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            U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES
                        - APRIL 2000-

                              
     The U.S. Import Price Index decreased 1.6 percent in
April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department
of Labor reported today.  The decrease, the first since June
1999, was attributable to a large downturn in petroleum
prices.  Export prices also fell in April, down 0.1 percent,
after increasing 0.5 percent in each of the previous two
months.
     
     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                              
                                                                   
                                                                   
1999                                                               
April           1.1     20.3     -0.2      0.2       0.5       0.2 
May             0.7      7.3      0.2      0.1       0.4       0.0 
June           -0.1      0.4     -0.2      0.0      -0.2       0.1 
July            1.0     13.5     -0.1     -0.1      -2.2       0.1 
August          1.1     11.7      0.1      0.3       1.9       0.1 
September       1.0      8.3      0.2      0.1      -0.1       0.1 
October         0.2      1.7      0.0      0.3      -0.1       0.4 
November        0.8      4.1      0.4      0.2      -0.9       0.3 
December        0.6      6.3      0.0     -0.1      -0.7       0.0 
2000                                                               
January         0.4      3.5 r    0.0      0.2       0.1       0.2 
February        2.0     14.7 r    0.3      0.5       1.2 r     0.5 
March           0.2 r   -0.7 r    0.2      0.5 r     0.1       0.5 r
April          -1.6    -12.7      0.1     -0.1       0.6      -0.2 
                                                                   
April 1998-99  -1.5      9.6     -2.3     -2.2      -7.9      -1.5 
April 99-2000   6.3     71.5      1.3      2.0      -0.1       2.2 

                                                                   
r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents.

Import Goods

     The 1.6 percent decrease in import prices in April was
the largest since December 1992.  The decline was
attributable to a 12.7 percent drop in petroleum prices in
April, the largest decrease posted for this index since it
fell 13.3 percent in December 1998.  Despite the decrease,
imported petroleum prices are still 143.9 percent higher
than 16 months ago.  Nonpetroleum import prices, however,
continued to move higher in April, edging up 0.1 percent.
Over the past year, the nonpetroleum index increased 1.3
percent.  The overall import price index rose 6.3 percent
from April 1999 to April 2000.

     All the major nonpetroleum commodity indexes either
increased or were unchanged in April.  The import price
index for foods, feeds, and beverages had the largest
advance, rising 1.1 percent after decreasing in each of the
previous three months.  The upturn was led by rising prices
for fish and shellfish and an upturn in imported vegetable
prices.  Import prices for capital goods and for industrial
supplies and materials excluding petroleum also increased in
April, each up 0.1 percent.  The modest rise in the index
for capital goods marked only the second increase in nearly
three years in this component.  In contrast, the index for
industrial supplies and materials excluding petroleum has
increased in 11 of the past 12 months and was up 10.1
percent over the year ended in April.  The increase posted
over the past year was primarily attributable to increasing
prices for metals, paper, and chemicals.

     The price indexes for consumer goods and for automotive
vehicles, parts, and engines were both unchanged in April.
Import prices for consumer goods had decreased 0.4 percent
the previous month and were down 0.6 percent for the year.
The index for autos was unchanged for the second consecutive
month and rose 0.7 percent over the April 1999 to April 2000
period.

Export Goods

     In April, prices for overall exports declined 0.1
percent after increasing in the previous three months and
were up 2.0 percent over the past 12 months.  In April,
price declines for nonagricultural exports outweighed gains
posted for agricultural commodities.  Led by higher prices
for soybeans and meat, the index for agricultural exports
increased 0.6 percent in April, marking its fourth advance
in a row.  Despite the recent upturn, the index dipped 0.1
percent during the past 12 months.  In contrast,
nonagricultural export prices declined 0.2 percent in April
and were up 2.2 percent over the past year.

     The decrease in April for prices of nonagricultural
exports was the first in the past 13 months.  The drop was
attributable to a 0.9 percent decline for nonagricultural
industrial supplies and materials, led primarily by lower
prices for fuels and lubricants.  Export prices for
nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials, which had
increased in each of the previous 12 months, were up 9.5
percent over the year ended in April.
     
     All of the major exported finished goods indexes -
capital goods, consumer goods, and automotive vehicles,
parts, and engines - were unchanged in April.  Capital
goods, which make up over 40 percent of all exports, were
unchanged for the second consecutive month and were down 0.8
percent for the year.  Over the past 12 months, consumer
goods and automotive vehicles, parts, and engines were up
0.7 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively.
     
Imports by Locality of Origin

     Import prices for goods from the Asian Newly
Industrialized Countries resumed a downward trend last
month, falling 0.5 percent in April after edging up 0.1
percent in March.  The index had either declined or posted
no change in the four prior months and was down 1.2 percent
for the year ended in April.

     The indexes for imports from Canada and Latin America
both declined last month, as price declines for
nonmanufactured goods, particularly petroleum, outweighed
gains for manufactured goods.  Import prices from Canada
dipped 0.1 percent in April, the first decrease since
January 1999, while import prices from Latin America were
down 2.0 percent last month, the first decrease in the past
10 months.  Despite the April decreases, over the past 12
months the indexes were up 8.9 percent and 15.2 percent,
respectively.
     
     The price index for imports from the European Union
also fell in April, down 0.8 percent, as prices for both
manufactured and nonmanufactured goods declined.  Over the
past 12 months, import prices from the European Union
increased 0.9 percent.

     In contrast, the index for imports from Japan rose 0.4
percent in April, following a 0.6 percent decline in March.
The index has increased eight of the last nine months and
rose 1.8 percent over the year.
                              
                     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 May are scheduled
for release on June 8th, 2000, at 8:30 A.M. (EDT).


Table  1  U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods,
             April 1999-April 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                      April    Dec.     Jan.     Feb.    March
END                         Description                                                  1999    1999     2000     2000     2000
USE                                                          March    March     April     to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000    2000      2000    April    Jan.     Feb.    March    April
                                                               1/      2/                2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      99.3    97.7       6.3     0.4      2.0      0.2  -1.6
        ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM..............        86.933      93.2    93.3       1.3     0.0      0.3      0.2   0.1

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         4.386      93.0    94.0       0.0    -1.3     -0.3     -0.3   1.1

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
             excluding distilled beverages...........         2.974      86.5    87.0      -2.4    -1.6     -0.9     -1.3   0.6

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
             beverages)..............................         1.412     109.9   112.2       5.4    -0.5      0.8      1.7   2.1

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        31.627     119.7   113.5      27.5     1.5      6.8      1.0  -5.2
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
               EXCLUDING PETROLEUM...................        18.560      99.2    99.3      10.1     0.3      1.6      2.3   0.1
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               DURABLE...............................        10.005     102.4   101.0       9.9     1.0      1.5      3.6  -1.4
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM........         8.555      95.7    97.4      10.6    -0.5      1.6      0.8   1.8

10        Fuels & lubricants.........................        14.467     163.6   145.4      67.7     2.5     14.0     -0.5 -11.1

100        Petroleum & petroleum products............        13.068     166.2   145.1      71.5     3.5     14.7     -0.7 -12.7

1000         Crude...................................        10.469     166.8   145.0      67.4     3.7      7.8      3.7 -13.1

11        Paper & paper base stocks..................         1.780      83.1    85.6      10.5     1.1      0.9      0.4   3.0

12        Materials associated with nondurable
             supplies & materials....................         5.574      90.3    91.2       4.3     0.1      0.6      0.7   1.0

13        Selected building materials................         2.156     112.1   112.0       3.4    -0.5     -0.4      1.8  -0.1

14        Unfinished metals associated with
             durable goods...........................         4.949     107.0   104.1      20.1     2.7      3.0      6.7  -2.7

15        Finished metals associated with durable
             goods...................................         1.364      92.5    92.6       0.8    -0.5      0.1      1.0   0.1

16        Nonmetals associated with durable goods....         1.338      87.6    87.8       0.6    -0.2      0.9     -0.5   0.2

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        25.101      81.3    81.4      -2.3     0.0     -0.2     -0.2   0.1

20        Electric & electrical generating
             equipment...............................         3.126      92.1    92.1      -0.4     0.8      0.0      0.3   0.0

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        20.289      77.9    77.9      -2.9    -0.1     -0.1     -0.4   0.0

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        17.677     102.2   102.2       0.7     0.1      0.1      0.0   0.0

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
             AUTOMOTIVES.............................        21.209      97.1    97.1      -0.6     0.0      0.0     -0.4   0.0

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................        10.629     100.2   100.2      -0.6    -0.2      0.0     -0.2   0.0

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         9.509      93.6    93.5      -1.0     0.0     -0.2     -0.3  -0.1

42        Nonmanufactured consumer goods.............         1.070     100.1   100.4       1.5     1.7      0.5     -1.9   0.3



    1  Relative importance figures are based on 1995 trade values.                           n.a.      Not available
    2  Data for January, February and March 2000 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,
             April 1999-April 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                        April    Dec.     Jan.     Feb.    March
END                         Description                                                    1999    1999     2000     2000     2000
USE                                                          March      March    April      to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000      2000     2000     April    Jan.     Feb.    March    April
                                                               1/        2/                2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      96.4    96.3       2.0     0.2      0.5      0.5     -0.1
        AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.....................         9.095      84.3    84.8      -0.1     0.1      1.2      0.1      0.6
        NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES..................        90.903      97.8    97.6       2.2     0.2      0.5      0.5     -0.2

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         8.394      87.4    87.8      -0.5     0.3      1.2      0.1      0.5

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
             excluding distilled beverages...........         7.569      86.2    86.7       0.3     0.6      0.8      0.1      0.6

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
             beverages)..............................         0.825     101.8   101.0      -6.9    -1.2      3.1      0.5     -0.8

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        26.041      95.2    94.4       8.8     0.4      1.6      1.7     -0.8
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               DURABLE...............................         9.712      92.1    91.8       4.8     0.1      1.0      1.1     -0.3
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               NONDURABLE............................        16.329      97.1    96.1      11.4     0.6      1.9      2.1     -1.0

10        Agricultural industrial supplies &
             materials...............................         1.526      77.7    77.9      -2.1    -2.0      2.3      1.0      0.3

          NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
             & MATERIALS.............................        24.515      96.6    95.7       9.5     0.5      1.6      1.8     -0.9

11        Fuels & lubricants.........................         3.251     143.8   126.8      29.7     1.9      7.0      9.5    -11.8

12        Nonagricultural supplies & materials
             excluding fuels & building materials....        19.733      91.1    91.8       7.6     0.4      0.8      0.8      0.8

13        Selected building materials................         1.531      90.1    90.4       3.3     0.7      0.3      0.7      0.3

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        43.375      96.2    96.2      -0.8     0.1      0.1      0.0      0.0

20        Electric & electrical generating
             Equipment...............................         4.385      98.7    98.7      -0.4    -0.2      0.5     -0.1      0.0

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        33.179      92.1    92.1      -1.5     0.0      0.0      0.0      0.0

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        10.081     104.3   104.3       1.4     0.1      0.0      0.4      0.0

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
             AUTOMOTIVES.............................        12.107     102.5   102.5       0.7     0.0      0.2     -0.1      0.0

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................         6.420     102.8   102.7       0.7    -0.1     -0.2      0.2     -0.1

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         5.108     101.0   101.2       0.8     0.2      0.3     -0.3      0.2



    1  Relative importance figures are based on 1995 trade values.                           n.a.      Not available
    2  Data for January, February and March 2000 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,
             April 1999-April 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                        April    Dec.     Jan.     Feb.    March
SITC                        Description                                                    1999    1999     2000     2000     2000
Rev. 3                                                       March    March     April       to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000    2000      2000      April    Jan.     Feb.    March    April
                                                               1/      2/                  2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      99.3    97.7       6.3     0.4      2.0      0.2     -1.6

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         3.737      93.6    94.8       0.3    -1.1     -0.1      0.0      1.3
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         0.335      99.1   100.3       6.1    -0.6      0.4      0.9      1.2
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         1.064     109.8   112.7       6.3     0.0      1.0      1.8      2.6
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.047     101.3   102.1      -2.7    -1.5      0.1     -0.8      0.8
07        Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and
             manufactures thereof....................         0.419      61.0    61.1     -12.1    -4.8     -3.7     -5.7      0.2
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.872      94.3    95.1       1.7     0.2      0.0      1.2      0.8

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         0.859     111.6   111.9       1.2    -0.7      0.2      0.2      0.3
11        Beverages..................................         0.725     108.5   108.8       1.5    -0.7      0.3      0.3      0.3

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         2.867      94.4    93.8       8.9     1.5      1.2     -0.3     -0.6
24        Cork and wood..............................         1.064     118.6   117.8       3.7    -0.8     -0.6      1.4     -0.7
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         0.395      72.4    75.1      31.1     3.4      2.1      0.6      3.7
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.625     104.0   101.7      13.6     2.4      4.2     -1.6     -2.2
29        Crude animal and vegetable materials,
             n.e.s. (9612=100).......................         0.284     111.9   110.5       1.7     8.2      2.6    -10.0     -1.3
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.318      90.1    89.9       3.5    -1.6     -1.2      3.3     -0.2

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................        14.142     165.4   146.2      69.4     2.8     13.9      0.0    -11.6
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................        12.482     166.6   144.7      70.4     3.3     14.8     -0.7    -13.1
34        Gas, natural and manufactured..............         1.541     169.6   169.9      71.1    -1.6      8.3      6.0      0.2

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......         5.284      92.7    93.4       3.1     0.2      0.5      0.0      0.8
51        Organic chemicals..........................         1.533      94.2    96.4       6.5     0.6      0.5      0.2      2.3
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.596      88.8    89.6       3.1     0.3      0.8     -0.2      0.9
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.258      88.4    87.9      -5.1    -0.9      0.4     -1.0     -0.6
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         0.902      97.3    97.6       1.6     0.9      0.0     -0.9      0.3
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.290      89.7    89.4      -4.0    -0.7      0.0      0.1     -0.3
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         0.368      93.9    93.9       1.5    -0.3     -0.7      1.0      0.0
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.501      80.4    80.3       9.3    -0.5     -0.3      1.6     -0.1
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         0.628     100.6   100.1       1.6     0.5      1.6     -1.0     -0.5

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................        12.534      97.9    97.4       6.2     0.6      1.1      2.5     -0.5
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.679      91.9    92.1      -2.2    -1.8      0.0     -0.9      0.2
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.572     103.2   104.5       3.2     0.0     -0.9      4.3      1.3
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paper board........         1.554      87.1    88.8       4.3     0.5      0.3      0.2      2.0
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up
             articles, n.e.s., and related prod......         1.331      95.6    95.5       0.0    -0.5      0.4      1.0     -0.1
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         2.069     100.8   101.0       0.1    -0.4      0.4     -0.4      0.2
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.948      93.5    93.8      10.2     1.8     -0.4      3.7      0.3
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         2.336     114.9   109.5      27.8     3.5      5.6     10.1     -4.7
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         1.894      96.1    96.3       0.4    -0.2      0.4      0.0      0.2

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        43.458      89.7    89.7      -1.0     0.1      0.0     -0.1      0.0
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment (9612=100)....................         2.938      99.4    99.9       1.2     0.6      0.0     -0.3      0.5
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         2.599      97.5    97.3      -0.8    -0.1      0.4     -0.6     -0.2
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         0.774      93.9    93.5      -1.8    -0.3     -0.4     -0.6     -0.4
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & machine parts, n.e.s.......         3.336      97.0    96.9      -1.0     0.0     -0.3      0.3     -0.1
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         5.406      61.0    60.7      -4.7    -0.3     -0.3     -0.5     -0.5
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         4.100      84.9    84.8      -3.5    -0.5      0.0     -0.4     -0.1
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........         8.693      82.2    82.7      -1.0     0.4     -0.2      0.0      0.6
78        Road vehicles..............................        14.579     102.7   102.6       0.6     0.1      0.2      0.1     -0.1

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        16.722      97.5    97.5      -0.6    -0.1     -0.1     -0.2      0.0
81        Prefabricated buildings; plumbing, heat
             & lighting fixtures, n.e.s..............         0.370      94.2    94.2       1.6     1.7     -0.3      0.0      0.0
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         1.183      98.1    98.1      -1.1     0.3      0.0      0.0      0.0
83        Travel goods, handbags and similar
             containers..............................         0.500     102.1   101.1       0.4    -0.1      0.5      0.0     -1.0
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         5.656     101.4   101.4      -0.7    -0.5      0.0      0.0      0.0
85        Footwear...................................         1.734     100.7   100.5      -0.7     0.0      0.1     -0.2     -0.2
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         1.514      93.8    94.1      -0.4    -0.4     -0.4     -0.4      0.3
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.;.....         1.288      91.8    91.8       0.4    -0.3     -0.5      0.1      0.0
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.477      94.5    94.6      -0.7     0.2     -0.2     -0.4      0.1




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for January, February and March 2000
        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,
             April 1999-April 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                        April    Dec.     Jan.     Feb.    March
SITC                        Description                                                    1999    1999     2000     2000     2000
Rev. 3                                                       March    March     April       to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000    2000      2000      April    Jan.     Feb.    March    April
                                                               1/      2/                  2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      96.4    96.3       2.0     0.2      0.5      0.5     -0.1

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         6.896      87.1    87.6      -0.7     0.8      0.8      0.1      0.6
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         1.206      99.1   101.9      14.6    -0.8     -1.4      0.4      2.8
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         0.611      98.7    97.7     -13.5    -2.4      2.1      0.2     -1.0
04        Cereals and cereal preparations............         2.243      74.4    74.0      -3.5     3.6      4.4      0.4     -0.5
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.282      88.6    89.5      -5.6    -0.3     -2.1     -0.4      1.0
08        Feeding stuff for animals (not
             including unmilled cereals).............         0.657      92.0    93.9       5.9     1.0      0.3     -0.5      2.1
09        Miscellaneous edible products and
             preparations............................         0.404     106.6   106.8       0.0    -0.3     -1.3      0.7      0.2
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.494      91.3    90.7       1.1     0.4      0.1     -0.4     -0.7

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         1.550     102.1   101.9       0.8     0.4     -0.4      0.2     -0.2
12        Tobacco and tobacco manufactures...........         1.281     102.3   102.1       1.0     0.4     -0.3      0.1     -0.2

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         5.488      83.2    84.1      13.5     1.4      2.8      1.2      1.1
21        Hides, skins and furskins, raw.............         0.291      87.7    85.6       8.5     0.7     -1.8     -2.0     -2.4
22        Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits............         0.952      86.0    88.3       9.8     1.1      5.3      1.4      2.7
24        Cork and wood..............................         0.924      87.2    87.4       6.8     1.6      0.1      0.8      0.2
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         1.058      90.0    93.6      51.2     4.2      4.7      1.9      4.0
26        Textile fibers and their waste.............         0.694      68.7    68.9      -1.3    -2.1      7.4      4.6      0.3
27        Crude fertilizers and crude minerals.......         0.325      93.5    93.0      -0.5     0.2     -0.3     -0.5     -0.5
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.850      80.9    80.4      17.2     2.0      0.9      0.2     -0.6
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.393      91.6    90.8       0.7     0.7      1.1      0.5     -0.9

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................         2.994     152.2   134.4      34.9     2.3      6.9     10.0    -11.7
32        Coal, coke and briquettes..................         0.749      96.1    94.6      -3.8    -1.4      0.0      0.0     -1.6
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................         2.245     179.4   152.3      47.4     2.5     11.1     12.5    -15.1

4        ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS, FATS AND
            WAXES....................................         0.338      70.7    70.9     -14.4    -2.8     -2.0     -4.8      0.3

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......        10.870      94.4    95.7       5.9     0.2      0.4      0.2      1.4
51        Organic chemicals..........................         2.648      86.1    90.0      23.1     1.2      0.7      0.8      4.5
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.837      98.0    96.9      -5.8     0.7     -0.8      0.1     -1.1
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.488      99.3   100.2      -1.2    -0.9      0.3     -0.1      0.9
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         1.233     100.3    99.9      -0.7    -0.1      0.2     -0.1     -0.4
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.769     103.0   103.3       1.9     0.0     -0.1     -0.3      0.3
56        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.433      72.4    71.9     -21.8    -0.3      1.5     -2.6     -0.7
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         1.895      95.6    97.2      13.7    -0.2      0.0      0.8      1.7
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.852     100.5   100.7       4.8    -0.2      0.8      1.9      0.2
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         1.715      99.6    99.3      -0.6     0.1      0.7     -0.3     -0.3

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................        10.003      99.7    99.6       3.2     0.0      0.7      0.7     -0.1
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.686     103.6   103.7      -2.1    -3.5     -1.0     -0.1      0.1
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.302      93.4    93.9      -2.3    -0.8      1.1      0.1      0.5
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paperboard.........         1.618      88.4    89.3       9.0     0.5      0.2      0.7      1.0
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, and
             made-up articles, n.e.s.................         1.364      98.3    98.3      -1.4    -0.3      0.0     -0.1      0.0
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         1.339     106.2   106.4      -0.2     0.0      0.2      0.2      0.2
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.055      96.8    97.8       3.1     1.4      0.5      0.3      1.0
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         1.439     101.9    98.5      16.8     1.2      5.8      3.1     -3.3
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         2.052     106.9   107.4      -0.7    -0.4     -0.4      0.5      0.5

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        49.812      97.4    97.5      -0.5     0.2      0.0      0.0      0.1
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment...............................         4.642     111.8   111.9       2.1     0.7      0.0      0.0      0.1
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         4.804     106.1   106.1       0.2     1.4      0.1     -0.2      0.0
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         1.004     108.5   108.4      -1.0     0.1      0.0     -0.1     -0.1
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & parts, n.e.s...............         5.205     108.0   108.2       0.8    -0.4      0.1      0.4      0.2
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         5.547      69.5    69.4      -4.5    -0.1     -0.7     -0.1     -0.1
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         3.744      96.8    96.6      -0.7    -0.3      0.6     -0.2     -0.2
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........        10.773      86.3    86.4      -3.6    -0.3      0.2     -0.3      0.1
78        Road vehicles..............................         9.374     104.0   103.9       1.7     0.4      0.1      0.4     -0.1

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        11.304     101.1   101.3       0.3    -0.2      0.0      0.0      0.2
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         0.658     106.3   107.0       2.4     0.7      0.1      0.2      0.7
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         1.224      98.0    98.0      -2.7    -1.6     -1.2      0.7      0.0
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         3.828     105.7   105.7       0.5    -0.1      0.2      0.3      0.0
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.......         0.922      95.0    95.4       0.8    -1.3     -0.4     -0.6      0.4
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.207      98.5    98.7       0.7     0.4      0.1     -0.2      0.2
     3/ Other miscellaneous manufactured
           articles (9612=100).......................         0.466     102.0   102.3      -0.2     0.0      0.5     -0.2      0.3




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                   n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for January, February and March 2000
        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,
             April 1999-April 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                               Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative        
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                        April    Dec.     Jan.     Feb.    March
nized                       Description                                                    1999    1999     2000     2000     2000
System                                                       March      March    April      to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000      2000     2000     April    Jan.     Feb.    March    April
                                                               1/        2/                2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.639     108.6   111.2       9.2    -0.1      0.7      1.9      2.4
02        Meat and edible meat offal.................         0.276     100.8   101.7       5.5    -0.1      0.2      0.5      0.9
03        Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
             other aquatic invertebrates.............         0.985     116.3   119.0      10.5    -0.1      1.0      2.1      2.3
     3/   Other live animals and animal
             products (9612=100).....................         0.378      99.6   102.9       8.4    -0.1     -0.1      2.5      3.3
II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         1.444      85.6    85.7      -1.7    -1.9     -1.0     -3.1      0.1
07        Edible vegetables and certain roots and
             tubers..................................         0.260      98.3   106.0      -1.7    -6.3     -6.0     -2.9      7.8
08        Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
             fruit or melons.........................         0.475     107.9   104.9      -0.9    -0.2      3.0     -2.0     -2.8
09        Coffee, tea, mate and spices...............         0.317      66.7    66.5      -4.6    -5.9     -4.5     -5.1     -0.3
     3/   Other vegetable products...................         0.391      92.1    91.1      -0.4     3.4      0.7     -2.6     -1.1
IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
            TOBACCO..................................         1.907      95.4    96.0      -4.2    -0.2     -0.3      0.3      0.6
20        Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
             nuts, or other parts of plants..........         0.249      84.7    86.5      -8.9     1.9     -3.4      3.2      2.1
22        Beverages, spirits, and vinegar............         0.743     105.7   105.9       0.7    -0.9      0.2      0.3      0.2
     3/   Other prepared foodstuffs (9612=100).......         0.915      89.1    89.6      -6.4    -0.2      0.2     -0.4      0.6

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................        14.653     160.1   142.6      63.7     2.2     13.6     -0.4    -10.9
26        Ores, slag and ash.........................         0.287     101.9   100.3      -0.3     0.3      0.1      1.6     -1.6
27        Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
             bituminous substances and mineral wax...        14.152     163.5   145.0      68.0     2.3     14.2     -0.5    -11.3

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
            INDUSTRIES...............................         4.982      96.0    96.8       3.9     0.5      0.9     -0.3      0.8
28        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.789      97.1    97.0       7.7     1.7      2.6     -1.1     -0.1
29        Organic chemicals..........................         1.927      94.0    95.9       6.4     0.1      0.4     -0.3      2.0
30        Pharmaceutical products....................         0.571     107.1   107.6       3.9     2.2      0.0     -0.9      0.5
32        Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye &
             pigments; varnish & paints; putty.......         0.256      86.5    86.1      -5.2    -0.8      0.3     -1.1     -0.5
37        Photographic or cinematographic goods......         0.347      97.8    98.0       2.1    -0.2     -0.2      0.9      0.2
38        Miscellaneous chemical products
             (9612=100)..............................         0.376      90.7    90.3       1.1     0.1      2.7     -0.5     -0.4
     3/   Other products of the chemical or
             allied industries (9612=100)............         0.717      93.4    93.4      -1.4     0.0      0.9      1.3      0.0

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         2.602      87.2    87.0       2.0    -0.2     -0.1      0.3     -0.2
39        Plastics and articles thereof..............         1.662      92.2    92.2       3.2    -0.2     -0.2      0.5      0.0
40        Rubber and articles thereof................         0.940      79.6    79.2      -0.3    -0.4      0.3     -0.3     -0.5

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
            TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................         0.964     100.9   100.1      -1.8    -0.2      1.3     -0.4     -0.8
42        Articles of leather; travel goods, bags,
             etc. of various materials...............         0.785     100.3    99.5      -0.8    -0.1      0.6      0.0     -0.8
IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKET
            AND WICKER...............................         1.678     110.9   110.8       3.8    -0.6     -0.6      2.3     -0.1

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         2.313      85.0    87.0       7.8     0.7      0.7      0.1      2.4
47        Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
             material; waste paper/paperboard........         0.404      74.6    77.2      33.8     3.6      2.3      0.7      3.5
48        Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
             pulp, paper or paperboard...............         1.573      88.0    90.2       4.8     0.3      0.3      0.2      2.5
49        Printed matter.............................         0.336      96.9    96.9      -2.7    -0.2      0.0     -0.9      0.0

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         6.679     100.1   100.2       0.2    -0.4      0.1      0.0      0.1
61        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories, knitted or crocheted.......         2.002     101.5   101.5       0.4     0.1     -0.3     -0.1      0.0
62        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories, not knitted or crocheted...         3.238     102.8   103.1      -0.4    -0.6      0.0     -0.1      0.3
63        Made-up or worn textile articles and
             clothing; needlecraft sets; rags........         0.326      94.5    94.2       1.5     0.4      0.0     -0.6     -0.3
     3/   Other textile & textile
             articles (9612=100).....................         1.113      94.5    94.7       1.1    -0.5      0.6      0.5      0.2

XII      FOOTWEAR, HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS, WHIPS,
            ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC..................         2.036     101.2   100.9      -0.7    -0.1      0.1     -0.2     -0.3
64        Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts
             of such articles........................         1.748     100.6   100.4      -0.5     0.0      0.1     -0.2     -0.2
     3/   Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas,
             whips, art. flowers, etc. (9612=100)....         0.288     103.3   102.5      -1.8     0.1     -0.2     -0.2     -0.8

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,CERAMIC
            GLASS ETC................................         1.100     100.2   100.0      -1.4    -0.4      0.5     -0.8     -0.2
69        Ceramic products...........................         0.423      98.8    98.2       0.4     0.0      1.2     -0.9     -0.6
70        Glass and glassware........................         0.422      99.1    99.4      -2.2    -0.2     -0.2     -0.7      0.3

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
            IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............         2.589     118.3   113.9      12.7     1.7      2.8      8.9     -3.7

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL......         5.546      91.3    91.2       8.6     1.1      1.0      1.3     -0.1
72        Iron and steel.............................         1.703      94.2    94.5      12.2     2.3     -0.2      4.0      0.3
73        Articles of iron or steel..................         1.215      93.3    93.7       1.3    -0.4     -0.1      1.2      0.4
74        Copper and articles thereof................         0.383      72.3    71.4       8.0     1.0      1.4     -2.2     -1.2
76        Aluminum and articles thereof..............         0.933      90.8    88.6      12.3     2.1      4.4     -0.2     -2.4
83        Miscellaneous articles of base metal.......         0.409     102.6   102.2       1.8    -0.2      0.1     -0.3     -0.4
     3/   Miscellaneous nonferrous metals and
             articles, including scrap (9612=100)....         0.473      96.2    98.8      26.2     2.9      0.7      1.9      2.7

XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
            IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC......        26.936      81.3    81.3      -2.0     0.1     -0.2     -0.2      0.0
84        Specialized machinery & computer
             equipment...............................        13.884      80.8    80.7      -2.2     0.1     -0.1     -0.5     -0.1
85        Electrical machinery and equip, sound
             and TV recorders & reproducers, parts...        13.052      81.8    82.0      -1.8     0.1     -0.1     -0.1      0.2

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
            ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        15.802     102.8   102.8       0.7     0.2      0.1      0.1      0.0
87        Motor vehicles and their parts.............        14.926     102.5   102.5       0.7     0.2      0.1      0.1      0.0

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
            MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES........         3.380      91.2    91.3      -0.5    -0.3     -0.3     -0.4      0.1
90        Optical, photographic, measuring and
             medical instruments.....................         2.883      91.0    91.2      -0.3    -0.3     -0.2     -0.4      0.2
91        Clocks and watches and parts thereof.......         0.358      91.4    91.0      -3.0     0.1     -1.2     -0.7     -0.4

XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         3.521      96.3    96.4      -0.8     0.2     -0.5     -0.2      0.1
94        Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps
             and lighting fittings nes;..............         1.529      97.6    97.7      -0.1     0.7     -0.1     -0.2      0.1
95        Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
             and accessories thereof.................         1.716      95.9    95.9      -1.3    -0.2     -0.8      0.0      0.0
96        Miscellaneous manufactured articles........         0.276      92.6    92.9      -1.1    -0.6      0.0     -1.5      0.3


    1  Relative importance figures are based on             3  Product categories included in this group
        1995 trade values.                                      have been modified due to concordance
    2  Data for January, February and March 2000                or coverage limitations.
        have been revised to reflect the availability
        of late reports and corrections by respondents.           n.a.      Not available
        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  6  U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods,
             April 1999-April 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                        April    Dec.     Jan.     Feb.    March
nized                       Description                                                    1999    1999     2000     2000     2000
System                                                       March      March    April      to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000      2000     2000     April    Jan.     Feb.    March    April
                                                               1/        2/                2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.960      96.1    96.5       4.2    -1.4      0.2      0.1      0.4
02        Meat & edible meat offal...................         1.082      93.3    95.4      13.2    -2.3     -1.8      0.3      2.3
03        Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
             other aquatic invertebrates.............         0.564      99.8    98.8      -7.4    -0.7      4.7      0.5     -1.0
     3/   Other live animals and animal
             products (9612=100).....................         0.314      84.5    81.7      -1.6     0.2     -0.6     -1.3     -3.3
II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         4.417      80.9    81.0      -1.3     2.6      2.8      0.4      0.1
07        Edible vegetables and certain roots and
             tubers..................................         0.292      90.5    93.7       0.1    -0.8    -11.7     -0.9      3.5
08        Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
             fruit or melons.........................         0.681      91.1    89.4     -11.9     2.6      0.4     -0.8     -1.9
10        Cereals....................................         2.036      72.5    72.1      -3.5     3.9      4.9      0.4     -0.6
12        Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds,
             fruits, plants, straw and fodder........         1.153      90.4    92.7       8.3     1.4      4.2      1.0      2.5
III      ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FATS AND OILS...........         0.363      70.6    70.8     -14.0    -3.1     -2.0     -4.5      0.3
IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
            TOBACCO..................................         3.431      98.2    98.8       1.8     0.3     -0.1     -0.1      0.6
20        Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
             nuts, or other parts of plants..........         0.335      92.0    92.2      -2.3     0.1     -0.5     -1.2      0.2
21        Miscellaneous edible preparations..........         0.373     106.8   107.0       0.0    -0.3     -1.2      0.7      0.2
22        Beverages, spirits, and vinegar............         0.333      98.5    98.5       0.1    -0.3      0.0      0.4      0.0
23        Residues and waste from the food
             industries; prepared animal feed........         0.584      88.3    90.1       6.0    -0.1      1.5     -0.3      2.0
24        Tobacco and manufactured tobacco
             substitutes.............................         1.291     102.3   102.0       1.0     0.3     -0.3      0.2     -0.3
     3/   Other prepared foods.......................         0.514     101.5   103.1       3.8     0.9     -0.4      0.0      1.6

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................         3.470     133.8   120.8      24.7     1.6      5.7      7.6     -9.7
27        Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
             bituminous substances and mineral wax...         2.925     146.1   129.6      29.2     2.1      7.0      9.3    -11.3

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
            INDUSTRIES...............................         8.762      94.2    95.5       4.4     0.3      0.3     -0.1      1.4
28        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.913      98.2    97.4      -3.8     0.9     -1.0      0.2     -0.8
29        Organic chemicals..........................         2.942      88.4    92.2      20.8     0.8      0.6      0.8      4.3
30        Pharmaceutical products....................         0.948     106.1   105.7       1.7     1.4      0.3      0.0     -0.4
31        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.484      72.7    72.2     -21.5    -0.3      1.5     -2.5     -0.7
32        Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes and
             pigments; paints & varnish; putty;ink...         0.492      97.7    98.4      -3.2    -1.8      0.1     -0.1      0.7
33        Essential oils and resinoids;
             perfumery, cosmetic or toilet...........         0.554     105.8   106.2       2.5     0.0     -0.2     -0.4      0.4
34        Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or
             scouring products; candles, pastes......         0.325     104.7   104.8       0.9     0.1      0.1     -0.2      0.1
37        Photographic or cinematographic goods......         0.395      86.3    87.2       0.7    -3.3     -1.1     -1.5      1.0
38        Miscellaneous chemical products............         1.492      98.7    98.3      -0.3     0.2      0.7     -0.3     -0.4

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         4.336      95.2    96.0       6.1    -0.5     -0.1      0.8      0.8
39        Plastics and articles thereof..............         3.437      94.6    95.5       8.2    -0.1      0.2      1.0      1.0
40        Rubber and articles thereof................         0.899      97.4    98.2      -1.1    -2.4     -0.9      0.1      0.8

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
            TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................         0.533      89.7    89.8       9.6     2.9      0.7     -1.9      0.1
41        Raw hides and skins (other than
             furskins) and leather...................         0.381      86.1    86.9      15.3     4.0     -0.3     -1.3      0.9
IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW,
            BASKET AND WICKER........................         1.253      89.2    89.5       4.7     1.0      0.5      0.7      0.3

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         3.374      87.3    88.5      15.2     1.2      1.2      0.7      1.4
47        Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
             material; waste paper/paperboard........         0.946      83.5    86.5      46.4     3.8      3.9      1.5      3.6
48        Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
             pulp, paper or paperboard...............         1.586      88.9    89.8       8.8     0.5      0.0      0.6      1.0
49        Printed material...........................         0.842     111.3   111.1       1.7     0.0      0.1      0.1     -0.2

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         3.038      86.1    86.2      -1.7    -1.4      1.4      1.3      0.1
52        Cotton, including yarns and woven
             fabrics thereof.........................         0.589      67.3    67.4      -6.3    -3.1      9.0      4.5      0.1
55        Manmade staple fibers, includ. yarns
             and woven fabrics (9812=100)............         0.275     103.2   103.8       5.9     1.2      0.1      3.5      0.6
61        Apparel and clothing access.,
             knitted or crocheted (9812=100).........         0.463      98.5    98.6      -1.6    -1.0     -0.2      0.0      0.1
62        Apparel and clothing access.,
             not knitted or crocheted (9812=100).....         0.624      94.5    94.7      -4.2    -3.2     -1.4      1.0      0.2

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,
            CERAMIC, GLASS ETC.......................         0.871     104.0   104.4       1.3    -0.1      0.2      0.7      0.4
70        Glass and glassware........................         0.501     102.4   102.8       0.6     0.0      0.2      1.0      0.4

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
            IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............         2.161     109.6   103.7       9.0    -0.5      6.1      4.4     -5.4

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS.....         4.638      94.9    95.3       7.0     1.0      0.9      0.7      0.4
72        Iron and steel.............................         0.877      83.0    83.9       9.1     2.4      0.2      0.2      1.1
73        Articles of iron or steel..................         1.312     110.7   110.3       0.4     0.6      0.0      0.3     -0.4
74        Copper and articles thereof................         0.376      70.8    70.2      11.4     2.5      1.4     -0.6     -0.8
76        Aluminum and articles thereof..............         0.912      90.4    89.5      14.3     1.4      2.4      1.5     -1.0
82        Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and
             forks, of base metal; parts thereof.....         0.438     108.2   110.6       3.8     0.6      0.3      0.2      2.2
83        Miscellaneous articles of base metal.......         0.385     101.8   108.5       6.6     0.0      0.3      0.0      6.6

XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
            IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC....        35.489      91.4    91.4      -1.6     0.1      0.0     -0.1      0.0
84        Specialized machinery & computer
             equipment...............................        20.085      93.9    93.9      -0.6     0.3     -0.1      0.0      0.0
85        Electrical machinery and equip, sound
             & tv recorders & reproducers, parts.....        15.404      88.4    88.4      -2.6    -0.2      0.3     -0.3      0.0

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
            ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        14.334     107.9   108.1       2.2     0.5      0.1      0.3      0.2
87        Motor vehicles and their parts.............         9.828     104.0   103.9       1.6     0.3      0.1      0.4     -0.1

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
            MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES........         5.534     103.4   103.5       0.5    -0.1      0.3      0.2      0.1

XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         1.810     102.7   103.6       1.0     0.4      0.1      0.1      0.9
94        Furniture; stuffed furnishings;
             lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;......         0.900     105.6   106.1       1.4     0.7      0.0      0.2      0.5
95        Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
             and accessories thereof.................         0.738     100.1   101.1       0.3    -0.4      0.3      0.0      1.0


    1  Relative importance figures are based on             3  Product categories included in this group
        1995 trade values.                                      have been modified due to concordance
    2  Data for January, February and March 2000                or coverage limitations.
        have been revised to reflect the availability
        of late reports and corrections by respondents.           n.a.      Not available
        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  7    U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes by Locality of Origin,  April 1999-April 2000
               1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                       Index                            Percent Change
                                                            Percentage
                                                               of                         Annual          Monthly
                                                            US Imports                    April    Dec.     Jan.     Feb.    March
                           Description 1/                                                  1999    1999     2000     2000     2000
                                                              1995     March     April      to      to       to       to       to
                                                                        2000      2000    April    Jan.     Feb.    March    April
                                                                         2/                2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

     3/ Developed Countries..........................       100.000     100.4    99.7       4.6     0.5      1.1      0.3     -0.7
          Manufactured Goods.........................        91.876      98.3    98.1       2.5     0.4      0.7      0.1     -0.2
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................         7.873     140.6   132.3      41.5     1.7      6.4      2.7     -5.9

     3/ Developing Countries.........................       100.000     102.4   100.0       9.4     1.0      1.3      0.8     -2.3
          Manufactured Goods.........................        75.374      92.3    92.4       1.4     0.4     -0.2      0.3      0.1
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................        24.378     147.9   133.4      51.2     3.2      6.3      2.6     -9.8

        Canada.......................................       100.000     104.0   103.9       8.9     0.8      1.9      0.0     -0.1
          Manufactured Goods.........................        83.946      99.6   100.2       4.4     0.6      0.9     -0.4      0.6
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................        15.485     140.9   135.6      42.7     2.0      6.3      2.5     -3.8

     4/ European Union...............................       100.000     101.8   101.0       0.9     0.1      0.3      0.0     -0.8
          Manufactured Goods.........................        95.791     100.8   100.4      -0.4     0.1      0.1     -0.2     -0.4
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................         4.209     137.7   123.5      42.4     2.0      3.1      6.6    -10.3

     5/ Latin America  (9712=100)....................       100.000     111.1   108.9      15.2     1.8      1.7      1.4     -2.0
          Manufactured Goods  (9712=100).............        67.397     101.2   102.3       7.6     0.8     -0.1      1.6      1.1
          Nonmanufactured Goods (9712=100)...........        31.960     141.7   129.2      38.8     3.8      6.0      1.1     -8.8

        Japan........................................       100.000      89.6    90.0       1.8     0.4      0.0     -0.6      0.4

     6/ Asian Newly Industrialized Countries.........       100.000      83.0    82.6      -1.2    -0.2     -0.2      0.1     -0.5



        1    Regions are not mutually exclusive.

        2    Data for  January, February and March 2000
             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
             March 1999-March 2000  1995 = 100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                       Index                            Percent Change

                                                                                         Annual          Quarterly
                                                             Trade                       March   March     June    Sept.     Dec.
                            Description                      (Mil.                        1999    1999     1999     1999     1999
                                                               of       Dec.    March      to      to       to       to       to
                                                            Dollars)    1999    2000     March    June    Sept.     Dec.    March
                                                                                          2000    1999     1999     1999     2000


        IMPORT

         Air Freight                                            3188     88.9   87.1       -0.8    -2.7      1.9      2.2     -2.0
          Atlantic                                              1278     83.4   79.4      -10.9    -4.7      0.1     -1.9     -4.8
          Pacific                                               1674     94.4   93.9        6.8    -1.7      3.6      5.5     -0.5

         Air Passenger Fares                                   11127    106.4   109.7       5.7    13.0      0.6     -9.8      3.1
     1/   Atlantic                                              4922    103.5   108.3      11.5    28.4      5.2    -21.1      4.6
     1/   Pacific                                               2340    101.9   99.8        2.5     7.8     -6.2      3.5     -2.1
     1/   Latin American / Caribbean                            3021    109.4   113.6       1.0    -1.2     -0.8     -0.8      3.8

     1/  Crude Oil Tanker Freight                               1346     75.0    n.a.     n.a.     -2.8     -0.8      7.1    n.a.

         Ocean Liner Freight                                    9868    129.1   126.1      25.6    22.6      9.1     -3.9     -2.3
          U.S. East Coast                                       4271    112.0   111.1      12.7     3.4      9.5      0.3     -0.8
           from Atlantic                                        1952    102.1   100.1       3.7    -9.1     13.9      2.2     -2.0
           from Pacific                                         1774    125.8   125.8      21.8    17.2      5.8     -1.8      0.0
          U.S. West Coast                                       5596    141.4   136.8      35.3    37.1      8.7     -6.2     -3.3


        EXPORT


         Air Freight (9612 = 100)                               2562     87.8   87.8       -3.0     0.3     -1.7     -1.7      0.0

         Air Passenger Fares                                   17272    103.8   103.3       2.7     1.3      3.9     -2.0     -0.5
     1/   Atlantic                                              4120    100.7   102.2      -4.0     6.3      1.2    -12.1      1.5
     1/   Pacific                                              10700     91.9   89.5        5.2    -1.4      7.6      1.8     -2.6
          Latin American / Caribbean                            1392    116.7   122.3       9.6     2.2      1.8      0.6      4.8



        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
             March 1999-March 2000    1995 = 100
                                                                       Index                            Percent Change

                                                                                          Annual          Quarterly
                                                             Trade                        March   March     June    Sept.     Dec.
                            Description                      (Mil.                         1999    1999     1999     1999     1999
                                                               of       Dec.    March       to      to       to       to       to
                                                            Dollars)    1999    2000      March    June    Sept.     Dec.    March
                                                                                           2000    1999     1999     1999     2000


         Air Freight (Inbound)                                  5495     90.7   88.9        1.0    -2.0      2.0      3.2     -2.0
          Atlantic                                              1880     87.9   84.5       -5.2    -2.9      0.0      1.6     -3.9
          Pacific                                               3151     93.5   92.3        4.9    -1.9      3.5      4.7     -1.3

         Air Freight (Outbound)                                 5835     91.7   91.7       -1.1     0.1     -0.1     -1.1      0.0
          Atlantic                                              2080    102.0   102.2      -1.8     0.4      0.1     -2.5      0.2
          Pacific                                               3222     84.8   84.7       -0.7    -0.1     -0.2     -0.2     -0.1

         Air Passenger Fares (U.S. Carrier)                    30673    106.8   107.3       2.7     7.5      1.7     -6.5      0.5
    1/    Atlantic                                              8811     96.7   98.6        1.8    23.3      2.8    -21.3      2.0
    1/    Pacific                                              15900     98.6   96.5        2.0     1.6      1.9      0.7     -2.1
    1/    Latin American / Caribbean                            4542    119.3   125.6       6.1     1.1      0.8     -1.2      5.3
          Canadian                                              1367    192.4   194.7       2.2     2.2     -2.9      1.7      1.2

         Air Passenger Fares (Foreign Carrier)                 31694    102.2   102.6       3.7     7.5      2.2     -5.9      0.4
    1/    Atlantic                                             13572    100.3   102.6       4.4    15.9      3.0    -14.5      2.3
    1/    Pacific                                              12570     92.5   89.4        3.2     2.1      2.6      2.0     -3.4
    1/    Latin American / Caribbean                            4224    109.9   112.6       2.6    -1.0      0.6      0.5      2.5

    1/   Crude Oil Tanker Freight (Inbound)                     1949     77.7    n.a.     n.a.     -4.3      0.0      8.8    n.a.

         Ocean Liner Freight (Inbound)                         12253    139.4   136.3      32.8    30.3     10.7     -5.8     -2.2
          U.S. East Coast                                       5410    108.2   107.3      11.3     1.5     10.0      0.6     -0.8
           from Atlantic                                        2647    100.1   98.2        3.8    -9.2     14.0      2.2     -1.9
           from Pacific                                         1874    121.9   121.9      20.5    16.1      5.5     -1.7      0.0
          U.S. West Coast                                       6844    163.4   158.7      48.3    50.8     11.0     -8.8     -2.9



        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) 691-7101.

Import Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the 1995 Harmonized 
Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (TSUSA).  Import prices are 
based on U.S. dollar prices paid by the U.S. importer.  The prices are
generally either "free on board" (f.o.b.) foreign port or "cost, insurance,
and freight" (c.i.f.) U.S. port transaction prices, depending on the
practices of the individual industry.  The index for crude petroleum is
calculated from data collected by the U.S. Department of Energy.  

Export Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the 1995 Harmonized 
Schedule B classification system of the U.S. Bureau of the Census.  The
prices used are generally either "free alongside ship" (f.a.s.) factory
or "free on board" (f.o.b.) transaction prices, depending on the practices of
the individual industry.  Prices used in the grain index, excluding rice,
are obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Import Indexes by Locality of Origin -- Prices used in these indexes are a
subset of the data collected for the Import Price Indexes.  Prior to
January 1993, nonmanufactured goods were defined as SITC 0-4 and manufactured
goods were defined as SITC 5-8.  Beginning with January 1993, the indexes are
defined by locality of origin using a nomenclature based upon the Standard
Industrial Classification (SIC-based).  Nonmanufactured goods are defined as
SIC 0-1, and manufactured goods are defined as SIC 2-3.  The indexes use 1995
weights and a base of 1995=100.

Import, Export, and International Services Indexes -- Indexes are calculated
on a quarterly basis.  The figures for services indexes will not sum up to
the aggregate dollar value because not all categories are shown in the tables.
Revenue figures for air passenger indexes exclude frequent flyer tickets and
those sold by consolidators.  Indexes for crude oil tanker freight are
calculated from data collected by the U. S. Department of Energy and the 
publication of these indexes is lagged one quarter.  

Revision policy -- Data are revised for the previous three months to reflect
the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents.

Uses of the Data -- The primary use of the indexes is to deflate trade
statistics.  For merchandise trade, the End Use classification system is the
structure used by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the construction of the
foreign trade sector of the National Income and Product Accounts.  Indexes
published using the Harmonized System and the Standard International Trade
Classification, Rev. 3, both international structures, are useful for general
market analysis.  For trade in international services, Balance of Payments
indexes are used for deflating National Accounts data, while International
indexes are more appropriate for market analysis. Merchandise and services
indexes also can be used to study U.S. competitiveness and price elasticities,
and the merchandise import indexes by country or region of origin are useful
for terms of trade analysis.



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