
1

II-10b. Channels of distribution: Spain.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports from Spain by
channel of distribution.

Spain
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017
0

2018
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 29

II-10c. US shipments by grade: Spain.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports from Spain by grade.

Spain
Quantity (in short tons) and value (in $1,000)

Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

Quantity: O + Q – D – F – H = zero
("0"), if not revise.

Value: P + R – E – G – I = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 30

II-11a. Imports from all other sources.–Report your firm’s imports and your firm’s shipments and
inventories of acetone imported from all other sources by your firm during the specified
periods. .

(list sources:

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

Item

2016

2017

2018

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
II-6a.

Page 31

Imports from all other sources.–Continued

2016

2017

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

2018

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless
accurate:
.
1

II-11b. Channels of distribution: All other sources.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., commercial
U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports from all other
sources by channel of distribution.

All other sources
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017
0

2018
0

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 32

II-11c. US shipments by grade: All other sources.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e., commercial
U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of imports from all other
sources by grade.

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

Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

Quantity: O + Q – D – F – H = zero
("0"), if not revise.

Value: P + R – E – G – I = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 33

II-7.

Transfers to related firms.-- If your firm reported transfers to related firms in any of the data
tables in part II, please identify the firm(s) and indicate the nature of the relationship between
your firm and the related firms (e.g., joint venture, wholly owned subsidiary) and whether the
transfers were priced at market value or by a non-market formula.

II-8.

Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
for which a narrative response box was not provided, 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 - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 34

PART III.--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).
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 since January 1, 2016 of the following products your firm imported
from Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and/or Spain:
Product 1.--Standard grade acetone, sold in bulk to distributors, spot/short-term contract sales.
Product 2.--Standard grade acetone, sold in bulk to distributors, annual/long-term contract sales.
Product 3.--Standard grade acetone, sold in bulk to end users, spot/short-term contract sales.
Product 4.--Standard grade acetone, sold in bulk to end users, annual/long-term contract sales.
For purposes of these pricing products, “bulk” shipments are full-barge, railcar, or tanker truck
containers. “Short-term contracts” are less than 12 months in duration, and “annual/long-term”
contracts are for 12 months or longer.

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).
During January 2016-December 2018, did your firm import from Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia,
Singapore, South Africa, and/or 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 tables as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question III-3.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 35

III-2a. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from Belgium
and sold by your firm.

Belgium

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
2016:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2017:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
2018:
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
1 Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned goods), f.o.b. your
firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2 Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part III.
Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product, provide a
description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:
Product 4:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 36

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

Korea

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 - Acetone (Preliminary)
III-2c.

Page 37

Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from Saudi
Arabia and sold by your firm.

Saudi Arabia

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 - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 38

III-2d. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 imported from
Singapore and sold by your firm.

Singapore

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 - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 39

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

South Africa

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 - Acetone (Preliminary)
III-2f.

Page 40

Price data.--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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 41

III-2g. Price data checklist.--Please check that the pricing data in question III-2(a) has been correctly
reported.
Is the price data reported above:

√ if Yes

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 commercial shipments in part II in each year?
III-2h. Pricing data methodology.--Please describe the method and the kinds of documents/records
that were used to compile your price data.

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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
III-3.

Page 42

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

Contracts

Set
price
lists

Other

If other, describe

(b) If your firm imports acetone from more than one country, does your firm commingle the
acetone in sales to your customers?

Yes

Not
applicable

Explanation

(c) If your firm imports acetone from more than one country, do the prices your firm charges
for acetone vary by the country of origin?

III-4.

Not
applicable

Explanation

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

Quantity
discounts

III-5.

Yes

Annual
total
volume
discounts

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

Pricing terms.--On what basis are your firm’s prices of imported acetone from Belgium, Korea,
Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and/or Spain usually quoted (check one)?
Delivered

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
III-6.

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of acetone imported from
Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and/or Spain in 2018 was on a (1) shortterm contract basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3) long-term contract basis, and (4) spot sales
basis?

Item
Share of 2018
sales
III-7.

Page 43

Type of sale
Long-term
Annual
contracts
contracts
(multiple
(multiple
deliveries for
deliveries for 12
more than 12
months)
months)

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

Total
(should
sum to
100.0%)

Spot sales
(for a single
delivery)

0.0

Contract provisions.—

(a) Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for acetone imported from
Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and/or Spain (or check “not applicable” if
your firm does not sell on a short-term, annual and/or long-term 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

Indexed to raw
material costs1

Price
Both
Yes
No

Not applicable
1

Please identify the indexes used:
(b) Has the discount or multiplier from published prices for acetone changed since January 1, 2016?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe the changes.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
III-8.

Page 44

Lead times.--What is your firm’s share of sales of acetone imported from Belgium, Korea, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, 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
acetone?

Source

Lead time
(Average number
Share of 2018 sales
of days)

From your firm’s U.S. inventory

From foreign manufacturers’ inventory

Produced to order

Total (should sum to 100.0%)
III-9.

0.0 %

Shipping information.—
(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the cost of acetone imported from Belgium,
Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and/or Spain that is accounted for by U.S.
inland transportation costs?
percent.

(b)

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

(c)

When your firm sells acetone imported from Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,
South Africa, and/or Spain, from where is it shipped?
Point of importation
Storage facility (check one)

(d)

Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of acetone imported from
Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, 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

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 45

III-10. Geographical shipments.--In which U.S. geographic market area(s) has your firm sold acetone
imported from subject countries since January 1, 2016 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area

Belgium Korea

Saudi
Arabia Singapore

South
Africa

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

Acetone

Other inputs

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

0.0 %

III-12. Substitutes.--Can other products be substituted for acetone?
No

Substitute
1.
2.
3.

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 acetone?
No Yes

Explanation

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 46

III-13. Demand trends.--Indicate how demand within the United States and outside of the United
States (if known) for acetone has changed since January 1, 2016. Explain any trends and
describe the principal factors that have affected these changes in demand.
Overall
increase

Market

No
Overall Fluctuate with
change decrease no clear trend

Explanation and factors

Within the United States
Outside the United States
III-14. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix or
marketing of acetone since January 1, 2016?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe.

III-15. Conditions of competition.—
(a) Is the acetone market subject to business cycles (other than general economy-wide
conditions) and/or other conditions of competition distinctive to acetone?
Check all that apply.

Please describe.

Skip to question III-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
acetone since January 1, 2016?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 47

III-16. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply acetone since
January 1, 2016 (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-17. Raw materials.--How have acetone raw material prices changed since January 1, 2016?
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
acetone.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 48

III-18. Interchangeability.--Is acetone 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

Belgium

Korea

Saudi
Arabia

Singapore

South
Africa

Spain

Other
countries

United States
Belgium
Korea
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
For any country-pair producing acetone that is sometimes or never interchangeable, identify the
country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable use:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 49

III-19. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between acetone 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

Belgium

Korea

Saudi
Arabia

Singapore

South
Africa

Spain

Other
countries

United States
Belgium
Korea
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant factor
in your firm’s sales of acetone, identify the country-pair and report the advantages or
disadvantages imparted by such factors:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 50

III-20. Customer identification.--List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for acetone since January 1, 2016. Indicate the share of the quantity of your firm’s
total shipments of acetone that each of these customers accounted for in 2018.

Customer’s name

Contact person

Telephone

City

State

Share
of
2018
sales
(%)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

III-21. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
for which a narrative response box was not provided, 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 - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 51

PART IV.--ALTERNATIVE PRODUCT INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Abu Kanu (202-205-2597,
abu.kanu@usitc.gov).
IV-1.

Comparability of types of acetone.--For each of the following indicate whether listed products
are: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them; mostly
comparable or similar; somewhat comparable or similar; never or not-at-all comparable or
similar; or no familiarity with products.
F: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them;
M: mostly comparable or similar;
S: somewhat comparable or similar;
N: never or not-at-all comparable or similar; or
0: no familiarity with products.
(a) Physical Characteristics and End Uses.--The differences and similarities in the physical
characteristics and end uses.

Product-pair

Comparison

Please provide a narrative discussion for the
comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
physical characteristics and uses:

In-scope Standard/technical
grade acetone vs in-scope
Specialty grades of acetone
(b) Interchangeability.--The ability to substitute the products in the same application.

Product-pair
In-scope Standard/technical grade
acetone vs in-scope Specialty
grades of acetone

Comparison

Please provide a narrative discussion for the
comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
interchangeability:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
IV-1.

Page 52

Comparability of types of acetone.--Continued
F: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them;
M: mostly comparable or similar;
S: somewhat comparable or similar;
N: never or not-at-all comparable or similar; or
0: no familiarity with products.
(c) Manufacturing facilities, production processes, and production employees.--Whether
manufactured in the same facilities, from the same inputs, on the same machinery and
equipment, and using the same employees.

Product-pair

Comparison

Please provide a narrative discussion for the
comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
manufacturing facilities, production processes, and
production employees:

In-scope Standard/technical grade
acetone vs in-scope Specialty
grades of acetone

(d) Channels of distribution.--Channels of distribution/market situation through which the
products are sold (i.e., sold direct to end users, through wholesaler/distributors, etc.).

Product-pair
In-scope Standard/technical grade
acetone vs in-scope Specialty
grades of acetone

Comparison

Please provide a narrative discussion for the
comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
channels of distribution:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)
IV-1.

Page 53

Comparability of types of acetone.--Continued
F: fully comparable or the same, i.e., have no differentiation between them;
M: mostly comparable or similar;
S: somewhat comparable or similar;
N: never or not-at-all comparable or similar; or
0: no familiarity with products.
(e) Customer and producer perceptions.--Perceptions as to the differences and/or
similarities in the market (e.g., sales/marketing practices).

Product-pair

Comparison

Please provide a narrative discussion for the
comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
customer and product perceptions:

In-scope Standard/technical grade
acetone vs in-scope Specialty
grades of acetone
(f) Price.--Whether prices are comparable or differ between the products.

Product-pair
In-scope Standard/technical grade
acetone vs in-scope Specialty
grades of acetone

Comparison

Please provide a narrative discussion for the
comparability ratings you provided in terms of their
price:

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 54

Correcting Valid number error messages.--If you are completing a Commission

questionnaire in a country that uses periods (“.”) to delineate multiples of 1000 (e.g., one million would
appear as $1.000.000 instead of as $1,000,000), you may be unable to enter in numbers greater than
999 in numeric form fields. This issues stem from your computer number formatting setting (e.g., not
the MS Word document itself, but the computer from which you are opening up the document). In the
United States commas (,) delineate multiples of 1000 and periods (.) delineate fractions less than one.
Many EU countries use the reverse where multiples of 1000 are delineated with periods (.) and
fractions less than one are delineated with commas (,). The US International Trade Commission’s
questionnaires are set-up in the United States with the U.S. number formatting. When this formatting
interacts with a computer set to EU number formatting, we believe this may cause this issue.
The solution to this data entry issue is to temporarily change your operating system’s number
formatting to be consistent with the U.S. number formatting system while you complete the
questionnaire.
To temporarily change your computer’s number settings to U.S. settings, please do the following (for
Microsoft Windows Operating system):
•
•
•
•
•

START
Control Panel
Region and Language (under Clock, Language, and Region category)
Format tab
Change the Format from your existing one (e.g. “Italian (Italy)”) to “English (United States)” (see
screen shots below)

When you do this the number “twelve million dollars and thirty five cents” would change from
$12.000.000,35 (Italy format) to $12,000,000.35 (U.S. format), and then there will be no conflict with
the questionnaire. When you finish reporting the data then you can close the questionnaire and switch
back to Italy settings.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Importers’ Questionnaire - Acetone (Preliminary)

Page 55

HOW TO FILE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
This questionnaire is available as a “fillable” form in MS Word format on the Commission’s website at:
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/701731/2019/acetone_belgium_korea_saudi_arabia_singapore_s
outh/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: ACET

• E-mail.—E-mail the MS Word questionnaire to abu.kanu@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 did not import this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned copy to
the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, it is required to serve a copy of the
completed questionnaire on parties to the proceeding that are subject to administrative protective
order (see 19 CFR § 207.7). A list of such parties may be obtained from the Commission’s Secretary (202205-1803). A certificate of service must accompany the completed questionnaire you submit (see 19 CFR
§ 207.7). Service of the questionnaire must be made in paper form.

File Type	application/pdf
File Title	USITCQUESTIONNAIRE
Subject	Title 7 investigations
Author	Kanu, Abu
File Modified	2019-02-22
File Created	2019-02-22