PUBLIC VERSION
This standardized production process does not vary materially by country of origin. Wherever QSP is produced, the same inputs and processes are used, and the finished slabs have largely consistent performance characteristics. U. S. producers and importers confirmed in the investigations on QSP from China and QSP from India and Turkey that the production methods are“ substantially identical,” which supports the Commission’ s conclusion that there is no meaningful distinction between domestic and imported QSP on the basis of production processes. 72
3. Domestic and Imported QSP Are Sold Through the Same Marketing Channels
Domestic and imported QSP also move through the same channels of distribution in the U. S. market. Both are primarily sold as slabs to distributors, fabricators, and kitchen and bath retailers, which then cut and finish the slabs into the final consumer products. Some integrated producers both sell slabs and operate their own fabrication facilities, while most independent distributors and importers sell slabs directly to fabricators.
Domestic and imported QSP compete for the same downstream customers and ultimately serve identical end-user markets. Moreover, U. S. purchasers have reported that they source both domestic and imported QSP interchangeably through the same types of suppliers and distributors. 73
72 QSP from China Inv Final, USITC Pub. 4913 at 5-9; QSP from India & Turkey Inv Final, USITC Pub. 5061 at 4-8. 73 QSP from China Inv Final, USITC Pub. 4913 at 5-9; QSP from India & Turkey Inv Final, USITC Pub.
5061 at 4-8. 25