Form 19-1-4141 U.S. producers' questionnaire

OMB No. 3117-0016/USITC No. 19-1-4141; Expiration Date: : 6/30/2020
(No response is required if currently valid OMB control number is not displayed)

U.S. PRODUCERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE
CERAMIC TILE FROM CHINA
This questionnaire must be received by the Commission by January
See last page for filing instructions.

24, 2020

The information called for in this questionnaire is for use by the United States International Trade Commission in
connection with its countervailing duty and antidumping investigations concerning ceramic tile products (“ceramic tile”)
from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-621 and 731-TA-1447 (Final)). The information requested in the questionnaire is requested
under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930, title VII. This report is mandatory and failure to reply as directed can result
in a subpoena or other order to compel the submission of records or information in your firm’s possession (19 U.S.C. §
1333(a)).

Name of firm
Address
City

State

Zip Code

Website
Has your firm produced ceramic tile (as defined on next page) at any time since January 1, 2016?

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: CLAY)
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. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

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PART I.—GENERAL INFORMATION
Background.--This proceeding was instituted in response to a petition filed on April 10, 2019, by the
Coalition for Fair Trade in Ceramic Tile. Countervailing and/or antidumping duties may be assessed on
the subject imports as a result of these proceedings if the Commission makes an affirmative
determination of injury, threat, or material retardation, and if the U.S. Department of Commerce
(“Commerce”) makes an affirmative determination of subsidization and/or dumping. Questionnaires
and other information pertinent to this proceeding are available at
https://www.usitc.gov/investigations/2019/ceramic_tile_china/final.htm
Ceramic tile products (“ceramic tile”) covered by these investigations (“subject merchandise”) is
ceramic flooring tile, wall tile, paving tile, hearth tile, porcelain tile, mosaic tile, flags, finishing tile, and
the like (hereinafter ceramic tile). Ceramic tiles are articles containing a mixture of minerals including
clay (generally hydrous silicates of alumina or magnesium) that are fired so the raw materials are fused
to produce a finished good that is less than 3.2 cm in actual thickness. All ceramic tile is subject to the
scope regardless of end use, surface area, and weight, regardless of whether the tile is glazed or
unglazed, regardless of the water absorption coefficient by weight, regardless of the extent of
vitrification, and regardless of whether or not the tile is on a backing. Subject merchandise includes
ceramic tile with decorative features that may in spots exceed 3.2 cm in thickness and includes ceramic
tile “slabs” or “panels” (tiles that are larger than 1 meter2 (11 ft.2)).
Subject merchandise includes ceramic tile that undergoes minor processing in a third country
prior to importation into the United States. Similarly, subject merchandise includes ceramic tile
produced that undergoes minor processing after importation into the United States. Such minor
processing includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: Beveling, cutting, trimming,
staining, painting, polishing, finishing, additional firing, or any other processing that would otherwise not
remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigation if performed in the country of manufacture
of the in-scope product.
Subject merchandise is provided for in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTSUS) under the following subheadings of heading 6907: 6907.21.1005, 6907.21.1011, 6907.21.1051,
6907.21.2000, 6907.21.3000, 6907.21.4000, 6907.21.9011, 6907.21.9051, 6907.22.1005, 6907.22.1011,
6907.22.1051, 6907.22.2000, 6907.22.3000, 6907.22.4000, 6907.22.9011, 6907.22.9051, 6907.23.1005,
6907.23.1011, 6907.23.1051, 6907.23.2000, 6907.23.3000, 6907.23.4000, 6907.23.9011, 6907.23.9051,
6907.30.1005, 6907.30.1011, 6907.30.1051, 6907.30.2000, 6907.30.3000, 6907.30.4000, 6907.30.9011,
6907.30.9051, 6907.40.1005, 6907.40.1011, 6907.40.1051, 6907.40.2000, 6907.40.3000, 6907.40.4000,
6907.40.9011, and 6907.40.9051. Subject merchandise may also be provided for under subheadings of
headings 6914 and 6905: 6914.10.8000, 6914.90.8000, 6905.10.0000, and 6905.90.0050. The HTSUS
subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes only. The written description of the
scope of this investigation is dispositive.
Porcelain ceramic tile--Impervious ceramic tile with a water absorption coefficient not exceeding 0.5
percent by weight, as measured by the ASTM C373 test method, regardless of clay composition, surface
texture, or whether unglazed or glazed.

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Floor ceramic tile--Ceramic tile, regardless of clay composition, surface texture, or whether glazed or
unglazed, being specifically designed for durability and slip resistance, suitable for covering interior floor
surfaces and for exterior walkways. Floor ceramic tile is classified under Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI)
rating categories of PEI Class II (interior residential and commercial wall, and residential bathroom floor
applications) through PEI Class V (all residential floors and commercial floors). Any tile meeting this
questionnaire’s definitions of both floor ceramic tile and wall ceramic tile should be classified as floor
ceramic tile.
Wall ceramic tile--Ceramic tile, regardless of clay composition, surface texture, or whether glazed or
unglazed, being specifically designed for covering vertical surfaces, not otherwise required to meet the
slip-resistance requirements for floor ceramic tile. Wall ceramic tile is classified under Porcelain Enamel
Institute (PEI) rating category PEI Class I (residential and commercial wall applications only). Any tile
meeting this questionnaire’s definitions of both floor ceramic tile and wall ceramic tile should be
classified as floor ceramic tile.
Mosaic ceramic tile--Porcelain or non-porcelain ceramic tile pieces; produced by either pressing or
extruding; with a facial surface area not larger than twelve square inches; and prearranged, either with
or without pieces of non-ceramic materials (stone, glass, metal, etc.), to form a decorative pattern on a
mesh backing as either sheets or strips.
Finishing ceramic tile—These include bordering, capping, skirting, freeze, angle, corner, or other fitting
tile pieces employed as complementary elements for finishing off the facing, paving, etc., with or
without rounded edges, being non flat or three-dimensional, which give them the character of finishing
pieces; that would be the case, in particular, for bordering, skirting, frieze, corner pieces, decorative
inserts and other ceramic accessories. In these cases, the pieces need to match with the other basic
tiles, so their proper surface usually has the same shade of finish as the normal tiles. They are generally
sold by piece or by linear meter.
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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

Page 4

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.
D-GRIDS tool.--The Commission has a tool that firms can use to move data from their own MS Excel
compilation files into self-contained data tables within this MS Word questionnaire, thereby reducing
the amount of cell-by-cell data entry that would be required to complete this form. This tool is a macroenabled MS Excel file available for download from the Commission's generic questionnaires webpage
(https://www.usitc.gov/trade_remedy/question.htm) called the "D-GRIDs tool." Use of this tool to help
your firm complete this questionnaire is optional. Firms opting to use the D-GRIDs tool to populate their
data into this questionnaire will need the D-GRIDs specification sheet PDF file specific to this proceeding
(available on the case page which is linked under the "Background" above) which includes the necessary
references relating to this questionnaire, as well as the macro-enable MS Excel D-GRIDs tool itself from
the generic questionnaires page. More detailed instructions on how to use the D-GRIDs tool are
available within the D-GRIDs tool itself.
I-1a.

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

Dollars

The questions in this questionnaire have been reviewed with market participants to ensure that
issues of concern are adequately addressed and that data requests are sufficient, meaningful,
and as limited as possible. Public reporting burden for this questionnaire is estimated to average
50 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data, and
completing and reviewing the questionnaire.
We welcome comments regarding the accuracy of this burden estimate, suggestions for
reducing the burden, and any suggestions for improving this questionnaire. Please attach such
comments to your response or send to the Office of Investigations, USITC, 500 E St. SW,
Washington, DC 20436.

I-1b.

TAA information release.--In the event that the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
makes an affirmative final determination in this proceeding, do you consent to the USITC's
release of your contact information (company name, address, contact person, telephone
number, email address) appearing on the front page of this questionnaire to the Departments of
Commerce, Labor, and Agriculture, as applicable, so that your firm and its workers can be made
eligible for benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program?
Yes

No

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
I-2a.

Page 5

Establishments covered.--Provide the city, state, zip code, and brief description of each
establishment covered by this questionnaire. 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 ceramic tile, including
auxiliary facilities operated in conjunction with (whether or not physically separate from) such
facilities.
Establishments
covered1

City, State

Zip (5 digit)

Description

1
2
3
4
5
6
1

Additional discussion on establishments consolidated in this questionnaire:

.

I-2b.

Stock symbol information.-- If your firm or parent firm is publicly traded, please specify the
stock exchange and trading symbol:
.

I-2c.

External counsel.-- If your firm or parent firm is represented by external counsel in relation to
this proceeding, please specify the name of the law firm and the lead attorney(s).
Law firm:
Lead attorney(s):

I-3.

Petitioner status.--Is your firm a petitioner in this proceeding or a member firm of the
petitioning entity?
No

I-4.

Yes

Petition support.--Does your firm support or oppose the petition?
Country

China AD
China CVD

Support

Oppose

Take no position

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
I-5.

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

Firm name

I-6.

Page 6

Yes--List the following information, relating to the ultimate parent/owner.

Country

Extent of
ownership
(percent)

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

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
I-7.

Page 7

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

Yes--List the following information.
Country

Affiliation

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PART II.--TRADE AND RELATED INFORMATION
Further information on this part of the questionnaire can be obtained from Christopher W. Robinson
(202-205-2542, chris.robinson@usitc.gov). Supply all data requested on a calendar-year basis.
II-1.

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

II-2.

Changes in operations.--Please indicate whether your firm has experienced any of the following
changes in relation to the production of ceramic tile since January 1, 2016.
(check as many as appropriate)
plant openings
plant closings
relocations
expansions
acquisitions
consolidations
prolonged shutdowns or
production curtailments
revised labor agreements
other (e.g., technology)

(If checked, please describe; leave blank if not applicable)

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II-3.

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

II-4.

Product shifting.—
(a)

Is your firm able to switch production (capacity) between ceramic tile and other products
using the same equipment and/or labor?

No

(b)

II-5.

Yes

If yes—(i.e., have produced other products or are able to produce other
products) Please identify other actual or potential products.

Please describe the factors that affect your firm’s ability to shift production capacity
between products (e.g., time, cost, relative price change, etc.), and the degree to which
these factors enhance or constrain such shifts.

Tolling.--Since January 1, 2016, has your firm been involved in a toll agreement regarding the
production of ceramic tile?
“Toll agreement”--Agreement between two firms whereby the first firm (“TOLLEE”) furnishes
the raw materials and the second firm (“TOLLER”) uses the raw materials to produce a product
that it then returns to the first firm with a charge for processing costs, overhead, etc.
No--skip to next question.
Yes--For all such agreements entered into by your firm, please indicate whether your firm
was the toller or tollee.
Our firm
Other firm(s)
Toller
Please name the tollee(s):
Tollee1
Please name the toller(s):
1
Identify the raw material input(s) that your firm provided the toller(s):

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
II-6.

Page 10

Foreign trade zones.-Firm's FTZ operations.--Does your firm produce ceramic tile in and/or admit ceramic tile
into a foreign trade zone (FTZ)?

(a)

“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 designated 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).

Other firms' FTZ operations.--To your knowledge, do any firms in the United States
import ceramic tile into a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for use in distribution of ceramic tile
and/or the production of downstream articles?

(b)

No

Yes

If yes--Identify the firms and the FTZs.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
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Page 11

Production, shipment, and inventory data.--Report your firm’s production capacity, production,
shipments, and inventories related to the production of ceramic tile in its U.S. establishment(s)
during the specified periods.
“Average production capacity” or “capacity” – The level of production that your
establishment(s) could reasonably have expected to attain during the specified periods. Assume
normal operating conditions (i.e., using equipment and machinery in place and ready to
operate; normal operating levels (hours per week/weeks per year) and time for downtime,
maintenance, repair, and cleanup; and a typical or representative product mix).
“Production” – All production in your U.S. establishment(s), including production consumed
internally within your firm and production for another firm under a toll agreement.
“Commercial U.S. shipments” –Shipments made within the United States as a result of an arm’s
length commercial transaction in the ordinary course of business. Report net values (i.e., gross
sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods) in U.S. dollars, f.o.b. your point of shipment.
“Internal consumption (including for your own firm’s retail sales)” – Product consumed
internally by your firm, which includes merchandise that your firm transferred to your own
firm's retail locations. Such transactions are valued at fair market value (i.e., not the total value
of final downstream processed merchandise (in the case of internal consumption), nor the retail
sale value (in the case of your firm owning and operating its own retail locations); rather these
transactions should be recorded at the fair market wholesale value of the merchandise used for
further processing or for retail level sale).
“Transfers to related firms” –Shipments made to related firms. Such transactions are valued at
fair market value.
“Related firm” –A firm that your firm solely or jointly owned, managed, or otherwise controlled;
a firm that solely or jointly owned, managed, or otherwise controlled your firm; and/or a firm
that was solely or jointly owned, managed, or otherwise controlled by a firm that also solely or
jointly owned, managed, or otherwise controlled your firm.
“Export shipments” –Shipments to destinations outside the United States, including shipments
to related firms.
“Inventories”— Finished goods inventory, not raw materials or work-in-progress.

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

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
II-7.

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Production, shipment, and inventory data.--Continued
Quantity (in thousands of square feet) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

January-September
2018

2018

2019

Average production capacity (quantity) (A)
1

Beginning-of-period inventories (quantity)
(B)
Production (quantity) (C)
U.S. shipments:
Commercial shipments:
Quantity (D)
Value (E)
Internal consumption (including for your
own firm’s retail sales):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)
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:
.
1

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

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

2016

2017

0

January-September
2018

0

2018

0

2019

0

Explanation if the calculated fields above are returning values other than zero (i.e., “0”) but are nonetheless accurate (e.g.
breakage/shrinkage; product samples; or obsolete inventory):
.
1

0

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
II-8.

Page 13

Explanation of trends.-- Please indicate what decisions, events or factors are impacting or
explain the trend in the following metrics reported above for the 2016 to 2018 period.
Metric
Capacity
Production
U.S. shipment quantities
U.S. shipment average unit values
Export shipment quantities
Export shipment average unit
values
Ending inventories

Explanation of trend 2016 to 2018

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
II-9.

Page 14

Channels of distribution.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e. inclusive of commercial U.S.
shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) by channel of distribution.
Quantity (in thousands of square feet) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

January-September
2018

2018

2019

Channels of distribution:
U.S. shipments:
To Distributors1
Quantity (M)
Value (N)
To Big box/home center
retailers Quantity (O)
Value (P)
To Other retailers
Quantity (Q)
Value (R)
To Contractors/builders
Quantity (S)
Value (T)
To Other end users
Quantity (U)
Value (V)
1

This category includes floor covering wholesalers.

RECONCILIATION OF CHANNELS.--Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for channels of
distribution (i.e., lines M through V) in each time period equal the quantity and value reported for U.S.
shipments (i.e., lines D through I) 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

January-September
2018

2018

2019

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

0

0

0

0

0

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

0

0

0

0

0

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
II-10.

Page 15

U.S. shipments by water permeability.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e. inclusive of
commercial U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of ceramic tile
by water permeability in the specified periods. See definition on page 2.
Quantity (in thousands of square feet) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

January-September
2018

2018

2019

U.S. shipments.—
Porcelain ceramic tile
Quantity (W)
Value (X)
Non-porcelain ceramic tile
Quantity (Y)
Value (Z)
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for U.S. shipments
(i.e., lines W through Z) in each time period equal the quantity and value reported for U.S. shipments (i.e., lines
D through I) in each time period in question II-7. 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

January-September
2018

2018

2019

Quantity: W + Y – D – F - H = zero
("0"), if not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Value: X + Z – E – G - I = zero ("0"), if
not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
II-11.

Page 16

U.S. shipments by product type.--Report your firm’s U.S. shipments (i.e. inclusive of commercial
U.S. shipments, internal consumption, and transfers to related firms) of ceramic tile by product
type in the specified periods. See definition on pages 2-3.
Quantity (in thousands of square feet) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

January-September
2018

2018

2019

U.S. shipments.—
Non-mosaic
Floor ceramic tile
Quantity (AA)
Value (AB)
Wall ceramic tile
Quantity (AC)
Value (AD)
Other ceramic tile
Quantity (AE)
Value (AF)
Mosaic
Floor ceramic tile
Quantity (AG)
Value (AH)
Wall ceramic tile
Quantity (AI)
Value (AJ)
Other ceramic tile
Quantity (AK)
Value (AL)
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. SHIPMENTS.--Please ensure that the quantities and values reported for U.S. shipments
(i.e., lines AA through AL) in each time period equal the quantity and value reported for U.S. shipments (i.e.,
lines D through I) in each time period in question II-7. 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

January-September
2018

2018

2019

Quantity: AA + AC + AE +AG + AI + AK
– D – F – H = zero (“0”), if not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

Value: AB + AD + AF + AH + AJ + AL –
E – G - I= zero ("0"), if not revise.

0

0

0

0

0

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
II-12.

Page 17

Employment data.--Report your firm’s employment-related data related to the production of
ceramic tile 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 September periods, calculate similarly and divide by 9.
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

2016

2017

January-September
2018

2018

2019

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

II-13.

Related firms.--If your firm reported transfers to related firms in question II-7, 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), 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.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
II-12.

Page 18

Purchases.--Has your firm purchased ceramic tile produced in the United States or in other
countries since January 1, 2016? (Do not include imports for which your firm was the importer
of record. These should be reported in an importer 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 firms' 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 thousands of square feet)
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

January-September
2018

2018

2019

Purchases from U.S. importers of
ceramic tile from—
China
1

All other sources
Purchases from domestic producers2
Purchases from other sources2
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:
.
1

II-13.

Imports.--Since January 1, 2016, has your firm imported ceramic tile?
No

Yes
If yes--COMPLETE AND RETURN A U.S. IMPORTERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
II-14.

Digital printing.--Does your firm use digital printing technology as part of your firm’s production
process for ceramic tile?
No

II-15.

Page 19

Yes

If yes—please describe

Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part II
for which a narrative 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.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

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PART III.--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Address questions on this part of the questionnaire to Joanna Lo (202-205-1888, joanna.lo@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:
Note: Regardless of your firm’s fiscal year, please report financial data on a
calendar year basis.

B.1.

Describe the lowest level of operations (e.g., plant, division, company-wide) for
which financial statements are prepared that include ceramic tile:

2.

Does your firm prepare profit/loss statements for ceramic tile:
Yes
No
How often did your firm (or parent company) prepare financial statements
(including annual reports, 10Ks)? Please check relevant items below.
Audited,
unaudited,
annual reports,
10Ks,
10 Qs,
Monthly,
quarterly,
semi-annually,
annually
Accounting basis:
GAAP,
cash,
tax, or
other comprehensive
basis of accounting (specify)

3.

4.

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 ceramic tile, as well as
specific statements and worksheets) used to compile these data.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

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III-3.

Cost accounting system.--Briefly describe your firm’s cost accounting system (e.g., standard
cost, job order cost, etc.).

III-4.

Allocation basis.--Briefly describe your firm’s allocation basis, if any, for COGS, SG&A, and
interest expense and other income and expenses.

III-5.

Product listing.--Please list the products your firm produced in the facilities in which your firm
produced ceramic tile, and provide the share of net sales accounted for by these products in
2018.
Product

Share of sales in
2018

Porcelain ceramic tile (regardless of application type)

%

Non-porcelain ceramic tile (regardless of application type)

%
%
%
%

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
III-6.

Inputs from related suppliers.--Does your firm purchase inputs (raw materials, labor, energy, or
any services) used in the production of ceramic tile 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
ceramic tile 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
2018. 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.
Input1

1
2

III-8.

Page 22

Related supplier2

Share of total COGS in 2018

Input valuation as recorded in the firm’s accounting books and records:
Briefly explain how this supplier is related to your firm (e.g. same parent, part ownership):

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 ceramic tile) in
a manner consistent with your firm’s accounting books and records.

Yes

No

If no--In the space below, please report the valuation basis of inputs
purchased from related suppliers as reported in question III-9a.

III-9a. Operations on ceramic tile.--Report the revenue and related cost information requested below
on the ceramic tile 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 calendar
years 2016, 2017, 2018, and for the specified interim periods. If your firm was involved in
tolling operations (either as the toller or as the tollee), please contact Joanna Lo at (202) 2051888 or joanna.lo@usitc.gov before completing this section of the questionnaire.
•
•
•
•

Report internal consumption and transfers to related firms at fair market value.
Do not include ceramic tile samples or shrinkage as internal consumption.
Do not report resales.
Do not include any data for out-of-scope products.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

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III-9a. Operations on ceramic tile.--Continued.
Quantity (in thousands of square feet) and value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

January-September
2018

2018

2019

Net sales quantities:
Commercial sales (“CS”) (A)
2

Internal consumption (“IC”) (B)
Transfers to related firms (“Transfers”) (C)
Total net sales quantities (D)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Net sales values:
Commercial sales (E)
2

Internal consumption (F)
Transfers to related firms (G)
Total net sales values (H)
Cost of goods sold (COGS):
Raw materials (I)

3

Energy costs (J)
Direct labor (K)
Other factory costs (L)
Total COGS (M)
Gross profit or (loss)
Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”)
expenses:
Selling expenses (N)
General and administrative expenses (“G&A”) (O)
Total SG&A expenses (P)
Operating income (loss) (Q)
Other expenses and income:
Interest expense (R)
All other expense items (S)
All other income items (T)
Net income or (loss) before income taxes (U)
Depreciation/amortization included above (V)
Include only sales (whether domestic or export) and costs related to your U.S. manufacturing operations.
Less discounts, returns, allowances, and prepaid freight. The quantities and values should approximate the
corresponding shipment quantities and values reported in Part II of this questionnaire. Please confirm that the value
of net sales (row H) excludes discounts, returns, allowances, and prepaid freight:
Yes
No, explain:
3
COGS (whether for domestic or export sales) should include costs associated with CS, IC, and Transfers.
1

2

Note -- Table III-9a above contains calculations that will appear when you have entered data in the MS
Word form fields.

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

Page 24

V-9b. Financial data checklist.--Please check that the financial data in question III-9a have been
correctly reported.
Confirm the following regarding your financial data in question III-9a:

√ if Yes

In $1,000 dollars (not actual dollars)?
Include only the in-scope ceramic tile?
Net Sales (CS, IC, and Transfers) exclude discounts, returns, allowances,
prepaid freight, and all freight?
COGS excludes finished goods freight to customers?
SG&A excludes finished goods freight to customers?
All costs exclude finished goods freight to customers?
If you did not √ Yes in any of the boxes above, go back to V-9a and revise your responses.
III-9c.

Financial data reconciliation.--The calculable line items from question III-9a (i.e., total net sales
quantities (row D) and values (row H), total COGS (row M), gross profit (or loss) (row N), total
SG&A (Q), operating income (or loss) (row R), and net income (or loss) (row V)) 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. For items reported
after operating income (loss) in row Q, check the signs reported (rows R, S,
and T). The two expense items in rows R and S should report positive
numbers (i.e., expenses are positive and incomes or reversals are negative-instances of the latter should be rare in rows R and S) while the other
income reported in row T should have positives values in most instances
(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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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

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III-9d. Raw materials.--Please report the share of total raw material costs in 2018 (reported in III-9a,
row I) for the specified raw material inputs below:

Input

Procurement method
Share of total
raw material
Primarily
Primarily
costs in 2018 produced by purchased
(percent)
your firm by your firm

Clay for ceramic tile
Silica, feldspar, and other mineral additives
Glazing, decorating, and other surfacing materials
All other raw material inputs1
Total (should sum to 100 percent)

0.0

Please indicate any other notable "other" raw materials not expressly identified above and provide
the share of the total raw material costs that they account for:
1

III-9e. Raw materials checklist.--Please check that the raw materials information in question III-9d has
been correctly reported.
Confirm the following regarding your responses in question III-9d:

√ if Yes

Include only raw materials used for in-scope ceramic tile?
Reflect the raw materials reported in question III-9a, row I?
Inputs “produced from your firm” are from the facilities listed in question I-2
and not other legal entities with common ownership or other affiliation?
Inputs from affiliated companies are purchases listed in question III-7?
“Other” raw materials, if any, are specified and listed in question III-9d, footnote 3?
Total sums to 100 percent in question III-9d?
If you did not √ Yes in any of the boxes above, go back to V-9d and revise your responses.

III-9d. Other cost items (in addition to raw materials).--Based on the cost information for your firm’s
ceramic tile operations as reported in question III-9a, report where identified items, as
applicable, are classified in question III-9a (e.g., raw materials, other factory costs, selling costs,
general & administrative costs) in 2018.
Input

Share of other costs in 2018 (percent)

Breakage/shrinkage1
Product samples2
Design costs3
Obsolete inventory4
Other cost items5
Total (should sum to 100 percent)

0.0

Classification of breakage/shrinkage is classified in question III-9a:
(e.g. other factory costs).
Classification of product samples in question III-9a:
(e.g. selling costs).
3
Classification of design costs in question III-9a:
(e.g. other factory costs).
4
Classification of obsolete inventory (due to consumer preference changes or other market conditions)
in question III-9a:
(e.g. other factory costs).
5
Classification of “other” cost items in question III-9a (do not include raw materials or energy costs
listed in question III-9a, rows I and J or the specific raw material items listed in question III-9d):
.
1

2

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U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

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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.
Calendar years
Item

2016

January-September

2017

2018

2018

2019

Value ($1,000)
Nonrecurring item 1
Nonrecurring item 2
Nonrecurring item 3
Nonrecurring item 4
Nonrecurring item 5
Nonrecurring item 6
Nonrecurring item 7

Nonrecurring item: In the table below, please provide a brief description of each nonrecurring item reported
above and indicate the specific row letter in table III-9a where the nonrecurring item is classified.

Description of the nonrecurring item

Income statement
classification of the specific
nonrecurring item
(row letter in III-9a)

Nonrecurring item 1

Row

Nonrecurring item 2

Row

Nonrecurring item 3

Row

Nonrecurring item 4

Row

Nonrecurring item 5

Row

Nonrecurring item 6

Row

Nonrecurring item 7

Row

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.

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III-12. Asset values.--Report the total assets (i.e., both current and long-term assets) associated with
the production, warehousing, and sale of ceramic tile. If your firm does not maintain some or all
of the specific asset information necessary to calculate total assets for ceramic tile 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 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Note: Total assets should reflect net assets after any accumulated depreciation and allowances
deducted.
Total assets should be allocated to the subject products if these assets are also related to other
products. Please provide a brief explanation if there are any substantial changes in total asset
value during the period; e.g., due to asset write-offs, revaluation, and major purchases.
Value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item
Total assets (net)
1
2

III-13.

2016

2017

2018

12

List the top assets (e.g. accounts receivables, inventories, PP&E, intangibles)
Describe substantial changes in asset values

Capital expenditures and research and development expenses.--Report your firm’s capital
expenditures and research and development (“R&D”) expenses for ceramic tile. Provide data
for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and for the specified interim periods.
Value (in $1,000)
Calendar years
Item

2016

2017

January-September
2018

2018

2019

Capital expenditures1
R&D expenses2
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.
1

III-14. Assets, capital expenditures, and R&D checklist.--Please check that the assets, capital
expenditures, and R&D information in questions III-12 and III-13 are complete.
Confirm the following regarding your responses in questions III-12 and III-13:

√ if Yes

Top assets are listed in question III-12, footnote 1?
Substantial changes in assets are described in question III-12, footnote 2?
Capital expenses are described in question III-13, footnote 1, if applicable?
R&D are described in question III-13, footnote 2, if applicable?
Provided explanations if your firm did not have capital expenditures or R&D?
If you did not √ Yes in any of the boxes above, go back to III-12 and/or III-13 and revise your
responses.

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III-15a. Data completeness, consistency, and reconciliation.--For the data provided in “PART II: TRADE
DATA” and “PART III: FINANCIAL DATA”, please check that all responses, if relevant, were
entered and that the data provided are consistent and reconcile. For example, the quantities
and values reported in question III-9a should reconcile with the data reported in question II-7
(including export shipments) since both are to be reported on the same calendar year basis.
Confirm the following to ensure that your responses are complete for
PART II and PART III:

√ if Yes

All periods requested have been accounted for (no blank columns or
rows) unless your firm was not a U.S. producer for that period?
All footnotes, if relevant, have been filled out?
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. 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.

Calendar years
Reconciliation

2016

2017

January-September
2018

2018

2019

Quantity: Trade data from question II-7
(rows D, F, H, and J) less financial total
net sales quantity data from question III9a (row D) = zero ("0").

0

0

0

0

0

Value: Trade data from question II-7
(rows E, G, I, and K) less financial total
net sales value data from question III-9a
(row H) = 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.

III-15b. Consistency with financial data reported in preliminary phase .—Do your responses to
questions III-9a, III-10, III-12, or III-13 differ from the data provided during the preliminary phase
of these investigations for calendar years 2016, 2017, and 2018?
No

Yes

If yes, please explain

Business Proprietary
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III-15. Effects of imports on investment.--Since January 1, 2016, 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 ceramic tile from China?
No

Yes

If yes, my firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows.

(check as many as appropriate)
Cancellation,
postponement, or
rejection of expansion
projects
Denial or rejection of
investment proposal
Reduction in the size of
capital investments
Return on specific
investments negatively
impacted
Idling of one or more kilns
for a longer period than
anticipated.
Other

(please describe)

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III-16. Effects of imports on growth and development.--Since January 1, 2016, 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 ceramic tile from China?
No

Yes

If yes, my firm has experienced actual negative effects as follows.

(check as many as appropriate)
Rejection of bank loans
Lowering of credit rating
Problem related to the
issue of stocks or bonds
Ability to service debt
Other

(please describe)

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III-17. Anticipated effects of imports.--Does your firm anticipate any negative effects due to imports of
ceramic tile from China?
No

Yes

If yes, my firm anticipates negative effects as follows.

III-18. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part III
for which a narrative 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.

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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 commercial shipments
to unrelated U.S. customers since January 1, 2016 of the following products produced by your
firm.
Product 1.--Porcelain tile, rectangular, 6”–8” in width by 24”–36” in length (excluding mosaic
ceramic tile and finishing ceramic tile)
Product 2.--Porcelain tile, square or rectangular, 12”–24” in width by 12”–24” in length
(excluding mosaic ceramic tile and finishing ceramic tile)
Product 3.--Non-porcelain ceramic tile, square or rectangular, 12”–24” in width by 12”–24” in
length (excluding mosaic ceramic tile and finishing ceramic tile)
Product 4.-- Non-porcelain ceramic tile, square or rectangular, 3”–6” in width by 6”–12” in
length (excluding mosaic ceramic tile and finishing ceramic tile)
Product 5.-- Mosaic ceramic tile, 12” by 12” square or interlocking, on a mesh sheet

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-September 2019, did your firm produce and sell to unrelated U.S.
customers any of the above listed products (or any products that were competitive with these
products)?
Yes.--Please complete the following pricing data table as appropriate.
No.--Skip to question IV-3.

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IV-2a. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm.
Report data in square feet (not 1,000s) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 1
sold to home center retailers
Quantity
Value

Product 2
sold to distributors
Quantity
Value

Product 3
sold to home center retailers
Quantity
Value

Period of shipment
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
2019:
January-March
April-June
July-September
1 Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods), f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2 Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.

Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product,
provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 1:
Product 2:
Product 3:

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IV-2a. Price data.--Report below the quarterly price data1 for pricing products2 produced and sold by
your firm.
Report data in square feet (not 1,000s) and actual dollars (not 1,000s).
Product 4 sold to other retailers
Product 5 sold to home center retailers
Period of shipment
Quantity
Value
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
2019:
January-March
April-June
July-September
1 Net values (i.e., gross sales values less all discounts, allowances, rebates, prepaid freight, and the value of returned
goods), f.o.b. your firm’s U.S. point of shipment.
2 Pricing product definitions are provided on the first page of Part IV.
Note.--If your firm’s product does not exactly meet the product specifications but is competitive with the specified product,
provide a description of your firm’s product. Also, please explain any anomalies in your firm’s reported pricing data.
Product 4:
Product 5:

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IV-2b. Price data checklist.--Please check that the pricing data in question IV-2(b) has been correctly
reported.
Are the price data reported above:

√ if Yes

In square feet (not 1,000s of square feet)?
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?
Exclusive of mosaic tile and finishing tile for products 1-4?
IV-2c. 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. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
IV-3.

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

IV-4.

Contracts

Annual
total
volume
discounts

Other

If other, describe

No
discount
policy

Other

Describe

Pricing terms.-- On what basis are your firm’s prices of domestic ceramic tile usually quoted
(check one)?
Delivered

IV-6.

Set
price
lists

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

Quantity
discounts

IV-5.

Page 36

F.o.b.

If f.o.b., specify point

Contract versus spot.--Approximately what share of your firm’s sales of its U.S.-produced
ceramic tile in 2018 was on a (1) short-term contract basis, (2) annual contract basis, (3) longterm contract basis, and (4) spot sales basis?

Item
Share of 2018
sales

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

%

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
IV-7.

Page 37

Contract provisions.--Please fill out the table regarding your firm’s typical sales contracts for
U.S.-produced ceramic tile (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:

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 ceramic tile?
Source

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

From inventory

%

Produced to order

%

Total (should sum to 100.0%)

0.0

%

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)
IV-9.

Page 38

Shipping information.-(a)

What is the approximate percentage of the cost of U.S.-produced ceramic tile that is
accounted for by U.S. inland transportation costs?
percent

(b)

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

(c)

Indicate the approximate percentage of your firm’s sales of ceramic tile 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 ceramic tile since January 1, 2016 (check all that apply)?
Geographic area
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.

√ if applicable

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

Page 39

IV-11. End uses.--For the end uses for which your firm sells ceramic tile, what percentage of the total
cost is accounted for by ceramic tile and other inputs?
Share of total cost of end use product
accounted for by
End-use

Ceramic tile

Other inputs

Total
(should sum to
100.0% across)

Installed flooring

%

%

0.0 %

Installed wall covering

%

%

0.0 %

%

%

0.0 %

IV-12. Substitutes.—
(a)

Is luxury vinyl tile (“LVT”) considered as a substitute for ceramic tile in the same end
uses?
No

Yes--Please fill out the table.

End use(s) in which LVT is
used as a substitute for
ceramic tile

(b)

Have changes in the price of LVT affected the price for ceramic tile?
No

Yes

Explanation

Can products other than LVT be substituted for ceramic tile?
No

Yes--Please fill out the table.

End use in which this
substitute is used

Substitute

Have changes in the price of this substitute
affected the price for ceramic tile?
No Yes

Explanation

1.
2.
3.
(c) Do other non-ceramic products compete for sales with ceramic tile?

No

Yes

If yes, please list the products and the applications in which they
compete with ceramic tile, and describe any changes in the level of
competition since January 1, 2016.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

Page 40

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

Overall
increase

Market

Fluctuate
No
Overall
with no
change decrease clear trend

Explanation and factors

Within the U.S.
Outside the U.S.
IV-14. Product changes.--Have there been any significant changes in the product range, product mix,
or marketing of ceramic tile since January 1, 2016?
No

Yes

If yes, please describe and quantify if possible.

IV-15. Conditions of competition.-(a) Is the ceramic tile market subject to business cycles and/or other conditions of
competition distinctive to ceramic tile? If yes, describe.
Check all that apply.

Please describe.

No

Skip to question IV-16.

Yes-Business cycles (e.g.
seasonal business, conditions in
residential and commercial
construction)
Yes-Other distinctive conditions
of competition
(b) If yes, have there been any changes in the business cycles or conditions of competition for
ceramic tile since January 1, 2016?
No

Yes

If yes, describe.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

Page 41

IV-16. Supply constraints.--Has your firm refused, declined, or been unable to supply ceramic tile 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.

IV-17. Raw materials and energy costs.—
(a) How have ceramic tile raw material prices changed since January 1, 2016?
Fluctuate
Explain, noting how raw material price changes
Overall
No
Overall
with no have affected your firm’s selling prices for ceramic
increase change decrease clear trend
tile.

(b) How have ceramic tile energy prices changed since January 1, 2016?
Fluctuate
Overall
No
Overall
with no
Explain, noting how energy cost changes have
increase change decrease clear trend affected your firm’s selling prices for ceramic tile.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

Page 42

IV-18. Impact of the section 301 investigation.-(a) Did the imposition of tariffs on Chinese-origin products under section 301 have an impact on
the ceramic tile market in the United States?
Yes— Please indicate the
impact in the table below.

(b)

No

Don’t know

If you answered yes to part (a) above, please indicate the impact of the implementation
of tariffs in the section 301 investigation on the following factors.

Factor
Supply of U.S.produced ceramic tile
Supply of ceramic tile
imported from China
Supply of ceramic tile
imported from other
countries
Prices for ceramic tile
Overall U.S. demand
for ceramic tile
Raw material costs for
ceramic tile

Overall
No
Overall
increase change decrease

Fluctuate Explain, noting how the imposition
with no of tariffs under section 301 affected
clear
each factor of the ceramic tile
trend
market in the United States.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

Page 43

IV-19. Interchangeability.--Is ceramic tile produced in the United States and in other countries
interchangeable (i.e., can they physically be used in the same applications)?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = the products from a specified country-pair are always interchangeable
F = the products are frequently interchangeable
S = the products are sometimes interchangeable
N = the products are never interchangeable
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair
Country-pair

China

Other countries

United States
China
For any country-pair producing ceramic tile which is sometimes or never interchangeable,
please identify the country-pair and explain the factors that limit or preclude interchangeable
use. If your answer for other countries varies by other country, please explain.

IV-20. Factors other than price.--Are differences other than price (e.g., quality, availability,
transportation network, product range, technical support, etc.) between ceramic tile produced
in the United States and in other countries a significant factor in your firm’s sales of the
products?
Please indicate A, F, S, N, or 0 in the table below:
A = such differences are always significant
F = such differences are frequently significant
S = such differences are sometimes significant
N = such differences are never significant
0 = no familiarity with products from a specified country-pair
Country-pair

China

Other countries

United States
China
For any country-pair for which factors other than price always or frequently are a significant
factor in your firm’s purchases of ceramic tile, identify the country-pair and report the
advantages or disadvantages imparted by such factors. If your answer for other countries
varies by other country, please explain.

Business Proprietary
U.S. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

Page 44

IV-21. Customer identification.--List the names and contact information for your firm’s 10 largest U.S.
customers for ceramic tile since January 1, 2016. Indicate the share of the quantity of your firm’s
total shipments of ceramic tile that each of these customers accounted for in 2018.
Customer’s name

City

Share of 2018 sales
(%)

State

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

IV-22. Competition from imports.-(a)

Lost revenue.--Since January 1, 2016: To avoid losing sales to competitors selling
ceramic tile from China, did your firm:
Item

No

Yes

Reduce prices
Roll back announced price increases
(b)

Lost sales.--Since January 1, 2016: Did your firm lose sales of ceramic tile to imports of
this product from China?
No

Yes

IV-23. Other explanations.--If your firm would like to further explain a response to a question in Part
IV 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. Producers’ Questionnaire - Ceramic Tile (Final)

Page 45

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/2019/ceramic_tile_china/final.htm
Please do not attempt to modify the format or permissions of the questionnaire
document. Please submit the completed questionnaire using one of the methods noted
below. If your firm is unable to complete the MS Word questionnaire or cannot use one
of the electronic methods of submission, please contact the Commission for further
instructions.
• Upload via Secure Drop Box.—Upload the MS Word questionnaire along with a scanned copy of the
signed certification page (page 1) through the Commission’s secure upload facility:
Web address: https://dropbox.usitc.gov/oinv/

Pin: CLAY

• E-mail.—E-mail the MS Word questionnaire to chris.robinson@usitc.gov; include a scanned copy of
the signed certification page (page 1). Submitters are strongly encouraged to encrypt nonpublic
documents that are electronically transmitted to the Commission to protect your sensitive information
from unauthorized disclosure. The USITC secure drop-box system and the Electronic Document
Information System (EDIS) use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 cryptographic
algorithms to encrypt data in transit. Submitting your nonpublic documents by a means that does not
use these encryption algorithms (such as by email) may subject your firm’s nonpublic information to
unauthorized disclosure during transmission. If you choose a non-encrypted method of electronic
transmission, the Commission warns you that the risk of such possible unauthorized disclosure is
assumed by you and not by the Commission.
If your firm does not produce this product, please fill out page 1, print, sign, and submit a scanned copy
to the Commission.
Parties to this proceeding.—If your firm is a party to this proceeding, it is required to serve a copy of the
completed questionnaire on parties to the proceeding that are subject to administrative protective
order (see 19 CFR § 207.7). A list of such parties may be obtained from the Commission’s Secretary (202205-1803). A certificate of service must accompany the completed questionnaire you submit (see 19 CFR
§ 207.7). Service of the questionnaire must be made in paper form.