1 

Variance Estimates for Price Changes in the Import and Export 

Price Indexes January–December 2019 

Each month, the International Price Program (IPP) at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects roughly 21,000 

prices for a representative sample of goods traded by approximately 3,500 importers and exporters to and from the 

United States. The prices represent the market basket of imports and exports. The sample of import and export 

transaction prices is drawn from the complete universe of all items traded during a calendar year as measured by 

the Census Bureau. Sampling variability results whenever a sample is used rather than the complete universe. 

Variance Results 

As of 2019, variance publication is expanded to cover the majority of published import and export price indexes for 

merchandise trade sampled items. Variances are not calculated for locality of origin, locality of destination, and 

terms of trade price indexes covering goods, nor for services price indexes. Because services price indexes are 

largely composed of nonsampled alternative source data, variances for these indexes are not calculated. 

The variance results by year measure the absolute median 1-, 3-, and 12-month percent changes for all published 

import and export indexes along with the median standard error for those estimates. In those cases where an index 

temporarily does not meet publication criteria, IPP will still publish variance estimates for the index provided the 

index was published for at least nine months during the year. Tables are broken out by classification system down 

to the 5-digit level of detail for the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) End-Use Classification System, the 5-digit 

level of detail for the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS), and the 4-digit index level of detail 

for the Harmonized Classification System. 

The standard error, the square root of the estimated variance, is a common measure used to derive confidence 

intervals for percent changes in the import and export price indexes. Confidence intervals can be used to determine 

if an index change is significantly different from zero. 

Take for example the median absolute 1-month percent change of 0.2 percent for All Commodities import prices, as 

seen in Table 1. The standard error for imports on a 1-month basis was 0.09. So, deriving a confidence interval plus 

or minus two standard errors from the point estimate, assuming a normal distribution, the true change would most 

likely be 0.2 percent plus or minus 0.18, or between 0.02 percent and 0.38 percent. 

Sources of Error 

There are different types of errors introduced when calculating the estimates of average price changes for imports 

and exports published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are two sources of error: sampling and nonsampling 

error. Sampling error, reported in the tables of this report, is the error resulting from drawing a sample of imported 

and exported items to and from the United States, rather than using the entire universe of trade. 

Nonsampling error can take a number of different forms. One form is misspecification error, which takes place if the 

universe of data from which the sample is being drawn does not correctly measure the actual population. For import 

and export prices indexes, this type of error could result if there are mistakes in the trade dollar value statistics 

measured by the Census Bureau. A second type of nonsampling error is nonresponse error. Each month, a subset of 

the items sampled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have prices reported. This type of error results if the 

respondents and nonrespondents do not represent a similar cross section of the total universe. Another form of 

nonsampling error can be introduced from misreported prices, a possibility regardless of whether deriving the 

indexes from a sample or from the complete universe of data. 

One issue when deriving an estimate from a sample is the potential trade-off between variance and bias. Variance is 

a measure of how much the estimates derived from numerous samples differ from the true value of the estimate. 

Bias results if the expected value of the estimate is either higher or lower than the true value of what is being 

estimated. An estimate could have a high sampling variance and still be unbiased if the expected value of the 
2 

estimate is equal to the true value. Likewise, an estimate may have small variation over numerous samples, yet be 

biased if the expected value of the estimate deviates from the true value. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics strives to minimize both sampling and nonsampling error as much as possible. 

Sampling error is reduced by maintaining as many prices as possible to support an index given resource and 

company burden constraints. Nonsampling error is reduced by subjecting the data to careful review using 

automated checks and a staff of professional economists, as well as by employing methods to estimate missing 

observations. 

Sampling in the International Price Program 

Trade into and out of the United States is highly regulated and therefore highly documented. This allows the IPP to 

sample from a fairly complete and detailed frame. U.S. Customs and Border Protection provides the sampling frame 

for import merchandise, while the export merchandise frame is created from a combination of data collected by the 

Canada Border Services Agency, for exports to Canada, and from the Census Bureau for exports to the rest of the 

world. 

The import and export merchandise universes are divided into two panels each, with each product-based panel 

representing approximately half of the trade dollar value for its respective universe. One import and one export 

panel are sampled each year, resulting in a fully sampled universe every 2 years. Each panel is sampled using a 3-

stage sample design. The first stage independently selects establishments within product-based sampling strata 

using systematic probability proportional to size, where the measure of size is the total trade dollar value for 

establishments within the sampling stratum. The second stage selects more highly detailed product categories, 

known as classification groups, within each establishment–stratum combination selected during the first stage using 

the technique of systematic probability proportional to size with replacement. The final stage of sampling, which 

results in a unique item to price, occurs in the field and is a random selection technique with the probability of 

selection proportionate to field-collected trade estimates. 

Index Calculations 

IPP calculates its indexes using a modified Laspeyres formula. Rather than calculate indexes relative to a base 

period, the IPP indexes are calculated relative to the previous period and are theoretically chained to the reweight 

period. For this reason, IPP’s indexes can be considered chained Laspeyres indexes. Explicitly, the index formula for 

the modified chained Laspeyres is derived from the classic formula as follows: 

LTRt = (∑ pi,tqi,0i

∑ pi,0qi,0i

) (100) = (∑

pi,t

pi,0 i pi,0qi,0

∑ pi,0qi,0i

) (100) = (∑ ri,twi,0i

∑ wi,0i

) (100) = ( ∑ ri,twi,0i

∑i ri,t−1wi,0) (∑i ri,t−1wi,0∑ wi,0i

) (100) =

(

∑ ri,twi,0i

∑i ri,t−1wi,0) (LTRt−1) = (STRt

)(LTRt−1), 

where 

LTRt = the long term relative of a collection of items at time t; 

pi,t = price of item i at time t; 

qi,0 = quantity of item i in base period 0; 

wi,0 = pi,0qi,0, or the total revenue generated by item i in base period 0; 

ri,t = pi,t/pi,0, or the long term relative of item i in period t; and 

STRt =

∑ ri,twi,0i

∑i ri,t−1wi,0

, or the short term relative of a collection of items at time t. 
3 

Depending on the level of aggregation, the weights used during index aggregation are either trade dollar-based or 

probability-based. At the lowest level of aggregation, items are weighted by probability-based weights calculated 

monthly corresponding to detailed categories within establishments. 

These weighted-item price relatives are combined across establishments and aggregated to the lowest level stratum 

indexes as 

Ph,t =

∑ ∑ ∑ wk,twj,twi,t(

pi,t

pi,0 ijk )

∑ ∑ ∑ijk wk,twj,twi,t

, 

where 

Ph,t = the price index for lowest level stratum h, at time t;

wk,t = the weight of detailed product category k, within stratum h; 

wj,t = the weight of establishment j, within detailed product category k; 

wi,t = the weight of item i, within establishment j and detailed product category k; and 

pi,t

pi,0

 = the price relative of item i, from period t, to base period 0. 

The weights used for these lowest level stratum indexes are derived from sampling frame trade dollar values, 

divided by the corresponding probabilities of selection determined by the sample design. 

At the next level of aggregation, child strata-level indexes are aggregated to their corresponding parent stratumlevel indexes. A child stratum index is simply one level of aggregation less than its parent stratum index. The 

weights used for this aggregation are based on Census Bureau trade dollar values for the base period. 

The aggregation formula for these upper index levels is 

PH,t =

∑h wh,tPh,t

∑ wh,th

, 

where 

PH,t = the price index at period t, for upper level index H; 

wh,t = the weight at period t, for child index h; and 

Ph,t = the price index at period t, for child index h. 

Replication and Variance Estimation 

A modified bootstrap method, applying rescaled sampling weights, is used to produce 150 replicate index set 

estimates from 150 simulated item set samples. Item set replicates are constructed according to IPP’s 3-stage 

sample design. At both of the first two stages of sampling, it is possible for a selection to be either a certainty 

selection (i.e. the probability of selection is greater than the iteratively calculated sampling interval) or a probability 

selection. The replicate resampling method takes this into consideration by first partitioning the selected items 

within each sampling stratum m into those items that resulted from certainty establishment selections and those 

items resulting from probability establishment selections. The item set resulting from establishment certainty 

selections is further partitioned into two item sets: sampling classification group certainty selections and sampling 

classification group probability selections. Thus, the set of all sampled items S is the union of these three partitions 

over all sampling strata m; 

S = ⋃ Sm

N

m=1

= ⋃ (⋃Smp

3

p=1 )

N

m=1

where N is the number of sampling strata, p ∈ {1,2,3}, with p = 1 for items selected from probability 

establishments, p = 2 for items selected from probability sampling classification groups within certainty 

establishments, and p = 3 for items selected from certainty sampling classification groups within certainty 

establishments. 
4 

Each bootstrap sampling, b, selects nmp

b

 units within each partition of each sampling stratum as follows: 

nmp

b = {

nmp− 1 nmp> 1

1 nmp= 1}, 

where nmp

b

is the number of units originally sampled in partition p of sampling stratum m. 

Bootstrap item weights are then calculated as 

wmp,j,i

b = {wmp,j,i (

nmp

b + 1

nmp

b

) dmp,j

b

for nmp > 1

wmp,j,i for nmp = 1}

where 

wmp,j,i

b

 = the b

th replicate item weight for item i, within establishment j and sampling stratum partition mp; 

wmp,j,i = the standard item weight for item i, within establishment j and sampling stratum partition mp; and 

dmp,j

b

 = the number of times establishment j, within partition p of sampling stratum m, is selected in bootstrap 

sample b. 

In the rare instances that nmp = 1, a simple random sample of items within that establishment is selected. If only 

one item exists under this establishment singleton, that item is chosen with certainty. 

For each of the 150 bootstrap samples, chained indexes of the desired length are calculated at all levels of 

aggregation using these modified item weights, original probabilities of selection, trade dollar values, and collected 

price data. For variance estimates, the variance is calculated across replicate percent change values for all published 

indexes as νB =

1

150

∑ (θ̂

b − θ̂)

2 150

b=1 where θ̂ is the full sample estimate. 

Table Contents 

Tables 1 through 6 below present the absolute median percent change over the year for a given published index 

within the product and industry classifications used to publish official import and export price indexes, as well as the 

standard error of that estimate. Tables 1 and 2 present the BEA End-Use Classification System product categories, 

Tables 3 and 4 present the NAICS industry categories, and Tables 5 and 6 present the Harmonized Classification 

System product categories. The first column displays a text description of the category. The second column displays 

the code used to query the BLS database (https://data.bls.gov/PDQWeb/ei). The subsequent columns record the 

absolute median percent change and standard error of the 1-month, 3-month, and 12-month price changes.
5 

Table 1. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description End Use

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

All commodities R 0.2 0.09 0.9 0.15 1.3 0.29

Foods, feeds, & beverages R0 0.5 1.00 1.6 1.36 1.6 1.14

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages R00 0.8 1.28 2.0 1.76 2.3 1.42

Green coffee, cocoa beans, sugar R000 1.7 1.15 2.0 1.51 3.3 1.66

Green coffee (Dec. 2007=100) R00000 2.8 1.74 3.6 2.45 6.5 2.09

Other agricultural foods R001 0.8 1.45 2.5 2.03 2.6 1.67

Meat, poultry & other edible animal products R00100 1.6 0.68 3.1 1.21 5.2 1.43

Fruit and fruit preparations including frozen juices R00120 6.9 3.74 8.7 6.06 8.7 5.23

Vegetables and vegetable preparations R00130 4.1 5.28 3.1 6.51 12.9 8.79

Food oils & oilseeds (Dec. 2007=100) R00150 1.1 0.86 2.3 1.66 14.3 2.48

Bakery & confectionery products R00160 0.2 0.25 0.5 0.50 1.7 1.33

Other animal & vegetable preparations & products (Dec. 2015=100) R00180 0.1 0.08 0.2 0.22 0.2 0.52

Wine, beer, & related products R00190 0.3 0.17 0.8 0.64 2.1 1.01

Feedstuff and foodgrains (Dec. 2013=100) R002 1.4 0.85 1.2 1.17 1.5 1.75

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages) R01 0.2 0.26 1.1 0.44 0.8 0.82

Fish & shellfish R01000 0.3 0.36 1.0 0.54 1.6 0.81

Distilled alcoholic beverages R01010 0.1 0.11 0.4 0.50 2.1 1.23

Industrial supplies & materials R1 1.0 0.26 2.5 0.36 5.2 0.58

Fuels & lubricants R10 2.9 0.55 4.6 0.83 7.8 1.00

Petroleum & petroleum products R100 4.1 0.45 4.8 0.73 7.5 0.74

Crude (1) R10000 4.3 0.00 6.5 0.00 9.4 0.00

Fuel oil R10010 2.6 1.63 3.8 3.16 3.3 3.61

Other petroleum products R10020 4.7 1.97 5.2 3.63 4.7 4.29

Fuels, n.e.s.-coals & gas R101 14.3 5.86 22.1 5.44 13.7 6.40

Gas-natural R10110 18.2 7.50 26.7 7.63 13.7 8.74

Paper & paper base stocks R11 0.6 0.63 3.3 1.08 6.8 2.23

Newsprint & other paper products R111 0.4 0.33 1.0 1.18 2.9 2.35

Coated and uncoated paper/paperboard R11110 0.4 0.38 0.9 1.33 3.4 2.10

Materials associated with nondurable supplies & materials R12 0.3 0.32 1.6 0.49 3.5 0.91

Agricultural products used for industrial supplies and materials R120 0.5 0.46 1.1 0.66 3.6 1.54

Other agricultural products (tobacco, waxes, nonfood oils) R12070 0.7 0.54 1.3 0.79 5.1 1.86
6 

Table 1. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description End Use

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Textile supplies & related materials R121 1.1 0.66 0.7 0.80 2.8 1.38

Synthetic cloth, fabric, and thread R12135 2.4 1.60 1.3 1.91 6.1 3.53

Finished textile industrial supplies (Dec. 2011=100) R12150 0.3 0.19 0.6 0.47 0.6 0.75

Chemicals, excluding medicinals R125 0.6 0.37 1.7 0.63 3.9 1.10

Plastic materials R12500 0.9 0.61 1.6 1.38 5.5 3.62

Fertilizers, pesticides & insecticides (Dec. 2007=100) R12510 2.0 1.00 3.4 1.87 7.0 3.62

Industrial inorganic chemicals (Dec. 2016=100) R12530 1.1 0.52 2.8 1.71 5.9 3.87

Industrial organic chemicals (Dec. 2012=100) R12540 0.6 0.51 1.3 0.94 5.7 2.50

Other chemicals (coloring agents) R12550 0.1 0.15 0.5 0.69 0.5 2.24

Selected building materials R13 0.7 0.37 0.6 0.58 7.3 1.10

Lumber and other unfinished building materials R130 1.5 0.68 1.5 0.94 10.2 0.98

Lumber & wood in the rough R13000 3.7 1.44 4.0 1.87 15.7 1.81

Building materials, finished R131 0.6 0.21 1.0 0.40 2.7 2.13

Nontextile floor & wall coverings; mach. parts of china (Dec. 2007=100) R13120 0.0 0.02 0.2 0.10 2.6 3.06

Unfinished metals related to durable goods R14 1.1 0.18 1.2 0.28 1.8 0.50

Steelmaking & ferroalloying matls R140 2.2 0.61 3.2 0.66 8.1 1.12

Iron & steel mill products R141 1.8 0.43 3.4 0.77 6.5 1.19

Major nonferrous metals-crude R142 1.2 0.08 3.2 0.18 5.2 0.38

Bauxite, alumina, aluminum, and products thereof (2) R14200 1.6 0.14 2.9 0.24 10.7 1.02

Copper (Dec. 2017=100) (2) R14220 3.0 0.03 4.8 0.04 6.9 0.07

Nickel (Dec. 2007=100) (2) R14240 5.0 0.00 15.6 0.00 16.5 0.06

Tin (Dec. 2010=100) (1) R14250 2.7 0.00 10.3 0.00 7.8 0.00

Zinc (Dec. 2008=100) (1) R14260 7.1 0.00 6.7 0.00 12.1 0.00

Nonmonetary gold (2) R14270 2.4 0.03 5.3 0.06 7.5 0.07

Other precious metals (2) R14280 2.5 0.35 7.9 0.80 15.4 2.66

Finished metals related to durable goods R15 0.4 0.24 0.6 0.42 1.8 0.77

Iron & steel products, except advanced manufacturing R150 0.5 0.53 2.2 1.07 7.4 2.05

Iron & steel advanced manufacturing R151 0.4 0.14 1.0 0.49 4.0 1.60

Finished metals shapes and advanced manufacturing R152 0.6 0.42 0.7 0.68 1.3 1.29

Nonmetals related to durable goods R16 0.1 0.24 0.3 0.40 0.8 0.84

Finished nonmetals (boxes, belting, glass, etc.) R161 0.1 0.24 0.4 0.41 0.9 0.83
7 

Table 1. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description End Use

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Other finished nonmetals (boxes, belting, glass, etc.) R16120 0.1 0.24 0.4 0.42 1.0 0.85

Capital goods R2 0.2 0.08 0.5 0.16 1.3 0.22

Electric generating equipment R20 0.1 0.20 0.5 0.49 1.2 0.71

Generators, transformers & access R20000 0.2 0.51 1.1 0.80 3.4 1.83

Electric apparatus & parts, n.e.s. R20005 0.1 0.08 0.2 0.39 0.4 0.56

Nonelectrical machinery R21 0.2 0.10 0.7 0.18 1.9 0.30

Oil drilling, mining, and construction machinery and equipment R210 0.7 0.45 2.4 1.00 2.3 1.54

Excavating, paving & construction machinery R21030 0.1 0.20 0.8 0.54 0.7 1.62

Industrial and service machinery R211 0.1 0.05 0.2 0.16 0.3 0.34

Industrial engines, pumps, & compressors R21100 0.1 0.14 0.4 0.41 1.0 0.82

Metal working machine tools and rolling mills R21120 0.0 0.09 0.2 0.20 0.3 0.40

Measuring, testing & control instruments R21160 0.0 0.08 0.1 0.16 0.2 0.75

Materials handling equipment R21170 0.1 0.06 0.7 0.30 1.9 0.56

Other industrial machines R21180 0.1 0.07 0.2 0.18 1.3 0.49

Photo & other service industry machinery R21190 0.2 0.14 0.8 0.90 1.7 1.40

Computers, peripherals and semiconductors R213 0.6 0.21 1.8 0.35 5.3 0.57

Computers R21300 0.6 0.47 1.5 0.80 5.1 1.25

Computer accessories, peripherals, and parts R21301 0.6 0.24 2.3 0.46 5.9 0.93

Semiconductors R21320 0.4 0.23 1.9 0.60 4.7 1.10

Telecommunications equipment R214 0.1 0.09 0.1 0.14 0.4 0.32

Business machinery and equipment, except computers R215 0.0 0.13 0.2 0.44 0.6 2.29

Scientific and medical machinery R216 0.1 0.17 0.1 0.42 0.4 0.75

Laboratory testing and control instruments (Dec. 2016=100) R21600 0.1 0.13 0.4 0.43 2.2 0.96

Other scientific, medical, and hospital equipment R21610 0.1 0.19 0.1 0.35 0.4 0.80

Transportation equipment excluding motor vehicles (Dec. 2001=100) R22 0.1 0.12 0.7 0.33 0.9 0.55

Civilian aircraft, complete (Dec. 2018=100) R22000 0.0 0.02 0.6 0.07 3.1 0.84

Parts for civilian aircraft (Dec. 2012=100) R22010 0.0 0.09 0.2 0.16 0.2 0.61

Engines for civilian aircraft R22020 0.3 0.26 2.1 0.61 4.1 1.36

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines R3 0.1 0.05 0.2 0.13 0.6 0.41

Passenger cars, new and used R300 0.0 0.04 0.3 0.20 1.0 0.49

Vehicles designed to transport goods (Dec. 2013=100) R301 0.1 0.06 0.9 0.27 0.4 1.93
8 

Table 1. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description End Use

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Parts, engines, bodies and chassis R302 0.1 0.08 0.2 0.17 0.5 0.40

Engines and engine parts for automotive vehicles (Dec. 2004=100) R30200 0.3 0.24 0.4 0.66 0.6 2.10

Automotive tires & tubes (Dec. 2004=100) R30220 0.1 0.09 0.9 0.36 1.4 0.58

Non-engine parts & accessories (Dec. 2003=100) R30230 0.1 0.09 0.1 0.16 0.3 0.55

Consumer goods, excluding automotives R4 0.1 0.07 0.2 0.14 0.5 0.37

Nondurables, manufactured R40 0.1 0.09 0.1 0.27 0.4 0.60

Apparel, footwear, and household goods R400 0.1 0.08 0.1 0.19 0.3 0.32

Cotton apparel and household goods R40000 0.1 0.11 0.3 0.23 0.5 0.45

Apparel and household goods for other textiles R40020 0.1 0.13 0.1 0.34 0.5 0.69

Nontextile apparel and household goods R40030 0.5 0.30 0.8 0.49 1.4 0.93

Footwear of leather, rubber, or other materials R40040 0.1 0.17 0.5 0.38 0.3 0.58

Sporting/camping apparel and footwear R40050 0.2 0.17 0.6 0.49 1.2 0.99

Other consumer nondurables R401 0.1 0.13 0.4 0.58 0.8 1.28

Medicinal, dental and pharmaceutical preparatory materials R40100 0.2 0.14 0.5 0.76 1.0 1.42

Toiletries and cosmetics (Dec. 2017=100) R40120 0.3 0.12 0.8 0.35 2.8 0.73

Other products (notions, writing supplies, tobacco products, etc) R40140 0.2 0.17 0.4 0.37 0.5 4.13

Durables, manufactured R41 0.1 0.09 0.4 0.16 1.5 0.31

Household goods R410 0.2 0.07 0.5 0.21 2.0 0.46

Furniture, household items R41000 0.2 0.14 0.6 0.20 1.0 0.45

Glassware and ceramics (Dec. 2007=100) R41010 0.1 0.12 0.2 0.39 0.7 1.39

Cookware, chinaware, cutlery for the house and garden R41020 0.2 0.18 0.4 0.37 0.3 0.63

Household and kitchen appliances R41030 0.4 0.17 0.6 0.42 0.9 0.85

Other Household Goods, nes R41050 0.1 0.06 0.6 0.28 3.5 0.71

Recreational equipment and materials R411 0.1 0.10 0.4 0.23 0.7 0.33

Motorcycles & parts (Dec. 2001=100) R41100 0.2 0.23 1.2 1.02 0.9 1.42

Toys, shooting & sporting goods R41120 0.2 0.12 0.4 0.27 0.9 0.48

Photo & optical equipment (Dec. 2011=100) R41130 0.0 0.00 0.1 0.12 0.5 0.58

Musical instruments and parts (Dec. 2010=100) R41140 0.1 0.11 0.4 0.66 0.5 0.63

Home entertainment equipment R412 0.2 0.15 0.7 0.32 3.4 1.24

Television and video receivers R41200 0.3 0.20 1.0 0.41 4.8 1.12

Radios, phonographs, and tape decks (Dec. 2012=100) R41210 0.0 0.03 0.2 0.13 3.5 3.94
9 

Table 1. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description End Use

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Coins, gems, jewelry, and collectibles R413 0.4 0.33 1.3 0.70 3.9 0.78

Jewelry (watches, rings, etc) R41310 0.5 0.41 1.2 0.83 4.8 0.96

Nonmanufactured consumer goods R42 0.1 0.13 0.3 0.29 1.1 1.31

Nonmanufactured consumer durables R421 0.0 0.00 0.4 0.06 0.4 0.26

Gem diamonds-uncut or unset (Dec. 2007=100) (1) R42100 0.0 0.00 0.5 0.00 0.7 0.00

Footnotes

(1) Index calculated using strictly alternative price data from one or more secondary sources. Indexes calculated using this method will have standard error values of zero.

(2) Index calculated using a mix of directly collected price data and alternative price data from one or more secondary sources. Indexes calculated using this method will have low standard 

error values.
10

Table 2. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description End Use

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

All commodities Q 0.3 0.08 0.8 0.12 0.9 0.26

Agricultural commodities QAG 1.5 0.28 1.7 0.43 2.0 0.56

Nonagricultural commodities QEXAG 0.3 0.08 0.8 0.13 1.2 0.25

Foods, feeds, & beverages Q0 1.6 0.28 1.9 0.44 1.8 0.63

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages Q00 1.7 0.28 2.1 0.47 1.9 0.65

Wheat and rice Q000 3.0 0.04 3.6 0.09 6.1 0.17

Wheat (1) Q00000 4.1 0.00 3.9 0.00 6.0 0.00

Soybeans & other oil seeds Q001 2.2 0.13 2.8 0.15 6.9 0.77

Soybeans and soybean by-products, prior to the extraction of oil (2) Q00100 2.6 0.11 3.0 0.11 7.5 0.14

Feedstuff Q002 1.9 0.45 4.1 0.81 2.8 1.00

Corn (2) Q00200 2.2 0.12 5.9 0.24 4.3 0.29

Other feedgrains (Dec. 2010=100) (1) Q00210 2.0 0.00 4.6 0.00 7.6 0.00

Other animal feeds, n.e.s. Q00220 1.6 1.00 1.4 1.86 1.1 2.35

Other agricultural foods Q003 1.1 0.46 1.6 0.81 3.7 1.06

Meat, poultry & other edible animal products (Dec. 2006=100) Q00300 0.7 0.64 2.1 1.04 2.7 1.19

Dairy products & eggs (Dec. 2017=100) Q00310 1.1 0.82 2.4 1.23 12.6 2.01

Fruit and fruit preparations, including fruit juices Q00320 3.0 1.43 1.9 3.11 3.1 3.28

Vegetables and vegetable preparations and juices (Dec. 2018=100) Q00330 7.3 3.62 10.0 5.74 16.9 7.42

Nuts & preparations (Dec. 2014=100) Q00340 1.2 0.79 3.0 1.18 7.3 1.43

Bakery & confectionery products (Dec. 2016=100) Q00350 0.6 0.25 0.8 1.04 0.7 0.88

Other foods and food preparations (lard,soft bev, spices), n.e.s. Q00360 0.4 0.34 0.8 0.70 3.7 1.98

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages) Q01 1.0 1.13 2.1 2.12 0.9 2.04

Fish and shellfish (Dec. 2016=100) Q01000 1.4 1.51 3.0 2.81 0.9 2.68

Industrial supplies & materials Q1 0.6 0.22 2.3 0.35 4.3 0.66

Agricultural industrial supplies & materials Q10 1.1 0.49 2.2 0.79 5.9 1.43

Cotton, incl linters-raw (Dec. 2005=100) Q100 2.6 1.23 6.5 0.88 14.5 1.34

Other agricultural materials Q101 0.4 0.60 1.1 0.90 2.0 1.84

Fuels & lubricants Q11 1.4 0.56 6.1 0.76 10.4 1.15

Other coal & related fuels (Dec. 2012=100) Q11020 1.7 1.40 2.6 1.61 2.7 2.70

Petroleum & petroleum products Q111 2.1 0.55 7.4 0.80 11.3 1.55

Fuel oil Q11110 2.5 0.71 8.0 0.95 9.4 1.14
11

Table 2. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description End Use

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Other petroleum products Q11120 3.2 0.76 7.4 1.39 7.6 1.62

Gas-natural (Dec. 2014=100) Q112 5.1 4.59 7.7 5.23 9.0 8.73

Nonagricultural supplies & materials excluding fuels & building materials Q12 0.2 0.14 0.7 0.25 1.7 0.98

Nonferrous & other metals Q122 0.9 0.41 2.4 0.54 7.8 0.92

Aluminum & alumina (2) Q12200 1.5 0.19 4.1 1.11 13.9 2.83

Copper (Dec. 2008=100) (2) Q12210 1.6 0.61 3.9 0.96 8.4 1.19

Nonmonetary gold (2) Q12260 2.4 0.04 5.5 0.05 7.4 0.10

Other precious metals (Dec. 2001=100) (2) Q12270 3.6 1.79 8.7 2.30 14.8 4.20

Other nonferrous metals Q12290 0.7 0.88 1.4 1.27 14.1 3.56

Finished metal shapes Q123 0.2 0.33 0.8 1.30 2.8 1.67

Paper & paper base stocks Q124 1.2 0.44 4.4 1.06 10.9 2.50

Woodpulp and recovered paper Q12420 2.7 1.02 9.0 2.01 21.6 3.52

Linerboard, newsprint, and other paper/paperboard Q12430 0.4 0.56 1.5 1.26 3.7 3.57

Chemicals, excluding medicinals Q125 0.4 0.24 1.4 0.45 2.4 1.97

Plastic materials Q12500 0.4 0.60 1.4 1.04 2.5 2.66

Fertilizers, pesticides, & insecticides (Dec. 2012=100) Q12510 0.8 0.57 2.2 1.25 3.6 2.05

Industrial inorganic chemicals Q12530 0.6 0.32 1.4 0.90 4.0 2.31

Industrial organic chemicals Q12540 0.8 0.55 2.6 1.37 8.7 4.02

Other chemicals, excluding medicinals Q12550 0.2 0.29 0.6 0.52 1.7 1.52

Industrial textile fibers, yarn, and fabric (Dec. 2008=100) Q126 0.3 0.32 1.0 0.50 2.7 0.78

Other nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials Q127 0.1 0.13 0.2 0.28 1.0 0.52

Synthetic rubber-primary (Dec. 2008=100) Q12700 0.6 0.57 2.6 1.59 8.7 3.00

Industrial rubber products (Dec. 2013=100) Q12750 0.0 0.02 0.7 0.53 3.4 1.34

Mineral supplies-manufactured Q12760 0.1 0.23 1.0 0.63 7.4 1.14

Other goods manufactured and unmanufactured Q12770 0.2 0.14 0.2 0.23 1.0 0.53

Selected building materials Q13 0.8 0.34 1.1 0.82 2.9 1.83

Lumber & other wood supplies Q131 1.1 0.58 3.3 0.93 10.8 1.94

Logs, lumber, plywood and veneers Q13100 1.3 0.59 3.8 1.06 11.1 2.43

Other building materials, exclude wood and glass (Dec. 2016=100) Q13210 0.2 0.19 1.9 1.26 6.8 3.70

Capital goods Q2 0.1 0.08 0.2 0.17 0.8 0.28

Electrical generating equipment Q20 0.1 0.09 0.4 0.16 0.8 0.42
12

Table 2. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description End Use

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Generators, transformers & access (Dec. 2012=100) Q20000 0.2 0.12 0.8 0.44 3.5 1.15

Electric apparatus and parts, n.e.s. Q20005 0.1 0.08 0.3 0.17 0.2 0.38

Nonelectrical machinery Q21 0.1 0.11 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35

Oil drilling, mining, and construction machinery, and equipment Q210 0.2 0.14 0.6 0.35 1.8 0.55

Excavating, paving & construction machinery Q21030 0.2 0.15 0.4 0.35 1.6 0.59

Industrial and service machinery Q211 0.1 0.09 0.3 0.24 1.9 0.63

Industrial engines, pumps, & compressors Q21100 0.2 0.18 1.1 0.35 2.9 0.72

Metal working machine tools and rolling mill machines Q21120 0.0 0.07 0.2 0.13 2.3 0.42

Measuring, testing & control instruments Q21160 0.1 0.15 0.7 0.27 2.8 0.76

Materials handling equipment Q21170 0.0 0.04 0.2 0.19 2.0 0.42

Other industrial machinery Q21180 0.1 0.16 0.1 0.48 1.2 1.53

Photo and other service industry machines Q21190 0.1 0.09 0.6 0.48 2.4 0.71

Agricultural machinery and equipment (Dec. 2016=100) Q212 0.1 0.05 0.2 0.15 0.9 0.35

Computers, peripherals, and semiconductors Q213 0.3 0.20 1.1 0.65 3.7 0.95

Computers Q21300 0.4 0.56 1.3 1.12 5.4 1.42

Computer peripherals, accessories and parts Q21301 0.5 0.31 2.0 1.14 6.3 2.21

Semiconductors Q21320 0.1 0.13 0.4 0.58 1.3 0.98

Telecommunications equipment Q214 0.1 0.11 0.2 0.24 0.4 0.39

Scientific and medical machinery Q216 0.2 0.13 0.2 0.23 0.4 0.41

Laboratory testing & control instruments Q21600 0.2 0.22 0.7 0.35 1.6 0.36

Other scientific, medical and hospital equipment Q21610 0.1 0.15 0.4 0.29 0.6 0.56

Transportation equipment excluding motor vehicles (Dec. 2001=100) Q22 0.1 0.05 0.7 0.10 3.5 0.26

Parts for civilian aircraft Q22010 0.1 0.07 0.5 0.30 3.0 0.97

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines Q3 0.1 0.07 0.4 0.14 0.4 0.35

Passenger cars, new and used Q300 0.2 0.12 0.2 0.27 0.5 0.88

Vehicles designed to transport goods Q301 0.1 0.05 0.3 0.13 1.5 0.27

Parts, engines, bodies & chassis Q302 0.2 0.09 0.6 0.16 0.5 0.38

Engines and engine parts for automotive vehicles Q30200 0.1 0.11 0.7 0.48 3.2 0.64

Nonengine parts & accessories Q30230 0.1 0.07 0.4 0.17 0.1 0.45

Consumer goods, excluding automotives Q4 0.2 0.15 0.3 0.27 0.4 0.85

Nondurables, manufactured Q40 0.2 0.11 0.6 0.45 1.3 1.72
13

Table 2. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description End Use

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Apparel, footwear, and household goods (Dec. 2016=100) Q400 0.3 0.15 0.6 0.32 1.4 1.70

Textile apparel and footwear (Dec. 2016=100) Q40000 0.4 0.25 0.9 0.49 3.1 2.62

Other consumer nondurables Q401 0.1 0.10 0.6 0.50 1.6 1.85

Medicinal, dental, and pharmaceutical preparatory materials Q40100 0.2 0.07 0.9 0.76 2.0 2.44

Toiletries & cosmetics Q40120 0.2 0.22 0.6 0.50 0.7 1.96

Other products (notions & writing articles) Q40140 0.2 0.25 0.5 0.60 2.1 2.00

Durables, manufactured Q41 0.2 0.29 0.4 0.45 0.2 0.51

Household goods Q410 0.1 0.07 0.6 0.35 1.6 0.81

Furniture and household items (Dec. 2007=100) Q41000 0.1 0.07 0.2 0.22 1.0 0.46

Household and kitchen appliances Q41030 0.1 0.10 0.3 0.16 2.6 0.43

Miscellaneous household goods Q41050 0.1 0.10 0.9 0.54 3.6 1.08

Recreational equip & materials Q411 0.2 0.20 0.3 0.34 0.8 0.44

Pleasure boats and parts including motors (Dec. 2007=100) Q41110 0.0 0.04 0.4 0.22 1.0 0.36

Toys, shooting and sporting goods Q41120 0.2 0.29 0.5 0.47 0.9 0.61

Home entertainment equipment (Dec. 2009=100) Q412 0.4 0.30 0.2 0.23 0.2 0.51

Nonmanufactured consumer goods (Dec. 2018=100) Q42 0.1 0.05 0.4 0.06 0.5 0.09

Footnotes

(1) Index calculated using strictly alternative price data from one or more secondary sources. Indexes calculated using this method will have standard error values of zero.

(2) Index calculated using a mix of directly collected price data and alternative price data from one or more secondary sources. Indexes calculated using this method will have low standard 

error values.
14

Table 3. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for industries: January 2019–December 2019

Description NAICS

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Nonmanufacturing ZNONMANU 3.0 0.54 6.0 0.64 6.3 1.03

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting Z11 1.9 2.51 3.7 3.00 4.7 2.57

Crop production Z111 2.3 3.05 5.1 3.59 5.4 3.40

Vegetable and melon farming (Dec. 2017=100) Z1112 4.6 6.19 3.3 7.25 16.0 10.13

Fruit and tree nut farming Z1113 3.6 2.76 7.0 4.37 6.7 3.98

Mining Z21 3.2 0.22 6.1 0.33 7.8 1.05

Oil and gas extraction Z211 3.3 0.21 6.3 0.34 8.3 1.08

Manufacturing ZMANU 0.1 0.07 0.3 0.12 1.1 0.23

Manufacturing, part 1 Z31 0.1 0.09 0.1 0.16 0.1 0.30

Food manufacturing Z311 0.3 0.26 0.7 0.37 1.1 0.72

Grain and oilseed milling Z3112 0.8 0.70 1.3 0.87 8.5 1.84

Starch and vegetable fats and oils manufacturing Z31122 1.1 0.75 1.8 1.30 11.7 1.96

Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food manufacturing Z3114 0.7 0.83 1.5 1.58 6.9 3.15

Fruit and vegetable canning, pickling, and drying (Dec. 2017=100) Z31142 0.4 0.87 1.8 1.58 8.0 4.72

Animal slaughtering and processing Z3116 0.9 0.71 3.1 1.04 5.4 1.49

Seafood product preparation and packaging Z3117 0.4 0.29 1.1 0.45 1.1 0.85

Other food manufacturing Z3119 0.5 0.46 0.8 0.73 1.4 0.96

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing Z312 0.2 0.15 0.6 0.51 1.8 0.83

Beverage manufacturing (Dec. 2009=100) Z3121 0.2 0.16 0.6 0.51 1.9 0.89

Breweries (Dec. 2006=100) Z31212 0.2 0.10 1.5 1.36 4.0 2.04

Wineries Z31213 0.2 0.16 0.5 0.52 0.4 0.60

Distilleries Z31214 0.1 0.15 0.5 0.62 2.4 1.51

Textile mills (Dec. 2011=100) Z313 0.3 0.36 0.6 0.57 0.4 0.63

Fabric mills Z3132 0.3 0.42 0.5 0.74 0.9 0.74

Textile product mills Z314 0.2 0.13 0.4 0.31 1.0 1.00

Textile furnishings mills Z3141 0.3 0.14 0.6 0.41 0.8 0.88

Curtain and linen mills Z31412 0.3 0.13 0.5 0.29 1.1 0.67

Other textile product mills (Dec. 2006=100) Z3149 0.1 0.09 0.3 0.30 1.9 1.72

All other textile product mills (Dec. 2012=100) Z31499 0.1 0.11 0.5 0.35 2.4 2.42

Apparel manufacturing Z315 0.1 0.10 0.1 0.19 0.6 0.41

Cut and sew apparel manufacturing (Dec. 2009=100) Z3152 0.0 0.11 0.2 0.20 0.8 0.42
15

Table 3. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for industries: January 2019–December 2019

Description NAICS

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Men and boys cut and sew apparel manufacturing Z31522 0.1 0.12 0.2 0.40 0.6 0.62

Women and girls cut and sew apparel manufacturing (Dec. 2013=100) Z31524 0.1 0.12 0.3 0.25 1.0 0.56

Apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing Z3159 0.3 0.28 0.8 0.43 2.5 1.45

Leather and allied product manufacturing Z316 0.2 0.11 0.3 0.27 0.2 0.49

Footwear manufacturing Z3162 0.2 0.13 0.5 0.38 0.3 0.63

Other leather and allied product manufacturing (Dec. 2015=100) Z3169 0.1 0.07 0.2 0.18 0.3 0.46

Manufacturing, part 2 Z32 0.4 0.30 0.7 0.46 1.6 0.83

Sawmills and wood preservation Z3211 3.7 1.44 4.1 1.87 15.7 1.81

Veneer, plywood, and engineered wood product manufacturing Z3212 1.7 0.56 3.9 1.32 16.4 2.72

Paper manufacturing Z322 0.4 0.33 2.1 0.61 5.8 1.97

Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills Z3221 0.8 0.64 3.9 1.46 9.6 2.45

Converted paper product manufacturing Z3222 0.1 0.11 0.3 0.52 1.7 1.75

Paper bag and coated and treated paper manufacturing (Dec. 2006=100) Z32222 0.2 0.19 0.3 0.78 3.2 2.93

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing Z324 2.1 1.63 3.5 2.64 3.6 2.92

Chemical manufacturing Z325 0.3 0.18 0.5 0.43 1.5 0.89

Basic chemical manufacturing Z3251 0.7 0.39 1.6 0.87 4.3 1.94

Other basic inorganic chemical manufacturing (Dec. 2008=100) Z32518 2.2 1.17 1.0 1.85 8.1 5.83

Other basic organic chemical manufacturing Z32519 0.5 0.39 0.8 0.76 4.3 1.83

Resin, synthetic rubber, and artificial synthetic fibers and filaments Z3252 0.5 0.84 1.8 1.22 5.2 2.62

Resin and synthetic rubber manufacturing Z32521 0.7 0.57 1.3 1.30 4.3 3.16

Pesticide, fertilizer, other agricult. chemical manufacturing (Dec. 2007=100) Z3253 1.5 0.89 3.6 1.67 6.9 3.01

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing Z3254 0.2 0.14 0.6 0.70 1.0 1.31

Soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation manufacturing Z3256 0.3 0.12 1.0 0.48 2.8 1.12

Toilet preparation manufacturing (Dec. 2016=100) Z32562 0.2 0.11 0.5 0.33 2.2 0.69

Other chemical product and preparation manufacturing (Dec. 2006=100) Z3259 0.4 0.37 1.7 0.68 5.0 1.68

All other chemical product and prep. manufacturing (Dec. 2016=100) Z32599 0.6 0.22 3.1 0.77 10.4 2.17

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing Z326 0.1 0.15 0.4 0.33 0.5 0.52

Plastics product manufacturing Z3261 0.2 0.25 0.2 0.47 0.4 0.81

Other plastics product manufacturing Z32619 0.2 0.21 0.4 0.27 1.4 0.66

Rubber product manufacturing Z3262 0.1 0.13 0.5 0.31 0.9 0.43

Tire manufacturing Z32621 0.1 0.13 0.8 0.30 0.9 0.49
16

Table 3. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for industries: January 2019–December 2019

Description NAICS

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing Z327 0.2 0.08 0.2 0.20 0.5 0.43

Clay product and refractory manufacturing Z3271 0.0 0.06 0.4 0.32 1.1 0.71

Manufacturing, part 3 Z33 0.1 0.06 0.3 0.13 1.2 0.21

Primary metal manufacturing Z331 0.9 0.18 1.1 0.31 0.6 0.56

Iron and steel mills and ferroalloy manufacturing Z3311 1.4 0.36 2.8 0.72 6.3 1.18

Alumina and aluminum production and processing Z3313 1.3 0.30 2.3 0.32 8.7 1.11

Nonferrous metal (except aluminum) production and processing Z3314 1.6 0.19 5.0 0.35 5.2 0.79

Nonferrous metal (except aluminum) smelting and refining Z33141 1.6 0.05 5.8 0.09 6.2 0.16

Fabricated metal product manufacturing Z332 0.2 0.15 0.2 0.24 0.9 0.42

Cutlery and handtool manufacturing Z3322 0.2 0.15 0.2 0.23 1.1 0.48

Hardware manufacturing Z3325 0.1 0.12 0.9 0.54 0.8 0.78

Machine shops; and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing (Dec. 2012=100) Z3327 0.6 0.22 0.9 0.55 7.6 2.88

Other fabricated metal product manufacturing Z3329 0.1 0.17 0.2 0.34 0.6 0.65

Metal valve manufacturing Z33291 0.1 0.10 0.1 0.32 0.7 0.94

All other fabricated metal product manufacturing Z33299 0.2 0.22 0.4 0.45 0.9 0.93

Machinery manufacturing Z333 0.1 0.04 0.3 0.20 0.3 0.48

Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing Z3331 0.1 0.10 0.4 0.45 0.2 1.08

Agricultural implement manufacturing (Dec. 2016=100) Z33311 0.1 0.08 0.4 0.69 1.6 1.93

Construction machinery manufacturing Z33312 0.1 0.14 0.7 0.46 0.8 0.97

Industrial machinery manufacturing Z3332 0.2 0.13 0.5 0.31 1.8 0.88

Industrial machinery manufacturing (Dec. 2013=100) Z33324 0.2 0.13 0.5 0.31 1.8 0.88

Commercial and service industry machinery manufacturing Z3333 0.1 0.09 0.2 0.40 1.0 3.47

Ventilation, heating, air-conditioning, and commercial refrigeration equipment Z3334 0.1 0.11 0.4 0.18 0.5 0.50

Metalworking machinery manufacturing Z3335 0.0 0.06 0.2 0.24 0.7 0.67

Engine, turbine, and power transmission equipment manufacturing Z3336 0.2 0.08 0.4 0.17 0.5 0.34

Other general purpose machinery manufacturing Z3339 0.1 0.12 0.3 0.44 0.5 0.69

Pump and compressor manufacturing (Dec. 2013=100) Z33391 0.3 0.26 0.4 0.39 0.2 0.62

Material handling equipment manufacturing Z33392 0.2 0.06 0.4 0.18 1.2 0.83

All other general purpose machinery manufacturing Z33399 0.1 0.12 0.4 0.68 0.4 1.11

Computer and electronic product manufacturing Z334 0.2 0.09 0.9 0.18 3.4 0.33

Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing Z3341 0.4 0.30 1.1 0.54 4.2 0.82
17

Table 3. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for industries: January 2019–December 2019

Description NAICS

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Communications equipment manufacturing Z3342 0.1 0.03 0.5 0.18 2.6 0.51

Audio and video equipment manufacturing Z3343 0.1 0.13 0.4 0.35 2.9 1.23

Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing Z3344 0.6 0.24 1.5 0.41 3.2 0.94

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments Z3345 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.18 0.5 0.41

Manufacturing and reproducing magnetic and optical media Z3346 1.5 0.65 6.1 1.76 24.3 3.38

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing Z335 0.1 0.19 0.3 0.37 1.1 1.65

Electric lighting equipment manufacturing Z3351 0.3 0.20 0.4 0.37 0.6 0.74

Lighting fixture manufacturing Z33512 0.3 0.20 0.4 0.35 0.4 0.75

Household appliance manufacturing Z3352 0.3 0.19 0.6 0.39 0.9 0.86

Small electrical appliance manufacturing Z33521 0.0 0.04 0.2 0.11 0.2 0.53

Major household appliance manufacturing Z33522 0.6 0.30 1.1 0.67 1.3 1.42

Electrical equipment manufacturing (Dec. 2017=100) Z3353 0.2 0.28 0.3 0.77 1.5 0.85

Other electrical equipment and component manufacturing Z3359 0.1 0.24 0.4 0.85 1.4 5.08

Battery manufacturing (Dec. 2009=100) Z33591 0.2 0.19 0.3 0.87 4.5 3.89

Wiring device manufacturing (Dec. 2013=100) Z33593 0.0 0.08 0.3 0.47 0.2 0.88

All other electrical equipment and component manufacturing Z33599 0.1 0.33 0.4 0.58 2.0 9.11

Transportation equipment manufacturing Z336 0.1 0.07 0.1 0.12 0.5 0.53

Motor vehicle manufacturing Z3361 0.0 0.03 0.3 0.17 0.9 0.80

Automobile and light duty motor vehicle manufacturing Z33611 0.0 0.04 0.3 0.18 1.1 0.85

Heavy duty truck manufacturing (Dec. 2015=100) Z33612 0.0 0.00 0.1 0.02 2.0 0.21

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing Z3363 0.2 0.10 0.2 0.24 0.7 0.53

Motor vehicle gasoline engine and engine parts manufacturing Z33631 0.6 0.42 0.3 0.94 0.8 3.46

Motor vehicle electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing Z33632 0.1 0.07 0.2 0.31 1.0 0.59

Motor vehicle steering and suspension components manufacturing (Dec. 2016=100) Z33633 0.1 0.11 0.3 0.20 0.5 1.13

Motor vehicle brake system manufacturing Z33634 0.3 0.15 0.6 0.45 1.6 0.85

Motor vehicle transmission and power train parts manufacturing Z33635 0.1 0.18 0.4 0.42 0.7 1.23

Motor vehicle seating and interior trim manufacturing (Dec. 2012=100) Z33636 0.1 0.10 0.2 0.27 0.8 0.60

Other motor vehicle parts manufacturing Z33639 0.3 0.16 0.5 0.39 1.4 1.05

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing Z3364 0.1 0.13 0.7 0.38 1.1 0.65

Other transportation equipment manufacturing Z3369 0.2 0.20 0.4 0.50 0.4 0.72

Furniture and related product manufacturing Z337 0.1 0.12 0.5 0.23 0.9 0.41
18

Table 3. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for industries: January 2019–December 2019

Description NAICS

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Household and institutional furniture and kitchen cabinet manufacturing Z3371 0.1 0.14 0.3 0.25 0.6 0.45

Office furniture (including fixtures) manufacturing Z3372 0.1 0.18 0.6 0.39 2.1 0.93

Miscellaneous manufacturing Z339 0.2 0.14 0.3 0.17 0.4 0.35

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing Z3391 0.2 0.16 0.5 0.42 2.5 1.02

Other miscellaneous manufacturing Z3399 0.2 0.13 0.3 0.18 1.0 0.23

Jewelry and silverware manufacturing Z33991 0.3 0.16 0.6 0.31 2.1 0.35

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing Z33992 0.0 0.04 0.2 0.18 3.5 1.08

Doll, toy, and game manufacturing Z33993 0.3 0.19 0.8 0.43 2.0 0.58

All other miscellaneous manufacturing Z33999 0.2 0.10 0.4 0.18 1.1 0.38
19

Table 4. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for industries: January 2019–December 2019

Description NAICS

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Nonmanufacturing YNONMANU 1.7 0.37 2.5 0.59 5.7 1.56

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting Y11 2.4 0.42 2.8 0.77 3.5 0.80

Crop production Y111 2.4 0.45 3.0 0.82 3.8 0.83

Oilseed and grain farming Y1111 2.7 0.20 4.3 0.44 4.2 0.35

Soybean farming (1) Y11111 2.7 0.00 3.2 0.00 8.0 0.00

Wheat farming (1) Y11114 4.1 0.00 3.9 0.00 6.0 0.00

Corn farming (2) Y11115 2.3 0.00 6.2 0.02 5.2 0.05

Fruit and tree nut farming (Dec. 2006=100) Y1113 2.0 0.96 2.4 1.66 5.0 1.88

Noncitrus fruit and tree nut farming (Dec. 2007=100) Y11133 1.6 1.02 2.5 1.74 5.6 1.88

Other crop farming Y1119 2.2 1.05 4.6 1.07 9.2 1.41

Cotton farming (Dec. 2007=100) Y11192 2.6 1.23 6.5 0.88 14.5 1.34

Mining Y21 2.1 0.66 4.1 0.98 11.9 2.89

Mining (except oil and gas) Y212 1.0 0.41 3.5 1.14 5.0 2.16

Metal ore mining (Dec. 2012=100) Y2122 0.9 0.71 2.5 0.99 8.1 1.55

Manufacturing YMANU 0.2 0.07 0.5 0.11 0.6 0.37

Manufacturing, part 1 Y31 0.3 0.22 0.4 0.35 0.4 0.60

Food manufacturing Y311 0.4 0.30 0.9 0.51 0.9 0.69

Grain and oilseed milling Y3112 0.9 0.79 2.1 1.46 4.4 2.11

Starch and vegetable fats and oils manufacturing Y31122 1.0 1.03 2.9 1.89 5.2 2.84

Dairy product manuafacturing (Dec. 2017=100) Y3115 0.9 0.86 1.9 1.20 15.1 2.15

Animal slaughtering and processing Y3116 0.8 0.67 2.2 1.09 2.2 1.22

Seafood product preparation and packaging (Dec. 2017=100) Y3117 0.8 0.67 2.1 1.24 1.4 2.33

Other food manufacturing (Dec. 2014=100) Y3119 0.3 0.40 1.1 0.99 1.6 1.47

All other food manufacturing (Dec. 2017=100) Y31199 0.7 0.67 1.5 1.20 2.1 2.29

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing Y312 0.4 0.68 1.2 1.09 2.4 2.48

Beverage manufacturing (Dec. 2009=100) Y3121 0.5 0.81 1.5 1.30 2.8 2.99

Manufacturing, part 2 Y32 0.9 0.18 2.0 0.27 2.3 1.33

Wood product manufacturing (Dec. 2017=100) Y321 0.8 0.35 2.3 0.77 6.5 2.40

Paper manufacturing Y322 0.7 0.34 2.7 0.79 5.0 2.13

Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills Y3221 1.2 0.65 4.0 1.28 7.2 3.67

Pulp mills (Dec. 2018=100) Y32211 2.0 0.87 6.0 1.75 9.6 4.63
20

Table 4. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for industries: January 2019–December 2019

Description NAICS

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Converted paper product manufacturing (Dec. 2014=100) Y3222 0.4 0.28 1.2 0.66 3.7 1.58

Paper bag and coated and treated paper manufacturing (Dec. 2015=100) Y32222 0.2 0.17 0.6 0.58 1.2 1.35

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing Y324 3.1 0.61 6.3 0.92 9.5 1.15

Chemical manufacturing Y325 0.3 0.17 0.7 0.37 1.1 1.97

Basic chemical manufacturing Y3251 0.6 0.41 1.2 0.71 2.4 2.25

Other basic organic chemical manufacturing (Dec. 2017=100) Y32519 0.5 0.48 2.0 1.01 3.8 3.23

Resin, synthetic rubber, and artificial synthetic fibers and filaments Y3252 0.4 0.53 1.6 0.88 3.1 2.44

Resin and synthetic rubber manufacturing (Dec. 2014=100) Y32521 0.4 0.57 1.7 0.93 3.4 2.61

Pesticide, fertilizer, and other agri. chemical manufacturing (Dec. 2012=100) Y3253 1.2 0.68 1.9 1.60 3.8 2.05

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing Y3254 0.1 0.08 0.9 0.70 2.0 2.17

Paint, coating, and adhesive manufacturing (Dec. 2012=100) Y3255 0.5 0.34 2.0 0.68 5.3 2.42

Soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation manufacturing Y3256 0.1 0.17 0.6 0.41 1.1 2.10

Soap and cleaning compound manufacturing Y32561 0.2 0.17 0.7 0.35 3.7 2.91

Toilet preparation manufacturing Y32562 0.2 0.24 0.9 0.87 1.3 2.15

Other chemical product and preparation manufacturing Y3259 0.2 0.11 0.4 0.23 1.2 0.85

All other chemical product and preparation manufacturing Y32599 0.2 0.13 0.5 0.27 1.1 0.83

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing Y326 0.1 0.12 0.4 0.27 1.2 0.58

Plastics product manufacturing Y3261 0.2 0.14 0.4 0.27 1.6 0.72

Other plastics product manufacturing Y32619 0.0 0.14 0.3 0.24 1.1 0.91

Rubber product manufacturing (Dec. 2006=100) Y3262 0.1 0.15 0.5 0.56 0.7 1.59

Tire manufacturing (Dec. 2006=100) Y32621 0.2 0.17 0.4 0.44 2.8 2.16

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing Y327 0.1 0.23 0.2 0.93 0.8 1.92

Glass and glass product manufacturing Y3272 0.2 0.43 1.9 2.13 0.9 3.33

Manufacturing, part 3 Y33 0.1 0.07 0.3 0.12 1.0 0.16

Primary metal manufacturing Y331 0.8 0.36 2.1 0.63 1.8 1.12

Alumina and aluminum production and processing (Dec. 2009=100) Y3313 1.1 0.29 2.7 0.88 6.6 3.39

Nonferrous metal (except aluminum) production and processing Y3314 1.2 0.37 4.8 0.65 5.7 1.27

Nonferrous metal (except aluminum) smelting and refining Y33141 1.9 0.38 5.6 0.46 7.1 0.89

Nonferrous metal (except copper and aluminum) rolling, drawing, extruding, Y33149 1.2 1.28 3.4 2.66 5.0 6.21

Fabricated metal product manufacturing Y332 0.2 0.19 1.0 0.52 4.9 0.90

Other fabricated metal product manufacturing Y3329 0.2 0.26 1.0 0.83 6.1 1.16
21

Table 4. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for industries: January 2019–December 2019

Description NAICS

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Metal valve manufacturing Y33291 0.2 0.16 1.2 0.59 6.4 1.05

Machinery manufacturing Y333 0.2 0.13 0.3 0.31 2.0 0.43

Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing Y3331 0.1 0.08 0.3 0.21 1.7 0.33

Agricultural implement manufacturing (Dec. 2017=100) Y33311 0.1 0.06 0.1 0.15 1.5 0.53

Construction machinery manufacturing Y33312 0.1 0.08 0.4 0.27 1.7 0.44

Commercial and service industry machinery manufacturing Y3333 0.2 0.21 0.7 0.48 0.4 0.41

Ventilation, heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration manu. (Dec. 2017=100) Y3334 0.3 0.13 0.8 0.26 2.4 0.52

Metalworking machinery manufacturing Y3335 0.0 0.02 0.4 0.36 1.9 0.62

Engine, turbine, and power transmission equipment manufacturing Y3336 0.2 0.20 0.9 0.87 4.8 2.82

Other general purpose machinery manufacturing Y3339 0.1 0.16 0.4 0.29 1.5 0.90

Pump and compressor manufacturing Y33391 0.2 0.37 0.5 0.63 2.3 1.51

Material handling equipment manufacturing Y33392 0.1 0.06 0.1 0.09 1.2 0.45

All other general purpose machinery manufacturing Y33399 0.2 0.24 0.5 0.40 1.3 1.15

Computer and electronic product manufacturing Y334 0.1 0.10 0.4 0.28 1.6 0.39

Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing Y3341 0.6 0.33 1.7 0.99 5.9 1.58

Communications equipment manufacturing Y3342 0.1 0.11 0.3 0.25 1.5 0.51

Radio and TV broadcasting and wireless equipment (Dec. 2009=100) Y33422 0.2 0.13 0.3 0.28 1.8 0.59

Audio and video equipment manufacturing Y3343 0.0 0.04 0.3 0.27 1.6 0.98

Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing Y3344 0.1 0.09 0.2 0.46 0.7 0.77

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments Y3345 0.1 0.10 0.4 0.24 1.3 0.38

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing Y335 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.27 0.6 0.42

Electrical equipment manufacturing Y3353 0.1 0.03 0.1 0.13 0.8 0.45

Transportation equipment manufacturing Y336 0.1 0.04 0.4 0.09 1.7 0.19

Motor vehicle manufacturing Y3361 0.1 0.11 0.1 0.21 0.2 0.70

Automobile and light duty motor vehicle manufacturing Y33611 0.1 0.10 0.1 0.22 0.3 0.75

Motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing (Dec. 2013=100) Y3362 0.2 0.22 0.5 0.53 2.9 1.50

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing Y3363 0.1 0.07 0.3 0.15 0.5 0.32

Motor vehicle electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing (Dec. 2008=100) Y33632 0.1 0.06 0.3 0.18 0.3 0.35

Motor vehicle transmission and power train parts manu. (Dec. 2015=100) Y33635 0.3 0.23 0.4 0.36 1.0 0.78

Other motor vehicle parts manufacturing Y33639 0.1 0.08 0.1 0.21 0.3 0.40

Furniture and related product manufacturing (Dec. 2011=100) Y337 0.1 0.08 0.1 0.19 1.6 0.35
22

Table 4. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for industries: January 2019–December 2019

Description NAICS

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Miscellaneous manufacturing Y339 0.3 0.23 0.3 0.43 0.1 0.48

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing Y3391 0.2 0.14 0.5 0.43 1.6 0.88

Other miscellaneous manufacturing (Dec. 2013=100) Y3399 0.3 0.22 0.4 0.57 1.3 0.52

All other miscellaneous manufacturing Y33999 0.1 0.01 0.3 0.03 0.4 0.15

Footnotes

(1) Index calculated using strictly alternative price data from one or more secondary sources. Indexes calculated using this method will have standard error values of zero.

(2) Index calculated using a mix of directly collected price data and alternative price data from one or more secondary sources. Indexes calculated using this method will have low standard 

error values.
23

Table 5. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description

Harmonized 

system

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Live animals; animal products PI 0.7 0.50 0.8 0.71 1.1 1.65

Meat and edible meat offal P02 1.4 0.87 3.2 1.20 6.8 1.38

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates P03 0.5 0.44 1.4 0.66 2.0 1.14

Fish fillets and other fish meat, fresh, chilled, frzn, (Dec. 2008=100) P0304 0.9 0.69 2.3 0.97 1.2 1.75

Crustaceans, live, fresh, chilled, etc; in shell or not; cooked or uncooked P0306 0.7 0.70 2.2 1.01 3.0 1.57

Vegetable products PII 2.3 2.92 4.9 3.57 5.6 3.44

Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers P07 5.4 7.32 2.7 8.49 17.5 12.00

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons P08 7.5 3.88 8.8 6.19 10.4 5.45

Coffee, tea, mate and spices P09 1.6 1.20 2.7 1.66 6.7 2.59

Coffee, roasted or unroasted, decaf; coffee husks and skins (Dec. 2007=100) P0901 2.5 1.57 3.5 2.18 4.7 3.53

Animal or vegetable fats and oils (Dec. 2009=100) PIII 1.3 0.96 2.2 1.95 15.3 2.87

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco PIV 0.1 0.12 0.4 0.24 0.9 0.44

Edible preps of meat, of fish, or of aquatic invertebrates (Dec. 2004=100) P16 0.8 0.45 1.4 0.93 2.9 1.16

Cocoa and cocoa preparations (Dec. 2009=100) P18 0.9 0.59 1.3 0.83 2.3 2.09

Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants P20 0.3 0.29 1.1 1.11 1.3 2.08

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar P22 0.2 0.15 0.5 0.48 1.8 0.83

Beer, ale, porter, stout and the like (Dec. 2006=100) P2203 0.2 0.10 1.5 1.36 4.0 2.04

Ethyl alcohol undenatured less than 80% alcohol (Dec. 2001=100) P2208 0.1 0.12 0.4 0.50 2.1 1.23

Mineral products PV 2.9 0.56 4.5 0.83 7.9 0.97

Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous substances and mineral waxes P27 3.0 0.56 4.6 0.85 8.2 1.01

Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, crude (1) P2709 4.3 0.00 6.5 0.00 9.4 0.00

Petroleum oils (not crude), bituminous oils, & products thereof, nesoi P2710 2.0 1.66 3.3 2.69 3.3 3.06

Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons P2711 16.5 6.13 24.2 6.11 13.5 6.22

Products of the chemical or allied industries PVI 0.3 0.21 0.3 0.40 1.2 0.93

Inorganic chemicals P28 3.1 1.33 6.5 2.31 7.9 3.24

Organic chemicals P29 0.4 0.33 0.9 0.67 4.4 1.79

Heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atoms only (Dec. 2016=100) P2933 0.3 0.46 2.5 1.93 1.9 4.16

Nucleic acids and their salts, other heterocyclic compounds (Dec. 2009=100) P2934 0.1 0.13 0.3 0.30 3.0 3.37

Pharmaceutical products P30 0.2 0.15 0.7 0.73 1.1 1.48

Human and animal blood, prep; antisera & other blood fractions (Dec. 2014=100) P3002 0.2 0.16 0.8 0.74 5.2 3.28

Medicaments (except vaccines, band., pharmaceuticals) (Dec. 2001=100) P3004 0.1 0.16 0.9 0.63 0.6 1.44
24

Table 5. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description

Harmonized 

system

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Fertilizers (Dec. 2009=100) P31 2.2 1.03 3.8 1.93 9.3 5.15

Essential oils and resinoids (Dec. 2016=100) P33 0.2 0.12 0.4 0.32 0.4 0.97

Miscellaneous chemical products P38 0.4 0.18 0.9 0.83 3.6 1.80

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof PVII 0.2 0.16 0.3 0.27 0.7 0.58

Plastics and articles thereof P39 0.2 0.19 0.4 0.42 1.2 0.81

Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics (Dec. 2003=100) P3923 0.1 0.03 0.3 0.44 3.3 2.32

Tableware, kitchenware, other articles of plastics (Dec. 2009=100) P3924 0.0 0.00 0.1 0.29 0.4 0.74

Articles of plastic, polymers & resins of heading 3901 to 3914, nesoi P3926 0.4 0.40 0.6 0.47 0.5 0.85

Rubber and articles thereof P40 0.4 0.23 0.5 0.44 0.8 0.60

New pneumatic tires of rubber (Dec. 2004=100) P4011 0.1 0.13 0.8 0.31 1.0 0.51

Raw hides, skins, leather, furskins, travel goods, etc PVIII 0.1 0.13 0.4 0.20 0.8 0.63

Articles of leather; travel goods, bags, etc. of various materials P42 0.1 0.14 0.4 0.23 0.5 0.64

Travel goods and handbags (Dec. 2015=100) P4202 0.1 0.07 0.1 0.15 0.6 0.44

Wood, wood charcoal, cork, straw, basketware and wickerwork PIX 1.3 0.48 1.0 0.70 12.7 1.01

Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled (Dec. 2013=100) P4407 3.7 1.44 4.0 1.87 15.7 1.81

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products PX 0.4 0.45 1.9 0.84 5.1 1.83

Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard P48 0.3 0.27 0.8 0.89 2.9 2.19

Textile and textile articles PXI 0.1 0.13 0.2 0.22 0.2 0.38

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted P61 0.1 0.15 0.3 0.35 0.7 0.71

Knitted sweaters, pullovers, sweatshirts vests and similar art. (Dec. 2015=100) P6110 0.4 0.23 1.0 0.60 1.5 0.85

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted P62 0.1 0.07 0.2 0.20 0.7 0.38

Men or boys suits, ensembles, suit-type jackets, blazers & trousers P6203 0.1 0.04 0.4 0.22 0.6 0.41

Women or girls suits, dresses, skirts; not knitted (Dec. 2017=100) P6204 0.1 0.08 0.3 0.22 0.3 0.41

Made-up or worn textile articles P63 0.1 0.10 0.3 0.28 1.0 1.01

Headgear, umbrellas, artificial flowers, etc. PXII 0.2 0.18 0.4 0.40 0.2 0.56

Footwear and parts of such articles P64 0.2 0.15 0.4 0.47 0.3 0.68

Footwear, with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics (Dec. 2016=100) P6402 0.1 0.18 0.5 0.47 1.3 1.19

Footwear with uppers of leathers P6403 0.1 0.14 0.5 0.37 0.3 0.67

Ceramic products P69 0.0 0.02 0.3 0.30 0.5 0.86

Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, ceramics, glass etc. PXIII 0.1 0.14 0.2 0.26 0.1 0.57

Pearls, stones, precious metals, imitation jewelry, and coins PXIV 0.8 0.21 3.7 0.25 4.6 0.37
25

Table 5. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description

Harmonized 

system

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set (1) P7102 0.0 0.00 0.5 0.00 0.7 0.00

Gold (incl plated with platinum), unwrght, semi-mfg or pwdr (1) P7108 2.4 0.00 5.4 0.00 7.5 0.00

Base metals and articles of base metals PXV 0.5 0.15 1.7 0.24 4.5 0.39

Iron and steel P72 1.3 0.43 3.5 0.63 6.6 0.96

Articles of iron or steel P73 0.3 0.23 0.6 0.40 2.2 0.68

Copper and articles thereof P74 2.3 0.52 3.1 1.07 4.9 1.81

Aluminum and articles thereof P76 1.0 0.07 1.9 0.14 6.9 0.59

Aluminum, unwrought (1) P7601 2.3 0.00 5.5 0.00 17.3 0.00

Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof P82 0.1 0.07 0.1 0.19 0.7 0.43

Miscellaneous articles of base metal P83 0.2 0.12 0.5 0.41 0.8 0.59

Machinery, electrical equipment, TV image and sound recorders, parts, etc. PXVI 0.2 0.09 0.5 0.15 1.6 0.30

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof P84 0.2 0.14 0.7 0.26 1.7 0.40

Parts for spark-ignition and diesel internal combustion piston engines P8409 0.1 0.04 0.5 1.15 3.1 4.70

Turbojets, turbopropellers and other gas turbines, and parts thereof P8411 0.3 0.26 2.0 0.61 3.1 1.26

Engines & motors, nesoi, & parts thereof (Dec. 2012=100) P8412 0.1 0.04 0.4 1.72 4.8 5.08

Pumps for liquids; liquid elevators; parts thereof P8413 0.3 0.24 0.6 0.45 1.4 0.71

Air or vacuum pumps, compressors and fans; vent & recycling hoods; parts P8414 0.2 0.18 0.7 0.61 0.7 1.11

Air conditioning machines and parts thereof (Dec. 2014=100) P8415 0.1 0.12 0.3 0.30 0.9 1.23

Refrigerators, freezers, heat pumps; and parts (Dec. 2006=100) P8418 0.9 0.58 1.6 1.19 1.9 2.14

Centrifuges & filtering/purifying machinery and parts (Dec. 2017=100) P8421 0.2 0.17 0.4 0.40 1.1 2.96

Self-propelled earth-moving, tamping, & road roller machines (Dec. 2012=100) P8429 0.0 0.02 0.1 0.20 1.5 0.46

Parts for materials handling & construction machines P8431 0.1 0.24 1.0 0.77 1.1 1.78

Printing machinery, machines ancillary to printing; & parts (Dec. 2012=100) P8443 0.1 0.15 0.4 0.28 0.3 1.07

Powered hand tools, nonelectric, and parts thereof (Dec. 2016=100) P8467 0.0 0.05 2.3 2.92 5.2 4.95

Computer equipment P8471 0.5 0.39 1.3 0.70 4.9 1.05

Parts and accessories, n.e.s.o.i., for computers and other office machines P8473 1.5 0.64 5.5 0.99 11.2 1.79

Machines & appliances having functions n.e.s.; parts thereof (Dec. 2016=100) P8479 0.1 0.13 0.5 0.34 2.4 2.53

Taps, cocks, valves & similar appliances; parts thereof P8481 0.1 0.08 0.2 0.23 0.5 0.75

Parts for transmitting power (clutches, shafts, gears & boxes, pulleys, etc) P8483 0.3 0.19 0.3 0.41 0.7 0.64

Machines used for manufacture of semiconductor wafers (Dec. 2012=100) P8486 0.3 0.11 1.2 0.49 7.0 2.74

Electrical machinery and equip, sound and TV recorders & reproducers, parts P85 0.1 0.10 0.3 0.21 1.4 0.53
26

Table 5. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description

Harmonized 

system

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Electric motors and generators (excludes generating sets) P8501 0.3 0.38 1.1 0.78 5.2 2.64

Electrical transformers, inductors & static converters (rectifiers); parts P8504 0.3 0.47 0.3 0.96 0.9 1.25

Electric storage batteries, and parts thereof (Dec. 2013=100) P8507 0.2 0.21 0.4 0.98 5.2 4.43

Vehicular electric lighting equipment, and defrosters; (Dec. 2014=100) P8512 0.1 0.16 0.3 0.30 0.6 0.55

Electrothermic domestic appliances; water & space heaters; resistors P8516 0.1 0.10 0.3 0.20 1.3 0.45

Electrical apparatus for line telephony or line telegraphy; videophones; parts P8517 0.1 0.03 0.4 0.18 2.8 0.56

Microphones & stands; audio/sound amps; speakers; & headphones (Dec. 2012=100) P8518 0.0 0.02 0.2 0.11 3.6 3.71

Prepared unrecorded media for sound or similar recording (Dec. 2004=100) P8523 1.6 0.67 6.2 1.87 24.1 3.59

Radio & TV transmission apparatus; video cameras & camera recorders; TV cameras P8525 0.1 0.10 0.3 0.41 1.3 0.69

TV reception apparatus; video monitors & video projectors P8528 0.4 0.18 1.0 0.46 5.5 1.20

Electrical circuit switching, protecting or connection app. of 1000 volts or less P8536 0.1 0.15 0.6 0.36 1.5 1.49

Electric control or distribution equipment (Dec. 2015=100) P8537 0.2 0.16 0.6 0.65 1.3 0.72

Semiconductor devices; L.E.D.s; mounted crystals; parts thereof (Dec. 2018=100) P8541 0.5 0.29 1.4 0.64 2.9 1.23

Electronic integrated circuits and micro assemblies; parts thereof P8542 0.2 0.28 0.5 0.61 0.9 1.23

Electrical machines & apparatus, func. n.e.s.o.i.; parts (Dec. 2014=100) P8543 0.0 0.02 0.2 0.15 1.1 0.41

Insulated conductors (Dec. 2010=100) P8544 0.2 0.14 0.5 0.43 1.1 0.66

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment PXVII 0.1 0.06 0.2 0.11 0.8 0.58

Motor vehicles and their parts P87 0.1 0.06 0.2 0.12 0.7 0.65

Tractors (other than work trucks of heading 8709) (Dec. 2017=100) P8701 0.0 0.02 0.1 0.04 2.2 0.34

Motor vehicles designed to transport people P8703 0.0 0.04 0.3 0.20 1.0 0.50

Motor vehicles for the transport of goods (Dec. 2013=100) P8704 0.1 0.02 0.9 0.11 1.0 2.65

Parts of tractors, buses, automobiles, trucks, spec. vehicles P8708 0.2 0.12 0.2 0.23 0.7 0.90

Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof (Dec. 2002=100) P88 0.1 0.08 0.3 0.17 1.6 0.55

Other aircraft, nesoi; spacecraft & launch vehicles (Dec. 2018=100) P8802 0.0 0.02 0.6 0.07 3.1 0.84

Parts, nesoi, of civil aircraft and spacecraft (Dec. 2012=100) P8803 0.0 0.06 0.2 0.14 0.6 0.70

Optical, photo, measuring, medical & musical instruments; & timepieces PXVIII 0.1 0.11 0.2 0.23 1.0 0.43

Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments P90 0.1 0.12 0.3 0.25 1.0 0.47

Instruments/appliances used in medical, surgical, dental, veterinarian sciences P9018 0.1 0.24 0.3 0.47 0.8 1.15

Orthopedic appliances; artificial body parts; hearing aids, etc (Dec. 2003=100) P9021 0.2 0.04 1.6 0.71 6.6 1.58

Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis (Dec. 2006=100) P9027 0.1 0.10 0.2 0.24 0.8 0.57

Measuring instruments, appliances, and machines, nesoi (Dec. 2013=100) P9031 0.0 0.02 0.2 0.15 1.0 0.50
27

Table 5. Variances for U.S. import price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description

Harmonized 

system

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Automatic regulating or controlling instruments and parts (Dec. 2011=100) P9032 0.1 0.09 0.2 0.18 3.1 1.54

Clocks and watches and parts thereof P91 0.3 0.10 0.6 0.46 0.7 0.73

Miscellaneous manufactured articles PXX 0.1 0.11 0.4 0.17 0.9 0.23

Furniture & stuffed furnishings; lamps & lighting fittings, nesoi; prefab bldgs P94 0.1 0.11 0.4 0.19 0.8 0.29

Seats other than barber, dental and similar chairs (Dec. 2001=100) P9401 0.2 0.11 0.4 0.27 0.7 0.43

Furniture other than seats, nesoi (Dec. 2001=100) P9403 0.2 0.14 0.5 0.36 1.3 0.60

Lamps, lighting fixtures, & illuminated signs and parts thereof P9405 0.2 0.24 0.4 0.42 0.6 0.96

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof P95 0.2 0.13 0.5 0.31 1.1 0.53

Toys nesoi; models; puzzles; parts and accessories thereof P9503 0.0 0.05 0.1 0.25 0.7 0.36

Articles for arcade, table or games parts thereof (Dec. 2018=100) P9504 0.5 0.24 2.5 0.93 8.5 1.68

Articles & equipment for sports nesoi; parts & accessories thereof P9506 0.0 0.03 0.2 0.19 4.0 1.18

Miscellaneous manufactured articles P96 0.0 0.06 0.5 0.18 0.7 0.65

Footnotes

(1) Index calculated using strictly alternative price data from one or more secondary sources. Indexes calculated using this method will have standard error values of zero.
28

Table 6. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description

Harmonized 

system

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Live animals; animal products DI 0.6 0.51 1.6 0.98 3.0 1.11

Meat & edible meat offal (Dec. 2006=100) D02 0.9 0.78 2.5 1.33 3.5 1.54

Fish and crustaceans, mollusks and aquatic invertebrates (Dec. 2016=100) D03 1.2 1.29 2.4 2.43 1.3 2.44

Vegetable products DII 2.8 0.63 3.3 0.99 3.6 1.34

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons D08 2.3 1.01 2.8 1.83 4.8 1.76

Nuts nesoi, fresh or dried (Dec. 2015=100) D0802 1.3 0.88 3.2 1.23 7.9 1.48

Cereals D10 2.6 0.03 6.4 0.04 3.7 0.07

Wheat and meslin (1) D1001 4.1 0.00 3.9 0.00 6.0 0.00

Corn (maize) (2) D1005 2.3 0.00 6.2 0.02 5.2 0.05

Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds, fruits, plants, straw and fodder D12 2.2 0.19 2.3 0.31 6.2 0.40

Soybeans, whether or not broken (Dec. 2001=100) (1) D1201 2.7 0.00 3.2 0.00 8.0 0.00

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco DIV 0.6 0.32 0.9 0.55 1.8 0.98

Miscellaneous edible preparations (Dec. 2017=100) D21 0.5 0.55 1.3 1.28 2.5 2.37

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar (Dec. 2008=100) D22 1.4 0.70 1.7 1.15 2.6 1.48

Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feed D23 1.3 1.09 2.8 1.73 1.4 2.46

Mineral products DV 1.5 0.49 6.2 0.75 10.3 1.09

Ores, slag and ash (Dec. 2012=100) D26 0.9 0.73 2.6 1.01 8.2 1.39

Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous substances and mineral waxes D27 1.6 0.51 6.5 0.80 10.5 1.16

Petroleum oils & oils from bituminous minerals (excl crude) & products, nes D2710 3.1 0.65 6.2 0.92 8.3 1.04

Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons (Dec. 2014=100) D2711 4.1 1.88 11.6 3.09 31.0 9.67

Products of the chemical or allied industries DVI 0.2 0.13 0.5 0.36 0.8 1.82

Inorganic chemicals D28 0.6 0.29 1.9 0.90 7.1 3.75

Organic chemicals D29 0.7 0.43 2.2 1.20 4.0 2.67

Pharmaceutical products D30 0.1 0.07 0.9 0.87 1.2 2.52

Human and animal blood, prepared; other blood frctns (Dec. 2014=100) D3002 0.1 0.06 0.5 0.59 1.2 1.93

Medicaments D3004 0.2 0.16 0.8 1.39 1.9 5.27

Tanning or dyeing extracts, dyes, paints varnish, putty, & inks (Dec. 2015=100) D32 1.2 0.53 1.2 0.90 2.3 1.88

Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery cosmetic or toilet preparations D33 0.3 0.17 0.9 0.63 0.3 1.94

Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or scouring products; candles, pastes D34 0.2 0.18 0.8 0.39 3.8 2.97

Miscellaneous chemical products D38 0.2 0.26 0.4 0.56 2.1 1.04

Composite diagnostic or laboratory reagents (Dec. 2001=100) D3822 0.1 0.16 0.6 0.67 0.9 1.70
29

Table 6. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description

Harmonized 

system

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof DVII 0.0 0.23 0.6 0.47 1.5 0.96

Plastics and articles thereof D39 0.1 0.27 0.6 0.57 1.2 1.04

Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms D3901 1.4 1.31 4.0 1.63 12.3 5.73

Polyacetals, epoxide resins, alkyds, carbs in primary forms (Dec. 2017=100) D3907 0.7 0.95 1.1 2.37 3.2 2.64

Articles of plastics, polymers, and resins, nes. (Dec. 2014=100) D3926 0.0 0.06 0.3 0.25 1.2 1.08

Rubber and articles thereof D40 0.3 0.31 0.5 0.86 2.7 1.38

New pneumatic tires of rubber (Dec. 2013=100) D4011 0.2 0.18 0.4 0.44 2.9 2.19

Wood, wood charcoal, cork, straw, baskets and wickerwork (Dec. 2014=100) DIX 0.8 0.47 2.5 0.87 7.7 1.79

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products DX 1.0 0.31 3.1 0.87 8.0 1.99

Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard D48 0.2 0.34 1.3 0.90 3.3 2.62

Textile and textile articles DXI 0.6 0.33 1.5 0.40 3.2 0.99

Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof D52 2.1 0.99 5.1 0.77 11.8 1.15

Cotton, not carded or combed (Dec. 2018=100) D5201 2.6 1.23 6.5 0.88 14.5 1.34

Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, ceramics, glass etc. DXIII 0.1 0.21 0.4 0.81 2.6 1.74

Pearls, stones, precious metals, imitation jewelry, and coins DXIV 1.2 0.37 2.9 0.63 4.7 0.74

Diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set (Dec. 2013=100) (2) D7102 0.0 0.00 0.3 0.00 0.4 0.00

Gold (including gold plated with platinum), unwrought (Dec. 2001=100) (2) D7108 2.4 0.04 5.5 0.06 7.4 0.12

Base metals and articles of base metals DXV 0.7 0.34 1.6 0.73 2.3 1.41

Copper and articles thereof D74 2.1 0.56 3.7 0.77 6.3 1.66

Aluminum and articles thereof D76 1.3 0.30 2.9 0.80 11.7 2.25

Miscellaneous articles of base metal D83 0.2 0.10 0.3 0.35 0.8 0.51

Machinery, electrical equipment, TV image and sound recorders, parts, etc. DXVI 0.1 0.09 0.2 0.20 0.4 0.42

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof D84 0.1 0.11 0.4 0.32 0.9 0.68

Spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines (Dec. 2013=100) D8407 0.0 0.11 0.1 0.38 1.1 1.39

Diesel & semi-diesel internal Cumbus. piston engines (Dec. 2018=100) D8408 0.0 0.04 0.1 0.20 11.2 1.86

Pumps for liquids; liquid elevators; parts thereof D8413 0.1 0.11 0.2 0.47 2.3 1.74

Air or vacuum pumps, compressors and fans; vent & recycling hoods; parts D8414 0.5 0.64 1.3 0.92 4.4 1.35

Centrifuges & filtering/purifying machinery and parts D8421 0.2 0.51 0.5 0.64 1.2 2.33

Parts for materials handling & construction machines D8431 0.2 0.12 0.7 0.31 2.8 0.79

Printing mach., machines ancilliary to printing; parts thereof (Dec. 2013=100) D8443 0.2 0.09 0.4 0.19 1.0 0.61

Computer equipment D8471 0.3 0.42 1.5 0.74 3.9 0.94
30

Table 6. Variances for U.S. export price indexes for categories of goods: January 2019–December 2019

Description

Harmonized 

system

1-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

1-month 

median 

standard 

error

3-month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

3-month 

median 

standard 

error

12-

month 

median 

absolute 

percent 

change

12-

month 

median 

standard 

error

Machines & appliances having individual functions, n.e.s.o.i.; parts thereof D8479 0.0 0.03 0.8 0.50 1.6 0.85

Taps, cocks, valves & similar appliances; parts thereof D8481 0.1 0.12 0.3 0.36 3.8 1.28

Electrical machinery and equipment and parts and accessories thereof D85 0.1 0.10 0.3 0.16 0.6 0.33

Electrical apparatus for line telephony or line telegraphy; videophones; parts D8517 0.2 0.12 0.4 0.26 1.8 0.53

Electrical circuit switching, protecting or connection app of 1000 volts or less D8536 0.1 0.11 0.3 0.24 1.0 0.56

Electric control or distribution equipment (Dec. 2016=100) D8537 0.1 0.05 0.2 0.10 0.4 0.30

Semiconductors; L.E.D.s; mounted crystals; parts thereof (Dec. 2017=100) D8541 0.1 0.18 0.8 0.56 1.5 0.66

Electronic integrated circuits and micro assemblies; parts thereof D8542 0.0 0.13 0.3 0.65 1.0 1.13

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment DXVII 0.1 0.04 0.2 0.10 1.4 0.24

Motor vehicles and their parts D87 0.1 0.06 0.2 0.16 0.3 0.42

Automobiles and other motor vehicles inc minivans, 4-dr specialty vehicles D8703 0.2 0.12 0.1 0.26 0.4 0.86

Motor vehicles for the transport of goods D8704 0.1 0.05 0.3 0.16 1.2 0.32

Parts and access of tractors, buses automobiles, trucks, spec. vehicles D8708 0.2 0.08 0.6 0.19 0.3 0.57

Parts, nesoi, of civil aircraft and spacecraft (exc. military) D8803 0.1 0.06 0.6 0.30 3.3 0.99

Optical, photo, measuring, medical & musical instruments; & timepieces DXVIII 0.2 0.11 0.3 0.35 0.5 0.68

Instruments/appliances used in medical surgical, dental, veternarian sciences D9018 0.2 0.17 0.6 0.33 1.0 0.63

Hearing aids; artificial body parts; and orthopedic app. (Dec. 2001=100) D9021 0.4 0.09 1.9 0.42 3.3 2.66

Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis D9027 0.1 0.11 0.1 0.22 1.9 0.36

Measuring or checking instruments, and appliances n.e.s. (Dec. 2001=100) D9031 0.2 0.26 0.6 0.59 1.7 1.17

Miscellaneous manufactured articles DXX 0.1 0.11 0.2 0.28 0.2 0.50

Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings nesoi; D94 0.1 0.09 0.2 0.29 0.8 0.64

Seats other than barber, dental and similar chairs (Dec. 2011=100) D9401 0.0 0.00 0.0 0.01 0.6 0.29

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof D95 0.2 0.11 0.4 0.41 0.9 0.38

Footnotes

(1) Index calculated using strictly alternative price data from one or more secondary sources. Indexes calculated using this method will have standard error values of zero.

(2) Index calculated using a mix of directly collected price data and alternative price data from one or more secondary sources. Indexes calculated using this method will have low standard 

error values.