Technical Information:
 Jim Thomas     (202) 606-7155                      USDL-99-38
 Bill Alterman  (202) 606-7108                      Transmission of This
Media contact                                       Material is Embargoed
 Kathryn Hoyle (202) 606-5902                       Until: 10:00 A.M. E.S.T.
Internet Address:http://stats.bls.gov/ipphome.htm   Wednesday,February 17,1999
                                         
                       U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES
                                  -JANUARY 1999-
                                         
      The U.S. Import Price Index increased 0.2 percent in January, the
Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today.  A
turnaround in the price index for petroleum led the increase; the price index
for imports had declined 0.8 percent and 0.5 percent in December and November,
respectively.  The U.S. Export Price Index was unchanged in January, after
falling 0.1 percent in December.

                Percent changes in import and export price indexes
                              by End Use category
                          - not seasonally adjusted -
                                         
                          IMPORTS                           EXPORTS            
                                                                               
    Month                             Non-                  Agri-     Nonagri-
                 All    Petroleum   petroleum      All     cultural   cultural            
              Imports    Imports    Imports     Exports    Exports    Exports                                                          
                                                                               
1998                                                                           
January           -1.3      -10.0        -0.6       -0.7      -2.7      -0.4 
February          -0.9       -6.5        -0.4       -0.3      -1.5      -0.2 
March             -0.8       -9.0        -0.3       -0.3      -0.5      -0.3 
April             -0.3        0.4        -0.3       -0.4      -1.6      -0.2 
May               -0.1        0.5        -0.2        0.1       1.0      -0.1 
June              -0.6       -4.4        -0.4       -0.5       0.0      -0.5 
July              -0.9       -5.4        -0.4       -0.3       0.3      -0.4 
August            -0.4       -0.6        -0.4       -0.5      -4.1      -0.1 
September          0.2        6.4        -0.2       -0.5      -2.9      -0.2 
October            0.2        2.3 r       0.1       -0.1       0.1      -0.1 
November          -0.5       -9.7 r       0.1        0.2       1.7       0.0 
December          -0.8 r    -12.7 r      -0.1 r     -0.1       0.6 r    -0.1 r
1999                                                                          
January            0.2        1.7         0.1        0.0       0.2      -0.1 
                                                                             
January 1997-98   -6.2      -33.3        -3.1       -1.9      -5.7      -1.4 
January 1998-99   -4.7      -32.6        -2.5       -2.8      -6.6      -2.4 

r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents.
                                         

      

Import Goods

      Prices for all U.S. imports rose 0.2 percent last month, but were down
4.7 percent for the 12 months ended in January.  Petroleum prices increased
1.7 percent in January after falling 21.2 percent over the prior two months.
Over the January 1998-1999 period, petroleum prices fell 32.6 percent,
following a similar decline of 33.3 percent over the January 1997-1998 period.
The index for nonpetroleum import prices also increased in January, rising 0.1
percent after declining the same amount in December.  Over the past 12 months,
this index fell 2.5 percent, compared with a 3.1 percent decline over the
January 1997-98 period.
      
      Prices in all the major commodity areas of nonpetroleum imports were
unchanged or increased in January.  The indexes for industrial supplies and
materials, excluding petroleum, and consumer goods, excluding automotives,
had the largest impact, both increasing 0.2 percent in January after both
decreased in December.   The index for foods, feeds, and beverages also rose
in January, up 0.6 percent after increasing 1.2 percent in December.  In
addition, prices for automotive vehicles, parts and engines increased for the
fourth consecutive month, edging up 0.1 percent in January.
      
      The index for capital goods, however, was unchanged for the fourth
consecutive month.  In each of the past 19 months this index has either posted
no change or declined.


Export Goods

      Prices for U.S. exports were unchanged on average in January as
increasing prices for agricultural exports offset declining prices for
nonagricultural exports.  For the 12 months ended in January, export prices
were down 2.8 percent.  The price index for agricultural exports, up 0.2
percent in January, rose for the fourth consecutive month.  Despite the
recent gains, the index was still down 6.6 percent over the past 12 months,
following a drop of 5.7 percent over the January 1997-98 period.  In contrast,
nonagricultural export prices, which have shown little movement in the past
few months, fell 0.1 percent last month.  This index has not posted a monthly
increase since June 1997.  For the year ended in January, nonagricultural
export prices fell 2.4 percent, compared with a 1.4 percent decline over the
January 1997-98 period.

      January declines in the price indexes for nonagricultural industrial
supplies and materials, capital goods, and consumer goods all contributed to
the overall decline in nonagricultural export prices.  The price index for
nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials posted a second consecutive
drop of 0.2 percent; for the year ended in January, the index was down 5.8
percent.  Capital goods prices fell 0.1 percent in January after posting a 0.1
percent increase in the prior month.  Over the past 12 months, the index was
down 1.7 percent.  Prices for exported consumer goods decreased 0.1 percent
in January and were down 0.7 percent over the January 1998-99 period.
      
      In contrast, the index for exported automotive vehicles rose 0.1 percent
in January after declining 0.1 percent in December.  For the year ended in
January, this index was up 0.6 percent.
      


Imports by Locality of Origin

      Continuing a recent turnaround, the price index for imports from Japan
rose for the third consecutive month, edging up 0.1 percent in January after
gaining 0.2 percent in December and 1.3 percent in November.  Despite the
recent gains, the price index for imports from Japan fell 1.8 percent over the
past year.
      
      The price index for imports from the European Union also rose in
January, up 0.3 percent after falling 0.6 percent in December.  For the year
ended in January, the index rose 0.2 percent.
      
      In January, the import price indexes for Canada and Latin America were
both up 0.2 percent, as gains recorded for nonmanufactured goods outweighed
declines for manufactured goods.  Both indexes declined in each of the
previous two months and were down over the past year 2.5 percent and 6.9
percent, respectively.
      
      In contrast, prices for imports from the Asian Newly Industrialized
Countries continued to slide in January, falling 0.5 percent.  This index has
decreased in each of the past 17 months and was down 7.8 percent for the year
ended in January.
      
      
                                CONTENTS OF RELEASE
                                         
This news release includes the following tables:

Table 1   Import Price Indexes, by End Use.....page 4
Table 2   Export Price Indexes, by End Use.....page 5
Table 3   Import Price Indexes, by SITC.....pages 6-7
Table 4   Export Price Indexes, by SITC.....pages 8-9
Table 5   Import Price Indexes, by Harmonized System.....pages 10-11
Table 6   Export Price Indexes, by Harmonized System.....pages 12-13
Table 7   Import Price Indexes, by Locality of Origin.....page 14
Table 8   U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes for Services.....page 15
Table 9   U.S. International Price Indexes for Services.....page 16
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Import and Export Price Index data for February are scheduled for release on
March 11 at 10:00 a.m.(EST).  
Table 1   U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods January 1998-January 1999
              1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                       Jan.   Sept.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
END                         Description                                                  1998    1998     1998     1998     1998
USE                                                         DecemberDecember   January    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1998    1998      1999     Jan.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
                                                               1/      2/                1999    1998     1998     1998     1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      90.6    90.8      -4.7     0.2     -0.5     -0.8   0.2
        ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM..............        94.838      92.8    92.9      -2.5     0.1      0.1     -0.1   0.1

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         4.976      96.2    96.8      -0.9     1.0     -1.3      1.2   0.6

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
              excluding distilled beverages..........         3.538      93.9    94.5      -0.8     1.4     -1.3      2.3   0.6

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
              beverages).............................         1.438     102.1   102.6      -1.3     0.4     -1.3     -1.6   0.5

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        23.762      82.1    82.5     -12.8     0.2     -2.4     -3.3   0.5
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
                 EXCLUDING PETROLEUM.................        18.600      90.8    91.0      -4.8    -0.5      0.2     -0.4   0.2
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
                 DURABLE.............................         9.765      91.2    91.6      -4.8    -1.0     -0.4     -0.1   0.4
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
                 NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM......         8.835      90.2    90.3      -4.9     0.1      0.8     -0.8   0.1

10        Fuels & lubricants.........................         6.414      66.2    67.7     -27.9     1.9     -7.7    -10.1   2.3

100        Petroleum & petroleum products............         5.162      59.9    60.9     -32.6     2.3     -9.7    -12.7   1.7

1000         Crude...................................         3.842      56.1    58.6     -33.5     2.5    -11.9    -14.7   4.5

11        Paper & paper base stocks..................         1.849      78.7    78.6      -4.6     0.2     -0.1     -1.7   -0.1

12        Materials associated with nondurable
              supplies & materials...................         5.952      88.0    87.3      -5.8     0.1      0.6     -1.2   -0.8

13        Selected building materials................         2.167     102.8   104.8      -0.2    -3.3      0.6      1.2   1.9

14        Unfinished metals associated with
              durable goods..........................         4.407      86.9    86.8      -7.7    -0.3     -1.4     -0.6   -0.1

15        Finished metals associated with durable
              goods..................................         1.491      92.2    92.2      -3.0    -0.3     -0.1     -0.6   0.0

16        Nonmetals associated with durable goods....         1.482      88.5    89.0      -5.0    -0.4      0.1     -0.1   0.6

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        28.617      84.5    84.5      -4.2     0.0      0.0      0.0   0.0

20        Electric & electrical generating
              equipment..............................         3.487      93.7    93.5      -2.1     0.3      0.6      0.2   -0.2

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        23.286      81.5    81.5      -4.9    -0.1      0.0      0.0   0.0

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        19.197     101.3   101.4       0.1     0.2      0.3      0.2   0.1

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
              AUTOMOTIVES............................        23.448      97.9    98.1      -0.9     0.3      0.1     -0.3   0.2

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................        11.723     100.8   100.9      -0.1     0.3      0.1     -0.4   0.1

41        Durables, manufactured.....................        10.587      95.0    95.2      -1.8     0.3      0.3     -0.3   0.2

42        Nonmanufactured consumer goods.............         1.138      97.1    97.7      -1.2     0.1     -1.0      0.4   0.6



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for October, November and December 1998
        have been revised to reflect the availability
        of late reports and corrections by respondents.
        All data are subject to revision in each of
        the three months after original publication.

    NOTE:  Published categories may include price data not shown separately





















Table 2   U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods January 1998-January 1999
              1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                       Jan.   Sept.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
END                         Description                                                  1998    1998     1998     1998     1998
USE                                                         DecemberDecember   January    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1998    1998      1999     Jan.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
                                                               1/      2/                1999    1998     1998     1998     1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      94.8    94.8      -2.8    -0.1      0.2     -0.1      0.0
        AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.....................         9.772      89.1    89.3      -6.6     0.1      1.7      0.6      0.2
        NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES..................        90.227      95.5    95.4      -2.4    -0.1      0.0     -0.1     -0.1

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         8.904      91.2    91.5      -5.6     0.6      2.3      0.7      0.3

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
              excluding distilled beverages..........         8.122      91.0    91.3      -6.5     0.5      2.6      0.8      0.3

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
              beverages).............................         0.782      94.9    96.0       5.6     1.3     -0.3     -0.9      1.2

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        24.223      87.1    87.0      -5.7    -0.7      0.0     -0.3     -0.1
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
                 DURABLE.............................         9.483      88.5    88.5      -4.0    -0.3      0.0     -0.4      0.0
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
                 NONDURABLE..........................        14.739      86.3    86.0      -6.9    -0.9     -0.1     -0.1     -0.3

10        Agricultural industrial supplies &
              materials..............................         1.650      82.7    82.4      -6.7    -1.6     -2.0     -0.2     -0.4

           NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
              & MATERIALS............................        22.572      87.5    87.3      -5.8    -0.6      0.0     -0.2     -0.2

11        Fuels & lubricants.........................         2.132      92.8    92.7     -13.4     1.4     -0.3     -1.2     -0.1

12        Nonagricultural supplies & materials
              excluding fuels & building materials...        18.945      86.0    85.9      -5.0    -0.8      0.1     -0.2     -0.1

13        Selected building materials................         1.495      86.6    86.4      -3.0     0.0     -0.3      0.1     -0.2

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        44.539      97.2    97.1      -1.7     0.0     -0.1      0.1     -0.1

20        Electric & electrical generating
              Equipment..............................         4.491      99.5    99.0      -2.7    -0.1     -0.3     -0.2     -0.5

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        34.340      93.8    93.6      -2.3     0.0     -0.2      0.1     -0.2

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        10.105     102.8   102.9       0.6     0.4      0.1     -0.1      0.1

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
              AUTOMOTIVES............................        12.229     101.9   101.8      -0.7     0.1      0.0     -0.2     -0.1

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................         6.465     101.9   101.9      -0.3     0.2      0.1     -0.4      0.0

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         5.178     100.7   100.6      -1.1     0.0     -0.1     -0.1     -0.1



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for October, November and December 1998
        have been revised to reflect the availability
        of late reports and corrections by respondents.
        All data are subject to revision in each of the
        three months after original publication.

    NOTE:  Published categories may include price data not shown separately



























Table 3   U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods, January 1998-January 1999
              1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                       Jan.   Sept.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
SITC                        Description                                                  1998    1998     1998     1998     1998
Rev. 3                                                      DecemberDecember   January    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1998    1998      1999     Jan.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
                                                               1/      2/                1999    1998     1998     1998     1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      90.6    90.8      -4.7     0.2     -0.5     -0.8      0.2

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         4.233      96.8    97.6      -1.6     1.6     -1.2      1.0      0.8
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         0.340      91.8    91.9      -9.3    -1.7     -0.7     -3.2      0.1
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         1.063     100.1   100.9      -4.3     0.5     -1.8     -2.2      0.8
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.320     116.6   117.8      14.5     6.9     -3.9      6.4      1.0
07        Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and
             manufactures thereof....................         0.565      75.0    76.2     -19.5    -4.5      0.9      0.5      1.6
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.945      93.3    93.6      -2.3     1.2      1.8     -0.9      0.3

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         0.926     109.9   110.4       1.3     0.2     -0.2      0.2      0.5
11        Beverages..................................         0.780     106.6   106.7       1.2     0.2     -0.2      0.2      0.1

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         2.799      84.1    84.6      -7.4    -2.0     -1.1      1.2      0.6
24        Cork and wood..............................         1.050     106.9   109.0      -0.6    -4.5      0.3      4.0      2.0
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         0.345      57.8    57.8     -15.4    -2.8     -1.9     -0.3      0.0
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.611      92.8    91.0      -9.3     0.3     -0.4      0.0     -1.9
29        Crude animal and vegetable materials,
             n.e.s. (9612=100).......................         0.276      99.4   103.4      -4.8    -1.3     -6.6      2.6      4.0
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.331      85.5    84.6     -11.1    -0.3     -1.4      0.0     -1.1

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................         6.118      65.3    67.1     -28.2     1.8     -7.7    -10.3      2.8
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................         4.858      59.2    60.5     -32.6     2.3    -10.0    -13.1      2.2
34        Gas, natural and manufactured..............         1.128     113.4   118.9      -6.7    -0.6      4.0      3.1      4.9

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......         5.692      91.2    90.9      -3.5     0.0      0.5     -1.2     -0.3
51        Organic chemicals..........................         1.604      90.0    89.7      -4.3    -0.4      0.8     -1.7     -0.3
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.668      90.9    90.4      -3.9     0.6      0.4     -4.2     -0.6
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.309      96.5    94.3      -1.0     1.3      1.4     -0.8     -2.3
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         0.972      95.7    95.9      -0.5     0.1      1.3     -0.2      0.2
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.337      95.2    94.5      -1.8     1.3      0.3     -0.1     -0.7
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         0.391      91.1    92.5       0.1    -0.9      0.1      0.2      1.5
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.506      74.1    73.6     -10.9    -0.1      0.5     -0.4     -0.7
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         0.678      99.1    98.7      -4.1    -1.4      0.0     -0.1     -0.4

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................        12.857      91.7    91.8      -3.6     0.0     -0.2     -0.9      0.1
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.764      94.4    94.6      -0.6     0.0      0.4     -0.3      0.2
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.577      95.2    98.7       1.4    -1.0      2.5     -2.1      3.7
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paper board........         1.683      86.1    85.6      -2.3     0.5      0.2     -1.7     -0.6
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up
             articles, n.e.s., and related prod......         1.469      96.4    96.2      -2.7    -0.2      0.2     -0.3     -0.2
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         2.262     100.6   100.7      -0.6     0.4      0.2     -0.1      0.1
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.995      87.4    86.9      -9.5    -0.7     -1.0     -1.4     -0.6
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         1.849      83.0    83.0      -8.3    -0.5     -2.4     -1.0      0.0
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         2.085      96.6    97.0      -0.9     0.2      0.5     -0.7      0.4

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        48.461      91.3    91.3      -2.5     0.1      0.2      0.1      0.0
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment (9612=100)....................         3.170      97.9    97.9      -2.0     0.0      0.5      0.2      0.0
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         2.875      98.4    98.5      -0.2     1.1      0.9     -0.3      0.1
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         0.882      97.6    97.5      -0.6     0.8      0.6     -0.4     -0.1
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & machine parts, n.e.s.......         3.707      98.4    98.6       1.5     1.2      0.9     -0.3      0.2
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         6.477      66.7    66.5     -11.9    -2.2     -0.9      0.2     -0.3
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         4.668      88.2    88.2      -3.5    -0.6      0.1     -0.3      0.0
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........         9.768      84.3    84.0      -2.6     0.7      0.2      0.4     -0.4
78        Road vehicles..............................        15.791     101.5   101.8       0.4     0.3      0.3      0.2      0.3

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        18.450      98.2    98.4      -1.2     0.1      0.1     -0.3      0.2
81        Prefabricated buildings; plumbing, heat
             & lighting fixtures, n.e.s..............         0.406      94.3    94.7      -1.4    -0.8      0.4     -0.8      0.4
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         1.326     100.3   100.3      -2.9    -0.1      0.2      0.1      0.0
83        Travel goods, handbags and similar
             containers..............................         0.542     101.0   100.9      -0.5     0.6     -0.3      0.6     -0.1
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         6.239     102.1   102.0      -0.9     0.0     -0.1     -0.7     -0.1
85        Footwear...................................         1.902     100.9   101.3       0.1     0.4     -0.2     -0.2      0.4
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         1.679      95.0    94.9      -0.8     0.6      0.2     -0.3     -0.1
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.;.....         1.401      91.1    91.9      -0.4     0.7      0.7     -0.2      0.9
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.956      95.5    95.9      -1.9     0.2      0.2     -0.1      0.4




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available.
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for October, November and December 1998
        have been revised to reflect the availability
        of late reports and corrections by respondents.
        All data are subject to revision in each of the
        three months after original publication.
    3  Product categories included in this group
        have been modified due to concordance
        or coverage limitations.

    NOTE:   Published categories may include price data not shown separately

Table 4   U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods, January 1998-January 1999
              1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                       Jan.   Sept.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
SITC                        Description                                                  1998    1998     1998     1998     1998
Rev. 3                                                      DecemberDecember   January    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1998    1998      1999     Jan.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
                                                               1/      2/                1999    1998     1998     1998     1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      94.8    94.8      -2.8    -0.1      0.2     -0.1      0.0

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         7.212      89.5    90.4      -4.7     1.2      1.6      0.4      1.0
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         1.114      89.9    90.2      -1.3    -2.6     -3.3     -0.9      0.3
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         0.603      95.7    96.2       7.4     1.1     -0.5     -0.8      0.5
04        Cereals and cereal preparations............         2.421      78.9    79.2     -10.9     4.6      6.4      1.0      0.4
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.468      99.7   103.4       3.6     0.2     -0.1      0.4      3.7
08        Feeding stuff for animals (not
             including unmilled cereals).............         0.669      92.2    92.2     -14.6    -2.5      3.6      3.1      0.0
09        Miscellaneous edible products and
             preparations............................         0.412     106.8   106.8       1.8     0.4      0.0      0.1      0.0
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.525      95.3    95.7      -6.9     2.6     -2.2     -1.3      0.4

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         1.555     100.7   101.3       1.3     0.3      0.5      0.2      0.6
12        Tobacco and tobacco manufactures...........         1.279     100.4   101.3       1.6     0.4      0.6      0.0      0.9

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         5.117      76.2    75.6     -10.7    -3.1      0.3      0.7     -0.8
21        Hides, skins and furskins, raw.............         0.290      85.7    82.7       2.2    -3.1     -1.0      7.0     -3.5
22        Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits............         1.078      95.6    91.4     -17.5    -4.2      6.1      2.5     -4.4
24        Cork and wood..............................         0.879      81.5    81.3      -5.2     0.4     -1.2      0.0     -0.2
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         0.690      57.7    59.7      -6.4    -5.7     -2.5      0.2      3.5
26        Textile fibers and their waste.............         0.726      70.6    70.3     -10.1    -3.4     -3.1     -1.1     -0.4
27        Crude fertilizers and crude minerals.......         0.336      95.1    93.4      -4.2    -1.9      0.0      0.0     -1.8
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.724      67.7    67.5     -17.8    -3.2      0.4     -0.1     -0.3
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.394      90.3    90.3     -11.5    -2.5      1.0     -0.6      0.0

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................         1.872      93.6    93.1     -14.9     1.2      0.0     -1.0     -0.5
32        Coal, coke and briquettes..................         0.699      99.4    99.3      -1.7     0.1     -0.1      0.0     -0.1
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................         1.042      92.2    91.4     -21.2     3.3      0.1     -1.8     -0.9

4        ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS, FATS AND
            WAXES....................................         0.485      99.7    98.5      -5.7     0.1      0.1     -3.1     -1.2

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......        10.683      91.2    90.9      -4.2    -0.7      0.0      0.0     -0.3
51        Organic chemicals..........................         2.325      74.2    73.8     -10.1    -1.2     -0.3      0.3     -0.5
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.899     103.4   103.3       0.7    -0.5      0.8     -0.1     -0.1
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.501     100.1   100.8      -1.4     0.4      0.2     -0.1      0.7
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         1.261     100.8   100.1      -1.8    -0.6      0.0     -0.2     -0.7
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.772     101.6   101.5       0.2     0.1     -1.1     -0.1     -0.1
56        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.583      95.9    95.8       2.2    -0.1     -0.8     -1.1     -0.1
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         1.739      86.1    85.5      -8.0    -1.9      0.2      0.0     -0.7
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.831      96.3    97.2      -3.1    -0.2     -0.8      0.0      0.9
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         1.772     101.2   100.4      -1.5     0.5      0.6      0.1     -0.8

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................         9.854      96.5    96.6      -1.5    -0.2      0.1     -0.2      0.1
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.714     106.0   106.5       4.6     1.9      1.7     -0.1      0.5
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.312      94.9    94.5       3.8    -0.9      1.8      1.4     -0.4
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paperboard.........         1.512      81.1    80.0      -5.5     0.0      0.7     -1.0     -1.4
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, and
             made-up articles, n.e.s.................         1.426     101.0   100.9      -2.6    -1.0      0.0      0.7     -0.1
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         1.377     107.3   106.9       0.2     0.3      0.1      0.1     -0.4
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.075      97.0    97.6      -4.7    -1.8     -0.4     -0.6      0.6
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         1.208      84.1    85.4      -4.6     0.2     -0.4     -1.5      1.5
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         2.079     106.4   107.2       2.3    -0.1     -0.1     -0.1      0.8

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        51.031      98.3    98.1      -1.5     0.1     -0.1      0.1     -0.2
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment...............................         4.489     108.5   108.9       2.0     0.0      0.9      0.5      0.4
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         4.846     105.2   105.5       0.9     0.0      0.0     -0.3      0.3
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         1.026     108.9   109.1       2.4     0.2      0.0      0.2      0.2
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & parts, n.e.s...............         5.225     106.5   107.0       1.3     0.3     -0.2      0.0      0.5
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         6.040      74.4    74.3      -8.0    -0.4      0.0     -0.1     -0.1
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         3.840      97.6    97.6      -1.0    -0.1     -0.6      0.1      0.0
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........        11.524      90.7    89.6      -4.7     0.0     -0.4     -0.1     -1.2
78        Road vehicles..............................         9.369     102.1   102.2       0.2     0.2      0.0     -0.1      0.1

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        11.447     100.6   100.9      -0.4     0.2      0.0     -0.2      0.3
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         0.655     104.2   103.9       0.0     0.0      0.1      0.0     -0.3
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         1.281     100.8   100.6      -2.9     0.0      0.0     -1.7     -0.2
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         3.837     104.1   104.9       1.4     0.1      0.1      0.1      0.8
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.......         0.931      94.3    95.0       0.8     1.0      1.2     -0.2      0.7
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.267      98.2    98.2      -1.7     0.1     -0.2      0.0      0.0
     3/ Other miscellaneous manufactured
           articles (9612=100).......................         0.475     102.1   102.1       0.7    -0.2      0.0      0.0      0.0




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                   n.a.      Not available.
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for October, November and December 1998
        have been revised to reflect the availability
        of late reports and corrections by respondents.
        All data are subject to revision in each of the
        three months after original publication.
    3  Product categories included in this group
        have been modified due to concordance
        or coverage limitations.

    NOTE:  Published categories may include price data not shown separately

Table 5   U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods,
             January 1998-January 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                       Jan.   Sept.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
nized                       Description                                                  1998    1998     1998     1998     1998
System                                                      DecemberDecember   January    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1998    1998      1999     Jan.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
                                                               1/      2/                1999    1998     1998     1998     1999


I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.611      97.5    98.3      -3.9     0.3     -0.4     -1.8      0.8
02      Meat and edible meat offal...................         0.278      92.6    92.6      -5.2    -1.8      1.1     -2.8      0.0
03      Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and...........
           other aquatic invertebrates...............         0.945     101.9   103.2      -3.5     0.9     -2.3     -1.4      1.3
     3/ Other live animals and animal................
           products (9612=100).......................         0.388      93.3    93.7      -4.1     0.4      3.1     -2.3      0.4

II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         1.728      93.5    94.3       1.8     3.4     -4.3      4.5      0.9
07      Edible vegetables and certain roots and......
           tubers....................................         0.480     165.4   158.2      29.4    20.5    -17.8     24.5     -4.4
08      Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus........
           fruit or melons...........................         0.473      98.0   102.1       6.5    -1.4      3.9     -4.8      4.2
09      Coffee, tea, mate and spices.................         0.377      72.3    74.3     -15.3    -3.9      1.8     -0.8      2.8
     3/ Other vegetable products.....................         0.398      85.6    86.9      -7.4    -0.1     -3.8      1.7      1.5

IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND.........
           TOBACCO...................................         2.196     100.3   100.7      -0.5    -0.4     -0.4      0.5      0.4
20      Preparations of vegetables, fruit,...........
           nuts, or other parts of plants............         0.296      92.1    94.8       6.2     0.9      0.9      3.0      2.9
22      Beverages, spirits, and vinegar..............         0.807     104.8   105.0       0.9    -0.8      1.0     -0.3      0.2
     3/ Other prepared foodstuffs (9612=100).........         1.092      97.1    96.9      -3.2    -0.6     -1.6      0.4     -0.2

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................         6.791      67.8    69.2     -26.6     1.8     -7.1     -9.2      2.1
26      Ores, slag and ash...........................         0.314     101.6   101.5      -0.4    -0.1      0.1      0.0     -0.1
27      Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,...........
           bituminous substances and mineral wax.....         6.240      65.8    67.3     -28.3     1.9     -7.7    -10.0      2.3

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED..........
           INDUSTRIES................................         5.371      94.5    94.0      -3.3     0.3      0.3     -1.2     -0.5
28      Inorganic chemicals..........................         0.843      94.8    93.8      -4.9     0.8      0.1     -2.7     -1.1
29      Organic chemicals............................         2.030      90.4    90.0      -4.4    -0.2      0.3     -1.3     -0.4
30      Pharmaceutical products......................         0.604     103.6   103.9       0.8     1.8      1.6     -0.4      0.3
32      Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye &.............
           pigments; varnish & paints; putty.........         0.306      94.6    92.7      -1.1     1.3      1.3     -0.8     -2.0
37      Photographic or cinematographic goods........         0.369      95.1    95.1      -1.9    -0.6      0.0      0.0      0.0
38      Miscellaneous chemical products..............
           (9612=100)................................         0.420      92.4    92.0      -6.7    -2.4      0.1      0.4     -0.4
     3/ Other products of the chemical or............
           allied industries (9612=100)..............         0.799      95.1    94.6      -1.4     1.5     -0.4     -0.8     -0.5

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER.......
           AND ARTICLES THEREOF......................         2.796      85.6    85.9      -4.3    -0.1      0.4     -0.5      0.4
39      Plastics and articles thereof................         1.757      89.0    89.6      -4.1    -0.1      0.2      0.0      0.7
40      Rubber and articles thereof..................         1.039      80.3    80.3      -5.0     0.0      0.2     -1.4      0.0

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,........
           TRAVEL GOODS, ETC.........................         1.074     102.6   102.3      -0.9     0.8      0.1     -0.2     -0.3
42      Articles of leather; travel goods, bags,.....
           etc. of various materials.................         0.903     100.7   100.4      -0.9     0.7      0.1     -0.2     -0.3

IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKET....
           AND WICKER................................         1.668     100.7   103.0      -0.3    -4.0      0.7      1.9      2.3

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER.....
           AND ARTICLES THEREOF......................         2.423      81.3    81.1      -4.0    -0.2      0.0     -1.2     -0.2
47      Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic........
           material; waste paper/paperboard..........         0.345      58.1    58.1     -15.8    -3.6     -1.9     -0.2      0.0
48      Paper and paperboard; articles of paper......
           pulp, paper or paperboard.................         1.703      87.0    86.6      -2.0     0.1      0.3     -1.6     -0.5
49      Printed matter...............................         0.376      99.0    99.4       0.1     0.8      0.5     -0.4      0.4

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         7.323     100.2   100.2      -1.5    -0.1     -0.1     -0.4      0.0
61      Articles of apparel and clothing.............
           accessories, knitted or crocheted.........         2.160     100.0   100.1      -1.8    -0.2      0.0     -1.2      0.1
62      Articles of apparel and clothing.............
           accessories, not knitted or crocheted.....         3.581     103.8   103.8       0.0    -0.1     -0.2      0.0      0.0
63      Made-up or worn textile articles and.........
           clothing; needlecraft sets; rags..........         0.351      92.9    93.5      -1.0     0.2      0.8     -1.2      0.6
     3/ Other textile & textile......................
           articles (9612=100).......................         1.232      95.5    95.0      -5.1     0.0     -0.2     -0.2     -0.5

XII      FOOTWEAR, HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS, WHIPS,.......
           ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC...................         2.229     101.1   101.5       0.1     0.4     -0.2     -0.3      0.4
64      Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts........
           of such articles..........................         1.914     100.5   100.9      -0.2     0.5     -0.1     -0.4      0.4
     3/ Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas,.........
           whips, art. flowers, etc. (9612=100)......         0.315     103.2   103.3       1.8     0.3     -0.2      0.0      0.1

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,CERAMIC....
           GLASS ETC.................................         1.214     101.0   101.3      -0.3     0.5      0.3     -0.2      0.3
69      Ceramic products.............................         0.457      97.5    97.9      -1.2     0.3      0.1     -0.4      0.4
70      Glass and glassware..........................         0.467     100.3   100.5      -0.4     0.5      0.6     -0.1      0.2

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,............
           IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS..............         2.359      98.4    99.3       3.5     0.1      0.3     -0.1      0.9

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL......         5.664      85.1    84.5      -8.9    -0.2     -1.1     -1.2     -0.7
72      Iron and steel...............................         1.709      86.3    86.0      -9.6    -0.9     -1.1     -0.7     -0.3
73      Articles of iron or steel....................         1.329      93.2    93.0      -3.5     0.0     -0.2     -0.6     -0.2
74      Copper and articles thereof..................         0.406      69.9    68.1      -8.2     0.3     -1.5     -0.9     -2.6
76      Aluminum and articles thereof................         0.913      81.2    80.5     -12.1     0.7     -1.0     -1.1     -0.9
83      Miscellaneous articles of base metal.........         0.438     100.4    99.7      -1.1    -0.1      1.0     -0.7     -0.7
     3/ Miscellaneous nonferrous metals and..........
           articles, including scrap (9612=100)......         0.391      72.6    69.5     -30.2    -2.0     -6.7     -6.0     -4.3

XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV.........
           IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC.......        30.517      84.1    84.0      -4.3    -0.1      0.0      0.1     -0.1
84      Specialized machinery & computer.............
           equipment.................................        15.809      84.0    84.0      -5.1    -0.6      0.1      0.0      0.0
85      Electrical machinery and equip, sound........
           and TV recorders & reproducers, parts.....        14.708      84.1    84.0      -3.4     0.4     -0.1      0.1     -0.1

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND.............
           ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT............        17.113     101.6   102.0       0.6     0.3      0.4      0.1      0.4
87      Motor vehicles and their parts...............        16.163     101.3   101.7       0.6     0.3      0.4      0.1      0.4

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &........
           MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES.........         3.728      91.8    92.1      -1.2     0.5      0.1     -0.3      0.3
90      Optical, photographic, measuring and.........
           medical instruments.......................         3.175      91.5    91.7      -1.5     0.5      0.0     -0.2      0.2
91      Clocks and watches and parts thereof.........         0.404      94.2    94.6       1.0     1.5      0.2     -0.7      0.4

XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         3.918      97.9    98.1      -1.5     0.2      0.5     -0.1      0.2
94      Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps........
           and lighting fittings nes;................         1.691      98.5    98.8      -1.5     0.2      0.7     -0.1      0.3
95      Toys, games and sports equipment; parts......
           and accessories thereof...................         1.917      97.9    98.0      -2.1     0.1      0.2      0.0      0.1
96      Miscellaneous manufactured articles..........         0.310      95.0    95.6       2.4     0.4      2.0     -0.6      0.6



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for October, November and December 1998
        have been revised to reflect the availability
        of late reports and corrections by respondents.
        All data are subject to revision in each of
        the three months after original publication.
    3  Product categories included in this group
        have been modified due to concordance
        or coverage limitations.

    NOTE:  Published categories may include price data not shown separately

Table 6   U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods, 
             January 1998-January 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                       Jan.   Sept.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
nized                       Description                                                  1998    1998     1998     1998     1998
System                                                      DecemberDecember   January    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1998    1998      1999     Jan.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
                                                               1/      2/                1999    1998     1998     1998     1999


I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.884      90.8    91.1      -1.3     0.1     -1.8     -1.4      0.3
02      Meat & edible meat offal.....................         1.017      86.2    85.7      -2.9    -3.0     -3.4     -1.3     -0.6
03      Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and...........
           other aquatic invertebrates...............         0.519      90.3    92.3       5.5     1.9      0.1     -1.2      2.2
     3/ Other live animals and animal................
           products (9612=100).......................         0.349      92.1    92.5      -5.9     8.2     -0.2     -1.9      0.4

II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         4.808      86.5    86.6     -10.2     1.4      4.5      1.2      0.1
07      Edible vegetables and certain roots and......
           tubers....................................         0.335     102.1   110.9     -12.3     1.6     -1.0      3.8      8.6
08      Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus........
           fruit or melons...........................         0.754      99.0   100.9       8.3     1.0     -1.6     -0.9      1.9
10      Cereals......................................         2.193      76.8    77.4     -11.7     5.2      7.1      1.2      0.8
12      Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds,............
           fruits, plants, straw and fodder..........         1.275      98.2    94.9     -15.7    -4.2      6.1      2.4     -3.4

III      ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FATS AND OILS...........         0.529     100.9   100.2      -5.6    -0.1      0.3     -3.0     -0.7

IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND.........
           TOBACCO...................................         3.515      98.9    98.7      -1.7     0.2      0.5      1.5     -0.2
20      Preparations of vegetables, fruit,...........
           nuts, or other parts of plants............         0.378     101.9    98.8       6.7     0.8      0.3      5.8     -3.0
21      Miscellaneous edible preparations............         0.381     107.0   107.0       1.0     0.5     -0.5      0.2      0.0
22      Beverages, spirits, and vinegar..............         0.345     100.3    99.2      -0.4     0.0     -0.2      1.4     -1.1
23      Residues and waste from the food.............
           industries; prepared animal feed..........         0.606      90.0    89.8     -13.3    -0.1      2.0      4.5     -0.2
24      Tobacco and manufactured tobacco.............
           substitutes...............................         1.290     100.5   101.2       1.4     0.4      0.7      0.0      0.7
     3/ Other prepared foods.........................         0.515      99.9    99.8      -2.1    -0.2     -0.5      0.3     -0.1

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................         2.424      91.9    91.1     -14.1     0.1      0.1     -0.6     -0.9
26      Ores, slag and ash (9812=100)................         0.240     100.0    97.4     n.a.    n.a.     n.a.     n.a.      -2.6
27      Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,...........
           bituminous substances and mineral wax.....         1.922      94.3    93.8     -15.1     1.3      0.0     -0.9     -0.5

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED..........
           INDUSTRIES................................         8.743      92.4    92.1      -3.1    -0.3      0.2      0.0     -0.3
28      Inorganic chemicals..........................         0.966     102.1   102.2       0.5    -1.0      1.3     -0.1      0.1
29      Organic chemicals............................         2.621      77.4    76.8      -9.9    -1.4     -0.1      0.3     -0.8
30      Pharmaceutical products......................         0.938     103.2   103.0      -0.2    -1.0      0.1      0.0     -0.2
31      Fertilizers (9612=100).......................         0.649      95.9    95.8       2.2    -0.1     -0.8     -1.1     -0.1
32      Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes and.........
           pigments; paints & varnish; putty;ink.....         0.515     100.4   101.1      -0.7     0.8      0.2     -0.3      0.7
33      Essential oils and resinoids;................
           perfumery, cosmetic or toilet.............         0.553     103.7   103.4       1.4     0.1     -0.3      0.0     -0.3
34      Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or........
           scouring products; candles, pastes........         0.328     103.7   103.8      -0.3     0.3     -1.3      0.0      0.1
37      Photographic or cinematographic goods........         0.404      86.7    88.4       2.1     2.4      2.7     -0.3      2.0
38      Miscellaneous chemical products..............         1.543     100.3    99.2      -1.2     0.7      0.9      0.0     -1.1

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER.......
           AND ARTICLES THEREOF......................         4.224      91.1    91.1      -5.4    -0.8      0.3      0.0      0.0
39      Plastics and articles thereof................         3.286      88.9    88.7      -7.4    -1.1      0.0      0.1     -0.2
40      Rubber and articles thereof..................         0.938      99.8   100.1       1.9     0.4      1.8     -0.3      0.3

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,........
           TRAVEL GOODS, ETC.........................         0.520      86.1    84.5      -2.2    -2.4     -1.2      4.1     -1.9
41      Raw hides and skins (other than..............
           furskins) and leather.....................         0.364      81.0    78.9      -3.1    -3.5     -1.8      5.7     -2.6

IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW,...........
           BASKET AND WICKER.........................         1.214      84.9    84.8      -3.2     0.0     -0.6      0.4     -0.1

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER.....
           AND ARTICLES THEREOF......................         2.966      75.4    75.5      -3.9    -1.0      0.1     -0.5      0.1
47      Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic........
           material; waste paper/paperboard..........         0.641      55.6    57.2      -8.6    -5.3     -1.9      0.0      2.9
48      Paper and paperboard; articles of paper......
           pulp, paper or paperboard.................         1.484      81.7    80.5      -5.7     0.0      1.2     -1.1     -1.5
49      Printed material.............................         0.841     109.2   110.0       3.1     0.6      0.0      0.0      0.7

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         3.182      88.6    88.2      -5.0    -1.2     -0.7     -0.6     -0.5
52      Cotton, including yarns and woven............
           fabrics thereof...........................         0.644      72.3    72.2      -7.6    -3.6     -3.3     -1.0     -0.1
55      Manmade staple fibers, includ. yarns.........
           and woven fabrics (9812=100)..............         0.271     100.0    99.9     n.a.    n.a.     n.a.     n.a.      -0.1
61      Apparel and clothing access.,................
           knitted or crocheted (9812=100)...........         0.477     100.0   100.1     n.a.    n.a.     n.a.     n.a.       0.1
62      Apparel and clothing access.,................
           not knitted or crocheted (9812=100).......         0.672     100.0    98.9     n.a.    n.a.     n.a.     n.a.      -1.1

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,...........
           CERAMIC, GLASS ETC........................         0.881     103.5   103.3       0.3     0.5      0.1     -0.3     -0.2
70      Glass and glassware..........................         0.512     102.8   102.5       0.8     1.0     -0.1      0.0     -0.3

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,............
           IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS..............         1.869      93.1    93.9       0.9     0.5      1.3     -0.1      0.9

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS.....         4.456      89.5    89.7      -4.9    -0.7     -0.1     -0.7      0.2
72      Iron and steel...............................         0.843      78.4    78.5     -13.3    -1.7      0.1     -1.1      0.1
73      Articles of iron or steel....................         1.322     109.6   109.4       0.5    -0.9     -0.2      0.0     -0.2
74      Copper and articles thereof..................         0.352      65.1    62.8     -11.3     0.3     -0.2     -2.0     -3.5
76      Aluminum and articles thereof................         0.822      80.0    80.8      -8.3     0.7     -0.9     -0.9      1.0
82      Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and.......
           forks, of base metal; parts thereof.......         0.424     102.7   103.7      -0.4    -0.4      0.0      0.4      1.0
83      Miscellaneous articles of base metal.........         0.388     100.8   101.8       1.8     0.0      0.0      0.0      1.0


XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV.........
           IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC.....        36.878      93.4    93.1      -2.8     0.0     -0.1      0.0     -0.3
84      Specialized machinery & computer.............
           equipment.................................        20.617      94.7    94.9      -1.7     0.0      0.1      0.0      0.2
85      Electrical machinery and equip, sound........
           & tv recorders & reproducers, parts.......        16.261      91.7    90.8      -4.3     0.0     -0.4     -0.1     -1.0

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND.............
           ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT............        14.274     105.6   105.7       0.7     0.2      0.1      0.1      0.1
87      Motor vehicles and their parts...............         9.836     102.2   102.3       0.2     0.3      0.0     -0.2      0.1

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &........
           MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES.........         5.569     102.3   103.0       0.9     0.0      0.0      0.1      0.7


XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         1.835     102.2   102.2      -0.2     0.0     -0.2      0.0      0.0
94      Furniture; stuffed furnishings;..............
           lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;........         0.904     104.2   104.0       0.1    -0.1      0.0      0.0     -0.2
95      Toys, games and sports equipment; parts......
           and accessories thereof...................         0.754     100.5   100.5      -0.5     0.0     -0.4      0.0      0.0



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for October, November and December 1998
        have been revised to reflect the availability
        of late reports and corrections by respondents.
        All data are subject to revision in each of
        the three months after original publication.
    3  Product categories included in this group
        have been modified due to concordance
        or coverage limitations.

    NOTE:  Published categories may include price data not shown separately

        Table  7    U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes by Locality of Origin,  January 1998-January 1999
               1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                       Index                            Percent Change
                                                            Percentage
                                                               of                       Annual          Monthly
                                                            US Imports                   Jan.   Sept.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
                           Description 1/                                                1998    1998     1998     1998     1998
                                                              1995    Dec.      Jan.      to      to       to       to       to
                                                                      1998      1999     Jan.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
                                                                       2/                1999    1998     1998     1998     1999

     3/ Developed Countries..........................          55.6      94.7    95.2      -0.8     0.4      0.5     -0.4      0.5
          Manufactured Goods.........................          52.2      95.5    95.9      -0.2     0.2      0.7     -0.3      0.4
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................           3.1      85.8    87.7      -9.8     3.3     -2.3     -2.4      2.2

     3/ Developing Countries.........................          42.7      89.1    89.1      -8.3    -0.1     -1.2     -1.5      0.0
          Manufactured Goods.........................          35.4      92.2    91.8      -5.1    -0.5     -0.1     -0.2     -0.4
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................           7.1      69.3    71.2     -24.3     2.6     -7.6     -8.9      2.7

        Canada.......................................          18.9      95.1    95.3      -2.5     0.5     -0.3     -0.7      0.2
          Manufactured Goods.........................          16.5      96.3    96.1      -1.9     0.0      0.1     -0.8     -0.2
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................           2.2      90.5    92.9      -6.5     4.5     -2.9     -0.4      2.7

     4/ European Union...............................          17.0     100.6   100.9       0.2     0.9      0.5     -0.6      0.3
          Manufactured Goods.........................          16.4     101.5   101.8       0.9     0.9      0.6     -0.5      0.3
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................           0.5      76.5    79.7     -17.9     1.7     -2.3     -5.6      4.2

     5/ Latin America  (9712=100)....................          14.1      90.6    90.8      -6.9     0.5     -1.7     -1.6      0.2
          Manufactured Goods  (9712=100).............          10.4      96.4    95.2      -3.9     0.2      0.0     -0.3     -1.2
          Nonmanufactured Goods (9712=100)...........           3.5      73.9    78.2     -15.9     1.4     -7.3     -6.5      5.8

        Japan........................................          16.6      88.3    88.4      -1.8    -0.2      1.3      0.2      0.1

     6/ Asian Newly Industrialized Countries.........          10.9      84.3    83.9      -7.8    -0.4     -0.2     -0.4     -0.5



        1    Regions are not mutually exclusive.

        2    Data for  October, November and December 1998
             have been revised to reflect the availability
             of late reports and corrections by respondents.

        3    Defined according to the Standard Census Definition.

        4    Includes EU  15 countries.

        5    Includes Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

        6    Includes Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.














































        Table  8     U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Services.
             December 1997-December 1998  1995 = 100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                       Index                            Percent Change

                                                                                        Annual          Quarterly
                                                             Trade                       Dec.    Dec.    March     June    Sept.
                            Description                      (Mil.                       1997    1997     1998     1998     1998
                                                               of     Sept.     Dec.      to      to       to       to       to
                                                            Dollars)  1998      1998     Dec.   March     June    Sept.     Dec.
                                                                                         1998    1998     1998     1998     1998


        IMPORT

         Air Freight                                            3188     80.3   86.7        0.1    -7.0      1.2     -1.5      8.0
          Atlantic                                              1278     87.4   91.7        1.7    -4.9      2.3     -0.5      4.9
          Pacific                                               1674     74.9   83.8       -1.1    -9.9      0.5     -2.3     11.9

         Air Passenger Fares                                   11127    112.8   105.1       0.8    -1.0      9.0      0.2     -6.8
     1/   Atlantic                                              4922    119.2   98.1       -2.3    -1.5     18.6      1.6    -17.7
     1/   Pacific                                               2340     99.0   104.7      -1.4    -7.4      7.7     -6.5      5.8
     1/   Latin American / Caribbean                            3021    109.3   109.0       3.6     1.6     -0.6      2.8     -0.3

     1/  Crude Oil Tanker Freight                               1346     78.4    n.a.     n.a.     -0.1    -14.6     -3.9    n.a.

         Ocean Liner Freight                                    9868    101.2   100.6       7.6    -0.1      7.9      0.4     -0.6
          U.S. East Coast                                       4271    100.3   99.0        2.4    -0.2      2.8      1.1     -1.3
           from Atlantic                                        1952     97.4   97.4        0.7     0.5     -0.5      0.7      0.0
           from Pacific                                         1774    103.1   103.3       9.0     0.0      6.8      1.9      0.2
     1/   U.S. West Coast                                       5596    101.3   101.2      11.7    -0.1     12.2     -0.2     -0.1

        EXPORT

         Air Freight (9612 = 100)                               2562     95.6   96.7        3.6     1.7     -0.4      1.2      1.2

         Air Passenger Fares                                   17272     95.4   98.0        6.4     2.4      0.8      0.3      2.7
     1/   Atlantic                                              4120    115.2   109.0       7.5     0.3      8.8      4.1     -5.4
     1/   Pacific                                              10700     76.4   82.0        5.0     1.9     -2.4     -1.7      7.3
          Latin American / Caribbean                            1392    113.2   113.1       6.2     0.8      1.6      3.9     -0.1
          Canadian                                              1006    154.9   166.0      12.9    13.0     -3.6     -3.3      7.2



        1     Detailed data available upon request.                                            n.a.    Not available.




















































        Table  9    U.S. International Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Services.
             December 1997-December 1998    1995 = 100
                                                                       Index                            Percent Change

                                                                                        Annual          Quarterly
                                                             Trade                       Dec.    Dec.    March     June    Sept.
                            Description                      (Mil.                       1997    1997     1998     1998     1998
                                                               of     Sept.     Dec.      to      to       to       to       to
                                                            Dollars)  1998      1998     Dec.   March     June    Sept.     Dec.
                                                                                         1998    1998     1998     1998     1998


         Air Freight (Inbound)                                  5495     81.8   87.4        1.0    -4.2      0.6     -1.9      6.8
          Atlantic                                              1880     88.0   91.6        2.2    -4.7      3.5     -0.5      4.1
          Pacific                                               3151     77.9   85.5        0.7    -4.2     -1.2     -3.0      9.8

         Air Freight (Outbound)                                 5835     95.8   95.2       -2.6    -0.5     -1.2     -0.2     -0.6
          Atlantic                                              2080    103.3   104.1       3.0    -0.1      1.2      1.1      0.8
          Pacific                                               3222     91.4   89.7       -6.9    -0.8     -3.2     -1.1     -1.9

         Air Passenger Fares (U.S. Carrier)                    30673    107.3   103.1       3.6    -0.2      8.6     -0.5     -3.9
    1/    Atlantic                                              8811    120.4   98.0        0.2    -3.7     24.0      3.1    -18.6
    1/    Pacific                                              15900     89.5   93.4        3.5    -0.3      4.1     -4.4      4.4
    1/    Latin American / Caribbean                            4542    117.2   116.7       6.9     1.5      0.7      5.0     -0.4
          Canadian                                              1367    162.6   171.9      11.6    12.7     -3.3     -3.2      5.7

         Air Passenger Fares (Foreign Carrier)                 31694    104.0   101.1       1.4    -2.1      4.9      1.6     -2.8
    1/    Atlantic                                             13572    117.9   102.9       2.4    -1.7     13.3      5.4    -12.7
    1/    Pacific                                              12570     79.7   87.9       -1.5    -5.0     -2.2     -3.7     10.3
    1/    Latin American / Caribbean                            4224    107.7   107.9       3.0     0.5     -0.2      2.5      0.2

    1/   Crude Oil Tanker Freight (Inbound)                     1949     82.9    n.a.     n.a.      0.3    -15.6     -5.1    n.a.

         Ocean Liner Freight (Inbound)                         12253    105.0   104.2      12.2     0.1     11.0      1.7     -0.8
          U.S. East Coast                                       5410     98.4   96.7        1.0    -0.3      2.2      0.9     -1.7
           from Atlantic                                        2647     95.4   95.4        0.6     0.4     -0.4      0.6      0.0
           from Pacific                                         1874    100.6   100.7       8.2     0.0      6.1      1.8      0.1
    1/    U.S. West Coast                                       6844    109.7   109.6      21.5     0.4     18.4      2.2     -0.1



        1     Detailed data available upon request.                                            n.a.    Not available.





















































                                                                     
                           TECHNICAL NOTE
   
Import and Export Merchandise and Services Price Indexes -- All indexes use 
a modified Laspeyres formula and are weighted with 1995 trade weights.  The 
merchandise price indexes are published using three classifications:  the 
Harmonized System (HS), the Bureau of Economic Analysis End Use System,
and the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) system, Rev. 3.  
Price indexes for internationally traded services are presented using two 
definitions: Balance of Payments (which represents transactions between U.S. 
and foreign residents) and International (which represents all transactions
with U.S. importers or exporters, regardless of nationality).  Published
series use a base year of 1995=100 where possible.  Net transaction price
data are collected every month for over 20,000 products from over 6,000
companies and secondary sources.  Indexes are not seasonally adjusted.  More
detailed index series and additional information may be obtained from the
Division of International Prices, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2 Massachusetts
Avenue N.E., PSB 3955, Washington, DC 20212 or (202) 606-7155.

Import Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the 1995 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 1995 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.

Import Indexes by Locality of Origin -- Prices used in these indexes are a
subset of the data collected for the Import Price Indexes.  Prior to
January 1993, nonmanufactured goods were defined as SITC 0-4 and manufactured
goods were defined as SITC 5-8.  Beginning with January 1993, the indexes are
defined by locality of origin using a nomenclature based upon the Standard
Industrial Classification (SIC-based).  Nonmanufactured goods are defined as
SIC 0-1, and manufactured goods are defined as SIC 2-3.  The indexes use 1995
weights and a base of 1995=100.

Import, Export, and International Services Indexes -- Indexes are calculated
on a quarterly basis.  The figures for services indexes will not sum up to
the aggregate dollar value because not all categories are shown in the tables.
Revenue figures for air passenger indexes exclude frequent flyer tickets and
those sold by consolidators.  Indexes for crude oil tanker freight are
calculated from data collected by the U. S. Department of Energy and the 
publication of these indexes is lagged one quarter.  

Revision policy -- Data are revised for the previous three months to reflect
the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents.

Uses of the Data -- The primary use of the indexes is to deflate trade
statistics.  For merchandise trade, the End Use classification system is the
structure used by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the construction of the
foreign trade sector of the National Income and Product Accounts.  Indexes
published using the Harmonized System and the Standard International Trade
Classification, Rev. 3, both international structures, are useful for general
market analysis.  For trade in international services, Balance of Payments
indexes are used for deflating National Accounts data, while International
indexes are more appropriate for market analysis. Merchandise and services
indexes also can be used to study U.S. competitiveness and price elasticities,
and the merchandise import indexes by country or region of origin are useful
for terms of trade analysis.



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