COALspot.com keeps you connected across the coal world

Submit Your Articles
We welcome article submissions from experts in the areas of coal, mining, shipping, etc.

To Submit your article please click here.

International Energy Events


Search News
Latest CoalNews Headlines
Monday, 05 September 11
INDONESIAN COAL BENCHMARK PRICE - ANALYSIS


Analyst : Sunil K Kumbhat
COALspot.com - As a part of the Government’s efforts to stop transfer pricing abuses which have resulted in the loss of production royalties in recent years Govt of Indonesia issued  Regulation No.17 of 2010 entitled "Procedures to Determine the Benchmark Price for Mineral and Coal Sales" .

Apart from  setting out the procedures to determine the benchmark price for the sale of coal and minerals, Regulation  imposes other obligations on mineral and coal producers (that is, the holders of Production Operation IUPs and IUPKs) when making sales.This move has been seen as important as the benchmark Coal price is expected to provide optimum price and help goverment in calculating potential State Revenue. The new regulations will allow the Indonesian government to get the right amount of royalty , and the taxable revenues from the sector will also move up to the correct levels. It will also stop the practice of transfer pricing. The government has put in a strong framework.

The following are some key points highlights the provisions of regulation  and the likely impact it will have on mine owners, including on their sales activities, royalty calculations and administrative obligations:

Obligation to follow benchmark price
Regulation  provides that mineral and coal producers are obliged to sell minerals and coal based on a regulated benchmark price, whether for domestic or export sales.

The benchmark pricing obligation applies to all minerals and coal sales to third parties, including to any affiliate of the mineral and coal producer (which includes any party that has direct ownership in the holder of a Production Operation IUP or a Production Operation IUPK as well as any party that may indirectly influence the decision-making of such holders).

Determination of benchmark price
Regulation  provides that the benchmark price for  minerals and coal will be determined by the Director General of Minerals and Coal (DGMC) .  The benchmark price for non-metallic minerals and rocks will be determined by either the Governor or the Regent/Mayor, as appropriate.

Different methods will be used to determine the benchmark price for different commodities. For metallic minerals, the DGMC will determine the benchmark price for each metallic mineral monthly using a formula that refers to international market prices. For coal, the DGMC will determine separate benchmark prices for metallurgical coal, thermal coal and low rank coal monthly.No formal definition of low rank coal exists , however in the past ;MEMR has referred to low rank coal as any coal with  gross calorific value( ADB Basis) of less than 5100 kca/kg. The benchmark price for metallurgical and thermal coal will use a formula that refers to the average coal prices based on local and international market indices.As a system  government will determine Coal Price Reference (Harga Batubara Acuan or HPA) by averaging the calorie value of coal in four coal price indexes, namely :

1.Newcastle Coal Index,
2.Global Coal Index,
3.Platts and
4.Indonesia Coal Index (ICI).


The first two indexes represented international price, while the last two indexes represent local coal prices. Each coal category has a weight of 25 percent.  The coal category will divided based on coal quality, which is set at 6,322 kcal/kg (arb), moisture content at 8 percent (arb), sulfur content of 0.8 percent (arb), and ash content at 15 percent (arb).

After determining the Coal Price Reference (HBA), the benchmark coal price (HPB) is then determined. There will be 8 benchmark prices category, representing the quality of the coal, starting from 4,200 up to 7,000 kcal/kg.

For that price of coal other than 8 classes of HPB, prices are determined by interpolation approaches or determining HPB based on a certain formula.

Sales of minerals and coal
The benchmark price is set on the basis of the price paid for Coal at the point of Sale by way of FOB Vessel. Sales of metals, ore, concentrate or other intermediary products can be made :

1.Free on Board (FOB) mother vessel or
2.FOB barge basis.
3.Sales can also be made to end users domestically or in the form of Cost Insurance Freight (CIF) or
4.Cost and Freight (C&F).


In calculating the sales price for FOB mother vessel sales for royalty payment purposes, holders of Production Operation IUPs for metallic minerals must refer to the benchmark price. For  sales that are not made FOB mother vessel basis (including FOB barge sales), the benchmark price may be adjusted by adding or subtracting an amount based on certain recognised costs approved by the DGMC.

While the principle of deducting certain costs from the benchmark price for the purpose of royalty calculations would appear to be reasonable, Regulation  leaves open the possibility that there may be costs that could adjust the benchmark price by being added to, rather than being subtracted from, the benchmark price. The circumstances under which costs would be added to the benchmark price are not yet regulated.

Adjustments can include costs incurred for barging, survey, trans-shipment, treatment as well as refinery and/or metal payable and/or insurance costs. For coal, sales are contemplated in the form of FOB mother vessel, FOB barge, within an island to an end user or on a CIF or CF basis. In calculating the sales price, holders of Production Operation IUPs for coal to be sold FOB mother vessel must refer to the benchmark price. Again, for non-FOB mother vessel sales (including FOB barge sales), certain costs may be added or subtracted as approved by the DGMC.

Under the new sales price regime for coal, the production royalty for FOB mother vessel sales will effectively also be imposed on barge transportation and trans-shipment costs (as well as survey and insurance costs), which are not able to be subtracted from the selling price.

Accordingly, all royalties for FOB mother vessel sales are now assessed on the full delivered cost FOB mother vessel without adjustment for costs. Regulation  provides that further details on the procedures to determine the amount of “adjustment costs” will be set out by the DGMC in a separate DGMC regulation.

Benchmark Price for calculation of royalties
For royalty calculations, regulation  provides that for minerals and coal sales made FOB mother vessel basis, the Government will take the higher of the contractually-agreed price or the benchmark price.  On the other hand, for non-FOB mother vessel sales such as mineral or coal sales by way of FOB barge, the production royalties will be calculated using:

• (a) the contracted sales price, if the contracted sales price is higher than the benchmark price, after adding or subtracting the adjustment amount (adjusted benchmark price); or
• (b) the adjusted benchmark price, if the sales price is the same as or lower than the adjusted benchmark price.

Post sales Reporting
Coal producers are required to submit post-sales reports on the sales of their mineral and coal commodities every month, together with supporting information including invoices and bills of lading,quality reports and barging Costs as well as export declarations and surveyor reports for exported commodities. This  new reporting obligations will add significant  administrative burdens to mining companies.

Sale of coal for certain purposes
Coal of certain types (including fine coal, reject coal and coal with certain impurities) for domestic use may be sold below the coal benchmark price, upon approval of the Govt (DGMC) which  will issue separate  regulations regarding what types of coal will fall within this exception.

Similarly, coal to be used for certain purposes in the domestic market may be sold below the coal benchmark price, upon approval of the Govt.

The Govt will issue further regulations on the purposes that will be exempted. Regulation  indicates that coal used for individual needs  or for the development of underdeveloped or poorly developed regions will be exempted from the benchmark pricing requirements.

Impact on existing coal and/or mineral sales contracts


All existing supply contracts ( Both Spot and term Contracts) with Indonesian mining firms will have to be brought in line with this new benchmark regulations by 22nd September 2011. Spot sale contracts must be adjusted by no later than six months after the effective date of Regulation No. 17 (that is, by 22 March 2011).

Term sales contracts must be adjusted by no later than 12 months after the effective date of Regulation No. 17 (that is, by 22 September 2011).

Sanctions
Regulation provides that the Government can impose a range of administrative penalties on mineral and coal producers who fail to comply with the provisions of Regulation.

Penalties range from written warnings, temporary suspension of sales, and ultimately, cancellation of the licences’. Due to the severity of such sanctions, mining companies will need to pay particular notice to the requirement of this new regulation.


Indian Impact
For India, the situation will be aggravated by stagnation in domestic production even as demand has increased. With up to 100,000 MW of capacity addition likely in the 12 th plan period starting next year, more coal-based projects may need to scout overseas for fuel.

Three to five years back, domestic coal production was able to keep pace with the demand from power producers. However in 2010, domestic production has remained at a flat level, while there has been a sudden increase in demand from Indian power companies.

With a substantial part of its imported coal requirement already coming from Indonesia, India’s appetite is expected to grow further. India's coal imports from Indonesia are rising every year. In 2010, it overtook Japan to become the second largest importer of Indonesian coal after China. It is expected that  India may become the biggest importer of Indonesian coal in 2012.

The regulation is likely to increase the price of coal mainly for all Indian Power  Projects  using imported coal from Indonesia. The impact on the tariff of such projects may vary, depending upon the quality of imported coal and fuel mix. All existing supply agreements with Indonesian mining firms will have to be brought in line with this new benchmark by 22nd September 2011. The implementation of this new regulation will adversely impact all existing and future Coal based power plants importing Coal from Indonesia.The new regulations will allow the Indonesian government to get the right amount of royalty , and the taxable revenues from the sector will also move up to the correct levels. It will also stop the practice of transfer pricing. The government has put in a strong framework.

Given the long-term demand fundamentals, current high coal price scenario may continue to squeeze margins (of Indian power producers). This may well be the end of the road for cheap Indonesian coal.

Conclusion
Whilst the intention behind the minimum pricing regulation is to stop transfer pricing abuses which according to Govt, have plagued the Indonesian mining industry( particularly the Coal mining Industry) over recent years, the question is whether this intention has been implemented in a way which is inconsistent with genuine , arms -length commercial practices which exist in the market. (updated on 5 Sept 2011)
Analyst By : Sunil K Kumbhat

The views and opinions / conclusion expressed on this analysis is purely the writers’ own



If you believe an article violates your rights or the rights of others, please contact us.

Recent News

Thursday, 17 December 20
CHINA'S BAN IS LESS OF A THREAT TO AUSTRALIA'S COAL INDUSTRY THAN INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE AMBITION - IEEFA
Australian coal exporters will survive this near-term political fight but there are longterm structural headwinds   The decision by Ch ...


Thursday, 17 December 20
BUMA SIGNED US$1.0 BILLION WORTH OF EXTENSION CONTRACT WITH BERAU COAL
PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama, subsidiary of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk., has extended its mining services contracts with PT Berau Coal, in relation ...


Wednesday, 16 December 20
INDONESIA 2020 COAL CONSUMPTION ESTIMATED AT 140-145 MLN TONNES - OFFICIAL, REUTERS REPORTED
Indonesia’s domestic coal consumption is estimated at 140-145 million tonnes this year, Dodik Ariyanto, an official at the energy ministry, t ...


Wednesday, 16 December 20
RUSSIA REVISES DOWN EXPORT EXPECTATION - FITCH
The  Ministry  of  Economy of Russia, the world’s third largest thermal coal exporting country, released its annual forecasts ...


Wednesday, 16 December 20
INDIAN COAL IMPORTS TO REMAIN SUBDUED - FITCH RATINGS
Fitch Rating commented on Indian Coal Imports, Fitch said, coal imports by Indian utilities fell by about 24% yoy to 44 million tonnes  (mt) i ...


   139 140 141 142 143   
Showing 701 to 705 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,706
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

  • Siam City Cement PLC, Thailand
  • NALCO India
  • Indonesian Coal Mining Association
  • Kartika Selabumi Mining - Indonesia
  • Russian Coal LLC
  • Siam City Cement - Thailand
  • GNFC Limited - India
  • Orica Australia Pty. Ltd.
  • Therma Luzon, Inc, Philippines
  • Bhatia International Limited - India
  • Platts
  • SASOL - South Africa
  • Vitol - Bahrain
  • McKinsey & Co - India
  • Medco Energi Mining Internasional
  • Energy Link Ltd, New Zealand
  • Bahari Cakrawala Sebuku - Indonesia
  • Mitsui
  • Manunggal Multi Energi - Indonesia
  • Jaiprakash Power Ventures ltd
  • Humpuss - Indonesia
  • Anglo American - United Kingdom
  • Makarim & Taira - Indonesia
  • Vizag Seaport Private Limited - India
  • Ministry of Transport, Egypt
  • Tanito Harum - Indonesia
  • Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
  • Global Coal Blending Company Limited - Australia
  • Freeport Indonesia
  • Tamil Nadu electricity Board
  • Eastern Coal Council - USA
  • Ernst & Young Pvt. Ltd.
  • Marubeni Corporation - India
  • Dr Ramakrishna Prasad Power Pvt Ltd - India
  • Attock Cement Pakistan Limited
  • Kapuas Tunggal Persada - Indonesia
  • Heidelberg Cement - Germany
  • Filglen & Citicon Mining (HK) Ltd - Hong Kong
  • Petron Corporation, Philippines
  • DBS Bank - Singapore
  • Core Mineral Indonesia
  • Jatenergy - Australia
  • Pinang Coal Indonesia
  • Indorama - Singapore
  • Sucofindo - Indonesia
  • Indian School of Mines
  • Coastal Gujarat Power Limited - India
  • Cement Manufacturers Association - India
  • Gujarat Sidhee Cement - India
  • Ceylon Electricity Board - Sri Lanka
  • Wood Mackenzie - Singapore
  • Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited - India
  • Thai Mozambique Logistica
  • Shenhua Group - China
  • GVK Power & Infra Limited - India
  • Mintek Dendrill Indonesia
  • Meralco Power Generation, Philippines
  • Deutsche Bank - India
  • Moodys - Singapore
  • Xstrata Coal
  • IOL Indonesia
  • Bank of China, Malaysia
  • The University of Queensland
  • Independent Power Producers Association of India
  • Petrochimia International Co. Ltd.- Taiwan
  • Intertek Mineral Services - Indonesia
  • Billiton Holdings Pty Ltd - Australia
  • PTC India Limited - India
  • Bharathi Cement Corporation - India
  • CCIC - Indonesia
  • Kepco SPC Power Corporation, Philippines
  • Videocon Industries ltd - India
  • Bulk Trading Sa - Switzerland
  • SRK Consulting
  • Aditya Birla Group - India
  • Malco - India
  • TeaM Sual Corporation - Philippines
  • Miang Besar Coal Terminal - Indonesia
  • Vale Mozambique
  • Total Coal South Africa
  • Agrawal Coal Company - India
  • Ambuja Cements Ltd - India
  • Gresik Semen - Indonesia
  • The State Trading Corporation of India Ltd
  • CIMB Investment Bank - Malaysia
  • CESC Limited - India
  • Mitra SK Pvt Ltd - India
  • India Bulls Power Limited - India
  • Reliance Power - India
  • Inco-Indonesia
  • Ministry of Finance - Indonesia
  • Star Paper Mills Limited - India
  • PetroVietnam
  • Rio Tinto Coal - Australia
  • Kalimantan Lumbung Energi - Indonesia
  • Aboitiz Power Corporation - Philippines
  • J M Baxi & Co - India
  • Bangkok Bank PCL
  • Formosa Plastics Group - Taiwan
  • Tata Power - India
  • Truba Alam Manunggal Engineering.Tbk - Indonesia
  • London Commodity Brokers - England
  • Indian Energy Exchange, India
  • Mercator Lines Limited - India
  • Directorate General of MIneral and Coal - Indonesia
  • Coal and Oil Company - UAE
  • Antam Resourcindo - Indonesia
  • MEC Coal - Indonesia
  • U S Energy Resources
  • Globalindo Alam Lestari - Indonesia
  • Sojitz Corporation - Japan
  • Vijayanagar Sugar Pvt Ltd - India
  • globalCOAL - UK
  • Samsung - South Korea
  • Carbofer General Trading SA - India
  • Pipit Mutiara Jaya. PT, Indonesia
  • Bank of America
  • World Coal - UK
  • Bukit Makmur.PT - Indonesia
  • Singapore Mercantile Exchange
  • Goldman Sachs - Singapore
  • VISA Power Limited - India
  • Rudhra Energy - India
  • Inspectorate - India
  • Essar Steel Hazira Ltd - India
  • Indika Energy - Indonesia
  • The Treasury - Australian Government
  • Mercuria Energy - Indonesia
  • Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
  • Cardiff University - UK
  • SMG Consultants - Indonesia
  • TGV SRAAC LIMITED, India
  • WorleyParsons
  • Minerals Council of Australia
  • Edison Trading Spa - Italy
  • Asia Cement - Taiwan
  • Iligan Light & Power Inc, Philippines
  • Panama Canal Authority
  • Thomson Reuters GRC
  • Salva Resources Pvt Ltd - India
  • Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd. - India
  • Arch Coal - USA
  • Chamber of Mines of South Africa
  • Samtan Co., Ltd - South Korea
  • Global Green Power PLC Corporation, Philippines
  • Kohat Cement Company Ltd. - Pakistan
  • Kumho Petrochemical, South Korea
  • Australian Coal Association
  • Qatrana Cement - Jordan
  • IHS Mccloskey Coal Group - USA
  • IMC Shipping - Singapore
  • Port Waratah Coal Services - Australia
  • European Bulk Services B.V. - Netherlands
  • Standard Chartered Bank - UAE
  • Infraline Energy - India
  • Ministry of Mines - Canada
  • KEPCO - South Korea
  • Karbindo Abesyapradhi - Indoneisa
  • Coaltrans Conferences
  • Coeclerici Indonesia
  • Thriveni
  • Pendopo Energi Batubara - Indonesia
  • Idemitsu - Japan
  • The India Cements Ltd
  • GB Group - China
  • Sinarmas Energy and Mining - Indonesia
  • Maybank - Singapore
  • ANZ Bank - Australia
  • Central Electricity Authority - India
  • EIA - United States
  • Xindia Steels Limited - India
  • Simpson Spence & Young - Indonesia
  • Thiess Contractors Indonesia
  • Surastha Cement
  • JPower - Japan
  • Indogreen Group - Indonesia
  • OPG Power Generation Pvt Ltd - India
  • Indonesia Power. PT
  • Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd - Australia
  • Mechel - Russia
  • Coal India Limited
  • KPCL - India
  • Petrosea - Indonesia
  • Sakthi Sugars Limited - India
  • Clarksons - UK
  • GAC Shipping (India) Pvt Ltd
  • Maheswari Brothers Coal Limited - India
  • CoalTek, United States
  • Thailand Anthracite
  • IBC Asia (S) Pte Ltd
  • Bhoruka Overseas - Indonesia
  • Energy Development Corp, Philippines
  • Romanian Commodities Exchange
  • Bukit Baiduri Energy - Indonesia
  • Geoservices-GeoAssay Lab
  • Peabody Energy - USA
  • Sindya Power Generating Company Private Ltd
  • PLN Batubara - Indonesia
  • HSBC - Hong Kong
  • Lafarge - France
  • OCBC - Singapore
  • Kaltim Prima Coal - Indonesia
  • Baramulti Group, Indonesia
  • Jindal Steel & Power Ltd - India
  • SMC Global Power, Philippines
  • GMR Energy Limited - India
  • Maruti Cements - India
  • Grasim Industreis Ltd - India
  • Interocean Group of Companies - India
  • BRS Brokers - Singapore
  • Holcim Trading Pte Ltd - Singapore
  • Banpu Public Company Limited - Thailand
  • Ince & co LLP
  • Coal Orbis AG
  • Savvy Resources Ltd - HongKong
  • Merrill Lynch Bank
  • TNPL - India
  • Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
  • TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd - Malaysia
  • GN Power Mariveles Coal Plant, Philippines
  • ICICI Bank Limited - India
  • ASAPP Information Group - India
  • Berau Coal - Indonesia
  • Indian Oil Corporation Limited
  • Madhucon Powers Ltd - India
  • Sarangani Energy Corporation, Philippines
  • IEA Clean Coal Centre - UK
  • EMO - The Netherlands
  • Tata Chemicals Ltd - India
  • Riau Bara Harum - Indonesia
  • Bayan Resources Tbk. - Indonesia
  • Parliament of New Zealand
  • Latin American Coal - Colombia
  • New Zealand Coal & Carbon
  • PowerSource Philippines DevCo
  • Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Japan
  • NTPC Limited - India
  • Malabar Cements Ltd - India
  • Renaissance Capital - South Africa
  • Alfred C Toepfer International GmbH - Germany
  • Kobexindo Tractors - Indoneisa
  • Adaro Indonesia
  • SUEK AG - Indonesia
  • Glencore India Pvt. Ltd
  • Kideco Jaya Agung - Indonesia
  • Ind-Barath Power Infra Limited - India
  • Lanco Infratech Ltd - India
  • Gupta Coal India Ltd
  • Sical Logistics Limited - India
  • Borneo Indobara - Indonesia
  • ACC Limited - India
  • SN Aboitiz Power Inc, Philippines
  • Chettinad Cement Corporation Ltd - India
  • Parry Sugars Refinery, India
  • Coalindo Energy - Indonesia
  • Bhushan Steel Limited - India
  • Fearnleys - India
  • TANGEDCO India
  • PNOC Exploration Corporation - Philippines
  • Adani Power Ltd - India
  • Mitsubishi Corporation
  • Karaikal Port Pvt Ltd - India
  • bp singapore
  • Uttam Galva Steels Limited - India
  • Arutmin Indonesia
  • ING Bank NV - Singapore
  • JPMorgan - India
  • Sree Jayajothi Cements Limited - India
  • PLN - Indonesia
  • Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd
  • LBH Netherlands Bv - Netherlands
  • World Bank
  • Larsen & Toubro Limited - India
  • Asia Pacific Energy Resources Ventures Inc, Philippines
  • Permata Bank - Indonesia
  • Wilmar Investment Holdings
  • Metalloyd Limited - United Kingdom
  • Economic Council, Georgia
  • Meenaskhi Energy Private Limited - India
  • Shree Cement - India
  • Mjunction Services Limited - India
  • KPMG - USA
  • Planning Commission, India
  • Posco Energy - South Korea
  • MS Steel International - UAE
  • Jorong Barutama Greston.PT - Indonesia
  • Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, Philippines
  • TRAFIGURA, South Korea
  • McConnell Dowell - Australia
  • Semirara Mining Corp, Philippines
  • Central Java Power - Indonesia
  • Timah Investasi Mineral - Indoneisa
  • Cosco
  • Global Business Power Corporation, Philippines
  • Power Finance Corporation Ltd., India
  • Oldendorff Carriers - Singapore
  • Merrill Lynch Commodities Europe
  • RBS Sempra - UK
  • Thermax Limited - India
  • UOB Asia (HK) Ltd
  • Credit Suisse - India
  • GHCL Limited - India
  • San Jose City I Power Corp, Philippines
  • Australian Commodity Traders Exchange
  • Asian Development Bank
  • Asmin Koalindo Tuhup - Indonesia
  • Bangladesh Power Developement Board
  • Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk - Indonesia
  • Cigading International Bulk Terminal - Indonesia
  • Runge Indonesia
  • Japan Coal Energy Center
  • Maersk Broker
  • Platou - Singapore
  • Argus Media - Singapore
  • ETA - Dubai
  • Vedanta Resources Plc - India
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers - Russia
  • Dalmia Cement Bharat India
  • Barasentosa Lestari - Indonesia
  • Commonwealth Bank - Australia
  • Indo Tambangraya Megah - Indonesia
  • Deloitte Consulting - India
  • Barclays Capital - USA
  • International Coal Ventures Pvt Ltd - India
  • Kobe Steel Ltd - Japan
  • Enel Italy
  • South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation
  • Trasteel International SA, Italy
  • Eastern Energy - Thailand
  • Electricity Authority, New Zealand
  • Orica Mining Services - Indonesia
  • Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd, - India
  • AsiaOL BioFuels Corp., Philippines
  • PetroVietnam Power Coal Import and Supply Company
  • Britmindo - Indonesia
  • Noble Europe Ltd - UK
  • Dong Bac Coal Mineral Investment Coporation - Vietnam
  • Offshore Bulk Terminal Pte Ltd, Singapore
  • KOWEPO - South Korea
  • White Energy Company Limited
  • Altura Mining Limited, Indonesia
  • Cemex - Philippines
  • UBS Singapore
  • Africa Commodities Group - South Africa
  • SGS (Thailand) Limited
  • Straits Asia Resources Limited - Singapore
  • CNBM International Corporation - China
  • Binh Thuan Hamico - Vietnam
  • Cargill India Pvt Ltd
  • BNP Paribas - Singapore
  • Gujarat Mineral Development Corp Ltd - India
  • Directorate Of Revenue Intelligence - India
  • Cebu Energy, Philippines
  • APGENCO India
  • Georgia Ports Authority, United States