U.S.IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES – APRIL 2015 

U.S. import prices declined 0.3 percent in April, after decreasing 0.2 percent in March and 0.4 percent in 

February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Falling nonfuel prices in April more than 

offset higher fuel prices. Prices for U.S. exports fell 0.7 percent in April following a 0.1-percent rise the 

previous month.

Chart 1. One-month percent change in the Import Price Index: April 2014 – April 2015 

 Percent change 

Chart 2. 12-month percent change in the Import Price Index: April 2014 – April 2015

 Percent change

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Apr'14 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr'15

Transmission of material in this release is embargoed until

8:30 a.m. (EDT) Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Technical information: (202) 691-7101 • MXPinfo@bls.gov • www.bls.gov/mxp

Media contact: (202) 691-5902 • PressOffice@bls.gov

USDL-15-0889
2

All Imports: Prices for U.S. imports declined 0.3 percent in March, and have not recorded a monthly 

advance since the index rose 0.3 percent in June 2014. Overall, import prices fell 11.2 percent between June 

2014 and April 2015, and the index decreased 10.7 percent over the past year. Most of the decline since 

June 2014 resulted from lower fuel prices, as nonfuel prices declined 2.2 percent over the period. 

Fuel Imports: The price index for import fuel increased 0.7 percent in April, after rising 1.2 percent the 

previous month. The March advance was the first monthly increase in fuel prices since the index rose 1.6 

percent in June 2014. In April, a 1.0-percent advance in petroleum prices more than offset a 7.0-percent 

drop in natural gas prices. Despite the recent increases, fuel prices declined 46.1 percent for the year ended 

in April. Both a 47.0-percent decrease in petroleum prices and a 45.2-percent drop in natural gas prices 

contributed to the overall year-over-year decline in fuel prices. 

All Imports Excluding Fuel: Nonfuel import prices declined 0.4 percent for the second consecutive month 

in April. Prices for nonfuel imports last recorded a monthly advance when the index edged up 0.1 percent in 

July 2014. In April, lower prices for nonfuel industrial supplies and materials; capital goods; foods, feeds, 

and beverages; and consumer goods all contributed to the decline in nonfuel prices. The price index for 

automotive vehicles recorded no change. The price index for nonfuel imports declined 2.3 percent over the 

past 12 months. Each of the major finished goods categories decreased over that period. 

Table A. Percent change in Import and Export Price Indexes, selected categories 

 
3

Chart 3. One-month percent change in the Export Price Index: April 2014 – April 2015 

 Percent change 

Chart 4. 12-month percent change in the Export Price Index: April 2014 – April 2015 

 Percent change

All Exports: U.S. export prices fell 0.7 percent in April, the largest 1-month drop since a 1.7-percent 

decline in January. The April drop followed a 0.1-percent rise in March which was the first monthly 

advance since a 0.1-percent increase in July 2014. Lower prices in April for both agricultural exports and 

nonagricultural exports contributed to the overall drop in export prices. The price index for exports declined 

6.3 percent over the past year. 

Agricultural Exports: Agricultural export prices decreased 0.8 percent in April, after falling 1.7 percent in 

March. The April drop was driven by a 2.4-percent decline in meat prices, a 1.7-percent decrease in soybean 

prices, and a 2.7-percent fall in fruit prices. The price index for agricultural exports has not recorded a 

monthly advance since the index ticked up 0.1 percent in November 2014. The index decreased 15.6 percent 

for the year ended in April, the largest 12-month decline since the index fell 16.7 percent between 

September 2008 and September 2009. 

All Exports Excluding Agriculture: The price index for nonagricultural exports declined 0.7 percent in 

April following advances of 0.2-percent and 0.1-percent the previous 2 months. The April decline was led 

by declining prices for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials, capital goods, and consumer goods. 

In contrast, prices for automotive vehicles ticked up 0.1 percent in April. Nonagricultural export prices 

decreased 5.3 percent over the past 12 months. 

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Apr'14 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr'15

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4

SELECTED APRIL HIGHLIGHTS 

Import Prices 

Imports by Locality of Origin: Import prices from China edged down 0.1 percent for the third consecutive 

month in April. Prices for imports from China also declined over the past year, falling 0.6 percent, the 

largest year-over-year drop since the index fell 0.7 percent for the year ended January 2014. The price index 

for imports from Japan decreased 0.5 percent in April, and has not recorded a monthly advance since the 

index rose 0.2 percent in March 2014. Import prices from the European Union and Canada also declined in 

April, falling 0.5 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively. In contrast, prices for imports from Mexico 

advanced 0.2 percent in April. 

Nonfuel Industrial Supplies and Materials: The price index for nonfuel industrial supplies and materials 

decreased 0.9 percent in April following a 1.3-percent decline the previous month. The April drop was 

driven by a 6.4-percent decrease in iron and steel mill products and a 0.7-percent decline in chemical prices. 

Finished Goods: Prices for the major finished goods categories were mostly down in April. The price index 

for capital goods fell 0.3 percent, led by lower prices for computers, peripherals, and semiconductors as well 

as industrial and service machinery. Consumer goods prices also fell in April, edging down 0.1 percent. 

Prices for automotive vehicles recorded no change in April. 

 

Foods, Feeds, and Beverages: Foods, feeds, and beverages prices fell 0.9 percent in April, after declining 

0.7 percent in March. Lower prices for fish and shellfish, food oils, and vegetables contributed to the April 

decrease. 

Transportation Services: Import air passenger fares fell 2.9 percent in April following a 2.4-percent 

decrease in March and a 2.5-percent decline in February. Lower European fares drove the drops in April and 

March, and falling Asian fares led the decrease in February. The index for import air passenger fares 

declined 2.7 percent for the year ended in April. Import air freight prices rose 0.5 percent in April and 

decreased 1.1 percent over the past year. 

Export Prices

Nonagricultural Industrial Supplies and Materials: The price index for nonagricultural industrial 

supplies and materials declined 1.6 percent in April, after rising 0.5 percent the previous month. The April 

decrease was driven by falling fuel prices, which decreased 5.6 percent in April following a 4.0-percent 

increase in March. 

Finished Goods: Prices for both capital goods and consumer goods declined 0.3 percent in April, after 

recording little change the previous month. In March, prices for capital goods were unchanged and 

consumer goods prices edged down 0.1 percent. The price index for automotive vehicles ticked up 0.1 

percent for the second consecutive month in April. 

Transportation Services: Export air passenger fares fell 3.6 percent in April, after rising 0.9 percent the 

previous month. Lower Latin American/Caribbean fares, Asian fares, and European fares all contributed to 

the April decline. The index for export air passenger fares declined 13.3 percent over the past year. Prices 

for export air freight rose 0.9 percent in April and increased 4.6 percent over the past 12 months. 

 

Import and Export Price Index data for May 2015 are scheduled for release on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 

8:30 a.m. (EDT). 
Table 1. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: April 2014 to April

2015

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description End Use

Relative

importance

Mar.

20151

Index Percent change

Mar.

2015

Apr.

2015

Annual Monthly

Apr.

2014 to

Apr.

2015

Dec.

2014 to

Jan.

2015

Jan.

2015 to

Feb.

2015

Feb.

2015 to

Mar.

2015

Mar.

2015 to

Apr.

2015

All commodities................................... 100.000 125.2 124.8 -10.7 -3.2 -0.4 -0.2 -0.3

All imports excluding food and fuels (Dec.

2010=100)........................................ 83.283 100.4 100.0 -2.2 -0.6 -0.2 -0.4 -0.4

All imports excluding petroleum.............. 90.119 113.5 113.0 -2.7 -0.7 -0.3 -0.4 -0.4

All imports excluding fuels (Dec.

2001=100)........................................ 89.301 117.5 117.0 -2.3 -0.7 -0.2 -0.4 -0.4

Foods, feeds, & beverages................... 0 6.018 178.0 176.4 -2.4 -1.7 0.1 -0.7 -0.9

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,

excluding distilled beverages............. 00 4.660 196.0 194.5 -1.6 -1.9 -0.1 -0.7 -0.8

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled

beverages).................................. 01 1.358 137.1 135.5 -5.0 -0.7 0.8 -0.7 -1.2

Industrial supplies & materials.............. 1 24.363 175.6 175.3 -30.1 -10.4 -1.4 -0.3 -0.2

Industrial supplies & materials excluding

petroleum.................................... 14.482 151.0 149.4 -8.6 -1.6 -1.5 -1.5 -1.1

Industrial supplies & materials excluding

fuels (Dec. 2001=100)..................... 13.664 170.6 169.0 -6.5 -1.3 -1.0 -1.3 -0.9

Industrial supplies & materials, durable. . .. 8.110 158.3 156.5 -6.9 -0.9 -0.9 -1.7 -1.1

Industrial supplies & materials nondurable

excluding petroleum....................... 5.553 141.8 140.5 -10.6 -2.5 -2.1 -1.3 -0.9

Fuels & lubricants............................. 10 10.699 182.3 183.6 -46.1 -20.1 -2.0 1.2 0.7

Petroleum & petroleum products......... 100 9.881 196.4 198.4 -47.0 -21.2 -1.4 1.6 1.0

Crude........................................ 10000 6.860 191.4 199.6 -48.8 -21.5 -1.8 -0.2 4.3

Fuels, n.e.s.-coals & gas.................. 101 0.616 108.9 103.3 -38.3 -7.6 -9.9 -5.6 -5.1

Gas-natural.................................. 10110 0.456 93.9 87.3 -45.2 -9.0 -12.7 -7.0 -7.0

Paper & paper base stocks.................. 11 0.599 111.7 111.2 -1.2 -0.6 -0.2 -0.2 -0.4

Materials associated with nondurable

supplies & materials....................... 12 5.026 161.4 160.4 -6.4 -2.0 -1.2 -0.8 -0.6

Selected building materials.................. 13 1.214 138.4 137.2 -3.4 0.1 -0.7 -1.0 -0.9

Unfinished metals related to durable

goods........................................ 14 3.425 214.8 210.6 -12.4 -1.9 -1.3 -3.1 -2.0

Finished metals related to durable

goods........................................ 15 1.718 154.1 153.9 -1.7 -0.8 -0.7 -0.3 -0.1

Nonmetals related to durable goods. . . . . .. 16 1.682 110.1 109.5 -1.9 0.2 -0.5 -0.9 -0.5

Capital goods................................... 2 27.630 91.3 91.0 -1.3 -0.3 -0.3 -0.2 -0.3

Electric generating equipment............... 20 3.383 119.2 118.4 -0.8 -0.3 -0.2 -0.3 -0.7

Nonelectrical machinery...................... 21 21.830 83.9 83.5 -1.6 -0.4 -0.4 -0.1 -0.5

Transportation equipment excluding motor

vehicles (Dec. 2001=100)................. 22 2.417 136.3 136.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 -0.4 0.0

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines..... 3 15.315 111.2 111.2 -1.9 -0.7 -0.4 -0.2 0.0

Consumer goods, excluding

automotives.................................. 4 26.674 107.5 107.4 -0.8 -0.4 0.3 -0.3 -0.1

Nondurables, manufactured................. 40 12.698 119.1 119.0 0.8 -0.3 0.1 0.2 -0.1

Durables, manufactured...................... 41 12.500 96.0 95.8 -2.1 -0.4 0.1 -0.2 -0.2

Nonmanufactured consumer goods. . . . . . .. 42 1.476 118.0 118.2 -2.9 0.0 2.7 -3.5 0.2

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2013 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.

Dash = Not available

5
Table 2. U.S. export price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: April 2014 to April

2015

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description End Use

Relative

importance

Mar.

20151

Index Percent change

Mar.

2015

Apr.

2015

Annual Monthly

Apr.

2014 to

Apr.

2015

Dec.

2014 to

Jan.

2015

Jan.

2015 to

Feb.

2015

Feb.

2015 to

Mar.

2015

Mar.

2015 to

Apr.

2015

All commodities................................... 100.000 126.0 125.1 -6.3 -1.7 -0.2 0.1 -0.7

Agricultural commodities....................... 9.074 191.5 190.0 -15.6 -1.4 -2.1 -1.7 -0.8

All exports excluding food and fuels (Dec.

2010=100)........................................ 83.498 100.8 100.6 -1.9 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2

Nonagricultural commodities.................. 90.927 121.1 120.3 -5.3 -1.8 0.1 0.2 -0.7

Foods, feeds, & beverages................... 0 8.437 193.5 191.9 -14.7 -1.8 -2.2 -1.3 -0.8

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,

excluding distilled beverages............. 00 7.686 192.8 191.2 -16.4 -2.1 -2.3 -2.2 -0.8

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled

beverages).................................. 01 0.751 210.0 208.5 8.7 2.4 -0.5 8.5 -0.7

Industrial supplies & materials.............. 1 31.255 155.9 153.6 -14.2 -4.9 0.3 0.5 -1.5

Industrial supplies & materials, durable. . .. 11.064 161.5 161.1 -6.4 -0.4 -0.7 -1.1 -0.2

Industrial supplies & materials,

nondurable.................................. 20.193 153.8 150.4 -18.1 -7.3 0.9 1.5 -2.2

Agricultural industrial supplies &

materials..................................... 10 1.388 188.6 188.3 -10.0 3.0 -0.7 1.0 -0.2

Nonagricultural industrial supplies &

materials...................................... 29.868 154.9 152.4 -14.4 -5.2 0.4 0.5 -1.6

Fuels & lubricants............................. 11 8.066 184.1 173.8 -33.3 -16.5 3.8 4.0 -5.6

Nonagricultural supplies & materials

excluding fuels & building materials. . . .. 12 20.796 158.0 157.9 -5.5 -0.8 -0.7 -0.8 -0.1

Selected building materials.................. 13 1.006 119.2 118.7 -8.1 0.0 -1.2 -0.5 -0.4

Capital goods................................... 2 37.762 107.8 107.5 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.0 -0.3

Electrical generating equipment............. 20 3.816 114.8 114.5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 0.0 -0.3

Nonelectrical machinery...................... 21 25.866 95.5 95.1 -0.4 0.2 0.0 -0.1 -0.4

Transportation equipment excluding motor

vehicles (Dec. 2001=100)................. 22 8.080 160.7 160.9 3.0 0.5 0.8 0.2 0.1

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines..... 3 10.112 113.9 114.0 0.1 -0.1 -0.2 0.1 0.1

Consumer goods, excluding

automotives.................................. 4 12.434 112.9 112.6 -2.2 -0.7 -0.4 -0.1 -0.3

Nondurables, manufactured................. 40 5.522 108.8 108.5 -2.3 -1.2 -1.2 -0.2 -0.3

Durables, manufactured...................... 41 5.306 110.9 110.5 -1.6 -0.4 0.0 0.2 -0.4

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2013 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.

Dash = Not available

6
Table 3. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: April 2014 to April

2015

[December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description NAICS

Relative

importance

Mar.

20151

Index Percent change

Mar.

2015

Apr.

2015

Annual Monthly

Apr.

2014 to

Apr.

2015

Dec.

2014 to

Jan.

2015

Jan.

2015 to

Feb.

2015

Feb.

2015 to

Mar.

2015

Mar.

2015 to

Apr.

2015

Nonmanufactured articles...................... 9.671 95.9 98.0 -43.4 -17.3 -2.0 -0.6 2.2

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and

hunting........................................ 11 2.037 175.4 175.6 -7.9 -4.1 0.1 -1.4 0.1

Crop production............................... 111 1.617 183.7 184.4 -7.9 -5.1 0.8 -2.2 0.4

Animal production (Dec. 2014=100)........ 112 0.229 93.6 93.9 – -2.5 -4.1 0.1 0.3

Forestry and logging (Dec. 2012=100)..... 113 0.113 65.8 64.4 -23.2 0.4 -1.6 -2.2 -2.1

Mining............................................ 21 7.634 86.4 88.7 -48.1 -20.2 -2.5 -0.5 2.7

Mining (except oil and gas) (Dec.

2006=100)................................... 212 0.243 115.9 102.0 -18.7 -1.8 -0.3 0.4 -12.0

Manufactured articles............................ 90.014 112.3 111.7 -4.0 -1.3 -0.3 -0.2 -0.5

Manufactured goods, part 1................. 31 12.006 125.2 124.7 -0.6 -0.3 0.1 -0.5 -0.4

Food manufacturing.......................... 311 3.361 155.4 154.1 -3.6 -0.9 0.3 -2.0 -0.8

Beverage and tobacco product

manufacturing............................... 312 1.087 118.0 117.6 1.7 0.3 -0.2 0.5 -0.3

Textile mills (Dec. 2011=100)............... 313 0.407 102.0 100.9 -1.2 -0.4 -0.4 -0.3 -1.1

Textile product mills.......................... 314 0.890 112.9 112.6 -1.6 -0.1 -0.4 -0.3 -0.3

Apparel manufacturing....................... 315 4.367 112.2 112.1 1.1 -0.1 0.0 0.2 -0.1

Leather and allied product

manufacturing............................... 316 1.893 124.2 124.3 0.8 0.1 0.2 -0.1 0.1

Manufactured goods, part 2................. 32 17.637 123.5 121.9 -11.3 -4.7 -0.3 0.7 -1.3

Wood product manufacturing................ 321 0.728 116.4 114.9 -5.4 0.3 -1.2 -1.9 -1.3

Paper manufacturing......................... 322 1.111 109.6 109.1 -0.9 -0.4 -0.2 -0.9 -0.5

Petroleum and coal products

manufacturing............................... 324 2.840 99.4 93.5 -40.8 -20.4 -0.1 6.0 -5.9

Chemical manufacturing..................... 325 9.581 134.5 134.2 -2.5 -1.6 -0.4 -0.1 -0.2

Plastics and rubber products

manufacturing............................... 326 2.197 120.2 119.4 -3.0 -0.7 -0.6 -0.2 -0.7

Nonmetallic mineral product

manufacturing............................... 327 0.972 130.2 130.1 -0.2 -0.1 0.1 0.1 -0.1

Manufactured goods, part 3................. 33 60.371 105.9 105.5 -2.3 -0.5 -0.3 -0.4 -0.4

Primary metal manufacturing................ 331 4.133 143.8 141.1 -10.3 -1.8 -1.0 -2.9 -1.9

Fabricated metal product manufacturing... 332 3.018 126.3 126.2 -0.4 -0.2 -0.5 -0.2 -0.1

Machinery manufacturing.................... 333 7.214 119.2 118.5 -2.4 -0.2 -0.5 -0.1 -0.6

Computer and electronic product

manufacturing............................... 334 17.760 78.5 78.3 -2.1 -0.5 -0.3 -0.1 -0.3

Electrical equipment, appliance, and

component manufacturing................. 335 4.730 118.6 117.7 -0.7 -0.3 0.0 -0.1 -0.8

Transportation equipment manufacturing... 336 16.440 110.2 110.2 -1.5 -0.5 -0.3 -0.2 0.0

Furniture and related product

manufacturing............................... 337 1.579 116.1 115.9 0.6 0.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.2

Miscellaneous manufacturing............... 339 5.497 120.5 120.4 -1.3 -0.2 0.0 -0.4 -0.1

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2013 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.

Dash = Not available

7
Table 4. U.S. export price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: April 2014 to April

2015

[December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description NAICS

Relative

importance

Mar.

20151

Index Percent change

Mar.

2015

Apr.

2015

Annual Monthly

Apr.

2014 to

Apr.

2015

Dec.

2014 to

Jan.

2015

Jan.

2015 to

Feb.

2015

Feb.

2015 to

Mar.

2015

Mar.

2015 to

Apr.

2015

Nonmanufactured articles...................... 6.617 138.4 135.2 -19.8 -4.1 -4.0 2.1 -2.3

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and

hunting........................................ 11 4.278 167.9 168.7 -17.7 0.0 -3.0 0.5 0.5

Crop production............................... 111 4.011 172.8 174.0 -18.0 -0.2 -3.0 -0.2 0.7

Mining............................................ 21 2.339 79.6 73.7 -22.5 -10.8 -5.9 5.3 -7.4

Mining (except oil and gas).................. 212 1.230 91.3 89.9 -9.0 -2.2 -1.6 -0.1 -1.5

Manufactured articles............................ 91.832 115.4 114.7 -5.0 -1.5 0.2 -0.1 -0.6

Manufactured goods, part 1................. 31 7.128 144.8 143.3 -8.8 -1.7 -1.1 -1.8 -1.0

Food manufacturing.......................... 311 4.895 164.2 161.8 -10.9 -2.4 -1.6 -2.6 -1.5

Beverage and tobacco product

manufacturing............................... 312 0.612 117.2 118.9 -4.3 1.6 1.0 0.9 1.5

Manufactured goods, part 2................. 32 24.393 115.5 113.8 -13.8 -5.6 0.6 0.8 -1.5

Paper manufacturing......................... 322 1.860 123.9 123.7 -1.1 -1.1 -0.4 -0.2 -0.2

Petroleum and coal products

manufacturing............................... 324 5.547 109.4 102.3 -38.0 -19.0 6.5 4.4 -6.5

Chemical manufacturing..................... 325 13.137 120.3 120.5 -5.7 -1.9 -1.2 -0.4 0.2

Plastics and rubber products

manufacturing............................... 326 2.239 119.3 118.8 -0.1 0.8 -0.1 0.1 -0.4

Nonmetallic mineral product

manufacturing............................... 327 0.815 112.6 112.4 -0.6 0.2 0.3 -0.1 -0.2

Manufactured goods, part 3................. 33 60.312 112.6 112.3 -0.5 0.2 0.2 -0.2 -0.3

Primary metal manufacturing................ 331 4.795 141.9 141.3 -6.0 0.1 1.5 -2.1 -0.4

Fabricated metal product manufacturing... 332 2.979 129.3 129.2 1.2 0.8 0.2 -0.2 -0.1

Machinery manufacturing.................... 333 11.375 125.0 125.1 1.3 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1

Computer and electronic product

manufacturing............................... 334 14.240 86.6 85.9 -2.3 0.0 0.0 -0.3 -0.8

Electrical equipment, appliance, and

component manufacturing................. 335 3.712 114.7 115.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3

Transportation equipment manufacturing... 336 17.289 121.3 121.4 1.3 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1

Furniture and related product

manufacturing (Dec. 2011=100).......... 337 0.372 107.7 108.6 0.8 0.6 -0.1 -2.3 0.8

Miscellaneous manufacturing............... 339 5.550 123.6 123.1 -2.0 -0.5 0.0 0.1 -0.4

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2013 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.

Dash = Not available

8
Table 5. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: April 2014 to April

2015

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Harmonized

system

Relative

importance

Mar.

20151

Index Percent change

Mar.

2015

Apr.

2015

Annual Monthly

Apr.

2014 to

Apr.

2015

Dec.

2014 to

Jan.

2015

Jan.

2015 to

Feb.

2015

Feb.

2015 to

Mar.

2015

Mar.

2015 to

Apr.

2015

Live animals; animal products................. I 1.382 191.7 189.9 -5.6 -1.5 0.2 -1.9 -0.9

Meat and edible meat offal..................... 02 0.321 239.6 237.4 -4.1 -2.2 2.1 -5.9 -0.9

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other

aquatic invertebrates......................... 03 0.718 135.8 133.7 -9.5 -0.8 1.2 -1.2 -1.5

Vegetable products............................... II 1.942 199.7 197.1 -6.2 -5.7 1.0 -1.6 -1.3

Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers.......... 07 0.506 427.0 408.1 15.2 -20.4 1.8 8.9 -4.4

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or

melons.......................................... 08 0.505 100.0 99.7 -21.6 3.9 0.3 -1.6 -0.3

Coffee, tea, mate and spices.................. 09 0.378 245.0 243.6 2.3 1.7 -3.0 -4.6 -0.6

Animal or vegetable fats and oils (Dec.

2009=100)........................................ III 0.277 108.0 103.6 -10.5 1.3 -2.2 -0.1 -4.1

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and

tobacco........................................... IV 2.816 161.8 161.6 0.8 -0.1 0.4 -0.7 -0.1

Sugars and sugar confectionary (Dec.

2012=100)..................................... 17 0.188 91.7 91.1 3.9 -0.2 0.4 -0.2 -0.7

Cocoa and cocoa preparations (Dec.

2009=100)..................................... 18 0.245 108.5 108.6 0.2 2.1 0.4 -3.8 0.1

Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk;

bakers’ wares (Dec. 2007=100)............. 19 0.280 132.5 132.2 0.7 -0.1 -0.5 -0.2 -0.2

Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or

other parts of plants.......................... 20 0.342 162.2 161.1 -4.1 -1.0 -0.6 -1.5 -0.7

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar................ 22 1.056 128.1 127.6 1.3 0.1 -0.3 0.5 -0.4

Mineral products.................................. V 10.619 183.4 184.1 -46.3 -20.0 -1.9 1.2 0.4

Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous

substances and mineral waxes............. 27 10.356 180.1 181.3 -46.7 -20.4 -2.0 1.2 0.7

Products of the chemical or allied

industries........................................ VI 8.716 148.3 148.5 -2.8 -2.0 -0.5 -0.1 0.1

Inorganic chemicals............................. 28 0.673 301.2 304.3 -5.4 -5.8 -3.8 -1.8 1.0

Organic chemicals............................... 29 2.458 123.2 123.8 -9.5 -5.5 -1.0 0.0 0.5

Pharmaceutical products....................... 30 3.497 136.3 136.2 2.5 0.7 0.4 0.1 -0.1

Fertilizers (Dec. 2009=100).................... 31 0.395 114.0 111.0 -1.2 -0.3 -0.4 -0.5 -2.6

Tanning extracts; dye, pigments, varnish,

paints & putty (Dec. 2011=100)............. 32 0.207 100.0 100.1 -1.7 -0.9 0.1 -4.3 0.1

Miscellaneous chemical products............. 38 0.552 90.2 90.8 -3.2 -1.1 -0.6 0.0 0.7

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and

articles thereof.................................. VII 3.449 143.6 142.4 -4.0 -0.7 -0.4 -0.5 -0.8

Plastics and articles thereof.................... 39 2.249 148.2 147.3 -1.6 0.0 -0.3 -0.5 -0.6

Rubber and articles thereof.................... 40 1.200 136.9 135.5 -8.3 -2.0 -0.8 -0.6 -1.0

Raw hides, skins, leather, furskins, travel

goods, etc....................................... VIII 0.723 128.2 128.1 -0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 -0.1

Articles of leather; travel goods, bags, etc.

of various materials........................... 42 0.682 130.6 130.5 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 -0.1

Wood, wood charcoal, cork, straw,

basketware and wickerwork................. IX 0.755 141.4 139.8 -5.2 0.2 -1.1 -1.8 -1.1

Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal

(Dec. 2014=100).............................. 44 0.717 97.2 96.0 – 0.2 -1.2 -1.8 -1.2

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper

products......................................... X 1.165 112.5 112.1 -1.0 -0.2 -0.2 -0.4 -0.4

Paper and paperboard; articles of paper

pulp, paper or paperboard................... 48 0.775 106.4 106.2 -1.0 0.2 -0.2 -0.5 -0.2

Textile and textile articles....................... XI 5.505 114.8 114.6 0.4 -0.1 0.0 0.0 -0.2

See footnotes at end of table.

9
Table 5. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: April 2014 to April

2015 — Continued

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Harmonized

system

Relative

importance

Mar.

20151

Index Percent change

Mar.

2015

Apr.

2015

Annual Monthly

Apr.

2014 to

Apr.

2015

Dec.

2014 to

Jan.

2015

Jan.

2015 to

Feb.

2015

Feb.

2015 to

Mar.

2015

Mar.

2015 to

Apr.

2015

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories,

knitted or crocheted.......................... 61 2.201 104.3 104.2 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.4 -0.1

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories,

not knitted or crocheted...................... 62 1.975 120.4 120.3 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.0 -0.1

Made-up or worn textile articles............... 63 0.642 106.9 106.7 -1.2 -0.2 -0.4 -0.1 -0.2

Headgear, umbrellas, artifical flowers, etc... XII 1.501 123.0 123.2 1.2 -0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2

Footwear and parts of such articles........... 64 1.306 122.2 122.3 0.9 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1

Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos,

ceramics, glass etc............................ XIII 0.902 132.2 131.9 -0.8 -0.2 0.0 0.0 -0.2

Ceramic products................................ 69 0.270 138.8 138.7 -1.7 -0.4 -0.2 0.3 -0.1

Glass and glassware............................ 70 0.313 128.4 128.1 -1.2 -0.3 0.0 -0.3 -0.2

Pearls, stones, precious metals, imitation

jewelry, and coins.............................. XIV 3.080 172.5 172.6 -6.1 0.4 1.4 -2.0 0.1

Base metals and articles of base metals. . .. XV 5.434 172.1 169.9 -6.0 -1.7 -1.7 -1.4 -1.3

Iron and steel.................................... 72 1.176 196.4 186.5 -15.9 -2.2 -4.6 -3.0 -5.0

Articles of iron or steel.......................... 73 1.704 150.5 149.7 -2.0 -0.7 -0.8 -0.5 -0.5

Copper and articles thereof.................... 74 0.462 288.4 290.8 -10.1 -3.9 -4.8 0.8 0.8

Aluminum and articles thereof................. 76 0.763 135.6 136.0 -0.3 -2.7 0.7 -2.6 0.3

Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and

forks, of base metal; parts thereof.......... 82 0.448 128.9 128.6 -0.5 -0.1 0.0 0.0 -0.2

Miscellaneous articles of base metal. . . . . . . .. 83 0.522 138.4 138.3 1.3 -0.1 0.1 0.3 -0.1

Machinery, electrical equipment, TV image

and sound recorders, parts, etc............. XVI 29.877 83.0 82.7 -2.0 -0.5 -0.1 -0.2 -0.4

Machinery and mechanical appliances;

parts thereof................................... 84 15.205 88.3 87.8 -1.6 -0.4 -0.2 -0.1 -0.6

Electrical machinery and equip, sound and

TV recorders & reproducers, parts......... 85 14.672 77.9 77.7 -2.6 -0.5 -0.1 -0.4 -0.3

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated

transport equipment........................... XVII 13.780 114.5 114.5 -1.4 -0.4 -0.2 -0.2 0.0

Motor vehicles and their parts................. 87 12.455 113.2 113.2 -1.5 -0.5 -0.2 -0.1 0.0

Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof (Dec.

2002=100)..................................... 88 1.231 119.2 119.1 -0.8 0.0 0.0 -0.8 -0.1

Optical, photo, measuring, medical &

musical instruments; & timepieces. . . . . . .. XVIII 3.916 104.1 103.6 -1.1 -0.3 -0.1 0.1 -0.5

Optical, photographic, measuring and

medical instruments.......................... 90 3.590 100.9 100.5 -0.9 -0.2 -0.2 0.2 -0.4

Clocks and watches and parts thereof. . . . . .. 91 0.263 143.0 140.3 -2.6 -0.7 0.4 0.1 -1.9

Miscellaneous manufactured articles......... XX 4.054 113.4 113.3 0.0 -0.2 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1

Furniture & stuffed furnishings; lamps &

lighting fittings, nesoi; prefab bldgs......... 94 2.445 118.2 117.9 0.4 0.1 -0.3 -0.3 -0.3

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts

and accessories thereof...................... 95 1.349 105.0 104.9 -0.8 -0.8 0.0 0.0 -0.1

Miscellaneous manufactured articles. . . . . . . .. 96 0.259 134.8 134.8 -0.5 0.6 -0.6 -0.1 0.0

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2013 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.

Dash = Not available

10
Table 6. U.S. export price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: April 2014 to April

2015

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Harmonized

system

Relative

importance

Mar.

20151

Index Percent change

Mar.

2015

Apr.

2015

Annual Monthly

Apr.

2014 to

Apr.

2015

Dec.

2014 to

Jan.

2015

Jan.

2015 to

Feb.

2015

Feb.

2015 to

Mar.

2015

Mar.

2015 to

Apr.

2015

Live animals; animal products................. I 1.985 210.8 206.9 -15.6 -4.6 -2.5 -2.1 -1.9

Meat & edible meat offal (Dec. 2006=100)... 02 1.159 163.1 158.6 -13.2 -4.3 -2.6 -5.7 -2.8

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other

aquatic invertebrates......................... 03 0.447 234.3 231.6 10.8 1.6 -0.6 9.6 -1.2

Vegetable products............................... II 4.011 213.0 212.3 -17.8 -1.0 -3.1 -1.3 -0.3

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or

melons.......................................... 08 1.110 174.3 172.2 -5.3 -1.7 -1.0 -4.5 -1.2

Cereals............................................ 10 1.034 206.0 211.9 -20.2 -3.5 -5.6 -0.8 2.9

Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds, fruits,

plants, straw and fodder..................... 12 1.436 215.4 212.4 -26.7 1.4 -4.1 -0.1 -1.4

Animal or vegetable fats and oils (Dec.

2009=100)........................................ III 0.201 96.2 93.3 -20.4 -0.9 -6.8 -0.5 -3.0

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages,and

tobacco........................................... IV 2.996 158.4 157.4 -7.5 -0.5 -0.4 -1.6 -0.6

Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or

other parts of plants (Dec. 2009=100). . . .. 20 0.400 118.5 118.1 -0.8 0.9 -0.1 0.1 -0.3

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar (Dec.

2008=100)..................................... 22 0.509 110.2 110.5 -0.9 -0.5 0.1 -0.1 0.3

Residues and waste from the food

industries; prepared animal feed............ 23 0.776 234.6 236.2 -16.7 -1.1 -0.2 -2.4 0.7

Mineral products.................................. V 7.919 211.3 199.4 -33.6 -16.2 2.7 3.9 -5.6

Ores, slag and ash (Dec. 2012=100)......... 26 0.492 88.5 86.1 -6.0 -3.9 -1.2 -0.2 -2.7

Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous

substances and mineral waxes............. 27 7.238 204.1 191.8 -35.6 -17.3 3.1 4.3 -6.0

Products of the chemical or allied

industries........................................ VI 10.823 143.5 143.1 -4.1 -1.2 -0.6 -0.3 -0.3

Inorganic chemicals............................. 28 0.888 184.5 185.0 7.4 2.4 2.6 1.3 0.3

Organic chemicals............................... 29 2.910 145.2 143.5 -11.5 -3.9 -1.4 -1.2 -1.2

Pharmaceutical products....................... 30 2.551 110.9 110.3 -4.4 -1.0 -1.9 -0.4 -0.5

Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery

cosmetic or toilet preparations.............. 33 0.784 136.2 136.4 2.3 2.5 -0.3 0.2 0.1

Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or

scouring products; candles, pastes......... 34 0.478 114.5 114.4 -4.5 -0.1 -2.9 0.7 -0.1

Miscellaneous chemical products............. 38 1.899 153.3 154.7 -0.3 -1.3 1.0 -0.2 0.9

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and

articles thereof.................................. VII 5.177 144.2 143.5 -4.8 -1.3 -1.3 -0.2 -0.5

Plastics and articles thereof.................... 39 4.224 139.8 139.0 -4.4 -1.5 -1.1 -0.2 -0.6

Rubber and articles thereof.................... 40 0.953 162.9 162.8 -6.3 -0.7 -2.0 0.1 -0.1

Raw hides, skins, leather, furskins, travel

goods, etc........................................ VIII 0.440 148.2 144.6 -8.8 -1.8 -0.9 -0.3 -2.4

Raw hides and skins other than furskins

and leather (Dec.2014=100)................. 41 0.273 95.9 92.2 – -2.6 -0.9 -0.6 -3.9

Wood, wood charcoal, cork, straw, baskets

and wickerwork (Dec. 2014=100)............ IX 0.622 98.8 97.8 – 0.2 -0.8 -0.6 -1.0

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper

products......................................... X 2.212 122.9 122.9 -2.1 -0.9 -1.2 -0.4 0.0

Woodpulp and recovered paper............... 47 0.607 121.7 122.1 -7.6 -1.9 -3.6 -0.8 0.3

Paper and paperboard; articles of paper

pulp, paper or paperboard................... 48 1.197 123.3 123.6 0.2 -0.7 -0.2 -0.3 0.2

Printed material (Dec. 2014=100)............. 49 0.409 100.3 99.1 – 0.3 0.0 0.0 -1.2

Textile and textile articles....................... XI 1.775 122.6 123.1 -9.4 -0.6 -0.7 -0.6 0.4

See footnotes at end of table.

11
Table 6. U.S. export price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: April 2014 to April

2015 — Continued

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Harmonized

system

Relative

importance

Mar.

20151

Index Percent change

Mar.

2015

Apr.

2015

Annual Monthly

Apr.

2014 to

Apr.

2015

Dec.

2014 to

Jan.

2015

Jan.

2015 to

Feb.

2015

Feb.

2015 to

Mar.

2015

Mar.

2015 to

Apr.

2015

Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics

thereof.......................................... 52 0.451 118.7 119.8 -23.5 -0.3 -1.8 -0.9 0.9

Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos,

ceramics, glass etc............................ XIII 0.816 122.6 122.4 2.1 1.7 0.2 0.0 -0.2

Glass and glassware............................ 70 0.422 99.6 99.3 1.0 0.5 0.2 0.0 -0.3

Pearls, stones, precious metals, imitation

jewelry, and coins.............................. XIV 4.779 236.9 236.1 -7.0 -0.2 1.9 -1.6 -0.3

Base metals and articles of base metals. . .. XV 5.212 154.3 153.7 -5.4 -1.3 -1.8 -0.4 -0.4

Iron and steel.................................... 72 1.236 167.4 164.5 -13.9 -0.3 -5.0 -1.2 -1.7

Copper and articles thereof.................... 74 0.504 187.2 192.4 -13.9 -4.5 -4.9 2.2 2.8

Aluminum and articles thereof................. 76 0.888 118.2 117.9 0.7 -3.2 -1.0 -1.1 -0.3

Miscellaneous articles of base metal. . . . . . . .. 83 0.329 147.7 147.7 0.4 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0

Machinery, electrical equipment, TV image

and sound recorders, parts, etc............. XVI 28.875 97.5 97.1 -0.3 0.2 0.1 -0.1 -0.4

Machinery and mechanical appliances;

parts thereof................................... 84 17.363 114.0 113.6 0.9 0.4 0.4 0.0 -0.4

Electrical machinery and equipment and

parts and accessories thereof............... 85 11.512 79.7 79.3 -2.0 -0.1 -0.1 -0.3 -0.5

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated

transport equipment........................... XVII 14.414 130.5 130.7 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.2

Motor vehicles and their parts................. 87 8.971 114.9 114.9 -0.1 -0.1 -0.3 0.1 0.0

Optical, photo, measuring, medical &

musical instruments; & timepieces. . . . . . .. XVIII 6.143 107.3 106.9 -0.7 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.4

Miscellaneous manufactured articles......... XX 1.470 110.9 111.5 0.6 0.1 0.4 -0.4 0.5

Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and

lighting fittings nesoi;......................... 94 0.832 122.4 123.8 1.1 0.2 0.5 -0.7 1.1

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts

and accessories thereof...................... 95 0.478 90.0 89.9 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.1 -0.1

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2013 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.

Dash = Not available

12
Table 7. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes by locality of origin: April 2014 to April 2015

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Relative

importance

Mar.

20151

Index Percent change

Mar.

2015

Apr.

2015

Annual Monthly

Apr. 2014

to Apr.

2015

Dec. 2014

to Jan.

2015

Jan. 2015

to Feb.

2015

Feb. 2015

to Mar.

2015

Mar. 2015

to Apr.

2015

Industrialized Countries2

.................... 100.000 120.8 120.3 -9.8 -2.9 -0.3 -0.5 -0.4

Nonmanufactured articles................... 7.869 135.9 136.6 -46.5 -17.4 -0.9 -0.2 0.5

Manufactured articles........................ 91.696 119.2 118.7 -4.0 -1.5 -0.2 -0.5 -0.4

Other Countries3

.............................. 100.000 123.4 123.2 -10.9 -3.3 -0.5 -0.1 -0.2

Nonmanufactured articles................... 10.758 197.1 204.2 -41.4 -17.4 -2.2 -0.1 3.6

Manufactured articles........................ 89.017 106.4 105.7 -3.7 -1.2 -0.3 -0.1 -0.7

Canada.......................................... 100.000 125.4 125.3 -19.6 -5.6 -0.9 -0.5 -0.1

Nonmanufactured articles................... 22.022 130.2 131.0 -47.1 -17.9 -1.0 0.3 0.6

Manufactured articles........................ 77.287 128.4 128.1 -5.3 -1.4 -0.8 -0.7 -0.2

European Union4

.............................. 100.000 134.2 133.5 -3.6 -1.6 -0.2 -0.3 -0.5

Manufactured articles........................ 99.401 130.7 130.1 -3.4 -1.5 -0.2 -0.3 -0.5

France (Dec. 2003=100)...................... 100.000 122.4 121.9 -0.2 0.2 -0.6 0.0 -0.4

Germany (Dec. 2003=100)................... 100.000 117.0 116.5 -2.3 0.0 -0.7 -0.3 -0.4

United Kingdom (Dec. 2003=100).......... 100.000 121.6 121.2 -7.1 -5.7 1.6 -0.2 -0.3

Latin America5

................................. 100.000 147.9 148.3 -14.4 -5.0 0.4 -0.1 0.3

Nonmanufactured articles................... 18.183 220.7 227.2 -38.9 -19.0 5.0 0.3 2.9

Manufactured articles........................ 81.414 125.0 124.6 -4.6 -1.4 -0.6 -0.2 -0.3

Mexico (Dec. 2003=100)...................... 100.000 130.7 130.9 -7.9 -2.8 0.0 -0.2 0.2

Nonmanufactured articles (Dec.

2008=100).................................. 10.080 122.6 125.0 -38.2 -19.1 2.3 2.5 2.0

Manufactured articles (Dec. 2008=100). .. 89.611 91.0 91.0 -1.8 -0.7 -0.3 -0.4 0.0

Pacific Rim (Dec. 2003=100)6

............... 100.000 101.1 100.7 -1.9 -0.4 -0.2 -0.1 -0.4

China (Dec. 2003=100)....................... 100.000 103.3 103.2 -0.6 -0.2 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1

Japan............................................ 100.000 97.0 96.5 -2.5 -0.6 -0.2 -0.1 -0.5

Asian NICs7..................................... 100.000 86.9 86.4 -2.8 -0.9 -0.1 -0.7 -0.6

ASEAN (Dec. 2003=100)8.................... 100.000 100.0 98.9 -5.2 -1.1 -0.3 -0.1 -1.1

Asia Near East (Dec. 2003=100)9

........... 100.000 162.3 163.0 -39.2 -11.1 -7.9 -1.3 0.4

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2013 trade values.

2 Western Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

3 Eastern Europe, Latin America, OPEC countries, and other countries in Asia, Africa and the Western Hemisphere.

4 European Union countries.

5 Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

6 China, Japan, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Macao, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and the Asian Newly Industrialized

Countries.

7 Asian Newly Industrialized Countries - Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

8 Association of Southeast Asian Nations - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

9 Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.

Regions are not mutually exclusive.

Dash = Not available

13
Table 8. U.S. international price indexes and percent changes for selected transportation services: April 2014

to April 2015

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Relative

importance

Mar.

20151

Index Percent change

Mar.

2015

Apr.

2015

Annual Monthly

Apr. 2014

to Apr.

2015

Dec.

2014 to

Jan. 2015

Jan. 2015

to Feb.

2015

Feb. 2015

to Mar.

2015

Mar. 2015

to Apr.

2015

Air Freight

Import Air Freight.................................... 100.000 172.9 173.8 -1.1 0.1 0.3 3.1 0.5

Europe (Dec. 2003=100).......................... 25.112 150.2 145.9 -19.0 -3.3 -5.1 -1.8 -2.9

Asia.................................................. 73.508 158.3 161.1 6.3 1.5 2.4 4.8 1.8

Export Air Freight................................... 100.000 157.1 158.5 4.6 4.6 -2.0 -1.8 0.9

Europe (Dec. 2006=100).......................... 36.428 149.0 151.2 11.3 9.4 -1.8 -1.7 1.5

Inbound Air Freight................................. 100.000 159.9 161.0 -2.0 1.0 -0.6 0.4 0.7

Europe (Dec. 2003=100).......................... 25.887 140.4 137.9 -13.4 -1.6 -3.8 -1.3 -1.8

Asia.................................................. 63.454 147.9 150.5 2.8 2.3 0.7 1.1 1.8

Outbound Air Freight............................... 100.000 149.4 144.9 -2.3 -0.7 -0.6 -0.7 -3.0

Europe (Dec. 2003=100).......................... 35.887 169.6 154.2 -6.9 -0.9 -0.1 -0.5 -9.1

Asia.................................................. 47.360 140.4 141.0 0.0 -1.1 -0.8 -0.4 0.4

Air Passenger Fares

Import Air Passenger Fares....................... 100.000 191.3 185.8 -2.7 -6.8 -2.5 -2.4 -2.9

Europe............................................... 49.580 232.5 219.8 5.0 3.1 2.7 -3.8 -5.5

Asia.................................................. 24.316 141.3 137.1 -6.2 -14.4 -6.2 2.2 -3.0

Latin America/Caribbean.......................... 10.211 167.0 165.7 -4.8 -11.2 0.4 0.6 -0.8

Export Air Passenger Fares....................... 100.000 165.5 159.5 -13.3 0.4 -13.3 0.9 -3.6

Europe............................................... 30.050 210.2 203.3 -8.9 -5.4 -1.7 0.2 -3.3

Asia.................................................. 26.477 136.6 129.7 -15.0 2.5 -17.9 -0.5 -5.1

Latin America/Caribbean.......................... 24.755 184.6 172.1 -13.4 -0.8 -9.4 2.7 -6.8

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2013 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.

Dash = Not available

14
15 

TECHNICAL NOTE

Import and Export Merchandise and Services Price Indexes -- All indexes use a modified Laspeyres 

formula and are not seasonally adjusted. Price indexes are reweighted annually, with a two-year lag in 

the weights. Published series use a base year of 2000=100 where possible. More detailed index series 

and additional information may be obtained at http://www.bls.gov/mxp, or by calling (202) 691-7101. 

Merchandise Goods Classification Systems -- The merchandise price indexes are published using 

three classification systems. Items are classified by end use according to the Bureau of Economic 

Analysis Classification System, by industry according to the North American Industry Classification 

System (NAICS), and by product category according to the Harmonized System (HS). While 

classification by end use and product category are self-explanatory, some notes are in order for 

classifying items by industry. In the NAICS imports and exports tables, items are classified by output 

industry, not input industry. As an example, NAICS import index 326 (plastics and rubber products 

manufacturing) include outputs such as manufactured plastic rather than inputs such as petroleum. The 

NAICS classification structure also matches the classification system used by the PPI (Producer Price 

Index) to produce the NAICS primary products indexes.

Import Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United 

States Annotated (TSUSA). Import prices are based on U.S. dollar prices paid by the U.S. importer. 

The prices are generally either "free on board" (f.o.b.) foreign port or "cost, insurance, and freight" 

(c.i.f.) U.S. port transaction prices, depending on the practices of the individual industry. The index for 

crude petroleum is calculated from data collected by the U.S. Department of Energy. 

Export Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the Harmonized Schedule B classification 

system of the U.S. Bureau of the Census. The prices used are generally either "free alongside ship" 

(f.a.s.) factory or "free on board" (f.o.b.) transaction prices, depending on the practices of the individual 

industry. Prices used in the grain index, excluding rice, are obtained from the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture. 

Services Price Indexes -- Starting in September 2008 the Import Air Passenger Fares Indexes represent 

changes in the average revenue per passenger received by foreign carriers from U.S. residents and are 

calculated from data obtained from an airline consulting service. These data include tickets sold by 

travel agencies and travel websites. Tickets sold directly by the airlines are excluded, as are frequent 

flyer tickets generally. Starting in January 2008 the Export Air Passenger Fares Indexes represent 

changes in the average revenue per passenger received by U.S. carriers from foreign residents and are 

calculated from data collected directly from airlines. These data include frequent flyer tickets and those 

sold by consolidators. Taxes and fees are included in the Import Air Passenger Fares Index and excluded 

from the Export Air Passenger Fares Index. The Air Freight Indexes are calculated from data collected 

directly from airlines. These data exclude mail and passenger baggage. The scope of the service being 

priced is the movement of freight from airport to airport only, and does not include any ground 

transportation or port service. The Air Freight Indexes are presented using two definitions: Balance of 

Payments (which represent transactions between U.S. and foreign residents) and International (which 

represent transactions inbound to and outbound from the U.S.). Fact sheets specifying detailed 

information for each services industry are available at http://www.bls.gov/mxp under "MXP 

Publications."
16 

Import Indexes by Locality of Origin -- Prices used in these indexes are a subset of the data collected 

for the Import Price Indexes. Beginning with January 2002, the indexes are defined by locality of origin 

using a nomenclature based upon the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). 

Nonmanufactured goods are defined as NAICS 11 and 21 and manufactured goods are defined as 

NAICS 31-33. 

Revision Policy -- To reflect the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents, monthly 

data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication. After three months, no 

further data revisions take place. So, for example, data released in the January release will be subject to 

revision in the releases for February, March, and April. 

Uses of the Data -- The primary use of the indexes is to deflate trade statistics, notably the foreign trade 

sector of the National Income and Product Accounts constructed by the Department of Commerce. 

Other published indexes are useful for general market analysis. For trade in international services, 

Balance of Payments indexes are used for deflating National Income and Product Accounts, while 

International indexes are more appropriate for market analysis. Merchandise and services indexes also 

can be used to study U.S. competitiveness and to compute price elasticities, and the merchandise import 

indexes by country or region of origin are useful in terms of trade analysis. 

E-Mail Subscription -- The U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes news release is available through an 

e-mail subscription service at (http://www.bls.gov/bls/list.htm). 

 

Additional Information -- More detailed data are available on the Import/Export Price Indexes home 

page at (http://www.bls.gov/mxp). For technical assistance in using the BLS Internet site, send e-mail to 

(labstat.helpdesk@bls.gov). For Import/Export Price Index data requests, send e-mail to 

(mxpinfo@bls.gov). 

Information from this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. 

Voice phone: 202-691-5200; Federal Relay Service: 1-800-877-8339.