Transmission of material in this release is embargoed until 

8:30 a.m. (EDT) Wednesday, September 12, 2012 

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

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

USDL-12-1832

U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES – AUGUST 2012 

U.S. import prices rose 0.7 percent in August, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today, after 

declining 0.7 percent the previous month. The August increase was the first advance in overall import prices 

since a 1.4 percent rise in March. Export prices also increased in August, rising 0.9 percent following a 0.4 

percent advance in July. 

Chart 1. One-month percent change in the Import Price Index: August 2011 – August 2012 

 Percent change 

-0.4

-0.1

-0.4

0.7

0.0 0.0 0.0

1.4

-0.1

-1.5

-2.3

-0.7

0.7

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

Aug'11 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug'12

Chart 2. 12-month percent change in the Import Price Index: August 2011 – August 2012

 Percent change

12.9 12.7

11.1

10.1

8.5

6.9

5.1

3.5

0.8

-0.8

-2.4 -3.2

-2.2

-6

-4

-2

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Aug'11 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug'12
 

All Imports: Import prices rose 0.7 percent in August, the first monthly increase since March. The August 

advance followed a 4.4 percent decline over the previous four months. In August, higher fuel prices more 

than offset a decrease in the price index for nonfuel imports. Despite the August increase, import prices 

decreased 2.2 percent over the past year. In contrast, import prices had increased 12.9 percent between 

August 2010 and August 2011. 

Fuel Imports: Prices for imported fuel advanced 4.1 percent in August following declines in each of the 

four previous months. Higher prices for petroleum and natural gas, up 4.1 percent and 6.8 percent, 

respectively, each contributed to the August increase in fuel prices. Even with the August increase, fuel 

prices fell 7.4 percent over the past 12 months, led by a 6.4 percent drop in petroleum prices and a 33.2 

percent decrease in natural gas prices. 

All Imports Excluding Fuel: The price index for nonfuel imports continued a recent downward trend, 

falling 0.2 percent after declines of 0.4 percent in July, 0.3 percent in June, and 0.1 percent in May. The 

recent decreases left nonfuel import prices 0.5 percent lower for the year ended in August, the first 12-

month drop for the index since a 1.1 percent decline for the November 2008-09 period. The August decrease 

was led by lower prices for consumer goods, nonfuel industrial supplies and materials, foods, feeds, and 

beverages, and capital goods. 

Table A. Percent changes 

2
Chart 3. One-month percent change in the Export Price Index: August 2011 – August 2012

 Percent change 

0.4 0.5

-2.0

0.1

-0.5

0.3

0.5 0.8

0.4

-0.5

-1.7

0.4

0.9

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

Aug'11 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug'12

Chart 4. 12-month percent change in the Export Price Index: August 2011 – August 2012 

 Percent change

9.4 9.4

6.3

4.8

3.6

2.6

1.8 1.1

0.7

-0.2

-2.1

-1.3 -0.9

-4

-2

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

Aug'11 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug'12

All Exports: Export prices increased 0.9 percent in August following a 0.4 percent advance in July and a 

1.7 percent drop in June. The August increase in overall export prices was the largest monthly rise since the 

index advanced 1.5 percent in March 2011. Higher agricultural and nonagricultural prices each contributed 

to the August increase. For the year ended in August, however, export prices fell 0.9 percent. 

Agricultural Exports: Agricultural prices rose 5.1 percent in August after a 6.3 percent increase in July. 

Both advances were led by higher prices for corn, soybeans, and wheat. In August, corn prices rose 11.1 

percent, soybeans prices 5.6 percent, and wheat prices 9.0 percent. The price index for agricultural exports 

increased 7.7 percent for the year ended in August, as higher prices for soybeans, corn, and wheat more than 

offset lower cotton prices. 

All Exports Excluding Agriculture: Prices for nonagricultural exports advanced 0.4 percent in August 

following a 0.3 percent decline the previous month. Rising prices for nonagricultural supplies and materials 

drove the August increase, more than compensating for declining capital goods and automotive vehicles 

prices. The price index for nonagricultural exports fell 1.9 percent over the past year. 

 

3
4

SELECTED AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS 

Import Prices 

Imports by Locality of Origin: Prices for imports from China and from Japan recorded no change in 

August. Import prices from Canada advanced 1.6 percent and prices for imports from Mexico ticked up 0.1 

percent in August, led by higher fuel prices. Despite the August increase, prices for imports from Canada 

fell 5.0 percent over the past year, while import prices from Mexico declined 2.9 percent. The price index 

for imports from the European Union fell 0.4 percent as a 0.5 percent drop in prices for manufactured 

articles more than offset higher fuel prices. 

Nonfuel Import Highlights: The price index for nonfuel industrial supplies and materials fell 0.4 percent in 

August after declining 1.8 percent in July. A 1.0 percent drop in unfinished metals prices and a 0.3 percent 

decline in chemicals prices each contributed to the August decrease. Finished goods prices mostly fell in 

August, with consumer goods prices declining 0.3 percent and capital goods prices edging down 0.1 

percent. Prices for automotive vehicles were unchanged in August. Foods, feeds, and beverages prices 

declined 0.9 percent in August, led by a 2.1 percent drop in fish and shellfish prices and a 2.7 percent 

decline in vegetable prices. 

Transportation Services: Import air passenger fares declined 5.5 percent in August after falling 3.2 percent 

the previous month. The August drop was the largest monthly decline since a 5.6 percent decrease in 

January 2009, and was led by an 8.0 percent fall in European fares. Despite the recent declines, import air 

passenger fares increased 2.5 percent for the year ended in August. The price index for import air freight 

decreased 1.6 percent in August and 6.8 percent over the past year.

Export Prices 

 

Nonagricultural Export Highlights: Prices for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials led the 

increase in nonagricultural prices in August, rising 1.2 percent. A 4.6 percent advance in fuel prices was the 

main contributor to the overall rise in the price index for nonagricultural supplies and materials. In contrast, 

finished goods prices for the most part decreased. Capital goods prices fell 0.2 percent, driven by a 0.5 

percent decline in computers, peripherals, and semiconductor prices, while automotive vehicles prices 

decreased 0.2 percent, led by a 0.4 percent drop in passenger cars prices. The price index for consumer 

goods recorded no change in August. 

 

Transportation Services: Export air passenger fares rose 2.3 percent in August, driven by a 26.4 percent 

jump in the index for Asian fares. The August increase in overall fares followed a 4.8 percent increase in 

July. Despite not recording a monthly decline since a 0.8 percent drop in March, export air passenger fares 

fell 2.2 percent for the year ended in August. Export air freight prices decreased 1.2 percent in August and 

1.8 percent over the past 12 months. 

Announcement 

Beginning with the July Import-Export Price Indexes data released last month, the import price indexes by 

locality of origin were expanded to include price indexes for select industry areas. These new indexes are 

available at http://www.bls.gov/web/ximpim/ippsloor.htm. In total, 249 indexes were added across the 

various localities, including 31 new price indexes for imports from China, and 20 new price indexes for 

imports from the European Union. 

 

Import and Export Price Index data for September 2012 are scheduled for release on Thursday, 

October 11, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. (EDT). 
Table 1. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: August 2011 to

August 2012

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description End Use

Relative

importance

July

20121

Index Percent change

July

2012

Aug.

2012

Annual Monthly

Aug.

2011 to

Aug.

2012

Apr. 2012

to May

2012

May

2012 to

June

2012

June

2012 to

July 2012

July 2012

to Aug.

2012

All commodities..................................... 100.000 137.8 138.8 -2.2 -1.5 -2.3 -0.7 0.7

All imports excluding food and fuels (Dec.

2010=100).......................................... 72.739 103.3 103.1 -0.3 0.0 -0.3 -0.4 -0.2

All imports excluding petroleum................ 78.862 115.9 115.7 -0.9 -0.1 -0.3 -0.3 -0.2

All imports excluding fuels (Dec. 2001=100)... 77.902 120.3 120.0 -0.5 -0.1 -0.3 -0.4 -0.2

Foods, feeds, & beverages.................... 0 5.163 170.1 168.5 -3.4 -0.8 -0.7 -1.0 -0.9

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,

excluding distilled beverages............... 00 3.996 191.3 189.8 -3.2 -0.6 -0.9 -1.1 -0.8

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled

beverages).................................... 01 1.167 122.3 120.5 -3.8 -1.5 0.1 -0.6 -1.5

Industrial supplies & materials................ 1 35.488 241.5 247.3 -6.3 -3.7 -5.8 -1.8 2.4

Industrial supplies & materials excluding

petroleum..................................... 14.350 163.1 163.0 -6.5 -0.2 -1.1 -1.3 -0.1

Industrial supplies & materials excluding

fuels (Dec. 2001=100)....................... 13.390 187.6 186.8 -4.5 0.0 -1.4 -1.8 -0.4

Industrial supplies & materials, durable...... 7.857 175.0 174.2 -7.4 -0.7 -1.8 -1.0 -0.5

Industrial supplies & materials nondurable

excluding petroleum......................... 5.534 149.1 149.6 -5.4 0.5 -0.2 -1.7 0.3

Fuels & lubricants............................... 10 22.099 312.9 325.8 -7.4 -5.6 -8.3 -1.7 4.1

Petroleum & petroleum products........... 100 21.139 350.6 365.1 -6.4 -5.7 -8.7 -2.1 4.1

Crude.......................................... 10000 16.019 361.4 374.0 -4.2 -4.9 -8.9 -2.5 3.5

Fuels, n.e.s.-coals & gas.................... 101 0.660 87.7 92.7 -30.4 -3.1 5.7 10.2 5.7

Gas-natural................................... 10110 0.554 73.7 78.7 -33.2 -3.8 7.9 12.5 6.8

Paper & paper base stocks................... 11 0.606 113.9 113.2 -4.4 1.1 -0.3 -0.2 -0.6

Materials associated with nondurable

supplies & materials......................... 12 5.019 176.9 176.4 0.8 0.9 -0.8 -3.5 -0.3

Selected building materials.................... 13 1.057 138.8 139.8 6.9 1.0 1.2 0.5 0.7

Unfinished metals related to durable

goods.......................................... 14 3.609 258.1 255.6 -15.6 -1.5 -3.6 -2.0 -1.0

Finished metals related to durable goods. .. 15 1.573 162.1 161.4 -1.7 -0.4 -1.0 0.2 -0.4

Nonmetals related to durable goods......... 16 1.526 114.5 114.2 -1.1 -0.2 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3

Capital goods..................................... 2 22.753 93.2 93.1 0.2 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.1

Electric generating equipment................ 20 2.959 119.3 119.3 0.6 -0.1 -0.3 0.3 0.0

Nonelectrical machinery....................... 21 18.101 86.1 86.0 -0.5 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 -0.1

Transportation equipment excluding motor

vehicles (Dec. 2001=100)................... 22 1.693 134.0 134.0 6.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines....... 3 11.893 114.8 114.8 1.4 -0.1 0.0 0.3 0.0

Consumer goods, excluding automotives... 4 24.703 107.5 107.2 0.8 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 -0.3

Nondurables, manufactured................... 40 11.884 114.8 114.7 1.9 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.1

Durables, manufactured....................... 41 11.495 99.6 99.5 -0.3 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 -0.1

Nonmanufactured consumer goods.......... 42 1.324 118.3 115.4 1.2 0.3 -0.3 -0.8 -2.5

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2010 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: August 2011 to

August 2012

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description End Use

Relative

importance

July

20121

Index Percent change

July

2012

Aug.

2012

Annual Monthly

Aug.

2011 to

Aug.

2012

Apr. 2012

to May

2012

May

2012 to

June

2012

June

2012 to

July 2012

July 2012

to Aug.

2012

All commodities..................................... 100.000 132.2 133.4 -0.9 -0.5 -1.7 0.4 0.9

Agricultural commodities......................... 11.518 217.3 228.3 7.7 0.5 -3.5 6.3 5.1

All exports excluding food and fuels (Dec.

2010=100).......................................... 81.196 102.1 102.1 -1.4 -0.2 -0.8 -0.4 0.0

Nonagricultural commodities.................... 88.483 126.1 126.6 -1.9 -0.6 -1.5 -0.3 0.4

Foods, feeds, & beverages.................... 0 10.690 219.7 230.3 10.2 0.7 -3.0 6.8 4.8

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,

excluding distilled beverages............... 00 9.967 223.2 234.6 10.7 0.8 -3.3 7.3 5.1

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled

beverages).................................... 01 0.723 189.7 192.7 4.3 -1.6 1.0 -0.2 1.6

Industrial supplies & materials................ 1 33.418 177.6 180.1 -6.1 -1.8 -3.9 -0.4 1.4

Industrial supplies & materials, durable...... 12.083 182.3 181.2 -5.7 -0.7 -2.5 -0.7 -0.6

Industrial supplies & materials,

nondurable.................................... 21.334 175.9 180.2 -6.3 -2.4 -4.8 -0.2 2.4

Agricultural industrial supplies & materials... 10 1.551 188.8 198.1 -8.2 -1.7 -4.6 -0.2 4.9

Nonagricultural industrial supplies &

materials........................................ 31.867 177.4 179.6 -6.0 -1.9 -3.9 -0.4 1.2

Fuels & lubricants............................... 11 8.115 249.9 261.5 -8.0 -4.7 -8.7 0.6 4.6

Nonagricultural supplies & materials

excluding fuels & building materials. . . . . .. 12 22.796 169.6 169.6 -5.6 -0.8 -2.3 -0.8 0.0

Selected building materials.................... 13 0.956 118.5 118.7 2.9 -0.3 0.7 0.3 0.2

Capital goods..................................... 2 34.773 105.6 105.4 0.7 0.1 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2

Electrical generating equipment.............. 20 3.558 113.3 113.7 -0.4 0.8 0.2 -0.9 0.4

Nonelectrical machinery....................... 21 25.187 94.9 94.6 0.3 -0.1 -0.2 -0.1 -0.3

Transportation equipment excluding motor

vehicles (Dec. 2001=100)................... 22 6.028 149.2 149.1 2.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 -0.1

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines....... 3 8.302 113.1 112.9 1.6 0.0 -0.1 0.2 -0.2

Consumer goods, excluding automotives... 4 12.818 116.3 116.3 -0.8 0.5 0.1 -0.6 0.0

Nondurables, manufactured................... 40 5.956 114.7 114.8 -0.1 0.1 0.0 -0.2 0.1

Durables, manufactured....................... 41 5.420 114.6 114.5 1.3 1.1 -0.2 -0.3 -0.1

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2010 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: August 2011 to

August 2012

[December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description NAICS

Relative

importance

July

20121

Index Percent change

July

2012

Aug.

2012

Annual Monthly

Aug.

2011 to

Aug.

2012

Apr. 2012

to May

2012

May

2012 to

June

2012

June

2012 to

July 2012

July 2012

to Aug.

2012

Nonmanufactured articles........................ 19.091 154.2 158.9 -6.4 -4.7 -7.8 -2.1 3.0

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting... 11 1.846 169.1 166.2 -5.9 -1.0 -1.9 -1.5 -1.7

Crop production................................. 111 1.311 175.6 174.2 -4.2 -0.8 -2.4 -1.5 -0.8

Mining.............................................. 21 17.245 152.4 157.8 -6.5 -5.1 -8.4 -2.1 3.5

Mining (except oil and gas) (Dec.

2006=100)..................................... 212 0.334 143.5 143.6 -8.9 -0.2 -1.0 -0.3 0.1

Manufactured articles.............................. 80.458 117.1 117.3 -1.0 -0.6 -0.7 -0.3 0.2

Manufactured goods, part 1................... 31 11.086 124.7 124.3 0.7 -0.2 -0.2 -0.7 -0.3

Food manufacturing............................ 311 3.083 158.6 157.5 0.1 -0.5 -0.5 -2.7 -0.7

Beverage and tobacco product

manufacturing................................ 312 0.859 111.3 111.3 -0.3 0.4 -0.1 -0.4 0.0

Textile mills (Dec. 2011=100)................. 313 0.410 101.4 101.4 – 0.1 -0.3 -0.1 0.0

Textile product mills............................ 314 0.888 115.8 115.8 -1.8 -0.5 -0.1 -0.2 0.0

Apparel manufacturing......................... 315 4.180 112.1 111.7 0.5 -0.2 -0.1 0.2 -0.4

Leather and allied product manufacturing. .. 316 1.665 119.5 119.6 4.5 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1

Manufactured goods, part 2................... 32 17.921 135.8 138.1 -2.4 -1.9 -2.3 -0.7 1.7

Wood product manufacturing................. 321 0.643 117.5 118.7 9.4 1.4 1.5 1.0 1.0

Paper manufacturing........................... 322 1.114 111.2 110.7 -1.9 0.6 -0.2 0.0 -0.4

Petroleum and coal products

manufacturing................................ 324 4.404 158.3 168.6 -10.7 -8.0 -7.3 -0.1 6.5

Chemical manufacturing....................... 325 8.881 133.8 133.9 0.5 0.4 -0.8 -1.3 0.1

Plastics and rubber products

manufacturing................................ 326 1.934 127.4 127.3 1.9 0.2 -0.1 -0.2 -0.1

Nonmetallic mineral product

manufacturing................................ 327 0.855 130.2 130.1 1.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 -0.1

Manufactured goods, part 3................... 33 51.450 109.7 109.4 -0.9 -0.2 -0.3 -0.1 -0.3

Primary metal manufacturing.................. 331 4.211 170.8 168.8 -13.3 -1.6 -3.3 -1.8 -1.2

Fabricated metal product manufacturing. . .. 332 2.607 129.7 129.5 1.4 -0.2 -0.2 0.2 -0.2

Machinery manufacturing...................... 333 5.745 120.9 120.8 1.3 0.2 -0.2 -0.2 -0.1

Computer and electronic product

manufacturing................................ 334 15.769 82.2 82.1 -1.3 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.1

Electrical equipment, appliance, and

component manufacturing.................. 335 3.928 118.6 118.6 2.0 0.1 -0.1 0.3 0.0

Transportation equipment manufacturing.... 336 12.575 111.9 112.0 2.0 -0.1 0.0 0.4 0.1

Furniture and related product

manufacturing................................ 337 1.340 113.6 113.3 1.4 0.1 0.7 -0.4 -0.3

Miscellaneous manufacturing................. 339 5.276 122.2 121.1 -0.8 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 -0.9

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2010 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: August 2011 to

August 2012

[December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description NAICS

Relative

importance

July

20121

Index Percent change

July

2012

Aug.

2012

Annual Monthly

Aug.

2011 to

Aug.

2012

Apr. 2012

to May

2012

May

2012 to

June

2012

June

2012 to

July 2012

July 2012

to Aug.

2012

Nonmanufactured articles........................ 8.637 171.0 179.9 -0.1 0.1 -5.6 8.0 5.2

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting... 11 6.747 209.7 222.5 8.9 0.6 -5.8 10.1 6.1

Crop production................................. 111 6.321 218.6 230.8 9.1 1.1 -6.3 11.0 5.6

Mining.............................................. 21 1.890 94.9 96.7 -23.4 -1.5 -4.8 1.0 1.9

Mining (except oil and gas).................... 212 1.360 119.0 118.9 -20.3 -2.7 -2.0 -0.4 -0.1

Manufactured articles.............................. 88.442 119.8 120.3 -0.6 -0.5 -1.2 -0.2 0.4

Manufactured goods, part 1................... 31 7.213 147.0 150.0 3.7 0.3 -0.3 0.1 2.0

Food manufacturing............................ 311 5.036 168.4 172.3 5.7 0.4 -0.4 0.3 2.3

Beverage and tobacco product

manufacturing................................ 312 0.580 121.2 126.2 10.1 0.4 0.3 1.0 4.1

Apparel manufacturing......................... 315 0.428 121.7 121.7 6.6 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0

Manufactured goods, part 2................... 32 26.003 130.7 132.8 -2.4 -1.8 -3.2 -0.6 1.6

Wood product manufacturing................. 321 0.404 113.6 114.2 0.4 -0.4 -0.4 -0.4 0.5

Paper manufacturing........................... 322 1.852 119.4 119.7 -4.8 -1.2 0.5 0.4 0.3

Petroleum and coal products

manufacturing................................ 324 5.943 159.0 167.4 -3.5 -5.3 -9.1 0.4 5.3

Chemical manufacturing....................... 325 14.842 129.0 129.9 -2.6 -0.8 -1.7 -1.2 0.7

Plastics and rubber products

manufacturing................................ 326 2.197 117.3 117.3 2.0 0.1 0.0 -0.4 0.0

Nonmetallic mineral product

manufacturing................................ 327 0.765 112.5 112.4 2.0 0.0 0.8 0.1 -0.1

Manufactured goods, part 3................... 33 55.225 112.9 112.6 -0.2 0.1 -0.4 -0.3 -0.3

Primary metal manufacturing.................. 331 4.719 167.8 165.5 -9.2 -1.4 -3.0 -0.6 -1.4

Fabricated metal product manufacturing. . .. 332 2.682 131.6 131.9 3.1 0.5 0.1 0.6 0.2

Machinery manufacturing...................... 333 11.175 120.5 120.5 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0

Computer and electronic product

manufacturing................................ 334 14.440 89.5 89.0 -0.7 0.0 -0.3 -0.4 -0.6

Electrical equipment, appliance, and

component manufacturing.................. 335 3.221 111.9 112.1 -1.1 0.4 0.1 -0.8 0.2

Transportation equipment manufacturing.... 336 13.520 116.9 116.8 2.0 0.1 -0.1 0.1 -0.1

Furniture and related product manufacturing

(Dec. 2011=100)............................. 337 0.300 103.0 102.9 – 0.0 0.4 0.0 -0.1

Miscellaneous manufacturing................. 339 5.167 121.7 121.5 -2.2 1.0 0.2 -1.0 -0.2

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2010 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: August 2011 to

August 2012

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Harmonized

system

Relative

importance

July

20121

Index Percent change

July

2012

Aug.

2012

Annual Monthly

Aug.

2011 to

Aug.

2012

Apr. 2012

to May

2012

May

2012 to

June

2012

June

2012 to

July 2012

July 2012

to Aug.

2012

Live animals; animal products................... I 1.172 163.9 159.7 -4.8 -1.9 0.1 -0.6 -2.6

Meat and edible meat offal....................... 02 0.277 216.4 218.2 1.6 0.0 0.7 1.1 0.8

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other

aquatic invertebrates........................... 03 0.605 117.2 113.5 -9.8 -2.5 -0.3 -1.3 -3.2

Vegetable products................................ II 1.716 213.4 211.3 0.5 -1.0 -2.0 -3.4 -1.0

Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers............ 07 0.310 302.5 296.8 -5.7 0.2 0.9 -6.1 -1.9

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or

melons........................................... 08 0.473 116.8 114.2 -11.7 -4.2 -3.8 -0.8 -2.2

Coffee, tea, mate and spices.................... 09 0.428 273.0 270.3 0.8 -1.5 -1.8 2.2 -1.0

Animal or vegetable fats and oils (Dec.

2009=100).......................................... III 0.254 127.3 127.3 -11.4 0.9 -4.7 -2.6 0.0

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and

tobacco............................................ IV 2.415 156.5 156.7 -0.8 0.1 -0.2 -0.6 0.1

Cocoa and cocoa preparations (Dec.

2009=100)....................................... 18 0.177 80.4 83.2 -16.2 -1.2 -1.3 -4.9 3.5

Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk;

bakers’ wares (Dec. 2007=100).............. 19 0.234 127.7 128.0 0.3 0.2 -0.2 1.2 0.2

Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other

parts of plants................................... 20 0.352 170.5 170.1 4.7 -0.6 -1.0 -0.2 -0.2

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar.................. 22 0.810 121.5 121.4 -0.3 0.5 -0.2 -0.6 -0.1

Mineral products.................................... V 21.840 315.4 328.0 -7.2 -5.4 -8.1 -1.7 4.0

Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous

substances and mineral waxes............... 27 21.525 311.6 324.3 -7.1 -5.5 -8.2 -1.7 4.1

Products of the chemical or allied

industries.......................................... VI 8.447 149.8 150.1 1.8 0.8 -0.3 -0.7 0.2

Inorganic chemicals............................... 28 0.993 390.5 395.1 5.9 5.2 3.6 1.8 1.2

Organic chemicals................................. 29 2.486 138.2 138.7 0.5 -0.2 -1.4 0.2 0.4

Pharmaceutical products......................... 30 3.085 116.9 116.9 4.7 0.1 -0.1 -0.4 0.0

Fertilizers (Dec. 2009=100)...................... 31 0.442 136.2 136.4 -8.5 6.7 -2.6 -12.6 0.1

Tanning extracts; dye, pigments, varnish,

paints & putty (Dec. 2011=100)............... 32 0.183 103.1 102.8 – -0.7 -0.8 -2.1 -0.3

Essential oils and resinoids (Dec.

2001=100)....................................... 33 0.424 124.9 124.9 -1.2 -0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0

Miscellaneous chemical products............... 38 0.481 102.1 102.0 -5.3 -0.1 -1.2 -0.3 -0.1

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and

articles thereof................................... VII 3.142 151.2 150.5 -1.2 -0.1 -0.5 -1.0 -0.5

Plastics and articles thereof...................... 39 1.903 142.3 141.5 0.1 0.0 -0.3 -1.1 -0.6

Rubber and articles thereof...................... 40 1.239 168.3 167.9 -3.2 -0.3 -0.8 -0.8 -0.2

Raw hides, skins, leather, furskins, travel

goods, etc......................................... VIII 0.600 126.3 126.3 3.5 0.1 0.2 -0.1 0.0

Articles of leather; travel goods, bags, etc. of

various materials................................ 42 0.551 127.1 127.1 3.9 0.1 0.2 -0.1 0.0

Wood, wood charcoal, cork, straw,

basketware and wickerwork................... IX 0.677 142.4 143.8 9.7 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.0

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper

products........................................... X 1.216 113.7 113.4 -1.6 0.5 -0.1 -0.3 -0.3

Pulp wood, waste paper, and paperboard

(Dec. 2011=100)................................ 47 0.189 103.9 101.9 – 4.3 0.4 -0.1 -1.9

Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp,

paper or paperboard........................... 48 0.811 108.1 108.0 -1.1 -0.1 -0.4 -0.1 -0.1

Textile and textile articles........................ XI 5.331 115.4 115.0 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1 0.0 -0.3

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories,

knitted or crocheted............................ 61 2.067 106.3 105.7 -0.9 -0.6 -0.2 0.3 -0.6

See footnotes at end of table.

9
Table 5. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: August 2011 to

August 2012 — Continued

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Harmonized

system

Relative

importance

July

20121

Index Percent change

July

2012

Aug.

2012

Annual Monthly

Aug.

2011 to

Aug.

2012

Apr. 2012

to May

2012

May

2012 to

June

2012

June

2012 to

July 2012

July 2012

to Aug.

2012

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories,

not knitted or crocheted........................ 62 1.964 118.1 117.8 1.6 -0.1 0.2 -0.2 -0.3

Made-up or worn textile articles................. 63 0.642 108.4 108.4 -3.0 -0.6 -0.1 -0.3 0.0

Headgear, umbrellas, artifical flowers, etc.. .. XII 1.365 119.0 119.1 4.7 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.1

Footwear and parts of such articles............ 64 1.161 118.0 118.2 4.6 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.2

Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, ceramics,

glass etc........................................... XIII 0.774 132.2 132.1 1.9 0.4 0.2 0.1 -0.1

Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, or

mica (Dec. 2001=100)......................... 68 0.249 125.8 125.7 2.8 0.2 0.6 0.3 -0.1

Ceramic products.................................. 69 0.232 142.1 142.1 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Glass and glassware.............................. 70 0.293 127.1 126.8 2.0 0.8 -0.2 0.0 -0.2

Pearls, stones, precious metals, imitation

jewelry, and coins............................... XIV 3.300 198.6 195.5 -4.4 -1.4 -2.6 -0.3 -1.6

Base metals and articles of base metals. . . . .. XV 4.892 186.0 185.3 -8.2 -0.6 -1.6 -1.4 -0.4

Iron and steel...................................... 72 1.117 235.8 232.5 -11.4 0.3 -2.4 -2.4 -1.4

Articles of iron or steel............................ 73 1.447 161.2 160.6 0.1 -0.2 -0.5 0.2 -0.4

Copper and articles thereof...................... 74 0.438 334.6 340.1 -18.9 -1.3 -4.0 -4.2 1.6

Nickel and articles thereof (Dec. 2009=100). .. 75 0.130 98.6 97.4 -26.7 -5.6 -3.3 -2.3 -1.2

Aluminum and articles thereof................... 76 0.698 134.9 133.4 -13.7 -1.8 -2.1 -2.0 -1.1

Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks,

of base metal; parts thereof................... 82 0.370 128.2 128.4 4.0 0.5 -0.2 0.0 0.2

Miscellaneous articles of base metal........... 83 0.420 135.5 137.0 3.9 0.1 0.3 0.0 1.1

Machinery, electrical equipment, TV image

and sound recorders, parts, etc............... XVI 25.255 85.7 85.6 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.1

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts

thereof............................................ 84 12.727 89.7 89.6 1.1 0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.1

Electrical machinery and equip, sound and TV

recorders & reproducers, parts............... 85 12.528 81.9 81.9 -1.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.0

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated

transport equipment............................. XVII 10.485 116.2 116.3 1.5 -0.1 0.0 0.3 0.1

Motor vehicles and their parts................... 87 9.666 115.3 115.3 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0

Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof (Dec.

2002=100)....................................... 88 0.723 118.7 118.7 2.4 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.0

Optical, photo, measuring, medical & musical

instruments; & timepieces..................... XVIII 3.287 104.5 103.9 -1.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.2 -0.6

Optical, photographic, measuring and medical

instruments...................................... 90 3.026 102.0 101.3 -1.6 -0.2 -0.1 0.2 -0.7

Clocks and watches and parts thereof. . . . . . . .. 91 0.199 130.4 130.4 1.5 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.0

Miscellaneous manufactured articles. . . . . ..... XX 3.775 112.6 112.5 1.7 0.1 0.4 -0.2 -0.1

Furniture & stuffed furnishings; lamps &

lighting fittings, nesoi; prefab bldgs........... 94 2.013 116.4 116.1 1.6 0.0 0.4 -0.1 -0.3

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and

accessories thereof............................. 95 1.554 105.0 105.1 1.7 0.3 0.1 -0.4 0.1

Miscellaneous manufactured articles........... 96 0.208 136.5 136.5 2.6 -0.1 2.7 -0.1 0.0

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2010 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: August 2011 to

August 2012

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Harmonized

system

Relative

importance

July

20121

Index Percent change

July

2012

Aug.

2012

Annual Monthly

Aug.

2011 to

Aug.

2012

Apr. 2012

to May

2012

May

2012 to

June

2012

June

2012 to

July 2012

July 2012

to Aug.

2012

Live animals; animal products................... I 1.918 203.5 212.1 3.7 -1.0 0.0 0.3 4.2

Meat & edible meat offal (Dec. 2006=100). . .. 02 1.147 166.9 166.3 1.6 0.3 -1.4 0.8 -0.4

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other

aquatic invertebrates........................... 03 0.431 207.6 211.5 5.8 -1.0 0.7 -0.1 1.9

Vegetable products................................ II 6.359 268.2 282.5 13.8 1.8 -5.3 11.1 5.3

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or

melons........................................... 08 0.855 136.1 133.5 0.6 -0.3 1.8 -2.4 -1.9

Cereals.............................................. 10 2.407 310.2 339.4 12.6 -2.1 -5.8 17.4 9.4

Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds, fruits,

plants, straw and fodder....................... 12 2.479 305.0 321.4 21.9 4.4 -7.8 14.0 5.4

Animal or vegetable fats and oils (Dec.

2009=100).......................................... III 0.473 147.1 147.2 -8.1 1.6 -5.5 -0.7 0.1

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages,and

tobacco............................................ IV 2.776 159.3 167.3 10.9 0.6 0.5 1.0 5.0

Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other

parts of plants (Dec. 2009=100).............. 20 0.327 111.5 112.3 2.7 0.4 -0.1 0.5 0.7

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar (Dec.

2008=100)....................................... 22 0.404 109.7 109.7 3.8 0.1 0.0 -0.2 0.0

Residues and waste from the food industries;

prepared animal feed........................... 23 0.867 247.6 282.4 28.9 2.8 3.0 3.6 14.1

Mineral products.................................... V 8.098 294.8 307.5 -8.8 -5.0 -8.0 -0.1 4.3

Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous

substances and mineral waxes............... 27 7.498 290.4 304.2 -8.8 -5.2 -8.4 -0.1 4.8

Products of the chemical or allied

industries.......................................... VI 12.201 153.2 154.1 -1.0 -0.3 -0.4 -0.6 0.6

Inorganic chemicals............................... 28 1.014 185.6 185.7 -5.6 -0.4 -0.4 1.3 0.1

Organic chemicals................................. 29 3.348 161.6 164.4 -3.2 -1.3 -1.7 -2.1 1.7

Pharmaceutical products......................... 30 3.161 123.7 123.9 -1.7 0.1 -0.3 -0.3 0.2

Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery

cosmetic or toilet preparations................ 33 0.765 135.8 136.0 1.6 -0.1 0.4 -0.1 0.1

Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or scouring

products; candles, pastes..................... 34 0.470 123.1 123.0 0.2 0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.1

Miscellaneous chemical products............... 38 1.778 153.0 152.8 1.3 0.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.1

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and

articles thereof................................... VII 5.385 145.5 146.5 -4.6 -0.5 -3.1 -1.8 0.7

Plastics and articles thereof...................... 39 4.311 136.3 137.4 -4.2 -0.4 -3.0 -1.7 0.8

Rubber and articles thereof...................... 40 1.074 189.7 189.6 -6.1 -0.7 -3.6 -2.1 -0.1

Raw hides, skins, leather, furskins, travel

goods, etc......................................... VIII 0.371 130.0 132.1 -2.8 0.9 -2.8 -0.1 1.6

Wood, wood charcoal, cork, straw,

basketware and wickerwork................... IX 0.547 110.0 110.0 1.3 -0.6 0.9 -0.3 0.0

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper

products........................................... X 2.330 117.7 115.9 -9.5 -0.9 -0.1 -0.1 -1.5

Woodpulp and recovered paper................. 47 0.638 124.4 116.4 -25.2 -0.9 0.0 -1.3 -6.4

Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp,

paper or paperboard........................... 48 1.232 116.6 117.2 -2.5 -1.4 -0.1 0.1 0.5

Printed material.................................... 49 0.460 121.6 121.6 2.1 0.1 -0.1 1.1 0.0

Textile and textile articles........................ XI 1.894 124.2 125.2 -10.4 -1.7 -3.1 -0.6 0.8

Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics

thereof............................................ 52 0.523 129.4 133.5 -32.2 -5.4 -11.1 -2.0 3.2

Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, ceramics,

glass etc........................................... XIII 0.749 117.9 117.8 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.1 -0.1

Glass and glassware.............................. 70 0.403 98.5 98.5 -0.5 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.0

See footnotes at end of table.

11
Table 6. U.S. export price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: August 2011 to

August 2012 — Continued

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Harmonized

system

Relative

importance

July

20121

Index Percent change

July

2012

Aug.

2012

Annual Monthly

Aug.

2011 to

Aug.

2012

Apr. 2012

to May

2012

May

2012 to

June

2012

June

2012 to

July 2012

July 2012

to Aug.

2012

Pearls, stones, precious metals, imitation

jewelry, and coins............................... XIV 5.213 275.0 271.4 -5.8 -0.8 -1.5 -0.9 -1.3

Base metals and articles of base metals. . . . .. XV 5.489 171.8 171.6 -6.9 -0.3 -3.5 -0.6 -0.1

Iron and steel...................................... 72 1.611 202.0 203.3 -11.8 0.2 -6.9 -3.5 0.6

Articles of iron or steel............................ 73 1.379 173.6 173.2 1.7 -0.2 -0.5 0.6 -0.2

Copper and articles thereof...................... 74 0.647 246.0 242.1 -16.9 -1.7 -7.3 1.5 -1.6

Aluminum and articles thereof................... 76 0.817 123.7 123.2 -10.7 -1.0 -2.2 -1.0 -0.4

Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks,

of base metal; parts thereof................... 82 0.396 134.3 134.4 5.5 0.0 0.0 3.9 0.1

Miscellaneous articles of base metal........... 83 0.342 145.8 145.8 7.4 2.7 0.0 0.0 0.0

Machinery, electrical equipment, TV image

and sound recorders, parts, etc............... XVI 27.787 97.0 96.7 0.2 0.1 -0.2 -0.2 -0.3

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts

thereof............................................ 84 16.180 110.6 110.4 1.7 -0.1 0.1 0.0 -0.2

Electrical machinery and equipment and parts

and accessories thereof....................... 85 11.607 82.2 81.9 -1.7 0.2 -0.4 -0.7 -0.4

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated

transport equipment............................. XVII 11.066 127.0 126.8 2.3 0.1 -0.1 0.2 -0.2

Motor vehicles and their parts................... 87 7.315 113.2 113.0 2.4 0.0 -0.1 0.2 -0.2

Optical, photo, measuring, medical & musical

instruments; & timepieces..................... XVIII 5.838 105.9 105.9 0.3 0.6 -0.2 -0.1 0.0

Miscellaneous manufactured articles. . . . . ..... XX 1.358 110.4 110.3 1.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 -0.1

Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and

lighting fittings nesoi;........................... 94 0.701 120.0 119.8 -0.6 0.0 0.1 0.1 -0.2

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and

accessories thereof............................. 95 0.523 91.2 91.1 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.1

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2010 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: August 2011 to August 2012

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Relative

importance

July

20121

Index Percent change

July

2012

Aug.

2012

Annual Monthly

Aug. 2011

to Aug.

2012

Apr. 2012

to May

2012

May 2012

to June

2012

June 2012

to July

2012

July 2012

to Aug.

2012

Industrialized Countries2

..................... 100.000 130.1 130.8 -1.9 -0.1 -1.2 0.0 0.5

Nonmanufactured articles.................... 11.689 208.9 216.0 -8.3 -2.4 -4.4 3.1 3.4

Manufactured articles......................... 87.693 123.7 123.8 -1.0 0.2 -0.7 -0.3 0.1

Other Countries3

............................... 100.000 136.9 138.0 -2.2 -1.8 -2.7 -1.2 0.8

Nonmanufactured articles.................... 23.780 324.0 333.5 -6.2 -5.2 -8.4 -3.9 2.9

Manufactured articles......................... 75.875 110.7 110.8 -1.0 -0.5 -0.7 -0.4 0.1

Canada............................................ 100.000 146.9 149.2 -5.0 -0.7 -1.9 -0.3 1.6

Nonmanufactured articles.................... 27.716 197.3 204.1 -9.0 -2.8 -3.6 2.8 3.4

Manufactured articles......................... 71.249 137.5 138.5 -3.5 0.1 -1.3 -1.3 0.7

European Union4

............................... 100.000 134.7 134.2 -1.7 -0.2 -0.7 -0.2 -0.4

Nonmanufactured articles.................... 2.118 339.3 348.3 -5.3 -5.5 -10.7 -0.4 2.7

Manufactured articles......................... 97.675 131.3 130.7 -1.7 -0.2 -0.4 -0.3 -0.5

France (Dec. 2003=100)....................... 100.000 120.6 120.2 -0.1 -0.1 -0.4 -0.2 -0.3

Germany (Dec. 2003=100)..................... 100.000 114.5 114.0 -1.7 -0.2 -0.3 0.0 -0.4

United Kingdom (Dec. 2003=100)........... 100.000 131.6 131.9 -1.6 -1.2 -2.1 -0.5 0.2

Latin America5

.................................. 100.000 172.1 173.5 -3.3 -1.8 -4.2 -0.7 0.8

Nonmanufactured articles.................... 33.434 348.4 355.9 -4.9 -4.9 -9.8 -1.6 2.2

Manufactured articles......................... 66.126 133.2 133.4 -3.0 -0.1 -1.0 -0.3 0.2

Mexico (Dec. 2003=100)....................... 100.000 142.6 142.8 -2.9 -1.3 -2.6 -0.5 0.1

Nonmanufactured articles (Dec.

2008=100)................................... 19.730 183.9 187.7 -6.8 -5.4 -10.5 -2.5 2.1

Manufactured articles (Dec. 2008=100). . .. 80.270 95.0 94.7 -2.1 0.0 -0.4 0.1 -0.3

Pacific Rim (Dec. 2003=100)6

................ 100.000 104.5 104.4 -0.2 -0.1 -0.2 0.0 -0.1

China (Dec. 2003=100)......................... 100.000 104.9 104.9 0.8 -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Japan.............................................. 100.000 102.7 102.7 1.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0

Asian NICs7

..................................... 100.000 90.9 90.8 -1.2 -0.2 0.2 0.1 -0.1

ASEAN (Dec. 2003=100)8

..................... 100.000 104.9 104.4 -1.1 -0.4 -0.8 -0.1 -0.5

Asia Near East (Dec. 2003=100)9........... 100.000 256.7 262.0 -3.8 -1.4 -7.9 -5.0 2.1

1 Relative figures are based on 2010 trade values.

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

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

4 Includes European Union countries.

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

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

Countries.

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

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

Vietnam.

9 Includes 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: August

2011 to August 2012

[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]

Description

Relative

importance

July

20121

Index Percent change

July

2012

Aug.

2012

Annual Monthly

Aug. 2011

to Aug.

2012

Apr. 2012

to May

2012

May 2012

to June

2012

June 2012

to July

2012

July 2012

to Aug.

2012

Air Freight

Import Air Freight..................................... 100.000 176.1 173.3 -6.8 0.3 0.6 -1.4 -1.6

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)............................ 23.232 157.6 156.2 -13.5 1.3 -2.1 -2.7 -0.9

Asia.................................................... 72.310 158.6 155.5 -4.8 0.1 1.6 -1.1 -2.0

Export Air Freight..................................... 100.000 145.0 143.3 -1.8 0.3 -1.7 -2.1 -1.2

Europe (Dec. 2006=100)............................ 36.284 131.3 130.0 -1.4 0.2 -1.8 -1.6 -1.0

Inbound Air Freight................................... 100.000 158.8 156.6 -4.6 0.2 0.0 -1.7 -1.4

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)............................ 23.881 140.9 139.3 -11.4 0.7 -3.1 -3.3 -1.1

Asia.................................................... 64.757 145.4 142.9 -2.5 0.1 1.4 -1.3 -1.7

Outbound Air Freight................................. 100.000 145.0 144.9 0.9 0.2 -0.9 -2.7 -0.1

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)............................ 30.907 163.0 163.2 1.2 0.7 -1.1 -1.2 0.1

Asia.................................................... 49.201 136.5 136.3 0.2 0.0 -0.7 -4.2 -0.1

Air Passenger Fares

Import Air Passenger Fares......................... 100.000 193.4 182.7 2.5 0.6 10.3 -3.2 -5.5

Europe................................................. 40.191 206.6 190.1 3.9 -1.2 20.0 -7.1 -8.0

Asia.................................................... 27.149 167.2 161.3 2.5 6.1 7.3 -1.2 -3.5

Latin America/Caribbean............................ 11.370 176.1 172.5 -5.2 -6.0 1.7 1.3 -2.0

Export Air Passenger Fares......................... 100.000 212.6 217.5 -2.2 6.6 2.1 4.8 2.3

Europe................................................. 28.222 256.8 243.5 -7.3 -0.7 13.7 1.1 -5.2

Asia.................................................... 27.112 184.6 233.3 6.9 6.7 -0.2 3.2 26.4

Latin America/Caribbean............................ 23.056 237.5 227.8 15.3 5.3 -2.5 6.0 -4.1

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2010 trade values.

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

Dash = Not available

14
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."

15
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). Flat Files and the FTP server are available for users requiring access 

to either a large volume of time series data or other related documentation. The FTP site can be accessed 

at ftp://ftp.bls.gov. 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. 

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