Technical Information:
  (202) 691-7101                                   USDL-99-349
Media contact:                                     Transmission of This
  Kathryn Hoyle                                    Material Is Embargoed
  (202) 691-5902                                   Until 8:30 A.M. E.S.T.
Internet Address: http://stats.bls.gov/ipphome.htm Thursday, December 9, 1999


            U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES
                      - NOVEMBER 1999-

                              
     The U.S. Import Price Index increased 0.5 percent in
November, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S.
Department of Labor reported today.  The increase--the fifth
in a row--was the same as in October.  Export prices were up
0.2 percent in November, after rising 0.3 percent in
October.
     
     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                                                               
November           -0.5     -9.7      0.1      0.2       1.7       0.0 
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 r   11.7 r    0.1      0.3       1.9       0.1 
September           1.1      9.8 r    0.2 r    0.0      -0.1 r     0.1 
October             0.5      3.5 r    0.1      0.3      -0.1 r     0.3 r
November            0.5      1.9      0.3      0.2      -0.8       0.4 
                                                                   
November 1997-98   -6.5    -36.3     -3.5     -3.8     -10.6      -2.9 
November 1998-99    5.5     95.2     -0.2      0.3      -5.4       1.0 

                                                                   
r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents.


Import Goods

  Import prices continued to increase in November and were up
4.2 percent since June and 5.5 percent over the past 12
months.  The recent gains were in marked contrast to the 6.5
percent decline recorded during the November 1997-98 period.
The petroleum index, which has increased nine consecutive
months, continued to lead the upswing for overall imports.
In November, petroleum prices rose 1.9 percent and were at
their highest level since January 1997.  Over the past 12
months, the petroleum index has almost doubled, gaining 95.2
percent.  The price index for nonpetroleum imports also rose
in November, increasing 0.3 percent after posting modest
gains in the previous three months.  The November increase
in nonpetroleum import prices was the largest since a 0.4
percent rise in September 1996.  Despite these recent gains,
the nonpetroleum import index dipped 0.2 percent in the past
year.

  The increase in November for nonpetroleum imports was
led by rising prices for industrial supplies and materials,
as well as foods, feeds, and beverages.  The price index for
industrial supplies and materials excluding petroleum
increased for the seventh consecutive month, and was up 1.3
percent in November after gaining 1.0 percent in October.
For the year ended in November, the index rose 4.4 percent.
After decreasing in each of the previous five months, the
index for foods, feeds, and beverages rebounded last month,
increasing 1.6 percent, led by rising coffee prices.  Over
the past 12 months, however, the index was down 2.4 percent.

  Indexes for the three major finished goods categories--
capital goods, consumer goods, and autos--were unchanged in
November.  In October, capital goods prices were also
unchanged, while consumer goods prices dipped 0.2 percent.
Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines had edged up
slightly in October, by 0.1 percent.  For the year ended in
November, prices for capital goods and consumer goods fell
3.0 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively, while the index
for automotive vehicles, parts, and engines rose 0.8
percent.


Export Goods

  Overall, export prices rose 0.2 percent last month and 0.3
percent for the 12 months ended in November.  Price
increases for nonagricultural goods pushed the export index
up in November, more than offsetting a decline in
agricultural prices.

   Agricultural prices fell for the third consecutive
month, declining 0.8 percent, the largest decline since July
of 1999.  For the year, the index for agricultural exports
prices fell 5.4 percent.
     
  In contrast, prices for nonagricultural exports rose
0.4 percent in November after advancing 0.3 percent in the
preceding month.  The November increase was the largest
since April of 1995.  For the November 1998-99 period, the
index rose 1.0 percent.

  The increase in nonagricultural export prices continued
to be led by rising prices for nonagricultural industrial
supplies and materials, up 1.0 percent in November.  The
increase--led primarily by paper, metals, and chemicals--was
the eighth in a row and brought the advance for the year
ended in November to 5.1 percent.  Capital goods prices and
consumer goods prices also rose in November, up a modest 0.2
percent and 0.1 percent, respectively.  For the year ended
in November, capital goods prices were down 0.7 percent,
while consumer goods prices rose 0.2 percent.

  Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines were unchanged in
November, following a 0.7 percent increase in October, which
was largely attributable to the model year changeover.  Over
the past 12 months, the index increased 1.1 percent.

Imports by Locality of Origin
     
  The price index for imports from Japan rose 0.2 percent
in November, following a similar increase in October.  Over
the past 12 months, the index was up 1.4 percent.
     
  The price indexes for imports from Canada and the
European Union each rose 0.5 percent in November.  Over the
November 1998-99 period, the indexes were up 5.7 percent and
0.4 percent, respectively.
     
  The price index of imports from Latin America also
increased last month, rising 1.3 percent.  For the year
ended in November, the index rose 13.7 percent.
     
  In contrast, the price index of imports from the Asian
Newly Industrialized Countries reversed its recent trend in
November, falling 0.2 percent after increasing in each of
the previous three months. The index fell 1.5 percent for
the year ended in November.


                     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 December are
scheduled for release on January 12th, 2000 at 8:30 A.M.
(E.S.T).  Release dates for the balance of 2000 are as
follows:

 February 16    June 8         October 12
 March 15       July 13        November 8
 April 12       August 10      December 13
 May 11         September 13



Table 1   U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods,
             November 1998-November 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                         Nov.    July     Aug.     Sept.  Oct.
END                         Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999   1999
USE                                                         October   October  November     to      to       to       to     to
                                                              1999     1999      1999      Nov.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.   Nov.
                                                               1/       2/                 1999    1999     1999     1999   1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      95.8    96.3       5.5     1.1      1.1      0.5   0.5
        ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM..............        89.291      92.4    92.7      -0.2     0.1      0.2      0.1   0.3

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         4.466      91.3    92.8      -2.4    -0.3     -0.2     -1.1   1.6

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
             excluding distilled beverages...........         3.065      86.0    87.3      -4.9    -0.3     -0.1     -1.8   1.5

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
             beverages)..............................         1.401     105.2   107.2       3.3    -0.4     -0.1      0.3   1.9

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        28.914     105.6   107.2      26.3     4.0      3.7      1.9   1.5
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
               EXCLUDING PETROLEUM...................        18.206      93.9    95.1       4.4     0.3      0.5      1.0   1.3
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               DURABLE...............................         9.642      95.2    95.6       4.7     0.3     -0.5      1.0   0.4
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM........         8.564      92.4    94.4       3.9     0.4      1.9      0.9   2.2

10        Fuels & lubricants.........................        12.077     131.8   134.7      83.3    10.7      9.3      3.4   2.2

100        Petroleum & petroleum products............        10.707     131.4   133.9      95.2    11.7      9.8      3.5   1.9

1000         Crude...................................         8.708     133.8   136.7     108.1    12.5     10.8      3.0   2.2

11        Paper & paper base stocks..................         1.757      79.1    83.1       3.9    -0.1      2.0      0.9   5.1

12        Materials associated with nondurable
             supplies & materials....................         5.643      88.2    88.9      -0.2    -0.1      0.9      0.6   0.8

13        Selected building materials................         2.195     110.1   108.7       7.0    -1.4     -4.6     -2.9   -1.3

14        Unfinished metals associated with
             durable goods...........................         4.459      93.0    94.4       8.0     1.5      0.8      3.7   1.5

15        Finished metals associated with durable
             goods...................................         1.395      91.2    91.6      -1.3     0.0      0.3     -0.1   0.4

16        Nonmetals associated with durable goods....         1.387      87.6    87.6      -1.1     0.0      0.7      0.3   0.0

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        26.255      82.0    82.0      -3.0     0.0      0.1      0.0   0.0

20        Electric & electrical generating
             equipment...............................         3.230      91.8    91.9      -1.7     0.1      0.5      0.1   0.1

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        21.276      78.8    78.7      -3.4     0.0      0.1      0.0   -0.1

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        18.288     102.0   102.0       0.8     0.1      0.0      0.1   0.0

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
             AUTOMOTIVES.............................        22.076      97.5    97.5      -0.8     0.0      0.3     -0.2   0.0

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................        11.056     100.5   100.5      -0.7     0.1      0.5     -0.3   0.0

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         9.911      94.0    94.2      -1.2    -0.2      0.1     -0.2   0.2

42        Nonmanufactured consumer goods.............         1.109     100.0    98.8       2.2     0.8      0.8      0.1   -1.2



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for August, September and October 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,
             November 1998-November 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly 
                                                              ance                         Nov.    July     Aug.    Sept.     Oct.
END                         Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
USE                                                         October    October  November    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1999      1999      1999     Nov.    Aug.    Sept.     Oct.     Nov.
                                                               1/        2/                1999    1999     1999     1999     1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      95.0    95.2       0.3     0.3      0.0      0.3      0.2
        AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.....................         9.243      84.5    83.8      -5.4     1.9     -0.1     -0.1     -0.8
        NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES..................        90.758      96.2    96.6       1.0     0.1      0.1      0.3      0.4

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         8.520      87.4    86.8      -4.2     1.4     -0.3     -0.2     -0.7

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
             excluding distilled beverages...........         7.701      86.4    85.7      -5.1     2.2     -0.2     -0.3     -0.8

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
             beverages)..............................         0.819      99.6   100.4       4.8    -6.8     -1.3      1.4      0.8

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        25.065      90.3    91.1       4.2     0.8      0.6      0.9      0.9
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               DURABLE...............................         9.471      88.6    90.0       1.2     0.2      0.2      0.7      1.6
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               NONDURABLE............................        15.592      91.4    91.8       6.3     1.1      0.9      1.0      0.4

10        Agricultural industrial supplies &
             materials...............................         1.542      77.5    76.7      -7.5     0.1      0.4      1.2     -1.0

          NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
             & MATERIALS.............................        23.523      91.3    92.2       5.1     0.8      0.6      0.9      1.0

11        Fuels & lubricants.........................         2.599     113.3   115.0      22.5     4.1      1.1      1.4      1.5

12        Nonagricultural supplies & materials
             excluding fuels & building materials....        19.411      88.3    89.1       3.4     0.5      0.6      0.9      0.9

13        Selected building materials................         1.513      87.8    87.6       1.3     0.5     -1.1      0.5     -0.2

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        43.975      96.1    96.3      -0.7     0.0     -0.1      0.0      0.2

20        Electric & electrical generating
             Equipment...............................         4.427      98.3    98.3      -1.4    -0.2      0.3      0.0      0.0

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        33.765      92.4    92.4      -1.4     0.0     -0.2      0.0      0.0

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        10.202     104.0   104.0       1.1     0.0      0.1      0.7      0.0

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
             AUTOMOTIVES.............................        12.239     102.2   102.3       0.2     0.1     -0.1      0.3      0.1

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................         6.483     102.4   102.6       0.4     0.0      0.1      0.3      0.2

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         5.175     100.8   100.9       0.1     0.2     -0.1      0.1      0.1



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for August, September and October 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,
             November 1998-November 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                         Nov.    July     Aug.     Sept.    Oct.
SITC                        Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
Rev. 3                                                      October    October  November    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1999      1999      1999     Nov.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
                                                               1/        2/                1999    1999     1999     1999     1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      95.8    96.3       5.5     1.1      1.1      0.5      0.5

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         3.750      90.6    92.3      -3.7    -0.6     -0.5     -1.0      1.9
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         0.345      98.4    97.7       3.1     2.5      2.8     -1.0     -0.7
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         1.042     103.7   106.3       3.9    -0.4     -0.7      0.6      2.5
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.033      96.4    96.9     -11.6    -0.9     -1.0     -5.1      0.5
07        Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and
             manufactures thereof....................         0.441      61.8    66.7     -10.6    -1.7     -2.8      0.7      7.9
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.890      92.9    93.7      -0.4    -1.1      0.1      1.3      0.9

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         0.890     111.5   111.5       1.6     0.5      0.9     -0.6      0.0
11        Beverages..................................         0.752     108.5   108.5       2.0     0.1      1.3     -0.5      0.0

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         2.874      91.3    90.8       9.3    -0.4     -1.1     -0.4     -0.5
24        Cork and wood..............................         1.085     116.7   115.5      12.4    -2.3     -5.6     -4.1     -1.0
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         0.377      66.6    69.4      19.7    -0.5      8.0      0.9      4.2
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.614      98.4    97.7       5.3     2.1      0.5      4.3     -0.7
29        Crude animal and vegetable materials,
             n.e.s. (9612=100).......................         0.295     112.1   106.5       9.9     2.1      5.8      0.9     -5.0
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.333      90.9    89.8       5.0    -0.1     -4.4      0.1     -1.2

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................        11.677     131.7   134.7      85.3    11.2      9.3      2.9      2.3
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................        10.221     131.6   134.1      96.9    11.7      9.9      3.3      1.9
34        Gas, natural and manufactured..............         1.336     141.8   148.8      35.3     8.9      5.7      0.0      4.9

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......         5.422      91.8    92.1      -0.2    -0.2      1.1      0.4      0.3
51        Organic chemicals..........................         1.567      92.9    93.5       2.1     0.6      1.1      1.2      0.6
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.607      87.2    87.9      -7.4    -0.2      0.5      0.7      0.8
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.274      90.6    91.4      -6.1    -0.1     -0.3      0.4      0.9
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         0.938      97.6    97.8       2.0     0.1      0.7      0.6      0.2
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.308      91.8    92.3      -3.1     0.1      0.5     -0.5      0.5
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         0.381      93.9    94.0       2.7    -0.6      0.9      0.0      0.1
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.507      78.4    78.7       6.2     0.4      2.8      0.3      0.4
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         0.637      98.5    98.4      -0.8     0.1      0.0      0.4     -0.1

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................        12.383      93.3    94.0       1.6     0.5      0.2      0.8      0.8
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.727      94.9    94.4      -0.3     0.1      0.5     -0.1     -0.5
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.579     100.8    98.2       1.0     0.2     -4.3     -2.8     -2.6
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paper board........         1.561      84.4    88.0       0.6    -0.1      0.2      0.8      4.3
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up
             articles, n.e.s., and related prod......         1.368      94.9    94.3      -2.5    -0.1      0.4      0.0     -0.6
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         2.155     101.3   101.7       1.0     0.1      0.2      0.2      0.4
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.883      87.2    88.3      -0.3     0.5      0.7      1.2      1.3
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         1.997      94.8    95.5      14.0     2.6      1.3      4.1      0.7
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         1.955      95.7    96.0      -1.3    -0.2      0.2     -0.1      0.3

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        45.213      90.0    90.0      -1.3     0.0      0.0      0.1      0.0
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment (9612=100)....................         3.026      98.7    99.0       1.3     0.2      0.0      0.4      0.3
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         2.704      97.8    98.2      -0.5    -0.1      0.4      0.2      0.4
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         0.819      95.7    96.6      -1.4    -0.5     -0.1      1.5      0.9
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & machine parts, n.e.s.......         3.460      97.0    97.1      -1.6     0.0      0.1     -0.4      0.1
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         5.658      61.6    61.7      -7.4    -0.3     -0.3      0.0      0.2
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         4.342      86.7    86.6      -2.1    -0.3      0.1     -0.5     -0.1
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........         9.053      82.6    82.2      -2.1     0.2      0.6      0.0     -0.5
78        Road vehicles..............................        15.081     102.4   102.4       1.0     0.0     -0.2      0.2      0.0

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        17.382      97.8    97.8      -0.7     0.0      0.3     -0.1      0.0
81        Prefabricated buildings; plumbing, heat
             & lighting fixtures, n.e.s..............         0.374      91.9    92.3      -2.9    -0.8     -1.1      0.8      0.4
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         1.229      98.2    98.3      -1.9    -0.4     -0.1     -0.2      0.1
83        Travel goods, handbags and similar
             containers..............................         0.520     102.4   101.9       1.5     0.2      0.4     -0.1     -0.5
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         5.886     101.7   101.7      -1.1     0.1      0.6     -0.5      0.0
85        Footwear...................................         1.799     100.8   100.8      -0.3    -0.1      0.2      0.0      0.0
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         1.586      94.8    94.9      -0.4     0.0      0.5      0.3      0.1
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.;.....         1.339      92.1    92.4       1.2    -0.1      0.3      0.8      0.3
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.649      94.7    94.8      -0.8     0.0      0.3     -0.3      0.1




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for August, September and October 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,
             November 1998-November 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                         Nov.    July     Aug.     Sept.    Oct.
SITC                        Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
Rev. 3                                                      October    October  November    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1999      1999      1999     Nov.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
                                                               1/        2/                1999    1999     1999     1999     1999

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      95.0    95.2       0.3     0.3      0.0      0.3      0.2

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         6.948      86.4    86.5      -2.9     0.2     -1.1     -0.2      0.1
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         1.203      97.4    97.7       7.7     3.3      0.2     -0.1      0.3
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         0.621      98.8    99.7       3.3    -8.9     -1.8      1.6      0.9
04        Cereals and cereal preparations............         2.126      69.5    70.2     -10.2     3.4     -0.8     -4.4      1.0
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.420      96.6    94.3      -5.0    -2.0     -3.6      2.4     -2.4
08        Feeding stuff for animals (not
             including unmilled cereals).............         0.665      91.8    92.9       3.9    -0.2     -1.0      4.7      1.2
09        Miscellaneous edible products and
             preparations............................         0.413     107.6   107.6       0.8     0.8     -0.2      0.2      0.0
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.500      90.9    90.8      -6.0     0.0      0.5      2.2     -0.1

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         1.568     101.8   101.9       1.4     0.0      0.4      0.3      0.1
12        Tobacco and tobacco manufactures...........         1.296     102.0   102.1       1.7     0.1      0.5      0.3      0.1

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         5.225      78.0    77.9       2.9     2.4      1.6      0.4     -0.1
21        Hides, skins and furskins, raw.............         0.299      88.6    88.0       9.9     3.9      3.7      2.4     -0.7
22        Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits............         0.925      82.3    78.2     -16.2    10.0      6.1     -3.2     -5.0
24        Cork and wood..............................         0.898      83.5    83.7       2.7     0.1     -0.2      0.8      0.2
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         0.920      77.1    78.6      36.5     2.8      2.3      2.5      1.9
26        Textile fibers and their waste.............         0.662      64.5    63.6     -10.9    -0.2     -1.1      0.2     -1.4
27        Crude fertilizers and crude minerals.......         0.329      93.1    93.8      -1.4    -0.6      0.3     -0.2      0.8
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.802      75.1    76.8      13.3     1.0      0.7      2.2      2.3
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.391      89.6    92.0       1.3    -0.3     -1.5      0.1      2.7

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................         2.329     116.7   119.3      26.2     4.4      1.1      1.5      2.2
32        Coal, coke and briquettes..................         0.685      97.6    97.6      -1.8     0.1     -0.7      0.0      0.0
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................         1.481     131.3   133.5      42.2     5.5      1.7      2.1      1.7

4        ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS, FATS AND
            WAXES....................................         0.397      81.8    79.0     -23.2     0.4      2.2      3.8     -3.4

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......        10.889      93.2    93.3       2.3     0.2      0.5      1.0      0.1
51        Organic chemicals..........................         2.530      81.0    82.1      10.9     0.9      2.5      2.8      1.4
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.856      98.7    98.7      -4.6     0.2     -2.1      0.0      0.0
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.504     101.0   100.7       0.5    -0.1      0.2      0.0     -0.3
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         1.246      99.8    99.8      -1.2    -0.4     -0.1      0.0      0.0
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.775     102.3   103.7       2.0    -0.1      0.3      0.2      1.4
56        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.499      82.3    74.4     -23.3    -1.5     -3.4     -3.1     -9.6
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         1.908      94.8    95.5      11.2     1.0      1.7      2.9      0.7
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.842      97.9    97.8       2.0     0.0      0.2      0.3     -0.1
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         1.728      98.9    98.8      -2.3    -0.1     -0.1     -0.3     -0.1

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................         9.965      97.8    97.9       1.2     0.2      0.2      0.3      0.1
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.727     108.2   107.3       1.1     0.2      1.0      1.2     -0.8
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.308      94.1    91.8      -1.9     0.9     -5.1      0.6     -2.4
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paperboard.........         1.621      87.2    87.7       7.1     1.2      1.1      1.0      0.6
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, and
             made-up articles, n.e.s.................         1.374      97.5    97.8      -2.8     0.0     -0.6     -1.2      0.3
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         1.356     106.0   106.0      -1.1     0.0     -0.2     -0.1      0.0
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.054      95.2    95.2      -2.5    -0.2      0.4      0.6      0.0
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         1.293      90.2    90.9       6.4     2.0      1.1      2.5      0.8
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         2.079     106.7   106.9       0.4    -0.9      0.1     -0.7      0.2

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        50.513      97.3    97.4      -0.8     0.0     -0.1      0.1      0.1
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment...............................         4.648     110.2   111.2       3.0     0.0      0.0      0.1      0.9
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         4.869     105.9   106.1       0.6     0.0      0.1      0.0      0.2
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         1.022     108.8   108.8       0.1    -0.1      0.0      0.0      0.0
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & parts, n.e.s...............         5.266     107.7   107.7       1.1     0.0      0.1      0.1      0.0
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         5.706      70.5    70.4      -5.5     0.0     -1.1      0.4     -0.1
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         3.792      96.6    96.6      -0.9    -0.1      0.0     -0.3      0.0
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........        11.047      87.2    87.2      -4.0    -0.2      0.0     -0.3      0.0
78        Road vehicles..............................         9.435     103.1   103.1       0.9    -0.1      0.1      0.7      0.0

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        11.497     101.3   101.4       0.6     0.1      0.0      0.1      0.1
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         0.662     105.4   105.4       1.2     0.0      0.1     -0.1      0.0
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         1.273     100.4   100.3      -2.1     0.0      0.2      0.0     -0.1
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         3.878     105.5   105.6       1.5     0.0      0.0      0.1      0.1
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.......         0.953      96.7    96.8       2.4     0.0      0.9      1.0      0.1
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.259      98.2    98.2       0.0     0.2     -0.3      0.0      0.0
     3/ Other miscellaneous manufactured
           articles (9612=100).......................         0.472     101.7   102.0      -0.1     0.1      0.2     -0.1      0.3




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                   n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for August, September and October 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,
             November 1998-November 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                               Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                         Nov.    July     Aug.     Sept.    Oct.
nized                       Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
System                                                      October    October  November    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1999      1999      1999     Nov.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
                                                               1/        2/                1999    1999     1999     1999     1999


I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.606     102.8   105.7       6.4     0.0      0.8      0.7      2.8
02        Meat and edible meat offal.................         0.285     100.3    99.5       4.4     3.2      1.4     -0.8     -0.8
03        Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
             other aquatic invertebrates.............         0.950     108.4   112.4       8.8    -0.5      0.4      0.7      3.7
     3/   Other live animals and animal
             products (9612=100).....................         0.372      94.6    97.9       2.5    -1.4      1.6      1.6      3.5

II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         1.460      83.6    84.9      -5.1    -0.7     -0.6     -1.9      1.6
07        Edible vegetables and certain roots and
             tubers..................................         0.260      94.8    95.2     -28.4    -4.9      2.4    -10.7      0.4
08        Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
             fruit or melons.........................         0.473     103.7   103.3       0.4     1.3     -2.6     -1.3     -0.4
09        Coffee, tea, mate and spices...............         0.321      65.3    72.7      -0.3    -0.5     -0.9      0.9     11.3
     3/   Other vegetable products...................         0.406      92.3    89.5       6.3     0.2      0.1      1.4     -3.0

IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
            TOBACCO..................................         2.003      96.8    96.5      -3.3    -0.3     -0.8     -0.8     -0.3
20        Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
             nuts, or other parts of plants..........         0.259      85.1    86.5      -3.2    -0.9     -0.7     -6.0      1.6
22        Beverages, spirits, and vinegar............         0.769     105.6   105.6       0.5    -0.4      1.2      0.1      0.0
     3/   Other prepared foodstuffs (9612=100).......         0.975      91.8    90.7      -6.2    -0.2     -2.2      0.0     -1.2

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................        12.312     130.0   132.7      77.9    10.2      9.0      3.2      2.1
26        Ores, slag and ash.........................         0.292     100.0    99.8      -1.8     0.0      0.1      1.4     -0.2
27        Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
             bituminous substances and mineral wax...        11.794     131.6   134.5      84.0    10.8      9.4      3.2      2.2

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
            INDUSTRIES...............................         5.091      94.8    95.2      -0.4     0.2      1.0      0.6      0.4
28        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.780      92.8    93.3      -4.2     1.0      0.3      1.6      0.5
29        Organic chemicals..........................         1.992      93.8    94.5       3.2     1.1      1.4      1.2      0.7
30        Pharmaceutical products....................         0.584     105.8   106.1       2.0     0.1      1.0      0.5      0.3
32        Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye &
             pigments; varnish & paints; putty.......         0.272      88.8    89.6      -6.1    -0.1      0.0      0.3      0.9
37        Photographic or cinematographic goods......         0.353      96.3    96.3       1.3     0.0      0.0      0.0      0.0
38        Miscellaneous chemical products
             (9612=100)..............................         0.382      88.9    89.1      -3.2    -0.2      0.2     -0.4      0.2
     3/   Other products of the chemical or
             allied industries (9612=100)............         0.728      91.7    91.6      -4.5    -2.0      1.8     -1.3     -0.1

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         2.672      86.5    86.5       0.6    -0.1      1.3      0.0      0.0
39        Plastics and articles thereof..............         1.695      90.9    91.0       2.2    -0.1      1.5      0.1      0.1
40        Rubber and articles thereof................         0.977      79.9    79.8      -2.0     0.0      0.8     -0.1     -0.1

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
            TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................         1.001     101.2   101.2      -1.6     0.1      0.9     -0.2      0.0
42        Articles of leather; travel goods, bags,
             etc. of various materials...............         0.815     100.6   100.4      -0.5     0.1      0.2     -0.1     -0.2

IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKET
            AND WICKER...............................         1.697     108.4   106.7       8.0    -1.7     -5.5     -3.7     -1.6

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         2.312      82.1    85.2       3.6     0.0      1.5      0.6      3.8
47        Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
             material; waste paper/paperboard........         0.380      67.7    70.3      20.8    -0.2      8.2      0.7      3.8
48        Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
             pulp, paper or paperboard...............         1.576      85.2    89.0       0.8     0.0      0.2      0.8      4.5
49        Printed matter.............................         0.356      99.2    99.9       0.5     0.8     -0.1     -0.5      0.7

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         6.917     100.1   100.1      -0.5     0.1      0.4     -0.3      0.0
61        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories, knitted or crocheted.......         2.087     102.3   102.1       0.9    -0.1      1.0      0.0     -0.2
62        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories, not knitted or crocheted...         3.354     102.9   102.8      -1.0     0.4      0.2     -0.7     -0.1
63        Made-up or worn textile articles and
             clothing; needlecraft sets; rags........         0.338      94.7    94.8       0.9     0.1      0.9     -0.2      0.1
     3/   Other textile & textile
             articles (9612=100).....................         1.138      93.3    93.4      -2.4    -0.2      0.1      0.2      0.1

XII      FOOTWEAR, HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS, WHIPS,
            ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC..................         2.110     101.3   101.4       0.0    -0.1      0.2     -0.1      0.1
64        Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts
             of such articles........................         1.811     100.7   100.8      -0.1     0.0      0.2     -0.1      0.1
     3/   Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas,
             whips, art. flowers, etc. (9612=100)....         0.299     103.4   103.4       0.2     0.0      0.0     -0.3      0.0

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,CERAMIC
            GLASS ETC................................         1.149     101.1   101.5       0.3     0.0      0.1      0.4      0.4
69        Ceramic products...........................         0.437      98.6    98.9       1.0     0.0     -0.1      1.1      0.3
70        Glass and glassware........................         0.443     100.7   101.3       0.9     0.1      0.2      0.1      0.6

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
            IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............         2.307     101.8   104.2       5.8     0.4     -0.1      2.0      2.4

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL......         5.516      87.7    88.1       2.3     1.1      0.9      1.2      0.5
72        Iron and steel.............................         1.629      87.0    88.4       1.7     0.4      0.8      1.4      1.6
73        Articles of iron or steel..................         1.239      91.9    92.4      -1.5     0.1      0.3     -0.2      0.5
74        Copper and articles thereof................         0.398      72.5    72.0       2.1     2.9      0.6      2.5     -0.7
76        Aluminum and articles thereof..............         0.918      86.4    86.0       4.8     2.4      0.6      1.6     -0.5
83        Miscellaneous articles of base metal.......         0.420     101.7   101.8       0.7     0.0     -0.2     -0.5      0.1
     3/   Miscellaneous nonferrous metals and
             articles, including scrap (9612=100)....         0.471      92.4    91.8      18.9     4.5      5.8      4.9     -0.6

XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
            IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC......        28.075      81.8    81.8      -2.6    -0.1      0.2     -0.1      0.0
84        Specialized machinery & computer
             equipment...............................        14.432      81.1    81.3      -3.2    -0.1     -0.1      0.1      0.2
85        Electrical machinery and equip, sound
             and TV recorders & reproducers, parts...        13.643      82.6    82.3      -2.0     0.1      0.4     -0.1     -0.4

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
            ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        16.323     102.6   102.5       1.0     0.1     -0.2      0.3     -0.1
87        Motor vehicles and their parts.............        15.418     102.3   102.2       1.0     0.0     -0.2      0.3     -0.1

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
            MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES........         3.533      92.1    92.3       0.2     0.0      0.3      0.2      0.2
90        Optical, photographic, measuring and
             medical instruments.....................         3.016      92.0    92.1       0.4     0.1      0.3      0.3      0.1
91        Clocks and watches and parts thereof.......         0.375      92.6    93.9      -1.1    -0.1      0.4     -0.5      1.4

XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         3.661      96.8    96.9      -1.1    -0.2      0.1     -0.2      0.1
94        Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps
             and lighting fittings nes;..............         1.578      97.3    97.5      -1.1    -0.4      0.0      0.2      0.2
95        Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
             and accessories thereof.................         1.791      96.7    96.8      -1.1     0.0      0.2     -0.8      0.1
96        Miscellaneous manufactured articles........         0.292      94.5    94.7      -0.9     0.5      0.4      0.7      0.2



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for August, September and October 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,
             November 1998-November 1999     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                               Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative        
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                         Nov.    July     Aug.     Sept.    Oct.
nized                       Description                                                    1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
System                                                      October    October  November    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              1999      1999      1999     Nov.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
                                                               1/        2/                1999    1999     1999     1999     1999


I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.973      95.2    95.8       4.0    -0.7     -0.2      0.7      0.6
02        Meat & edible meat offal...................         1.098      93.2    93.7       7.3     3.2      0.3     -0.4      0.5
03        Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
             other aquatic invertebrates.............         0.551      95.9    97.0       6.1    -8.0     -2.1      1.8      1.1
     3/   Other live animals and animal
             products (9612=100).....................         0.325      86.0    86.3      -8.1    -0.2      1.3      3.0      0.3

II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         4.373      78.8    77.8      -9.0     2.4      0.0     -1.9     -1.3
07        Edible vegetables and certain roots and
             tubers..................................         0.326      99.4    99.2       0.8     2.7      0.1     -1.9     -0.2
08        Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
             fruit or melons.........................         0.780     102.6    96.1      -3.8    -6.7     -2.8      6.5     -6.3
10        Cereals....................................         1.911      67.0    68.0     -10.4     3.9     -0.8     -5.1      1.5
12        Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds,
             fruits, plants, straw and fodder........         1.114      85.9    83.5     -12.9     7.4      4.3     -2.3     -2.8

III      ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FATS AND OILS...........         0.423      80.9    79.3     -23.8     0.4      2.4      4.8     -2.0

IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
            TOBACCO..................................         3.492      98.4    98.5       1.0     0.1      0.0      1.0      0.1
20        Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
             nuts, or other parts of plants..........         0.343      92.6    93.2      -3.2     0.0     -1.2      0.1      0.6
21        Miscellaneous edible preparations..........         0.382     107.7   107.7       0.8     0.7     -0.2      0.2      0.0
22        Beverages, spirits, and vinegar............         0.338      98.3    98.4      -0.5    -0.3      0.0      0.0      0.1
23        Residues and waste from the food
             industries; prepared animal feed........         0.603      89.7    89.7       4.2     0.4      0.1      5.0      0.0
24        Tobacco and manufactured tobacco
             substitutes.............................         1.307     102.0   102.1       1.6     0.1      0.5      0.4      0.1
     3/   Other prepared foods.......................         0.519     100.8   100.8       0.4     0.0     -0.3      0.0      0.0

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................         2.913     110.6   111.8      20.9     3.0      1.1      1.2      1.1
26        Ores, slag and ash (9812=100)..............         0.286     119.4   119.4     n.a.      1.6      1.9     -0.1      0.0
27        Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
             bituminous substances and mineral wax...         2.361     116.0   117.6      23.5     3.5      1.1      1.4      1.4

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
            INDUSTRIES...............................         8.815      93.3    93.3       1.0     0.1      0.4      0.8      0.0
28        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.932      98.7    98.9      -3.2     0.1     -1.1     -0.1      0.2
29        Organic chemicals..........................         2.836      83.9    84.9      10.0     1.0      2.2      2.6      1.2
30        Pharmaceutical products....................         0.939     103.4   103.5       0.4    -0.7     -0.3      0.3      0.1
31        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.557      82.4    74.7     -23.0    -1.6     -3.3     -3.1     -9.3
32        Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes and
             pigments; paints & varnish; putty;ink...         0.517     101.0   100.8       0.1    -0.2      0.1      0.0     -0.2
33        Essential oils and resinoids;
             perfumery, cosmetic or toilet...........         0.556     104.5   106.9       3.1    -0.1      0.3      0.2      2.3
34        Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or
             scouring products; candles, pastes......         0.330     104.7   104.7       1.0     0.1      0.4      0.1      0.0
37        Photographic or cinematographic goods......         0.424      91.1    91.2       4.8     0.0      2.2      2.5      0.1
38        Miscellaneous chemical products............         1.504      97.9    98.0      -2.3    -0.1     -0.2     -0.2      0.1

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         4.388      94.8    95.0       4.5     0.4      0.9      1.1      0.2
39        Plastics and articles thereof..............         3.440      93.2    93.6       5.6     0.6      0.9      1.1      0.4
40        Rubber and articles thereof................         0.948     101.1   100.5       0.4     0.2      0.6      1.2     -0.6

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
            TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................         0.528      87.5    87.0       5.2     2.2      2.0      1.2     -0.6
41        Raw hides and skins (other than
             furskins) and leather...................         0.373      83.1    82.4       7.6     3.1      3.3      1.6     -0.8

IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW,
            BASKET AND WICKER........................         1.233      86.4    86.0       1.7     0.2     -1.3      0.7     -0.5

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         3.270      83.3    84.0      11.0     1.2      1.4      1.3      0.8
47        Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
             material; waste paper/paperboard........         0.829      72.0    73.7      32.6     2.6      2.8      2.6      2.4
48        Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
             pulp, paper or paperboard...............         1.592      87.9    88.3       6.9     1.4      1.3      1.2      0.5
49        Printed material...........................         0.849     110.4   110.3       1.2    -0.1     -0.1      0.5     -0.1

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         3.059      85.3    85.1      -4.5     0.0     -0.2     -0.4     -0.2
52        Cotton, including yarns and woven
             fabrics thereof.........................         0.555      62.4    61.0     -16.4    -0.8     -2.4     -2.2     -2.2
55        Manmade staple fibers, includ. yarns
             and woven fabrics (9812=100)............         0.275     101.5   102.7     n.a.      0.1      0.0      0.2      1.2
61        Apparel and clothing access.,
             knitted or crocheted (9812=100).........         0.479     100.3   100.3     n.a.      0.0      0.0      0.0      0.0
62        Apparel and clothing access.,
             not knitted or crocheted (9812=100).....         0.657      98.0    98.0     n.a.     -0.1      0.6      0.0      0.0

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,
            CERAMIC, GLASS ETC.......................         0.874     102.9   103.5      -0.3     0.3      0.4     -0.4      0.6
70        Glass and glassware........................         0.502     101.1   101.2      -1.6     0.1     -0.1     -0.5      0.1

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
            IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............         1.899      94.8   100.8       8.2    -0.3      0.6      4.1      6.3

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS.....         4.533      91.3    91.8       1.9     0.3      0.3      0.3      0.5
72        Iron and steel.............................         0.849      79.1    80.7       1.8     0.3      0.4      0.6      2.0
73        Articles of iron or steel..................         1.317     109.4   109.3      -0.3    -0.4      0.0      0.1     -0.1
74        Copper and articles thereof................         0.372      68.9    68.7       3.5     4.5     -0.7      3.3     -0.3
76        Aluminum and articles thereof..............         0.867      84.6    84.3       4.5     0.6      0.5      0.8     -0.4
82        Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and
             forks, of base metal; parts thereof.....         0.436     105.8   106.6       4.2    -2.1      0.3      0.2      0.8
83        Miscellaneous articles of base metal.......         0.390     101.6   101.5       0.7    -0.1      0.0     -0.1     -0.1


XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
            IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC....        36.138      91.6    91.7      -1.8    -0.1     -0.2      0.0      0.1
84        Specialized machinery & computer
             equipment...............................        20.395      93.9    94.1      -0.6     0.0     -0.3      0.2      0.2
85        Electrical machinery and equip, sound
             & tv recorders & reproducers, parts.....        15.743      88.9    88.9      -3.1    -0.2      0.0     -0.2      0.0

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
            ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        14.412     106.8   106.9       1.3     0.0      0.2      0.6      0.1
87        Motor vehicles and their parts.............         9.910     103.2   103.2       0.8    -0.1      0.1      0.7      0.0

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
            MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES........         5.615     103.3   103.4       1.2     0.0      0.0      0.0      0.1


XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         1.833     102.3   102.2       0.0    -0.1      0.0     -0.3     -0.1
94        Furniture; stuffed furnishings;
             lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;......         0.909     104.9   104.9       0.7     0.0      0.1     -0.1      0.0
95        Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
             and accessories thereof.................         0.752     100.4   100.2      -0.3     0.0     -0.1     -0.1     -0.2



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for August, September and October 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,  November 1998-November 1999
               1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                           Index                          Percent Change
                                                            Percentage
                                                               of                         Annual          Monthly
                                                            US Imports                     Nov.    July     Aug.     Sept.    Oct.
                           Description 1/                                                  1998    1999     1999     1999     1999
                                                              1995       Oct.    Nov.       to      to       to       to       to
                                                                         1999    1999      Nov.    Aug.     Sept.    Oct.     Nov.
                                                                          2/               1999    1999     1999     1999     1999

     3/ Developed Countries..........................       100.000      97.9    98.5       3.6     0.5      0.8      0.5      0.6
          Manufactured Goods.........................        92.656      96.6    97.1       1.4     0.2      0.3      0.3      0.5
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................         7.107     123.7   126.2      43.7     6.1      7.5      2.7      2.0

     3/ Developing Countries.........................       100.000      97.8    98.3       8.6     1.9      1.7      0.7      0.5
          Manufactured Goods.........................        78.727      92.0    92.0      -0.4     0.2      0.3      0.3      0.0
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................        21.007     121.7   125.1      64.4     9.5      7.3      1.9      2.8

        Canada.......................................       100.000     100.8   101.3       5.7     1.0      0.7      0.7      0.5
          Manufactured Goods.........................        85.208      98.0    98.2       1.1     0.3     -0.2      0.3      0.2
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................        14.263     125.8   128.3      41.1     6.1      6.8      2.6      2.0

     4/ European Union...............................       100.000     101.1   101.6       0.4     0.2      0.8      0.2      0.5
          Manufactured Goods.........................        96.508     100.8   101.3      -0.7     0.1      0.4      0.0      0.5
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................         3.492     113.4   115.0      42.0     2.8     12.0      1.1      1.4

     5/ Latin America  (9712=100)....................       100.000     103.4   104.7      13.7     2.8      2.1      1.2      1.3
          Manufactured Goods  (9712=100).............        70.437      98.3    98.9       2.3     0.9      0.4      0.9      0.6
          Nonmanufactured Goods (9712=100)...........        28.855     119.0   122.7      55.3     8.2      6.5      1.5      3.1

        Japan........................................       100.000      89.1    89.3       1.4     0.1      0.6      0.2      0.2

     6/ Asian Newly Industrialized Countries.........       100.000      83.5    83.3      -1.5     0.2      0.2      0.2     -0.2



        1    Regions are not mutually exclusive.

        2    Data for  August, September and October 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
             September 1998-September 1999  1995 = 100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                         Index                            Percent Change

                                                                                          Annual          Quarterly
                                                             Trade                         Sept.   Sept.    Dec.     March    June
                            Description                      (Mil.                         1998    1998     1998     1999     1999
                                                               of        June   Sept.       to      to       to       to       to
                                                            Dollars)     1999   1999       Sept.    Dec.    March    June     Sept.
                                                                                           1999    1998     1999     1999     1999


        IMPORT

         Air Freight                                            3188     85.4   87.0        8.3     8.0      1.3     -2.7      1.9
          Atlantic                                              1278     84.9   85.0       -2.7     4.9     -2.8     -4.7      0.1
          Pacific                                               1674     86.4   89.5       19.5    11.9      4.9     -1.7      3.6

         Air Passenger Fares                                   11127    117.3   118.0       4.6    -6.8     -1.2     13.0      0.6
     1/   Atlantic                                              4922    124.7   131.2      10.1   -17.7     -1.0     28.4      5.2
     1/   Pacific                                               2340    105.0   98.5       -0.5     5.8     -7.0      7.8     -6.2
     1/   Latin American / Caribbean                            3021    111.2   110.3       0.9    -0.3      3.2     -1.2     -0.8

     1/  Crude Oil Tanker Freight                               1346     70.6    n.a.     n.a.      5.0    -11.8     -2.8    n.a.

         Ocean Liner Freight                                    9868    123.1   132.8      31.2    -0.6     -0.2     22.6      7.9
          U.S. East Coast                                       4271    102.0   111.6      11.3    -1.3     -0.4      3.4      9.4
           from Atlantic                                        1952     87.7   99.9        2.6     0.0     -0.9     -9.1     13.9
           from Pacific                                         1774    121.1   127.9      24.1     0.2      0.0     17.2      5.6
     1/   U.S. West Coast                                       5596    138.6   148.1      46.2    -0.1     -0.1     37.1      6.9

        EXPORT

         Air Freight (9612 = 100)                               2562     90.8   89.3       -6.6     1.2     -6.4      0.3     -1.7

         Air Passenger Fares                                   17272    101.9   105.9      11.0     2.7      2.7      1.3      3.9
     1/   Atlantic                                              4120    113.2   114.6      -0.5    -5.4     -2.3      6.3      1.2
     1/   Pacific                                              10700     83.9   90.3       18.2     7.3      3.8     -1.4      7.6
          Latin American / Caribbean                            1392    114.0   116.0       2.5    -0.1     -1.3      2.2      1.8
          Canadian                                              1006    192.2   183.2      18.3     7.2     13.6      1.9     -4.7



        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
             September 1998-September 1999    1995 = 100
                                                                         Index                            Percent Change
                                                             
                                                                                           Annual          Quarterly
                                                               Trade                        Sept.   Sept.    Dec.     March    June
                            Description                        (Mil.                        1998    1998     1998     1999     1999
                                                                 of      June   Sept.        to      to       to       to       to
                                                              Dollars)   1999   1999        Sept.    Dec.    March    June     Sept.
                                                                                            1999    1998     1999     1999     1999


         Air Freight (Inbound)                                  5495     86.2   87.9        7.5     6.8      0.7     -2.0      2.0
          Atlantic                                              1880     86.5   86.5       -1.7     4.1     -2.7     -2.9      0.0
          Pacific                                               3151     86.3   89.3       14.6     9.8      2.9     -1.9      3.5

         Air Freight (Outbound)                                 5835     92.8   92.7       -3.2    -0.6     -2.6      0.1     -0.1
          Atlantic                                              2080    104.5   104.6       1.3     0.8      0.0      0.4      0.1
          Pacific                                               3222     85.2   85.0       -7.0    -1.9     -4.9     -0.1     -0.2

         Air Passenger Fares (U.S. Carrier)                    30673    112.3   113.9       6.2    -3.9      1.4      7.5      1.4
    1/    Atlantic                                              8811    119.5   122.9       2.1   -18.6     -1.1     23.3      2.8
    1/    Pacific                                              15900     96.1   97.5        8.9     4.4      1.3      1.6      1.5
    1/    Latin American / Caribbean                            4542    119.7   120.7       3.0    -0.4      1.5      1.1      0.8
          Canadian                                              1367    194.7   189.1      16.3     5.7     10.8      2.2     -2.9

         Air Passenger Fares (Foreign Carrier)                 31694    106.3   108.6       4.4    -2.8     -2.2      7.5      2.2
    1/    Atlantic                                             13572    113.9   117.3      -0.5   -12.7     -4.5     15.9      3.0
    1/    Pacific                                              12570     88.4   90.7       13.8    10.3     -1.5      2.1      2.6
    1/    Latin American / Caribbean                            4224    108.7   109.3       1.5     0.2      1.8     -1.0      0.6

    1/   Crude Oil Tanker Freight (Inbound)                     1949     71.4    n.a.     n.a.     -0.2     -9.8     -4.3    n.a.

         Ocean Liner Freight (Inbound)                         12253    133.7   146.9      39.9    -0.8     -1.5     30.3      9.9
          U.S. East Coast                                       5410     97.8   107.5       9.2    -1.7     -0.3      1.5      9.9
           from Atlantic                                        2647     85.9   97.9        2.6     0.0     -0.8     -9.2     14.0
           from Pacific                                         1874    117.5   123.9      23.2     0.1      0.5     16.1      5.4
    1/    U.S. West Coast                                       6844    161.4   177.3      61.6    -0.1     -2.4     50.8      9.9



        1     Detailed data available upon request.                                            n.a.    Not available


                                                                     
                           TECHNICAL NOTE
   
Import and Export Merchandise and Services Price Indexes -- All indexes use 
a modified Laspeyres formula and are weighted with 1995 trade weights.  The 
merchandise price indexes are published using three classifications:  the 
Harmonized System (HS), the Bureau of Economic Analysis End Use System,
and the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) system, Rev. 3.  
Price indexes for internationally traded services are presented using two 
definitions: Balance of Payments (which represents transactions between U.S. 
and foreign residents) and International (which represents all transactions
with U.S. importers or exporters, regardless of nationality).  Published
series use a base year of 1995=100 where possible.  Net transaction price
data are collected every month for over 20,000 products from over 6,000
companies and secondary sources.  Indexes are not seasonally adjusted.  More
detailed index series and additional information may be obtained from the
Division of International Prices, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2 Massachusetts
Avenue N.E., PSB 3955, Washington, DC 20212 or (202) 606-7155.

Import Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the 1995 Harmonized 
Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (TSUSA).  Import prices are 
based on U.S. dollar prices paid by the U.S. importer.  The prices are
generally either "free on board" (f.o.b.) foreign port or "cost, insurance,
and freight" (c.i.f.) U.S. port transaction prices, depending on the
practices of the individual industry.  The index for crude petroleum is
calculated from data collected by the U.S. Department of Energy.  

Export Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the 1995 Harmonized 
Schedule B classification system of the U.S. Bureau of the Census.  The
prices used are generally either "free alongside ship" (f.a.s.) factory
or "free on board" (f.o.b.) transaction prices, depending on the practices of
the individual industry.  Prices used in the grain index, excluding rice,
are obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Import Indexes by Locality of Origin -- Prices used in these indexes are a
subset of the data collected for the Import Price Indexes.  Prior to
January 1993, nonmanufactured goods were defined as SITC 0-4 and manufactured
goods were defined as SITC 5-8.  Beginning with January 1993, the indexes are
defined by locality of origin using a nomenclature based upon the Standard
Industrial Classification (SIC-based).  Nonmanufactured goods are defined as
SIC 0-1, and manufactured goods are defined as SIC 2-3.  The indexes use 1995
weights and a base of 1995=100.

Import, Export, and International Services Indexes -- Indexes are calculated
on a quarterly basis.  The figures for services indexes will not sum up to
the aggregate dollar value because not all categories are shown in the tables.
Revenue figures for air passenger indexes exclude frequent flyer tickets and
those sold by consolidators.  Indexes for crude oil tanker freight are
calculated from data collected by the U. S. Department of Energy and the 
publication of these indexes is lagged one quarter.  

Revision policy -- Data are revised for the previous three months to reflect
the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents.

Uses of the Data -- The primary use of the indexes is to deflate trade
statistics.  For merchandise trade, the End Use classification system is the
structure used by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the construction of the
foreign trade sector of the National Income and Product Accounts.  Indexes
published using the Harmonized System and the Standard International Trade
Classification, Rev. 3, both international structures, are useful for general
market analysis.  For trade in international services, Balance of Payments
indexes are used for deflating National Accounts data, while International
indexes are more appropriate for market analysis. Merchandise and services
indexes also can be used to study U.S. competitiveness and price elasticities,
and the merchandise import indexes by country or region of origin are useful
for terms of trade analysis.



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