SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(US$ in millions)

Description	Balance at beginning of period		Charged to costs and expenses			Charged to other accounts(b)			Deductions from reserves			Balance at end of period
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
Allowances for doubtful accounts(a)	$	283		71			(23	)		(84)	(c)	$	247
Allowances for secured advances to suppliers	$	75		9			(7	)		(16	)	$	61
Allowances for recoverable taxes	$	70		7			(14	)		(20	)	$	43
Income tax valuation allowances	$	1,048		76			(46)	(d)		—		$	1,078
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
Allowances for doubtful accounts(a)	$	247		64			(47	)		(54)	(c)	$	210
Allowances for secured advances to suppliers	$	61		11			(21	)		(9	)	$	42
Allowances for recoverable taxes	$	43		7			(16	)		(2	)	$	32
Income tax valuation allowances	$	1,078		44			(324)	(d)		—		$	798
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
Allowances for doubtful accounts(a)	$	210		45			15			(58)	(c)	$	212
Allowances for secured advances to suppliers	$	42		1			9			(2	)	$	50
Allowances for recoverable taxes	$	32		162			1			(160	)	$	35
Income tax valuation allowances	$	798		(44	)		85	(d)		—		$	839

(a)	This includes an allowance for doubtful accounts for current and non-current trade accounts receivables.
(b)	This consists primarily of foreign exchange translation adjustments.
(c)	Such amounts include write-offs of uncollectible accounts and recoveries.
(d)	Includes primarily cumulative translation adjustments.