Bureau of Labor Statistics Washington, D.C. 20212 

Technical Information: USDL-06-1785 

 (202) 691-7101 Transmission of This 

Media contact: Material Is Embargoed 

 (202) 691-5902 Until 8:30 A.M. E.D.T. 

Internet Address: http://www.bls.gov/mxp Friday, October 13, 2006 

U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES 

- SEPTEMBER 2006 - 

The U.S. Import Price Index fell 2.1 percent in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the 

U.S. Department of Labor reported today. The decline was the first in six months and was driven by a 

10.3 percent drop in petroleum prices. Export prices decreased 0.5 percent in September, the first 

decline for the index since November 2005. 

Percent changes in import and export price indexes 

by End Use category 

- not seasonally adjusted - 

 

United States 

Department News of Labor 

IMPORTS EXPORTS 

Month

2005

September 2.1 6.9 0.9 0.8 -1.4 1.0 

October 0.1 -3.1 1.0 0.7 0.3 0.8 

November -1.9 -9.4 -0.1 -0.6 -0.2 -0.7 

December 0.0 -0.3 0.0 0.1 -0.5 0.2 

2006

January 1.2 5.8 0.3 0.7 0.6 0.7 

February -0.8 -1.0 -0.7 0.1 -0.7 0.2 

March -0.1 0.6 -0.3 0.2 -0.1 0.2 

April 2.1 11.3 0.1 0.7 -0.4 0.7 

May 1.8 6.4 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.7 

June 0.1 -1.1 0.4 0.7 2.6 r 0.6 

July 0.8 r 3.9 r 0.1 r 0.4 1.9 0.2 r

August 0.8 2.1 r 0.5 0.4 0.9 r 0.5 r

September -2.1 -10.3 0.1 -0.5 -0.7 -0.5 

September 2004-05 9.9 50.4 2.7 3.6 3.3 3.6 

September 2005-06 2.0 2.9 2.0 3.7 4.4 3.7 

r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents.

All

Imports

Petroleum

Imports

Non- petroleum

Imports

All

Exports

Agricultural

Exports

Nonagricultural

Exports
2

Import Goods

Prices for overall imports fell 2.1 percent in September, the largest one-month decrease in the 

index since a 3.1 percent drop in April 2003. The decline was led by a 10.3 percent decrease in 

petroleum prices, which had been up in five of the previous six months. The September decrease in 

petroleum prices was the largest monthly drop since the index fell 11.4 percent in December 2004. In 

contrast, nonpetroleum prices edged up 0.1 percent in September, the sixth consecutive month the index 

increased. For the year ended in September, the price index for nonpetroleum imports rose 2.0 percent, 

the same increase as overall import prices for the September 2005-2006 period. 

The modest September increase in nonpetroleum prices was primarily driven by a 0.4 percent 

advance in prices for nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials. A 3.1 percent increase in 

unfinished metals prices led the advance in prices for nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials, 

with higher prices for building materials and textile supplies also contributing. Partially offsetting those 

increases were decreasing prices for natural gas and chemicals. The price index for nonpetroleum 

industrial supplies and materials rose 6.6 percent over the past 12 months. Prices for foods, feeds, and 

beverages also increased, up 0.4 percent in September and 6.3 percent over the past year. 

 

 More modest increases in the price indexes for consumer goods and automotive vehicles also 

contributed to the September advance in nonpetroleum prices. Consumer goods prices and prices for 

automotive vehicles each advanced 0.1 percent for the month, and 0.9 percent and 0.6 percent for the 

year ended in September, respectively. 

 The price index for capital goods was unchanged in September and declined 0.2 percent over the 

past 12 months. 

Export Goods 

Export prices fell 0.5 percent in September as a 0.7 percent decrease in agricultural prices and a 

0.5 percent drop in the price index for nonagricultural goods each factored into the decline. The 

September drop in export prices was the first in 10 months and followed increases of 0.4 percent the 

previous two months. The decline in agricultural prices followed increases in each of the four previous 

months as lower prices for soybeans, vegetables, and cotton all contributed to the decrease. Despite the 

drop, agricultural prices increased 4.4 percent for the year ended in September. Nonagricultural prices 

also rose over the past 12 months, advancing 3.7 percent for the period. 

The September decrease in nonagricultural prices was led by a 1.8 percent decline in the price 

index for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials. Nonagricultural industrial supplies and 

materials prices were driven by a sharp decline in fuel prices, with lower chemicals prices also 

contributing to the decrease. In contrast, metal prices continued to rise. Prices for nonagricultural 

supplies and materials rose 9.5 percent over the past year. 

 

 Prices for the major finished goods areas were either up or unchanged in September. The price 

indexes for consumer goods and automotive vehicles each rose 0.1 percent in September, and increased 

2.1 percent and 1.4 percent for the September 2005-2006 period, respectively. Capital goods prices 

were unchanged in September, although excluding computer prices, prices for capital goods advanced 

0.1 percent. The price index for overall capital goods rose 0.7 percent for the year ended in September. 
3

Imports by Locality of Origin 

 

The price indexes for imports from Canada and from Mexico decreased in September, declining 

2.0 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. In each case, a downturn in fuel prices drove the decrease. 

Despite the September declines, prices for imports from Canada advanced 1.9 percent over the past year, 

while prices for imports from Mexico rose 6.2 percent. 

Prices for imports from the European Union edged down 0.1 percent in September, also led by 

lower fuel prices. The price index for imports from the European Union increased 4.1 percent over the 

past year. 

Prices for imports from China and from Japan also fell in September. The 0.2 percent decline in 

the prices for imports from China followed increases in the previous two months. The price index for 

imports from Japan fell 0.1 percent for the third consecutive month. For the year ended in September, 

prices for imports from China declined 1.0 percent while prices for imports from Japan fell 1.5 percent. 

 

Import and Export Services

 Both import and export air passenger fares declined in September, led by seasonal drops in 

European and Asian fares. Import air passenger fares decreased 5.4 percent, while export air passenger 

fares fell 7.6 percent. Despite the decreases, the price indexes for import and export air passenger fares 

rose for the year ended in September, up 5.6 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively. 

 Import air freight prices increased 0.5 percent in September after declining in each of the 

previous two months. A 1.4 percent advance in European air freight prices led the increase. The price 

index for export air freight prices increased 1.4 percent in September and 6.6 percent over the past year. 

CONTENTS OF RELEASE 

This news release includes the following tables: 

Table 1 U.S. Import Price Indexes, by End Use.....page 4 

Table 2 U.S. Export Price Indexes, by End Use.....page 5 

Table 3 U.S. Import Price Indexes, by NAICS.....page 6 

Table 4 U.S. Export Price Indexes, by NAICS.....page 7 

Table 5 U.S. Import Price Indexes, by Harmonized System.....pages 8-9 

Table 6 U.S. Export Price Indexes, by Harmonized System.....pages 10-11 

Table 7 U.S. Import Price Indexes, by Locality of Origin.....page 12 

Table 8 U.S. International Price Indexes for Selected Transportation Services.....page 13 

------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Import and Export Price Index data for October are scheduled for release on November 9 at 

8:30 A.M. (E.S.T.). 
4

Table 1 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods

 September 2005-September 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted

 Index Percent Change

Relative

 Import- Annual Monthly

 ance Sept. May June July Aug.

END Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006

USE August September to to to to to

2006 2006 Sept. June July Aug. Sept.

1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

 ALL COMMODITIES............................................................ 100.000 119.2 116.7 2.0 0.1 0.8 0.8 -2.1

 ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM......................... 78.755 104.8 104.9 2.0 0.4 0.1 0.5 0.1

 ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING FUELS 

 (Dec. 2001=100)........................................................... 76.490 107.5 107.8 2.9 0.6 0.0 0.3 0.3

0 FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES..................................... 4.261 120.9 121.4 6.3 -0.1 0.0 2.5 0.4

00 Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, 

 excluding distilled beverages................................ 3.204 130.3 131.0 6.9 -0.2 -0.3 3.1 0.5

01 Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)........... 1.057 100.0 99.9 4.5 0.4 1.0 0.5 -0.1

1 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS........................... 38.289 184.3 174.1 4.1 -0.1 1.7 1.8 -5.5

 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS 

 EXCLUDING PETROLEUM...................................... 17.044 134.6 135.2 6.6 1.2 -1.0 1.5 0.4

 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS 

 EXCLUDING FUELS (Dec. 2001=100)..................... 14.779 142.9 144.4 12.4 2.4 -1.0 0.5 1.0

 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, 

 DURABLE................................................................. 9.630 137.9 140.3 17.8 3.0 -1.7 0.9 1.7

 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, 

 NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM............ 7.414 129.7 128.1 -5.4 -1.2 0.1 2.3 -1.2

10 Fuels & lubricants........................................................ 23.509 244.6 220.9 -0.5 -1.6 3.5 2.7 -9.7

100 Petroleum & petroleum products............................. 21.244 257.3 230.8 2.9 -1.1 3.9 2.1 -10.3

10000 Crude............................................................... 15.382 257.0 231.7 3.7 -0.6 4.5 1.1 -9.8

11 Paper & paper base stocks.......................................... 0.915 112.5 112.8 8.1 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.3

12 Materials associated with nondurable 

 supplies & materials............................................. 4.326 120.4 120.1 2.4 0.9 0.4 -0.6 -0.2

13 Selected building materials.......................................... 1.926 115.2 117.1 -0.4 -2.3 -0.3 -1.4 1.6

14 Unfinished metals related to durable goods................. 4.489 188.9 194.8 41.0 7.2 -4.5 2.4 3.1

15 Finished metals related to durable goods.................... 1.611 128.9 128.2 9.3 1.8 2.6 0.3 -0.5

16 Nonmetals related to durable goods............................ 1.512 101.6 101.6 0.9 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.0

2 CAPITAL GOODS............................................................. 20.576 91.3 91.3 -0.2 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0

20 Electric generating equipment..................................... 2.463 102.1 102.7 3.7 1.2 0.2 -0.2 0.6

21 Nonelectrical machinery............................................... 16.498 87.9 87.9 -0.9 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0

22 Transportation equipment excluding 

 motor vehicles (Dec. 2001=100)........................... 1.615 108.2 108.4 1.9 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.2

3 AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES.............. 14.002 104.1 104.2 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.1

4 CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING 

 AUTOMOTIVES......................................................... 22.872 100.5 100.6 0.9 0.1 0.6 0.1 0.1

40 Nondurables, manufactured......................................... 10.835 103.1 103.0 -0.1 0.1 0.4 0.1 -0.1

41 Durables, manufactured............................................... 10.907 97.9 98.0 1.9 0.1 0.8 0.1 0.1

42 Nonmanufactured consumer goods............................. 1.130 100.2 100.5 -0.1 0.2 1.1 0.5 0.3

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 trade values.

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

 n.a. Not available

August

2006
5

Table 2 U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods

 September 2005-September 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted

 Index Percent Change

Relative

 Import- Annual Monthly

 ance Sept. May June July Aug.

END Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006

USE August September to to to to to

2006 2006 Sept. June July Aug. Sept.

1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

 ALL COMMODITIES................................................................. 100.000 112.1 111.5 3.7 0.7 0.4 0.4 -0.5

 AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES............................................ 7.708 127.7 126.8 4.4 2.6 1.9 0.9 -0.7

 NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.................................... 92.292 111.0 110.4 3.7 0.6 0.2 0.5 -0.5

0 FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES......................................... 6.992 129.6 128.6 4.7 3.0 2.3 0.9 -0.8

00 Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, 

 excluding distilled beverages..................................... 6.236 129.8 128.9 5.1 3.1 2.5 0.8 -0.7

01 Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)................ 0.756 127.2 126.3 2.2 1.7 0.6 1.2 -0.7

1 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS............................... 30.865 141.5 139.0 9.1 1.7 0.4 1.6 -1.8

 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, 

 DURABLE..................................................................... 11.174 147.7 148.3 20.2 2.7 -0.5 1.6 0.4

 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, 

 NONDURABLE.............................................................. 19.692 138.3 134.1 3.3 1.1 1.0 1.5 -3.0

10 Agricultural industrial supplies & materials........................ 1.472 118.7 118.1 1.5 0.8 -0.7 1.9 -0.5

 NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES 

 & MATERIALS........................................................... 29.393 143.0 140.4 9.5 1.7 0.5 1.5 -1.8

11 Fuels & lubricants............................................................. 5.190 207.8 184.7 -0.1 0.7 1.4 4.4 -11.1

12 Nonagricultural supplies & materials 

 excluding fuels & building materials........................... 23.061 136.4 136.5 11.7 2.0 0.2 1.0 0.1

13 Selected building materials............................................... 1.142 110.1 110.0 4.1 0.7 0.0 0.3 -0.1

2 CAPITAL GOODS.................................................................. 39.287 98.3 98.3 0.7 0.0 0.1 -0.2 0.0

20 Electrical generating equipment........................................ 3.820 105.0 105.1 2.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.1

21 Nonelectrical machinery................................................... 28.930 92.4 92.4 -0.3 0.0 0.0 -0.3 0.0

22 Transportation equipment excluding 

 motor vehicles (Dec. 2001=100)................................ 6.537 117.4 117.5 4.4 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.1

3 AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES................... 10.642 105.1 105.2 1.4 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.1

4 CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING 

 AUTOMOTIVES.............................................................. 12.214 103.9 104.0 2.1 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.1

40 Nondurables, manufactured.............................................. 5.990 103.8 103.9 2.4 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.1

41 Durables, manufactured................................................... 5.230 102.8 103.1 1.3 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.3

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 trade values.

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

 n.a. Not available

August

2006
6

Table 3 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods

 September 2005-September 2006 2005=100, unless otherwise noted

 Index Percent Change

Relative

 Import- Annual Monthly

 ance Sept. May June July Aug.

NAICS Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006

August September to to to to to

2006 2006 Sept. June July Aug. Sept.

1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

 Nonmanufactured Articles...................................................... 19.369 118.1 108.6 n.a. -1.1 3.7 2.4 -8.0

11 AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS........... 1.427 105.7 106.0 n.a. 2.0 0.9 6.3 0.3

111 Agricultural products.................................................. 0.997 101.4 102.9 n.a. -0.1 -0.4 11.2 1.5

21 OIL, GAS, MINERALS AND ORES................................ 17.942 119.2 108.8 n.a. -1.3 3.9 2.1 -8.7

 Manufactured Articles............................................................ 80.009 104.0 103.4 n.a. 0.4 0.2 0.5 -0.6

31 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 1............................. 10.214 101.3 101.3 n.a. 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.0

311 Food and kindred products......................................... 2.449 103.3 103.4 n.a. -0.1 0.3 0.6 0.1

312 Beverages and tobacco products............................... 0.794 101.7 101.7 n.a. 0.1 0.7 0.1 0.0

313 Textiles and fabrics.................................................... 0.507 103.6 103.3 n.a. 1.1 0.0 0.2 -0.3

314 Textile mill products................................................... 0.718 101.0 101.0 n.a. 0.0 0.5 0.2 0.0

315 Apparel and accessories............................................ 4.301 100.1 100.0 n.a. 0.0 0.2 0.1 -0.1

316 Leather and allied products........................................ 1.445 101.0 101.0 n.a. 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.0

32 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 2............................. 17.852 108.3 104.4 n.a. -0.8 0.9 1.4 -3.6

321 Wood products........................................................... 1.260 95.2 97.3 n.a. -4.2 -0.7 -2.4 2.2

322 Paper......................................................................... 1.444 104.8 105.1 n.a. 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.3

324 Petroleum and coal products...................................... 4.942 126.8 109.4 n.a. -2.8 1.8 3.6 -13.7

325 Chemicals.................................................................. 7.465 103.3 103.3 n.a. 0.3 1.1 1.1 0.0

326 Plastics and rubber products...................................... 1.573 102.5 102.7 n.a. 0.4 0.3 0.6 0.2

327 Nonmetallic mineral products..................................... 1.065 103.5 103.7 n.a. 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.2

33 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 3............................. 51.943 103.1 103.4 n.a. 0.8 -0.1 0.3 0.3

331 Primary metals........................................................... 5.157 131.4 135.0 n.a. 7.0 -3.3 2.3 2.7

332 Fabricated metal products, nesoi............................... 2.418 104.4 104.9 n.a. 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.5

333 Machinery, except electrical....................................... 6.149 102.2 102.4 n.a. 0.4 0.1 -0.1 0.2

334 Computer and electronic products.............................. 13.704 97.8 97.7 n.a. -0.2 -0.2 -0.1 -0.1

335 Electrical equipment, appliances, and components.... 3.450 102.8 103.3 n.a. 1.0 0.3 0.0 0.5

336 Transportation equipment.......................................... 14.863 100.5 100.6 n.a. 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.1

337 Furniture and fixtures................................................. 1.448 100.4 100.6 n.a. 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.2

339 Miscellaneous manufactured commodities................. 4.754 104.8 104.9 n.a. 0.3 2.2 0.2 0.1

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 trade values.

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

 n.a. Not available

August

2006
7

Table 4 U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods

 September 2005-September 2006 2005=100, unless otherwise noted

 Index Percent Change

Relative

 Import- Annual Monthly

 ance Sept. May June July Aug.

NAICS Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006

August September to to to to to

2006 2006 Sept. June July Aug. Sept.

1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

 Nonmanufactured Articles...................................................... 6.064 107.3 104.4 n.a. 2.7 0.0 1.7 -2.7

11 AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS........... 4.178 107.3 104.9 n.a. 4.0 1.8 0.4 -2.2

111 Agricultural products.................................................. 3.736 107.2 104.9 n.a. 4.6 1.9 0.4 -2.1

21 OIL, GAS, MINERALS AND ORES................................ 1.886 107.2 103.3 n.a. 0.1 -4.1 4.8 -3.6

211 Oil and gas................................................................. 0.528 95.7 83.4 n.a. -2.2 -0.5 18.7 -12.9

212 Minerals and ores....................................................... 1.358 112.4 112.3 n.a. 0.8 -5.2 0.2 -0.1

 Manufactured Articles............................................................ 91.571 103.3 102.9 n.a. 0.6 0.2 0.4 -0.4

31 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 1............................. 6.604 101.8 102.2 n.a. 0.6 0.8 1.4 0.4

311 Food and kindred products......................................... 3.803 103.7 104.5 n.a. 1.0 1.5 2.3 0.8

312 Beverages and tobacco products............................... 0.567 101.3 100.5 n.a. -0.5 0.6 0.1 -0.8

313 Textiles and fabrics.................................................... 1.040 96.7 96.8 n.a. 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1

315 Apparel and accessories............................................ 0.620 100.2 100.1 n.a. 0.1 0.0 0.2 -0.1

32 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 2............................. 24.307 107.5 105.7 n.a. 1.1 0.8 0.9 -1.7

321 Wood products........................................................... 0.559 104.0 104.0 n.a. 0.8 0.4 0.7 0.0

322 Paper......................................................................... 2.133 106.9 107.2 n.a. 0.9 0.8 0.4 0.3

324 Petroleum and coal products...................................... 3.024 129.8 112.1 n.a. 0.2 0.8 3.8 -13.6

325 Chemicals.................................................................. 15.160 105.2 105.0 n.a. 1.3 0.9 0.7 -0.2

326 Plastics and rubber products...................................... 2.437 103.3 103.6 n.a. 0.1 0.4 0.5 0.3

327 Nonmetallic mineral products..................................... 0.891 102.5 103.0 n.a. 2.9 0.1 0.1 0.5

33 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 3............................. 60.660 101.9 102.0 n.a. 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.1

331 Primary metals........................................................... 3.969 120.0 119.9 n.a. 4.9 -1.4 2.6 -0.1

332 Fabricated metal products, nesoi............................... 2.751 106.9 106.8 n.a. 0.2 1.2 0.3 -0.1

333 Machinery, except electrical....................................... 12.032 102.2 102.3 n.a. 0.1 0.7 0.1 0.1

334 Computer and electronic products.............................. 17.829 97.7 97.8 n.a. -0.2 -0.5 -0.6 0.1

335 Electrical equipment, appliances, and components.... 3.468 101.8 101.9 n.a. 0.3 0.1 0.4 0.1

336 Transportation equipment.......................................... 16.090 101.9 101.9 n.a. 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.0

339 Miscellaneous manufactured commodities................. 4.203 102.1 102.2 n.a. 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 trade values.

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

 n.a. Not available

August

2006
8

Table 5 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods

 September 2005-September 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted

 Index Percent Change

Relative

 Import- Annual Monthly

Harmo- ance Sept. May June July Aug.

nized Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006

System August September to to to to to

2006 2006 Sept. June July Aug. Sept.

1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

I LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS.............................. 1.193 120.8 121.2 4.8 0.3 1.6 0.6 0.3

02 Meat and edible meat offal........................................... 0.339 140.7 140.8 1.1 -0.7 1.0 1.5 0.1

03 Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and 

 other aquatic invertebrates................................... 0.630 98.8 99.0 6.9 0.9 1.4 0.8 0.2

 2/ Other live animals; animal products............................. 0.225 153.9 155.7 4.7 -0.1 3.0 -1.7 1.2

II VEGETABLE PRODUCTS................................................ 1.130 119.5 120.0 9.8 -0.3 0.7 9.2 0.4

07 Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers............................ 0.320 162.4 162.1 18.5 3.7 -4.5 18.4 -0.2

08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus 

 fruit or melons....................................................... 0.292 88.0 87.6 2.6 -1.9 -2.7 10.7 -0.5

09 Coffee, tea, mate and spices....................................... 0.239 125.3 129.4 18.5 -4.7 3.1 7.2 3.3

 2/ Other vegetable products............................................. 0.279 117.3 117.2 1.7 1.5 7.9 0.4 -0.1

IV PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND 

 TOBACCO............................................................... 1.995 119.3 119.3 3.7 0.6 -0.1 -0.3 0.0

 2/ Other prepared foodstuffs............................................ 0.770 127.4 127.6 1.9 0.8 -0.8 -0.8 0.2

20 Preparations of vegetables, fruit, 

 nuts, or other parts of plants................................. 0.252 118.6 118.9 16.9 0.9 -0.1 0.6 0.3

22 Beverages, spirits, and vinegar.................................... 0.760 110.6 110.4 3.0 0.5 0.7 -0.4 -0.2

V MINERAL PRODUCTS...................................................... 23.247 242.9 219.8 -0.6 -1.7 3.5 2.4 -9.5

27 Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, 

 bituminous substances and mineral wax............... 22.917 242.8 219.3 -0.9 -1.7 3.6 2.4 -9.7

 2/ Other mineral products (Dec. 2001=100)..................... 0.330 141.3 142.3 13.9 1.8 1.7 0.6 0.7

VI PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED 

 INDUSTRIES........................................................... 6.793 115.1 114.6 0.7 0.9 0.4 0.1 -0.4

28 Inorganic chemicals..................................................... 0.688 154.5 158.6 6.2 0.3 1.6 0.0 2.7

29 Organic chemicals....................................................... 2.708 118.2 116.3 2.6 2.0 1.4 -1.3 -1.6

30 Pharmaceutical products............................................. 1.899 106.2 105.9 -5.0 0.5 -0.2 -0.1 -0.3

32 Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye & 

 pigments; varnish & paints; putty.......................... 0.166 98.6 98.6 -1.8 0.3 -0.1 -0.1 0.0

33 Essential oils and resinoids (Dec. 2001=100).............. 0.374 109.5 109.5 1.9 -0.1 0.9 1.6 0.0

38 Miscellaneous chemical products................................ 0.387 93.8 93.8 1.2 0.7 0.5 1.0 0.0

VII PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER 

 AND ARTICLES THEREOF..................................... 2.780 121.3 120.6 5.9 1.5 0.8 0.2 -0.6

39 Plastics and articles thereof......................................... 1.807 118.3 118.7 4.3 0.3 0.1 1.0 0.3

40 Rubber and articles thereof.......................................... 0.973 127.2 124.3 8.8 3.8 2.1 -1.4 -2.3

VIII RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS, 

 TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................................... 0.607 105.6 105.7 1.6 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.1

42 Articles of leather; travel goods, bags, 

 etc. of various materials........................................ 0.520 105.6 105.7 1.5 0.6 0.4 0.1 0.1

IX WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, 

 BASKETWARE AND WICKERWORK..................... 1.348 117.5 120.3 -2.3 -3.4 -0.6 -2.1 2.4

X WOODPULP, RECOVERED PAPER, AND 

 PAPER PRODUCTS................................................... 1.633 109.1 109.3 5.7 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.2

47 Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic 

 material; waste paper/paperboard......................... 0.222 123.4 125.2 23.0 1.1 2.7 3.2 1.5

48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper 

 pulp, paper or paperboard..................................... 1.150 106.7 106.7 3.9 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.0

49 Printed matter.............................................................. 0.262 113.9 113.9 1.2 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.0

XI TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES.................................. 5.339 101.1 101.1 0.4 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.0

61 Articles of apparel and clothing 

 accessories, knitted or crocheted......................... 1.942 100.4 100.2 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.3 -0.2

See footnotes at end of table

August

2006
9

Table 5 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods

 September 2005-September 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted

 Index Percent Change

Relative

Import- Annual Monthly

Harmo- ance Sept. May June July Aug.

nized Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006

System August September to to to to to

2006 2006 Sept. June July Aug. Sept.

1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

62 Articles of apparel and clothing 

 accessories, not knitted or crocheted................. 2.150 99.6 99.6 -0.7 -0.1 0.5 -0.1 0.0

63 Made-up or worn textile articles................................. 0.479 94.6 94.6 1.9 -0.1 1.0 0.0 0.0

 2/ Other textile & textile articles..................................... 0.768 110.2 110.9 2.7 0.6 0.5 0.2 0.6

XII HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS, 

 ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC................................... 1.212 100.9 100.9 0.7 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0

64 Footwear and parts of such articles.......................... 1.021 101.4 101.4 0.7 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.0

 2/ Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas, 

 whips, art. flowers, etc......................................... 0.191 97.7 97.7 0.4 0.5 -0.5 0.0 0.0

XIII STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS, 

 CERAMICS, GLASS ETC......................................... 0.939 109.0 109.3 3.7 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.3

68 Articles of stone, plaster, cement, 

 asbestos, or mica (Dec. 2001=100).................... 0.312 103.4 103.5 3.8 0.3 0.2 -0.1 0.1

69 Ceramic products...................................................... 0.298 113.1 113.4 1.8 0.3 1.2 0.1 0.3

70 Glass and glassware................................................. 0.329 109.5 109.7 5.4 0.4 -0.4 0.2 0.2

XIV PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS, 

 IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS........................ 2.712 126.1 126.9 25.4 2.2 -1.0 1.9 0.6

XV BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL....... 6.351 159.3 162.1 23.4 5.1 -0.5 1.4 1.8

72 Iron and steel............................................................ 1.633 179.6 187.8 17.3 4.6 2.5 0.8 4.6

73 Articles of iron or steel............................................... 1.400 126.2 125.8 1.5 0.8 0.7 0.2 -0.3

74 Copper and articles thereof....................................... 0.844 303.1 307.0 90.6 15.1 -1.2 5.2 1.3

76 Aluminum and articles thereof................................... 1.001 141.3 139.5 21.8 5.4 -4.9 -1.0 -1.3

82 Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and 

 forks, of base metal; parts thereof...................... 0.367 106.8 106.9 2.0 0.3 -0.9 0.1 0.1

83 Miscellaneous articles of base metal......................... 0.446 120.2 121.7 8.8 0.9 0.6 0.8 1.2

 2/ Other base metals and articles of base metals.......... 0.659 216.2 228.5 77.8 9.7 -3.6 6.2 5.7

XVI MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV 

 IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC....... 22.854 88.1 88.2 -0.6 0.2 0.1 -0.1 0.1

84 Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof 11.873 88.4 88.4 -0.7 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0

85 Electrical machinery and equip, sound 

 and TV recorders & reproducers, parts............... 10.981 87.9 88.0 -0.3 0.2 0.1 -0.1 0.1

XVII VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND 

 ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT.............. 12.941 105.0 105.1 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1

87 Motor vehicles and their parts.................................... 11.922 104.4 104.5 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1

88 Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts 

 thereof (Dec. 2002=100)..................................... 0.885 106.7 107.0 1.2 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.3

XVIII OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL & 

 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES............. 3.030 99.4 99.4 -0.6 0.2 -0.2 0.0 0.0

90 Optical, photographic, measuring and 

 medical instruments........................................... 2.694 98.0 98.0 -1.1 0.2 -0.3 0.0 0.0

91 Clocks and watches and parts thereof....................... 0.241 111.8 111.8 4.4 0.1 -0.1 0.0 0.0

XX MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES......... 3.682 99.6 99.7 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.1

94 Furniture & stuffed furnishings; lamps & 

 lighting fittings, nesoi; prefab bldg...................... 2.134 103.4 103.4 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.0

95 Toys, games and sports equipment; parts 

 and accessories thereof..................................... 1.339 94.7 94.8 0.9 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.1

96 Miscellaneous manufactured articles......................... 0.209 102.8 102.9 1.8 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 trade values.

2 Product categories included in this group have been modified due to concordance or coverage limitations.

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

 n.a. Not available

August

2006
10

Table 6 U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods

 September 2005-September 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted

 Index Percent Change

Relative

 Import- Annual Monthly

Harmo- ance Sept. May June July Aug.

nized Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006

System August September to to to to to

2006 2006 Sept. June July Aug. Sept.

1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

I LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS.............................. 1.379 135.0 134.9 0.2 2.7 4.2 3.5 -0.1

03 Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and 

 other aquatic invertebrates................................... 0.456 125.2 123.6 2.7 1.3 0.7 1.3 -1.3

II VEGETABLE PRODUCTS................................................ 3.753 136.0 134.1 8.2 4.6 1.8 1.9 -1.4

08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus 

 fruit or melons....................................................... 0.701 122.1 118.6 -4.1 3.5 7.3 -0.7 -2.9

10 Cereals........................................................................ 1.626 138.6 140.9 21.2 5.4 2.3 -1.1 1.7

12 Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds, 

 fruits, plants, straw and fodder.............................. 0.841 122.1 118.5 -4.2 -0.1 2.4 -1.8 -2.9

IV PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND 

 TOBACCO............................................................... 2.286 113.8 114.1 3.1 0.2 0.4 0.8 0.3

21 Miscellaneous edible preparations............................... 0.431 108.5 108.7 -0.2 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.2

23 Residues and waste from the food 

 industries; prepared animal feed........................... 0.408 125.7 126.3 4.6 0.7 -1.2 0.2 0.5

 2/ Other prepared foods................................................... 0.805 111.9 111.7 2.1 0.3 0.6 1.7 -0.2

V MINERAL PRODUCTS...................................................... 4.914 245.4 225.0 1.9 -0.1 -0.8 3.7 -8.3

27 Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, 

 bituminous substances and mineral wax............... 4.066 231.3 208.1 -4.6 -0.5 1.0 4.3 -10.0

VI PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED 

 INDUSTRIES........................................................... 12.322 124.4 124.0 5.4 1.3 0.9 0.4 -0.3

28 Inorganic chemicals..................................................... 1.191 155.1 154.7 19.6 2.3 0.5 -0.6 -0.3

29 Organic chemicals....................................................... 4.422 142.1 141.0 7.4 2.6 2.2 1.4 -0.8

30 Pharmaceutical products............................................. 2.418 109.4 109.6 2.3 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.2

31 Fertilizers..................................................................... 0.366 146.5 144.5 -8.0 -0.5 0.6 -0.7 -1.4

32 Tanning or dyeing extracts, dyes, 

 paints, varnish, putty, & inks................................. 0.631 109.6 109.6 3.4 0.2 -1.3 0.3 0.0

33 Essential oils and resinoids; 

 perfumery, cosmetic or toilet................................. 0.710 115.1 115.3 1.8 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.2

34 Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or 

 scouring products; candles, pastes....................... 0.409 108.9 107.2 2.4 0.5 0.0 -0.5 -1.6

37 Photographic or cinematographic goods...................... 0.367 104.4 104.6 0.2 -0.8 2.2 -0.2 0.2

38 Miscellaneous chemical products................................ 1.605 111.6 111.8 4.1 0.6 -0.3 0.3 0.2

VII PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER 

 AND ARTICLES THEREOF..................................... 6.005 131.0 131.4 8.3 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.3

39 Plastics and articles thereof......................................... 4.854 127.6 127.9 7.0 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.2

40 Rubber and articles thereof.......................................... 1.151 145.1 146.1 14.5 0.4 1.6 0.9 0.7

VIII RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS, 

 TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................................... 0.483 117.2 117.9 4.5 -0.1 -0.1 0.4 0.6

41 Raw hides and skins (other than 

 furskins) and leather............................................. 0.345 111.4 112.2 4.3 0.5 -0.1 0.6 0.7

IX WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, 

 BASKETWARE AND WICKERWORK..................... 0.750 108.7 108.3 4.4 0.5 0.0 0.8 -0.4

X WOODPULP, RECOVERED PAPER, AND 

 PAPER PRODUCTS................................................... 2.687 106.7 107.3 5.5 1.1 0.9 0.3 0.6

47 Woodpulp and recovered paper................................... 0.586 99.9 101.6 6.8 0.8 1.8 1.2 1.7

48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper 

 pulp, paper or paperboard..................................... 1.498 106.5 106.7 5.7 1.3 0.4 0.2 0.2

49 Printed material........................................................... 0.603 118.1 118.4 3.4 0.4 1.0 -0.2 0.3

See footnotes at end of table

August

2006
11

Table 6 U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods

 September 2005-September 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted

 Index Percent Change

Relative

Import- Annual Monthly

Harmo- ance Sept. May June July Aug.

nized Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006

System August September to to to to to

2006 2006 Sept. June July Aug. Sept.

1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

XI TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................................ 2.707 102.0 101.4 0.9 0.8 -0.6 0.7 -0.6

52 Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof..... 0.742 94.9 92.2 0.0 1.9 -2.1 2.9 -2.8

61 Apparel & clothing knitted 

 or crocheted (Dec. 2001=100)............................ 0.319 94.6 94.6 -0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 2/ Other textile and textile articles (Dec. 2001=100)...... 1.646 114.5 114.8 1.7 0.4 0.0 -0.1 0.3

XIII STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS, 

 CERAMICS, GLASS ETC......................................... 0.820 104.1 104.6 1.1 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.5

70 Glass and glassware................................................. 0.461 95.5 96.4 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.9

XIV PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS, 

 IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS........................ 2.871 137.6 138.1 26.5 4.7 -4.8 1.9 0.4

XV BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS..... 5.670 157.3 158.0 20.6 2.1 2.0 1.5 0.4

72 Iron and steel............................................................ 1.219 181.7 184.2 23.2 3.0 1.5 3.1 1.4

73 Articles of iron or steel............................................... 1.331 138.1 138.1 10.0 0.1 2.2 0.4 0.0

74 Copper and articles thereof....................................... 0.823 250.8 251.2 63.5 1.7 4.6 4.0 0.2

76 Aluminum and articles thereof................................... 0.936 141.9 139.8 21.4 6.5 -4.3 1.6 -1.5

82 Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and 

 forks, of base metal; parts thereof...................... 0.414 111.3 111.3 6.2 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0

83 Miscellaneous articles of base metal......................... 0.445 125.3 124.8 6.5 0.7 1.4 -0.2 -0.4

XVI MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV 

 IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC.. 32.043 93.6 93.6 -0.1 0.0 0.0 -0.2 0.0

84 Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof 17.916 101.8 102.1 2.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.3

85 Electrical machinery and equipment 

 and parts and accessories thereof...................... 14.127 84.6 84.4 -2.5 -0.1 -0.4 -0.5 -0.2

XVII VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND 

 ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT.............. 13.279 111.8 111.8 2.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.0

87 Motor vehicles and their parts.................................... 8.772 104.8 104.8 1.1 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0

XVIII OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL & 

 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES............. 6.251 102.3 102.4 0.6 0.1 -0.2 0.1 0.1

XX MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES......... 1.422 101.6 101.7 0.9 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.1

94 Furniture; stuffed furnishings; 

 lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;......................... 0.780 108.0 108.1 1.6 0.2 0.7 0.3 0.1

95 Toys, games and sports equipment; parts 

 and accessories thereof..................................... 0.503 94.3 94.3 -0.1 0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.0

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 trade values.

2 Product categories included in this group have been modified due to concordance or coverage limitations.

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

 n.a. Not available

August

2006
12

Table 7 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes by Locality of Origin 

 September 2005-September 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted

 Index Percent Change

Annual Monthly

Percentage Sept. May June July Aug.

Description of 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006

U.S. September to to to to to

Imports 2006 Sept. June July Aug. Sept.

1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

2/ Industrialized Countries................................................ 46.371 118.5 117.7 3.7 0.4 -0.2 1.1 -0.7

 Nonmanufactured Articles....................................... 3.994 205.9 190.3 -6.3 -2.4 2.1 6.1 -7.6

 Manufactured Articles.............................................. 41.944 111.8 112.0 5.0 0.8 -0.4 0.4 0.2

3/ Other Countries............................................................ 53.651 117.7 114.7 2.3 0.0 1.6 0.3 -2.5

 Nonmanufactured Articles....................................... 9.299 228.3 208.3 4.3 -0.6 4.3 1.6 -8.8

 Manufactured Articles.............................................. 44.152 101.8 101.4 2.1 0.1 0.7 -0.1 -0.4

 Canada......................................................................... 17.089 133.2 130.6 1.9 -0.5 0.0 2.0 -2.0

 Nonmanufactured Articles....................................... 3.239 207.0 191.0 -9.4 -2.8 2.3 7.0 -7.7

 Manufactured Articles.............................................. 13.575 119.8 119.6 5.7 0.3 -0.7 0.5 -0.2

4/ European Union............................................................ 18.654 120.6 120.5 4.1 1.3 0.1 0.1 -0.1

 Nonmanufactured Articles....................................... 0.367 238.8 219.2 4.5 3.1 0.5 2.5 -8.2

 Manufactured Articles.............................................. 18.150 118.3 118.4 4.0 1.0 0.1 0.2 0.1

 France (Dec. 2003=100)............................................... 1.971 103.9 104.1 1.9 0.4 0.0 0.1 0.2

 Germany (Dec. 2003=100)........................................... 5.187 104.6 105.1 1.5 0.5 0.8 0.1 0.5

 United Kingdom (Dec. 2003=100)................................. 2.947 119.9 119.0 3.4 1.4 -0.3 0.3 -0.8

5/ Latin America............................................................... 17.406 145.5 141.4 5.7 0.1 2.0 -0.1 -2.8

 Nonmanufactured Articles....................................... 4.158 231.4 211.9 3.3 -1.2 4.8 1.6 -8.4

 Manufactured Articles.............................................. 13.173 128.7 128.4 6.9 0.8 0.7 -0.8 -0.2

 Mexico (Dec. 2003=100)............................................... 10.594 124.6 121.5 6.2 -0.4 2.3 2.1 -2.5

6/ Pacific Rim (Dec. 2003=100)........................................ 34.090 98.9 98.8 -0.8 0.2 0.2 0.0 -0.1

 China (Dec. 2003=100)................................................ 13.773 97.6 97.4 -1.0 -0.2 0.1 0.1 -0.2

 Japan........................................................................... 8.920 94.5 94.4 -1.5 0.2 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1

7/ Asian NICs................................................................... 7.216 89.6 89.4 -0.3 0.1 0.6 -0.1 -0.2

8/ ASEAN (Dec. 2003=100).............................................. 6.086 98.9 98.2 0.4 0.4 1.4 -0.1 -0.7

9/ Asia Near East (Dec. 2003=100).................................. 3.547 191.5 177.6 1.4 2.0 2.8 -1.1 -7.3

1 Percentage of trade figures are based on 2004 trade values.

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

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

4 Includes European Union countries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Regions are not mutually exclusive.

 n.a. Not available

August

2006
13

Table 8 U.S. International Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Transportation Services

 September 2005-September 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted

Index Percent Change

Relative

import- Annual Monthly

ance Sept. May June July Aug.

Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006

August September to to to to to

2006 2006 Sept. June July Aug. Sept.

1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

AIR FREIGHT

 Import Air Freight..................................................... 100.000 132.6 133.3 2.8 3.0 -1.2 -0.7 0.5

 Europe (Dec. 2003=100)..................................... 39.178 130.5 132.3 7.9 5.4 -0.8 0.1 1.4

 Asia..................................................................... 48.801 115.7 115.5 -1.7 2.0 -1.9 -1.5 -0.2

 Export Air Freight..................................................... 100.000 116.6 118.2 6.6 1.0 -0.3 0.9 1.4

 Inbound Air Freight................................................... 100.000 128.3 128.8 1.0 1.7 -0.9 0.2 0.4

 Europe (Dec. 2003=100)..................................... 39.533 126.1 127.1 4.9 3.3 -0.8 1.0 0.8

 Asia..................................................................... 48.109 110.7 110.8 -2.8 0.7 -1.1 -0.7 0.1

 Outbound Air Freight................................................ 100.000 116.3 117.0 4.1 1.4 -0.5 -0.3 0.6

 Europe (Dec. 2003=100)..................................... 42.468 132.9 133.0 5.5 1.4 -1.4 0.6 0.1

 Asia..................................................................... 42.286 108.0 107.4 0.9 1.7 0.2 -1.3 -0.6

AIR PASSENGER FARES

 Import Air Passenger Fares..................................... 100.000 138.3 130.9 5.6 11.4 2.0 -0.8 -5.4

 Europe................................................................. 61.509 133.0 127.9 5.1 13.8 0.3 -0.4 -3.8

 Asia..................................................................... 14.376 133.2 112.9 3.8 16.7 4.2 -3.4 -15.2

 Latin America/Caribbean..................................... 9.703 123.2 118.8 6.1 1.0 5.1 0.5 -3.6

 Export Air Passenger Fares..................................... 100.000 154.1 142.4 2.1 0.1 5.2 5.2 -7.6

 Europe................................................................. 31.921 189.7 174.9 6.0 3.2 9.2 2.5 -7.8

 Asia..................................................................... 37.609 134.9 114.4 -4.3 -3.6 2.7 16.1 -15.2

 Latin America/Caribbean..................................... 16.071 151.0 153.3 7.5 0.5 6.2 -4.6 1.5

 Inbound Air Passenger Fares (Dec. 2003=100)....... 100.000 133.9 123.9 4.7 1.2 6.3 4.1 -7.5

 Europe (Dec. 2003=100)..................................... 42.436 140.0 126.6 6.7 4.1 10.7 2.4 -9.6

 Asia (Dec. 2003=100)......................................... 30.936 128.9 113.0 -1.4 -3.4 2.5 13.9 -12.3

 Latin America/Caribbean (Dec. 2003=100)......... 12.942 119.3 120.9 9.9 1.0 5.3 -3.5 1.3

 Canada (Dec. 2003=100).................................... 8.897 158.2 162.8 7.8 3.8 0.7 -2.8 2.9

 Outbound Air Passenger Fares (Dec. 2003=100).... 100.000 131.3 126.4 5.2 9.1 1.8 0.2 -3.7

 Europe (Dec. 2003=100)..................................... 52.796 139.3 135.0 4.2 14.0 0.4 -0.2 -3.1

 Asia (Dec. 2003=100)......................................... 15.866 127.2 112.2 3.8 10.0 3.2 1.9 -11.8

 Latin America/Caribbean (Dec. 2003=100)......... 18.091 113.3 112.4 6.8 0.2 2.5 0.5 -0.8

 Canada (Dec. 2003=100).................................... 8.476 163.9 164.0 17.6 1.3 1.9 3.5 0.1

CRUDE OIL TANKER FREIGHT

2/ Inbound Crude Oil Tanker Freight............................ 100.000 n.a. n.a. n.a. 12.2 1.8 n.a. n.a.

OCEAN LINER FREIGHT

 Inbound Ocean Liner Freight................................... 100.000 113.9 114.2 -10.7 -2.3 -1.9 1.1 0.3

 U.S. East Coast................................................... 40.502 118.9 119.1 -4.7 -0.7 -1.7 0.6 0.2

 From Atlantic................................................. 17.873 120.4 120.5 -2.0 -0.9 0.0 0.1 0.1

 From Pacific.................................................. 16.719 120.8 121.2 -3.4 -0.1 -0.2 0.8 0.3

 U.S. West Coast.................................................. 59.498 111.4 111.6 -14.4 -3.3 -2.1 1.5 0.2

1 Relative importance figures are based on 2000 trade values.

2 Publication of the Crude Oil Tanker Freight Indexes is lagged two months, as are the relative importance figures.

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

 n.a. Not available

August

2006
14

TECHNICAL NOTE

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

formula and are not seasonally adjusted. Price indexes for merchandise goods are reweighted annually, with 

a two-year lag in the weights. Published series use a base year of 2000=100 where possible. More detailed 

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

7101. 

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

classification systems. Items are classified, respectively, by end use for the Bureau of Economic Analysis 

System, industry for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), and product category for 

the Harmonized System (HS). While classification by end use and product category are self-explanatory, a 

couple of notes are in order for classifying items by industry. In the NAICS tables, for both imports and 

exports, items are classified by output industry, not input industry. As an example, NAICS import index 326 

(plastics and rubber products) would include outputs such as manufactured plastic rather than inputs such as 

petroleum. The NAICS classification structure also matches the classification system used by the PPI to 

produce the NAICS primary products indexes.

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

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

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

port transaction prices, depending on the practices of the individual industry. The index for crude petroleum 

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

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

of the U.S. Bureau of the Census. The prices used are generally either "free alongside ship" (f.a.s.) factory 

or "free on board" (f.o.b.) transaction prices, depending on the practices of the individual industry. Prices 

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

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

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

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

goods are defined as NAICS 11 and 21, and manufactured goods are defined as NAICS 31-33. 

Services Price Indexes -- Price indexes for internationally traded services are presented using two 

definitions: Balance of Payments (which represent transactions between U.S. and foreign residents) and 

International (which represent transactions inbound to and outbound from the U.S.). The Air Passenger 

Fares Indexes are calculated from data collected from a commercial airline reservation system. These data 

exclude frequent flyer tickets and those sold by consolidators. The Crude Oil Tanker Freight Indexes are 

calculated from data collected by the U. S. Department of Energy, and the publication of these indexes is 

lagged two months. The Air Freight and Ocean Liner Freight Indexes are calculated from data collected 

directly from companies. Fact sheets specifying detailed information for each services industry are available 

at http://www.bls.gov/mxp/ under “Publications and Other Documentation.” 
15

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

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

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

releases for February, March, and April. 

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

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

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

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

are more appropriate for market analysis. Merchandise and services indexes also can be used to study U.S. 

competitiveness and price elasticities, and the merchandise import indexes by country or region of origin are 

useful for terms of trade analysis. 

Mailing List -- If you wish to be added to the mailing list to receive a copy of the U.S. Import and Export 

Price Index News Release, please either call the IPP information line at (202) 691-7101 or send e-mail to 

(mxpinfo@bls.gov) to provide your name and mailing address. You may also contact the IPP at the 

following address: 

 Division of International Prices 

 Bureau of Labor Statistics 

 PSB Building, Rm. 3955 

 2 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E. 

 Washington, DC 20212-0001 

The information you provide will be used to register you for delivery of selected publications. The Bureau 

of Labor Statistics (BLS) is authorized to request this information under 5 United States Code (USC) Section 

301. Furnishing such information is voluntary; however, BLS may not be able to register you for the 

subscription service if you fail to do so. As part of helping us assess the quality of our customer service, 

BLS may contact subscribers with a customer service survey. 

In addition, the IPP news release is now available through an e-mail subscription service at 

(http://www.bls.gov/mxp) or (http://www.bls.gov/bls/newsrels.htm). 

 

Additional Information -- More detailed IPP data are available on the IPP home page at 

(http://www.bls.gov/mxp). To access data using Anonymous FTP, use the Internet address at 

(ftp://ftp.bls.gov). For technical assistance in using the BLS Internet site, send e-mail to 

(labstat.helpdesk@bls.gov). For IPP data requests, send e-mail to (mxpinfo@bls.gov). 

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

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