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            U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES
                      - DECEMBER 1999-

                              
     The U.S. Import Price Index increased 0.7 percent in
December, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S.
Department of Labor reported today.  The increase--the sixth
in a row--was attributable to ongoing increases in petroleum
prices.  Prices for nonpetroleum imports were unchanged in
December.  Export prices edged up 0.1 percent in December,
the same as in November.
     
         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                                                               
December          -1.0    -13.3     -0.2      -0.1       0.7      -0.2 
1999                                                               
January            0.4      4.2      0.1       0.0       0.0       0.0 
February          -0.1     -0.5      0.0      -0.2      -2.4       0.1 
March              0.2     13.9     -0.5      -0.4      -3.0      -0.2 
April              1.1     20.3     -0.2       0.2       0.5       0.2 
May                0.7      7.3      0.2       0.1       0.4       0.0 
June              -0.1      0.4     -0.2       0.0      -0.2       0.1 
July               1.0     13.5     -0.1      -0.1      -2.2       0.1 
August             1.1     11.7      0.1       0.3       1.9       0.1 
September          1.0 r    8.3 r    0.2       0.1 r    -0.1       0.1 
October            0.2 r    1.7 r    0.0 r     0.3      -0.1       0.4 r
November           0.6 r    2.7 r    0.4 r     0.1 r    -0.9 r     0.3 r
December           0.7      6.0      0.0       0.1      -1.0       0.1 
                                                                   
December 1997-98  -6.4    -40.7     -3.3      -3.5      -9.3      -2.8 
December 1998-99   7.0    132.9      0.0       0.5      -7.1       1.4 
                                                                   
r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents.

     
     Over the past year, import prices rose 7.0 percent
after falling 6.4 percent in 1998 and 5.2 percent in 1997.
The 1999 annual increase was the largest recorded for the
index since 1990.  Import prices excluding petroleum,
however, were unchanged for the year.
     
     Export prices also increased over the past year, up a
more modest 0.5 percent.  The calendar year increase in
export prices was the first recorded since 1995.

Import Goods

     The petroleum index, which has increased for 10 consecutive
months, continued to lead the upswing for overall import
prices.  In December, petroleum prices rose 6.0 percent and
were at their highest level since January 1991.  Over the
past 12 months, the petroleum index rose 132.9 percent.
This increase followed double-digit decreases in each of the
previous two years and was more than double the largest
annual increase previously recorded--48.7 percent in 1990.
(Publication of this series began in 1983.)  The increase in
the import price index was moderated by prices for
nonpetroleum imports, which were unchanged, on average, in
December, after increasing 0.4 percent in November.  Over
the past 12 months, the nonpetroleum import index was
unchanged after decreasing in each of the previous three
years.

     Within the nonpetroleum import index, price gains that
were recorded for foods, feeds, and beverages and industrial
supplies and materials were offset by a dip in prices for
all the major finished goods areas.  The price index for
industrial supplies and materials excluding petroleum
increased, although more modestly, for the eighth
consecutive month, advancing 0.2 percent in December.  For
the year ended in December, the index rose 5.4 percent after
decreasing in each of the previous three years.  The index
for foods, feeds, and beverages continued a recent upturn,
rising 2.3 percent in December after gaining 1.4 percent in
November, as coffee prices rose 18.8 percent and 14.0
percent over the past two months.   Despite the recent
gains, the index for foods, feeds, and beverages dipped 0.3
percent for the year.

     In contrast, indexes for the three major finished goods
categories-- capital goods, consumer goods, and automotive
vehicles-- each edged down 0.1 percent in December.  Capital
goods prices have dipped 0.1 percent for three consecutive
months, while prices for both consumer goods and automotive
vehicles were unchanged in November.  The indexes for
capital goods and consumer goods have decreased in each of
the past four years.  The index for automotive vehicles,
parts, and engines, however, rose 0.6 percent for the year
ended in December.

Export Goods

     Prices for overall exports rose 0.1 percent for the second
consecutive month, as increases for nonagricultural prices
more than offset declines in agricultural prices.  The
export price index increased 0.5 percent for the year ended
in December, after decreasing in each of the prior three
years.  Agricultural prices fell 1.0 percent in December--
largely attributable to a drop in grain prices-- continuing
the downward trend over the previous three months.  On an
annual basis, the index fell for the fourth consecutive
year, down 7.1 percent for the December 1998-99 period.  In
contrast, prices for nonagricultural exports continued to
post modest increases, rising 0.1 percent in December.  The
December advance followed slightly larger increases of 0.3
percent and 0.4 percent in November and October,
respectively.  Prices for nonagricultural exports were up
1.4 percent for the year ended in December, compared with
the declines recorded for each of the previous three years.

     Price increases for nonagricultural industrial supplies
and materials led the modest advance in nonagricultural
export prices, increasing 0.5 percent in December, after
increasing 1.0 percent and 0.9 percent in November and
October, respectively.  For the year, prices for
nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials increased
6.1 percent after three consecutive annual declines.  In
addition, prices for consumer goods excluding automotives
edged up 0.1 percent for the second consecutive month and
were up 0.6 percent for the year.  Prices for exported
automotive vehicles were unchanged for the second month in a
row.  Over the past 12 months, the index rose 1.2 percent.
     
     In contrast, the index for capital goods decreased 0.1
percent in December and 0.9 percent over the December 1998-
99 period, marking the third consecutive annual decline.
     
     

                  Summary of December-to-December percent changes

                        1990  1991 1992  1993 1994 1995 1996  1997  1998  1999
All merchandise imports  7.4  -4.2  0.2  -1.0  5.3  2.6  1.5  -5.2  -6.4   7.0
  Excluding petroleum    3.1   0.2  0.8   1.4  3.9  2.2 -1.7  -2.8  -3.3   0.0
  Petroleum             48.7 -33.0 -6.0 -21.7 20.3  6.0 33.8 -25.5 -40.7 132.9
All merchandise exports  2.1  -0.6  0.7   1.1  3.7  3.4 -1.2  -1.1  -3.5   0.5
  Excluding agricultural 3.4   1.1  0.9   0.1  4.4  1.6 -0.3  -1.0  -2.8   1.4
  Agricultural          -4.8   1.7 -0.5   8.3 -0.2 17.4 -6.9  -3.0  -9.3  -7.1

     
Imports by Locality of Origin

     The price index for imports from Japan rose for the
fifth consecutive month, up 0.4 percent in December.  Over
the past year, the index rose 1.6 percent, the first annual
increase over the past four years.
     
     Prices of imports from the Asian Newly Industrialized
Countries increased 0.1 percent in December after decreasing
0.4 percent the previous month. The index declined for the
fourth consecutive year, falling 1.1 percent for the
December 1998-99 period.

     Led primarily by ongoing price increases for petroleum
products, the import price indexes for Canada and Latin
America increased for the 10th and 6th consecutive month,
respectively.  Import prices from Latin America were up 1.2
percent in December and 16.7 percent over the past 12
months.  Canadian import prices increased 0.3 percent last
month and 6.6 percent for the year.

     In contrast, the index for imports from the European Union
was down last month, falling 0.3 percent, the first decline
in this index since July.  Over the past 12 months, the
index rose 0.6 percent.

Import and Export Services

     The import air freight index increased 2.2 percent from
September to December, following a third-quarter increase of
1.9 percent.  For the year ended in December, the index rose
2.5 percent.  In contrast, the export air freight index
decreased 1.7 percent for the second consecutive quarter.
Over the past 12 months, this index fell 9.2 percent.

     The import air passenger index dropped 9.8 percent from
September to December.  For the year ended in December,
however, the index gained 1.2 percent as gains posted in the
second and third quarters more than offset the recent
decline.  The export air passenger index also was down over
the past three months, falling 2.0 percent in the fourth
quarter.  Despite the recent decline, this index rose 5.9
percent over the past year.

     The import ocean liner freight index decreased 3.9 percent
over the past three months, after posting large gains in the
previous two quarters.  The index rose 28.3 percent over the
past 12 months.



                     CONTENTS OF RELEASE
                              
This news release includes the following tables:

Table 1   Import Price Indexes, by End Use
Table 2   Export Price Indexes, by End Use
Table 3   Import Price Indexes, by SITC
Table 4   Export Price Indexes, by SITC
Table 5   Import Price Indexes, by Harmonized System
Table 6   Export Price Indexes, by Harmonized System
Table 7   Import Price Indexes, by Locality of Origin
Table 8   U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes for Services
Table 9   U.S. International Price Indexes for Services
------------------------------------------------------------
Import and Export Price Index data for January are scheduled
for release on February 16th, 2000 at 8:30 A.M. (E.S.T.).



Table 1   U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods,
             December 1998-December 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                         Dec.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.  Nov.
END                         Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999  1999
USE                                                         November   November December    to      to       to       to    to
                                                              1999       1999     1999     Dec.    Sept.    Oct.     Nov.  Dec.
                                                               1/         2/               1999    1999     1999     1999  1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      96.0    96.7       7.0     1.0      0.2      0.6   0.7
        ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM..............        89.374      92.7    92.7       0.0     0.2      0.0      0.4   0.0

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         4.523      92.7    94.8      -0.3    -0.2     -1.0      1.4   2.3

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
             excluding distilled beverages...........         3.094      87.0    89.9      -2.6    -0.1     -1.7      1.0   3.3

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
             beverages)..............................         1.429     107.6   107.4       5.2    -0.1      0.3      2.3  -0.2

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        29.059     106.3   108.9      33.1     3.2      1.2      1.9   2.4
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
               EXCLUDING PETROLEUM...................        18.433      95.3    95.5       5.4     0.5      1.0      1.5   0.2
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               DURABLE...............................         9.659      95.6    96.3       5.7    -0.5      1.0      0.4   0.7
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM........         8.774      94.8    94.5       5.1     1.9      0.8      2.7  -0.3

10        Fuels & lubricants.........................        12.106     132.4   138.9     112.1     8.0      1.7      3.4   4.9

100        Petroleum & petroleum products............        10.627     130.7   138.6     132.9     8.3      1.7      2.7   6.0

1000         Crude...................................         8.611     132.6   140.9     152.5     9.0      0.7      3.0   6.3

11        Paper & paper base stocks..................         1.832      82.7    82.6       4.8     2.0      0.9      4.6  -0.1

12        Materials associated with nondurable
             supplies & materials....................         5.669      88.8    89.0       1.3     0.9      0.7      0.6   0.2

13        Selected building materials................         2.155     108.4   111.2       8.2    -4.6     -2.9     -1.5   2.6

14        Unfinished metals associated with
             durable goods...........................         4.517      94.4    94.8       9.2     0.8      3.7      1.5   0.4

15        Finished metals associated with durable
             goods...................................         1.399      91.7    92.0      -0.2     0.2     -0.1      0.7   0.3

16        Nonmetals associated with durable goods....         1.382      87.5    87.2      -1.5     0.7      0.2      0.0  -0.3

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        26.132      81.8    81.7      -3.3     0.1     -0.1     -0.1  -0.1

20        Electric & electrical generating
             equipment...............................         3.225      91.8    91.9      -1.9     0.4      0.1      0.1   0.1

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        21.160      78.5    78.3      -3.9     0.1     -0.3     -0.1  -0.3

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        18.249     102.0   101.9       0.6     0.0      0.1      0.0  -0.1

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
             AUTOMOTIVES.............................        22.037      97.5    97.4      -0.5     0.3     -0.2      0.0  -0.1

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................        11.036     100.6   100.4      -0.4     0.5     -0.3      0.1  -0.2

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         9.908      94.2    94.1      -0.9     0.1     -0.1      0.1  -0.1

42        Nonmanufactured consumer goods.............         1.093      98.8    99.8       2.8     0.8      0.1     -1.2   1.0



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for September, October and November 1999
        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,
             December 1998-December 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual           Monthly
                                                              ance                         Dec.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
END                         Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
USE                                                         November   November December    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1999       1999     1999     Dec.    Sept.     Oct.    Nov.     Dec.
                                                               1/         2/               1999    1999     1999     1999     1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      95.2    95.3       0.5     0.1      0.3      0.1      0.1
        AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.....................         9.132      83.7    82.9      -7.1    -0.1     -0.1     -0.9     -1.0
        NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES..................        90.868      96.6    96.7       1.4     0.1      0.4      0.3      0.1

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         8.436      86.7    85.9      -5.8    -0.3     -0.2     -0.8     -0.9

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
             excluding distilled beverages...........         7.611      85.6    84.7      -6.9    -0.2     -0.3     -0.9     -1.1

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
             beverages)..............................         0.825     100.5   100.7       6.1    -1.3      1.5      0.8      0.2

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        25.206      91.0    91.5       5.1     0.6      0.9      0.8      0.5
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               DURABLE...............................         9.598      89.9    90.0       1.8     0.2      0.7      1.5      0.1
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               NONDURABLE............................        15.607      91.7    92.4       7.2     0.9      1.0      0.3      0.8

10        Agricultural industrial supplies &
             materials...............................         1.521      76.6    76.7      -7.3     0.4      1.2     -1.2      0.1

          NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
             & MATERIALS.............................        23.685      92.2    92.7       6.1     0.6      0.9      1.0      0.5

11        Fuels & lubricants.........................         2.636     115.2   120.0      29.3     1.2      1.5      1.5      4.2

12        Nonagricultural supplies & materials
             excluding fuels & building materials....        19.540      89.1    89.1       3.6     0.6      0.9      0.9      0.0

13        Selected building materials................         1.509      87.7    88.5       2.8    -1.1      0.5     -0.1      0.9

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        43.956      96.3    96.2      -0.9    -0.1      0.1      0.1     -0.1

20        Electric & electrical generating
             Equipment...............................         4.423      98.4    98.5      -1.0     0.3      0.0      0.1      0.1

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        33.727      92.5    92.3      -1.5    -0.2      0.0      0.1     -0.2

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        10.178     104.0   104.0       1.2     0.1      0.7      0.0      0.0

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
             AUTOMOTIVES.............................        12.224     102.3   102.4       0.6    -0.1      0.3      0.1      0.1

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................         6.480     102.5   102.8       1.0     0.1      0.3      0.1      0.3

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         5.165     100.9   100.8       0.1    -0.1      0.1      0.1     -0.1



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for September, October and November 1999
        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,
             December 1998-December 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual           Monthly
                                                              ance                         Dec.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
SITC                        Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
Rev. 3                                                      November   November December    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1999       1999     1999     Dec.    Sept.     Oct.    Nov.     Dec.
                                                               1/         2/               1999    1999     1999     1999     1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      96.0    96.7       7.0     1.0      0.2      0.6      0.7

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         3.797      91.9    94.6      -0.6    -0.5     -1.0      1.4      2.9
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         0.341      97.7    98.4       7.2     2.8     -1.0     -0.7      0.7
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         1.069     106.7   106.5       6.4    -0.7      0.6      2.9     -0.2
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.037      96.9   104.6      -5.4    -1.0     -5.0      0.4      7.9
07        Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and
             manufactures thereof....................         0.469      66.0    70.3      -6.3    -2.8      1.0      6.5      6.5
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.880      92.0    91.8      -1.6     0.1      1.3     -1.0     -0.2

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         0.887     111.5   112.0       1.9     0.9     -0.6      0.0      0.4
11        Beverages..................................         0.750     108.5   108.7       2.0     1.3     -0.5      0.0      0.2

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         2.851      90.7    92.8      10.3    -1.1     -0.4     -0.7      2.3
24        Cork and wood..............................         1.066     114.9   118.7      11.0    -5.6     -4.1     -1.5      3.3
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         0.392      69.4    70.8      22.5     8.0      0.9      4.2      2.0
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.610      98.0    99.7       7.4     0.5      4.3     -0.4      1.7
29        Crude animal and vegetable materials,
             n.e.s. (9612=100).......................         0.280     106.5   111.9      12.6     5.8      0.9     -5.0      5.1
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.328      89.8    89.7       5.4    -4.4      0.2     -1.3     -0.1

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................        11.739     132.7   139.3     115.6     8.0      1.1      3.8      5.0
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................        10.133     130.7   139.0     136.8     8.5      1.4      2.6      6.4
34        Gas, natural and manufactured..............         1.487     158.1   152.3      37.6     6.0     -1.0     12.3     -3.7

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......         5.433      92.2    91.8       0.8     1.0      0.5      0.4     -0.4
51        Organic chemicals..........................         1.573      93.4    92.5       3.1     1.1      1.0      0.8     -1.0
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.609      87.7    88.1      -3.1     0.5      0.7      0.6      0.5
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.276      91.4    89.7      -7.0    -0.3      0.4      0.9     -1.9
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         0.939      97.9    97.4       1.8     0.7      0.5      0.4     -0.5
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.309      92.3    90.2      -5.3     0.5     -0.5      0.5     -2.3
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         0.380      93.9    94.0       3.0     0.8      0.0      0.1      0.1
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.512      79.4    80.2       8.8     2.4      1.3      0.6      1.0
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         0.635      98.4    98.8      -0.6     0.0      0.5     -0.2      0.4

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................        12.441      94.0    94.0       2.5     0.2      0.8      0.8      0.0
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.722      94.4    94.4       0.0     0.5     -0.1     -0.5      0.0
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.563      98.2   100.1       5.1    -4.3     -2.8     -2.6      1.9
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paper board........         1.617      87.6    87.0       1.0     0.2      0.7      3.9     -0.7
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up
             articles, n.e.s., and related prod......         1.358      94.3    95.0      -1.5     0.4      0.0     -0.6      0.7
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         2.157     101.6   101.1       0.5     0.2      0.1      0.4     -0.5
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.904      88.4    89.0       2.1     0.7      1.2      1.4      0.7
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         2.006      95.4    95.5      15.1     1.3      4.1      0.6      0.1
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         1.954      95.9    95.7      -0.9     0.2     -0.2      0.3     -0.2

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        45.046      89.8    89.7      -1.6     0.0      0.0     -0.1     -0.1
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment (9612=100)....................         3.028      99.0    99.0       1.1     0.1      0.3      0.3      0.0
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         2.709      98.2    97.8      -0.6     0.4      0.2      0.4     -0.4
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         0.824      96.6    95.8      -1.8    -0.1      1.5      0.9     -0.8
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & machine parts, n.e.s.......         3.461      97.2    96.8      -1.6     0.1     -0.2      0.0     -0.4
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         5.629      61.4    61.4      -7.9    -0.3     -0.3      0.0      0.0
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         4.289      85.9    85.8      -2.8     0.1     -1.3     -0.1     -0.1
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........         8.995      82.2    82.2      -2.3     0.5      0.1     -0.5      0.0
78        Road vehicles..............................        15.044     102.4   102.3       0.8    -0.2      0.2      0.0     -0.1

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        17.362      97.8    97.9      -0.3     0.3     -0.1      0.0      0.1
81        Prefabricated buildings; plumbing, heat
             & lighting fixtures, n.e.s..............         0.379      93.2    93.1      -1.3    -1.1      0.8      1.4     -0.1
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         1.227      98.3    97.7      -2.6    -0.1     -0.2      0.1     -0.6
83        Travel goods, handbags and similar
             containers..............................         0.517     102.0   101.3       0.3     0.4     -0.1     -0.4     -0.7
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         5.871     101.7   101.8      -0.3     0.6     -0.5      0.0      0.1
85        Footwear...................................         1.796     100.8   100.7      -0.2     0.2      0.0      0.0     -0.1
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         1.584      94.9    95.1       0.1     0.5      0.3      0.1      0.2
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.;.....         1.342      92.5    92.4       1.4     0.3      0.9      0.3     -0.1
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.645      94.8    94.9      -0.6     0.3     -0.3      0.1      0.1




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for September, October and November 1999
        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,
             December 1998-December 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual           Monthly
                                                              ance                         Dec.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
SITC                        Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
Rev. 3                                                      November   November December    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1999       1999     1999     Dec.    Sept.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
                                                               1/         2/               1999    1999     1999     1999     1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      95.2    95.3       0.5     0.1      0.3      0.1      0.1

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         6.929      86.4    85.5      -4.5    -1.1     -0.2      0.0     -1.0
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         1.204      97.7   101.0      12.3     0.2     -0.1      0.3      3.4
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         0.627     100.0   100.7       5.2    -1.9      2.0      1.0      0.7
04        Cereals and cereal preparations............         2.141      70.1    68.5     -13.2    -0.8     -4.4      0.9     -2.3
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.382      94.3    90.2      -9.5    -3.6      2.4     -2.4     -4.3
08        Feeding stuff for animals (not
             including unmilled cereals).............         0.666      92.2    91.2      -1.1    -1.0      4.7      0.4     -1.1
09        Miscellaneous edible products and
             preparations............................         0.413     107.6   107.6       0.7    -0.2      0.2      0.0      0.0
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.498      90.8    91.0      -4.5     0.5      2.2     -0.1      0.2

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         1.566     101.9   101.9       1.2     0.4      0.3      0.1      0.0
12        Tobacco and tobacco manufactures...........         1.295     102.1   102.1       1.7     0.5      0.3      0.1      0.0

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         5.198      77.8    78.9       3.4     1.6      0.5     -0.4      1.4
21        Hides, skins and furskins, raw.............         0.295      87.8    91.6       6.9     3.7      2.4     -0.9      4.3
22        Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits............         0.877      78.2    79.6     -16.7     6.1     -3.2     -5.0      1.8
24        Cork and wood..............................         0.900      83.8    84.7       4.1    -0.2      0.8      0.4      1.1
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         0.936      78.7    81.0      40.4     2.3      2.5      2.1      2.9
26        Textile fibers and their waste.............         0.649      63.4    62.5     -11.5    -1.1      0.2     -1.7     -1.4
27        Crude fertilizers and crude minerals.......         0.330      93.8    94.1      -1.1     0.3     -0.2      0.8      0.3
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.820      77.0    78.1      15.0     0.7      2.2      2.5      1.4
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.391      89.8    90.0      -0.3    -1.5      0.3      0.0      0.2

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................         2.382     119.6   126.2      34.7     1.3      1.4      2.3      5.5
32        Coal, coke and briquettes..................         0.683      97.6    97.6      -1.8    -0.7      0.0      0.0      0.0
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................         1.500     133.4   140.1      52.0     1.7      2.1      1.6      5.0

4        ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS, FATS AND
            WAXES....................................         0.382      79.0    78.0     -21.8     2.2      3.9     -3.5     -1.3

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......        10.870      93.3    93.3       2.5     0.5      1.0      0.1      0.0
51        Organic chemicals..........................         2.556      82.0    82.7      11.5     2.5      2.8      1.2      0.9
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.854      98.7    97.6      -5.6    -2.1      0.0      0.0     -1.1
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.502     100.7   100.0      -0.1     0.2      0.0     -0.3     -0.7
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         1.242      99.7   100.2      -0.4    -0.1      0.0     -0.1      0.5
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.782     103.5   103.4       1.8     0.3      0.2      1.2     -0.1
56        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.451      74.5    73.3     -23.6    -3.4     -3.1     -9.5     -1.6
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         1.921      95.6    95.6      11.7     1.7      3.0      0.7      0.0
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.840      97.8    98.0       2.7     0.2      0.3     -0.1      0.2
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         1.722      98.8    98.9      -2.3    -0.1     -0.3     -0.1      0.1

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................         9.957      98.0    98.2       1.9     0.2      0.3      0.2      0.2
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.727     108.4   108.7       2.5     1.0      1.2      0.2      0.3
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.300      91.8    93.0       0.3    -5.1      0.6     -2.4      1.3
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paperboard.........         1.625      87.6    87.5       7.6     1.1      1.0      0.5     -0.1
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, and
             made-up articles, n.e.s.................         1.375      97.8    98.0      -3.0    -0.6     -1.2      0.3      0.2
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         1.354     106.0   106.0      -1.2    -0.2     -0.1      0.0      0.0
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.051      95.3    94.7      -2.4     0.4      0.7      0.0     -0.6
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         1.297      90.7    92.0       9.7     1.1      2.5      0.6      1.4
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         2.077     106.9   107.0       0.6     0.1     -0.7      0.2      0.1

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        50.455      97.5    97.4      -0.8    -0.1      0.2      0.1     -0.1
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment...............................         4.671     111.1   111.1       2.4     0.0      0.1      0.8      0.0
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         4.866     106.1   106.0       0.8     0.1      0.1      0.1     -0.1
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         1.020     108.8   108.4      -0.5     0.0      0.0      0.0     -0.4
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & parts, n.e.s...............         5.254     107.7   107.6       1.0     0.1      0.1      0.0     -0.1
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         5.690      70.4    70.3      -5.5    -1.1      0.4     -0.1     -0.1
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         3.783      96.6    96.6      -1.0     0.0     -0.3      0.0      0.0
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........        11.033      87.3    87.0      -4.0     0.1     -0.2     -0.1     -0.3
78        Road vehicles..............................         9.412     103.1   103.1       1.0     0.1      0.7      0.0      0.0

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        11.478     101.4   101.3       0.7     0.0      0.1      0.1     -0.1
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         0.660     105.4   105.3       1.1     0.1     -0.1      0.0     -0.1
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         1.269     100.3   100.1      -0.8     0.2      0.0     -0.1     -0.2
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         3.876     105.6   105.4       1.2     0.0      0.1      0.1     -0.2
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.......         0.951      96.8    97.3       3.1     0.9      1.0      0.1      0.5
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.249      98.2    98.2       0.1    -0.3      0.0      0.0      0.0
     3/ Other miscellaneous manufactured
           articles (9612=100).......................         0.472     101.9   101.7      -0.4     0.1      0.0      0.2     -0.2




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                   n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for September, October and November 1999
        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,
             December 1998-December 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual           Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                         Dec.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
nized                       Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
System                                                       November  November December    to      to       to       to       to
                                                               1999      1999     1999     Dec.    Sept.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
                                                                1/        2/               1999    1999     1999     1999     1999


I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.638     105.1   105.8       8.5     0.8      0.7      2.2      0.7
02        Meat and edible meat offal.................         0.282      99.5   100.3       8.3     1.4     -0.8     -0.8      0.8
03        Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
             other aquatic invertebrates.............         0.981     112.2   112.6      10.5     0.4      0.7      3.5      0.4
     3/   Other live animals and animal
             products (9612=100).....................         0.375      95.8    97.2       4.2     1.6      1.6      1.3      1.5

II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         1.473      84.6    91.3       1.0    -0.5     -1.9      1.1      7.9
07        Edible vegetables and certain roots and
             tubers..................................         0.257      94.1   118.6     -19.0     2.4    -10.7     -0.7     26.0
08        Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
             fruit or melons.........................         0.472     103.8   106.9       9.8    -2.6     -1.1     -0.1      3.0
09        Coffee, tea, mate and spices...............         0.353      71.8    78.1       8.0    -0.9      1.2      9.6      8.8
     3/   Other vegetable products...................         0.391      89.1    90.5       5.7     0.1      1.4     -3.5      1.6

IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
            TOBACCO..................................         1.997      96.7    95.5      -4.8    -0.8     -0.8     -0.1     -1.2
20        Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
             nuts, or other parts of plants..........         0.263      86.6    83.4      -9.4    -0.7     -6.0      1.8     -3.7
22        Beverages, spirits, and vinegar............         0.767     105.6   106.2       1.2     1.2      0.1      0.0      0.6
     3/   Other prepared foodstuffs (9612=100).......         0.967      91.1    89.3      -8.0    -2.2      0.0     -0.8     -2.0

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................        12.352     130.7   136.9     104.0     7.8      1.5      3.3      4.7
26        Ores, slag and ash.........................         0.291      99.8    99.9      -1.7     0.1      1.4     -0.2      0.1
27        Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
             bituminous substances and mineral wax...        11.835     132.4   138.9     113.4     8.2      1.5      3.5      4.9

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
            INDUSTRIES...............................         5.098      95.1    94.8       0.4     1.0      0.5      0.4     -0.3
28        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.781      93.0    94.7      -0.1     0.3      1.6      0.2      1.8
29        Organic chemicals..........................         1.999      94.3    93.5       3.8     1.3      1.2      0.6     -0.8
30        Pharmaceutical products....................         0.584     106.2   105.8       2.1     1.0      0.4      0.5     -0.4
32        Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye &
             pigments; varnish & paints; putty.......         0.273      89.6    87.9      -7.1     0.0      0.3      0.9     -1.9
37        Photographic or cinematographic goods......         0.354      96.6    96.9       1.9     0.0      0.4     -0.1      0.3
38        Miscellaneous chemical products
             (9612=100)..............................         0.382      89.0    88.7      -4.3     0.2     -0.4      0.1     -0.3
     3/   Other products of the chemical or
             allied industries (9612=100)............         0.725      91.6    91.0      -4.3     1.8     -1.3     -0.1     -0.7

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         2.671      86.7    87.1       1.9     1.2      0.2      0.1      0.5
39        Plastics and articles thereof..............         1.696      91.2    92.0       3.5     1.3      0.4      0.1      0.9
40        Rubber and articles thereof................         0.975      80.0    79.7      -0.7     0.8     -0.1      0.1     -0.4

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
            TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................         0.999     101.2   100.6      -1.9     0.9     -0.2      0.0     -0.6
42        Articles of leather; travel goods, bags,
             etc. of various materials...............         0.812     100.4    99.9      -0.8     0.2     -0.1     -0.2     -0.5

IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKET
            AND WICKER...............................         1.661     106.3   109.7       8.9    -5.5     -3.7     -1.9      3.2

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         2.386      84.9    84.7       4.2     1.5      0.5      3.5     -0.2
47        Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
             material; waste paper/paperboard........         0.393      70.3    72.0      23.9     8.2      0.7      3.8      2.4
48        Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
             pulp, paper or paperboard...............         1.635      88.6    88.0       1.1     0.2      0.7      4.1     -0.7
49        Printed matter.............................         0.357      99.8    98.0      -1.0    -0.1     -0.5      0.6     -1.8

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         6.900     100.1   100.3       0.2     0.4     -0.3      0.0      0.2
61        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories, knitted or crocheted.......         2.078     102.0   102.1       2.2     0.9      0.0     -0.2      0.1
62        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories, not knitted or crocheted...         3.348     102.9   103.2      -0.6     0.2     -0.7      0.0      0.3
63        Made-up or worn textile articles and
             clothing; needlecraft sets; rags........         0.337      94.7    94.0       1.2     0.9     -0.2      0.0     -0.7
     3/   Other textile & textile
             articles (9612=100).....................         1.137      93.5    94.3      -1.0     0.1      0.2      0.2      0.9

XII      FOOTWEAR, HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS, WHIPS,
            ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC..................         2.107     101.4   101.3       0.2     0.2     -0.1      0.1     -0.1
64        Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts
             of such articles........................         1.809     100.8   100.6       0.1     0.2     -0.1      0.1     -0.2
     3/   Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas,
             whips, art. flowers, etc. (9612=100)....         0.298     103.5   103.6       0.4     0.0     -0.3      0.1      0.1

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,CERAMIC
            GLASS ETC................................         1.149     101.4   100.7      -0.3     0.0      0.4      0.4     -0.7
69        Ceramic products...........................         0.437      98.9    98.5       1.0    -0.1      1.1      0.3     -0.4
70        Glass and glassware........................         0.443     100.9    99.8      -0.5     0.1      0.1      0.3     -1.1

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
            IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............         2.357     104.2   103.8       5.5    -0.1      2.0      2.4     -0.4

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL......         5.527      88.1    88.1       3.5     0.9      1.2      0.5      0.0
72        Iron and steel.............................         1.649      88.3    88.9       3.3     0.8      1.4      1.5      0.7
73        Articles of iron or steel..................         1.243      92.4    92.6      -0.6     0.2     -0.3      0.8      0.2
74        Copper and articles thereof................         0.395      72.1    71.8       2.7     0.6      2.5     -0.6     -0.4
76        Aluminum and articles thereof..............         0.912      85.9    85.3       5.2     0.6      1.6     -0.6     -0.7
83        Miscellaneous articles of base metal.......         0.420     101.9   103.0       2.6    -0.2     -0.5      0.2      1.1
     3/   Miscellaneous nonferrous metals and
             articles, including scrap (9612=100)....         0.466      91.8    91.1      25.5     5.8      4.9     -0.6     -0.8

XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
            IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC......        27.952      81.7    81.5      -3.1     0.2     -0.2      0.0     -0.2
84        Specialized machinery & computer
             equipment...............................        14.422      81.2    81.1      -3.5    -0.1      0.1      0.1     -0.1
85        Electrical machinery and equip, sound
             and TV recorders & reproducers, parts...        13.530      82.1    82.0      -2.5     0.4     -0.4     -0.4     -0.1

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
            ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        16.282     102.5   102.4       0.8    -0.2      0.3     -0.1     -0.1
87        Motor vehicles and their parts.............        15.379     102.2   102.1       0.8    -0.2      0.3     -0.1     -0.1

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
            MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES........         3.528      92.2    92.2       0.3     0.3      0.0      0.3      0.0
90        Optical, photographic, measuring and
             medical instruments.....................         3.007      91.9    91.9       0.4     0.3      0.1      0.1      0.0
91        Clocks and watches and parts thereof.......         0.380      93.9    93.0      -1.3     0.4     -0.5      1.4     -1.0

XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         3.661      97.0    96.8      -1.1     0.1     -0.2      0.2     -0.2
94        Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps
             and lighting fittings nes;..............         1.581      97.7    97.3      -1.2     0.0      0.2      0.4     -0.4
95        Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
             and accessories thereof.................         1.789      96.8    96.9      -1.0     0.2     -0.8      0.1      0.1
96        Miscellaneous manufactured articles........         0.292      94.7    94.4      -0.6     0.4      0.7      0.2     -0.3



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for September, October and November 1999
        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,
             December 1998-December 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual           Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                         Dec.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
nized                       Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
System                                                      November   November December    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1999       1999    1999      Dec.    Sept.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
                                                               1/         2/               1999    1999     1999     1999     1999


I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.982      95.9    97.7       7.6    -0.2      0.8      0.6      1.9
02        Meat & edible meat offal...................         1.101      93.7    97.0      12.5     0.3     -0.4      0.5      3.5
03        Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
             other aquatic invertebrates.............         0.556      97.1    97.1       7.5    -2.2      2.1      1.0      0.0
     3/   Other live animals and animal
             products (9612=100).....................         0.325      86.3    85.9      -6.7     1.3      3.0      0.3     -0.5

II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         4.299      77.7    76.2     -11.9     0.0     -1.9     -1.4     -1.9
07        Edible vegetables and certain roots and
             tubers..................................         0.324      99.2   100.9      -1.2     0.1     -1.9     -0.2      1.7
08        Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
             fruit or melons.........................         0.729      96.1    88.2     -10.9    -2.8      6.5     -6.3     -8.2
10        Cereals....................................         1.930      67.8    66.2     -13.8    -0.8     -5.1      1.2     -2.4
12        Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds,
             fruits, plants, straw and fodder........         1.076      83.2    84.7     -13.7     4.3     -2.3     -3.1      1.8

III      ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FATS AND OILS...........         0.414      79.3    77.8     -22.9     2.4      5.1     -2.2     -1.9

IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
            TOBACCO..................................         3.488      98.5    98.1      -0.8     0.0      1.0      0.1     -0.4
20        Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
             nuts, or other parts of plants..........         0.344      93.2    93.5      -8.2    -1.2      0.1      0.6      0.3
21        Miscellaneous edible preparations..........         0.382     107.7   107.7       0.7    -0.2      0.2      0.0      0.0
22        Beverages, spirits, and vinegar............         0.337      98.4    98.4      -1.9     0.0      0.0      0.1      0.0
23        Residues and waste from the food
             industries; prepared animal feed........         0.602      89.7    87.3      -3.0     0.1      5.0      0.0     -2.7
24        Tobacco and manufactured tobacco
             substitutes.............................         1.306     102.1   102.1       1.6     0.5      0.4      0.1      0.0
     3/   Other prepared foods.......................         0.518     100.8   101.0       0.8    -0.3      0.0      0.0      0.2

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................         2.941     111.9   115.2      25.4     1.3      1.1      1.1      2.9
26        Ores, slag and ash (9812=100)..............         0.286     119.4   121.2      21.2     1.9     -0.1      0.0      1.5
27        Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
             bituminous substances and mineral wax...         2.391     117.7   121.8      29.0     1.2      1.4      1.3      3.5

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
            INDUSTRIES...............................         8.788      93.2    93.2       0.9     0.4      0.8     -0.1      0.0
28        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.932      98.9    97.3      -4.7    -1.1     -0.1      0.2     -1.6
29        Organic chemicals..........................         2.862      84.8    85.5      10.5     2.2      2.4      1.2      0.8
30        Pharmaceutical products....................         0.937     103.5   104.3       1.4    -0.3      0.3      0.1      0.8
31        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.505      74.8    73.6     -23.3    -3.3     -3.1     -9.2     -1.6
32        Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes and
             pigments; paints & varnish; putty;ink...         0.515     100.8    99.5      -1.0     0.1      0.0     -0.2     -1.3
33        Essential oils and resinoids;
             perfumery, cosmetic or toilet...........         0.565     106.5   106.4       2.6     0.3      0.2      1.9     -0.1
34        Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or
             scouring products; candles, pastes......         0.330     104.7   104.7       1.0     0.4      0.1      0.0      0.0
37        Photographic or cinematographic goods......         0.424      91.2    91.6       5.4     2.2      2.5      0.1      0.4
38        Miscellaneous chemical products............         1.503      98.1    98.1      -2.2    -0.2     -0.2      0.2      0.0

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         4.389      95.0    95.3       5.1     0.9      1.2      0.1      0.3
39        Plastics and articles thereof..............         3.450      93.7    93.9       6.3     0.9      1.2      0.4      0.2
40        Rubber and articles thereof................         0.939     100.3   100.8       1.0     0.6      1.2     -0.8      0.5

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
            TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................         0.524      87.0    88.7       3.0     2.0      1.2     -0.6      2.0
41        Raw hides and skins (other than
             furskins) and leather...................         0.370      82.5    84.8       4.7     3.3      1.6     -0.7      2.8

IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW,
            BASKET AND WICKER........................         1.226      86.1    87.1       3.2    -1.4      0.8     -0.3      1.2

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         3.292      84.0    84.7      12.3     1.4      1.3      0.8      0.8
47        Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
             material; waste paper/paperboard........         0.848      73.9    76.3      37.2     2.8      2.6      2.6      3.2
48        Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
             pulp, paper or paperboard...............         1.598      88.3    88.2       7.8     1.3      1.2      0.5     -0.1
49        Printed material...........................         0.846     110.3   110.4       1.4    -0.1      0.5     -0.1      0.1

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         3.042      85.0    84.8      -4.3    -0.2     -0.4     -0.4     -0.2
52        Cotton, including yarns and woven
             fabrics thereof.........................         0.539      60.7    60.1     -16.9    -2.4     -2.2     -2.7     -1.0
55        Manmade staple fibers, includ. yarns
             and woven fabrics (9812=100)............         0.278     102.7    98.4      -1.6     0.0      0.2      1.2     -4.2
61        Apparel and clothing access.,
             knitted or crocheted (9812=100).........         0.478     100.3    99.7      -0.3     0.0      0.0      0.0     -0.6
62        Apparel and clothing access.,
             not knitted or crocheted (9812=100).....         0.656      98.0    98.0      -2.0     0.6      0.0      0.0      0.0

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,
            CERAMIC, GLASS ETC.......................         0.878     103.5   103.5       0.0     0.4     -0.4      0.6      0.0
70        Glass and glassware........................         0.502     101.2   101.2      -1.6    -0.1     -0.5      0.1      0.0

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
            IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............         2.015     100.8    99.5       6.9     0.6      4.1      6.3     -1.3

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS.....         4.548      91.8    92.3       3.1     0.3      0.3      0.5      0.5
72        Iron and steel.............................         0.866      80.8    80.5       2.4     0.4      0.6      2.1     -0.4
73        Articles of iron or steel..................         1.313     109.3   109.3      -0.3     0.0      0.1     -0.1      0.0
74        Copper and articles thereof................         0.364      67.6    67.6       3.8    -0.7      3.3     -1.9      0.0
76        Aluminum and articles thereof..............         0.863      84.4    85.4       6.8     0.5      0.8     -0.2      1.2
82        Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and
             forks, of base metal; parts thereof.....         0.438     106.6   107.1       4.3     0.3      0.2      0.8      0.5
83        Miscellaneous articles of base metal.......         0.389     101.5   101.5       0.7     0.0     -0.1     -0.1      0.0


XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
            IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC....        36.116      91.8    91.6      -1.8    -0.1      0.0      0.1     -0.2
84        Specialized machinery & computer
             equipment...............................        20.391      94.1    94.0      -0.7    -0.3      0.2      0.2     -0.1
85        Electrical machinery and equip, sound
             & tv recorders & reproducers, parts.....        15.725      89.0    88.8      -3.1     0.1     -0.1     -0.1     -0.2

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
            ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        14.395     106.9   107.1       1.4     0.2      0.6      0.1      0.2
87        Motor vehicles and their parts.............         9.888     103.2   103.2       1.0     0.1      0.7      0.0      0.0

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
            MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES........         5.609     103.4   103.2       0.9     0.0      0.0      0.1     -0.2


XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         1.828     102.2   102.1      -0.1     0.0     -0.3     -0.1     -0.1
94        Furniture; stuffed furnishings;
             lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;......         0.907     104.9   104.7       0.5     0.0      0.0      0.0     -0.2
95        Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
             and accessories thereof.................         0.749     100.2   100.2      -0.3    -0.1     -0.1     -0.2      0.0



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for September, October and November 1999
        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,  December 1998-December 1999
               1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                            Index                            Percent Change
                                                            Percentage
                                                               of                       Annual            Monthly
                                                            US Imports                     Dec.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
                           Description 1/                                                  1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
                                                              1995       Nov.    Dec.       to      to       to       to       to
                                                                         1999    1999      Dec.    Sept.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
                                                                          2/               1999    1999     1999     1999     1999

     3/ Developed Countries..........................       100.000      98.3    98.3       3.8     0.7      0.4      0.6      0.0
          Manufactured Goods.........................        92.691      97.1    97.0       1.6     0.3      0.3      0.5     -0.1
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................         7.076     123.7   124.8      47.2     6.8      1.3      2.0      0.9

     3/ Developing Countries.........................       100.000      98.0    98.8      11.0     1.4      0.5      0.7      0.8
          Manufactured Goods.........................        78.492      92.0    91.8      -0.3     0.2      0.4      0.0     -0.2
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................        21.246     123.4   128.9      86.8     6.4      0.3      4.0      4.5

        Canada.......................................       100.000     100.9   101.2       6.6     0.6      0.5      0.4      0.3
          Manufactured Goods.........................        85.180      98.1    98.4       2.3    -0.3      0.4      0.1      0.3
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................        14.295     126.2   125.9      41.0     6.2      0.8      2.7     -0.2

     4/ European Union...............................       100.000     101.4   101.1       0.6     0.8      0.2      0.3     -0.3
          Manufactured Goods.........................        96.696     101.3   100.8      -0.7     0.4      0.0      0.5     -0.5
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................         3.304     107.6   113.0      52.7    12.5      0.4     -4.9      5.0

     5/ Latin America  (9712=100)....................       100.000     104.1   105.4      16.7     1.8      0.4      1.8      1.2
          Manufactured Goods  (9712=100).............        70.245      98.8    98.6       2.5     0.4      0.9      0.5     -0.2
          Nonmanufactured Goods (9712=100)...........        29.061     120.7   126.4      72.4     5.5     -1.1      5.2      4.7

        Japan........................................       100.000      89.3    89.7       1.6     0.6      0.1      0.3      0.4

     6/ Asian Newly Industrialized Countries.........       100.000      83.3    83.4      -1.1     0.1      0.5     -0.4      0.1



        1    Regions are not mutually exclusive.

        2    Data for  September, October and November 1999
             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 1998-December 1999  1995 = 100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                         Index                            Percent Change

                                                                                          Annual          Quarterly
                                                              Trade                        Dec.    Dec.     March    June     Sept.
                            Description                       (Mil.                        1998    1998     1999     1999     1999
                                                                of       Sept.  Dec.        to      to       to       to       to
                                                             Dollars)    1999   1999       Dec.    March    June     Sept.    Dec.
                                                                                           1999    1999     1999     1999     1999


        IMPORT

         Air Freight                                            3188     87.0   88.9        2.5     1.3     -2.7      1.9      2.2
          Atlantic                                              1278     85.0   83.4       -9.1    -2.8     -4.7      0.1     -1.9
          Pacific                                               1674     89.5   94.4       12.6     4.9     -1.7      3.6      5.5

         Air Passenger Fares                                   11127    118.0   106.4       1.2    -1.2     13.0      0.6     -9.8
     1/   Atlantic                                              4922    131.2   103.5       5.5    -1.0     28.4      5.2    -21.1
     1/   Pacific                                               2340     98.5   101.9      -2.7    -7.0      7.8     -6.2      3.5
     1/   Latin American / Caribbean                            3021    110.3   109.4       0.4     3.2     -1.2     -0.8     -0.8

     1/  Crude Oil Tanker Freight                               1346     70.0    n.a.     n.a.    -11.8     -2.8     -0.8      n.a.

         Ocean Liner Freight                                    9868    134.3   129.1      28.3    -0.2     22.6      9.1     -3.9
          U.S. East Coast                                       4271    111.7   112.0      13.1    -0.4      3.4      9.5      0.3
           from Atlantic                                        1952     99.9   102.1       4.8    -0.9     -9.1     13.9      2.2
           from Pacific                                         1774    128.1   125.8      21.8     0.0     17.2      5.8     -1.8
     1/   U.S. West Coast                                       5596    150.7   141.4      39.7    -0.1     37.1      8.7     -6.2

        EXPORT

         Air Freight (9612 = 100)                               2562     89.3   87.8       -9.2    -6.4      0.3     -1.7     -1.7

         Air Passenger Fares                                   17272    105.9   103.8       5.9     2.7      1.3      3.9     -2.0
     1/   Atlantic                                              4120    114.6   100.7      -7.6    -2.3      6.3      1.2    -12.1
     1/   Pacific                                              10700     90.3   91.9       12.1     3.8     -1.4      7.6      1.8
          Latin American / Caribbean                            1392    116.0   116.7       3.2    -1.3      2.2      1.8      0.6
          Canadian                                              1006    183.2   187.1      12.7    13.6      1.9     -4.7      2.1



        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 1998-December 1999    1995 = 100
                                                                         Index                            Percent Change

                                                                                          Annual          Quarterly
                                                              Trade                        Dec.    Dec.     March    June     Sept.
                            Description                       (Mil.                        1998    1998     1999     1999     1999
                                                               of        Sept.  Dec.        to      to       to       to       to
                                                             Dollars)    1999   1999       Dec.    March    June     Sept.    Dec.
                                                                                           1999    1999     1999     1999     1999


         Air Freight (Inbound)                                  5495     87.9   90.7        3.8     0.7     -2.0      2.0      3.2
          Atlantic                                              1880     86.5   87.9       -4.0    -2.7     -2.9      0.0      1.6
          Pacific                                               3151     89.3   93.5        9.4     2.9     -1.9      3.5      4.7

         Air Freight (Outbound)                                 5835     92.7   89.5       -6.0    -2.6      0.1     -0.1     -3.5
          Atlantic                                              2080    104.6   95.7       -8.1     0.0      0.4      0.1     -8.5
          Pacific                                               3222     85.0   84.8       -5.5    -4.9     -0.1     -0.2     -0.2

         Air Passenger Fares (U.S. Carrier)                    30673    114.2   106.8       3.6     1.4      7.5      1.7     -6.5
    1/    Atlantic                                              8811    122.9   96.7       -1.3    -1.1     23.3      2.8    -21.3
    1/    Pacific                                              15900     97.9   98.6        5.6     1.3      1.6      1.9      0.7
    1/    Latin American / Caribbean                            4542    120.7   119.3       2.2     1.5      1.1      0.8     -1.2
          Canadian                                              1367    189.1   192.4      11.9    10.8      2.2     -2.9      1.7

         Air Passenger Fares (Foreign Carrier)                 31694    108.6   102.2       1.1    -2.2      7.5      2.2     -5.9
    1/    Atlantic                                             13572    117.3   100.3      -2.5    -4.5     15.9      3.0    -14.5
    1/    Pacific                                              12570     90.7   92.5        5.2    -1.5      2.1      2.6      2.0
    1/    Latin American / Caribbean                            4224    109.3   109.9       1.9     1.8     -1.0      0.6      0.5

    1/   Crude Oil Tanker Freight (Inbound)                     1949     71.4    n.a.     n.a.     -9.8     -4.3      0.0    n.a.

         Ocean Liner Freight (Inbound)                         12253    148.0   139.4      33.8    -1.5     30.3     10.7     -5.8
          U.S. East Coast                                       5410    107.6   108.2      11.9    -0.3      1.5     10.0      0.6
           from Atlantic                                        2647     97.9   100.1       4.9    -0.8     -9.2     14.0      2.2
           from Pacific                                         1874    124.0   121.9      21.1     0.5     16.1      5.5     -1.7
    1/    U.S. West Coast                                       6844    179.2   163.4      49.1    -2.4     50.8     11.0     -8.8



        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) 691-7101.

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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