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                U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES
                             - MAY 2000-

                                  
     The U.S. Import Price Index increased 0.6 percent in May, the
Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported
today.  The increase in May was attributable to a 6.5 percent upturn
in petroleum prices, as nonpetroleum prices declined 0.2 percent for
the month.  Export prices also rose in May, up 0.2 percent, after
dipping 0.1 percent in April.
     
         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                                                                         
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         0.0        0.2      0.1        0.2 
February         2.1 r      14.9 r       0.3        0.4 r    1.0 r      0.4 r
March            0.1 r      -0.7         0.2        0.5      0.5 r      0.4 r
April           -1.5 r     -11.8 r       0.1       -0.1      0.8 r     -0.1 r
May              0.6         6.5        -0.2        0.2      0.2        0.1 
                                                                             
May 1998-99     -0.8        17.0        -1.9       -2.2     -8.5       -1.4 
May 99-2000      6.4        72.1         0.9        2.0      0.1        2.2 
                                                                             
r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents.

Import Goods

     The 0.6 percent increase in import prices in May followed a 1.5
percent decline in April, preceded by nine months of increases.  The
May rise was attributable to a 6.5 percent increase in petroleum
prices, which had declined in each of the previous two months.  Over
the past 12 months, the petroleum index was up 72.1 percent.  In
contrast, nonpetroleum import prices declined in May, falling 0.2
percent--the first monthly decrease for this index since July 1999.
The nonpetroleum index increased 0.9 percent for the year ended in
May.  The overall import price index rose 6.4 percent over the year.

     Most of the major nonpetroleum commodity indexes decreased in
May.  The import price index for foods, feeds, and beverages had the
largest decline, falling 1.2 percent after increasing 0.9 percent in
April.  This index decreased 2.3 percent over the past 12 months.
After increasing in each of the previous four months, prices for
industrial supplies and materials excluding petroleum decreased 0.3
percent in May--led by a drop in prices for metals and lumber.  Over
the past 12 months, this index rose 8.9 percent.  The indexes for
both capital goods and consumer goods fell 0.2 percent in May.  For
the year, the indexes decreased 2.4 percent and 0.7 percent,
respectively.
     
     In contrast, the index for automotive vehicles, parts, and
engines rose 0.3 percent in May.  From May 1999 to May 2000, this
index was up 0.8 percent.

Export Goods

     In May, prices for overall exports increased 0.2 percent after
dipping 0.1 percent in April; both agricultural and nonagricultural
exports posted gains in May.  Over the past 12 months, the index for
overall exports gained 2.0 percent.  Led by higher prices for
soybeans and wheat, the index for agricultural exports increased 0.2
percent in May, marking the fifth consecutive advance for this index.
From May 1999 to May 2000, the index edged up 0.1 percent.
Nonagricultural export prices also increased in May, gaining 0.1
percent after dipping the same amount in April.  Nonagricultural
export prices have declined only once in the past 14 months and were
up 2.2 percent for the year ended in May.

     The increase for nonagricultural exports was attributable to a
0.7 percent increase for nonagricultural industrial supplies and
materials, with higher prices for fuels and lubricants having the
largest impact.  Export prices for nonagricultural industrial
supplies and materials, which had increased in 11 of the past 12
months, were up 9.9 percent over the year.
     
     All of the major exported finished goods indexes--capital goods,
consumer goods, and automotive vehicles, parts, and engines--were
unchanged in May.  Prices for capital goods, which make up over 40
percent of all exports, were down 0.6 percent for the year.  In
contrast, over the past 12 months, consumer goods and automotive
vehicles, parts, and engines were up 0.5 percent and 1.2 percent,
respectively.
     

Imports by Locality of Origin

     The price index for imports from Japan was unchanged in May,
following a 0.6 percent decrease in April.  The index has decreased
only once in the past 10 months and rose 1.7 percent from May 1999 to
May 2000.


     Import prices for goods from the Asian Newly Industrialized
Countries also were unchanged last month, after falling 0.7 percent
in April.  The index was down 1.0 percent for the year ended in May.

     The indexes for imports from Canada, Latin America, and the
European Union all increased in May, as gains for nonmanufactured
goods, particularly petroleum, outweighed declines for manufactured
goods.  Import prices from Canada increased 0.4 percent in May, the
15th consecutive monthly increase recorded for this index.  Over the
past 12 months, the index rose 8.8 percent.
     
     Import prices from Latin America rose 1.3 percent in May after
decreasing 2.1 percent in April.  The index has increased in 10 of
the last 11 months and rose 14.4 percent over the past year.
     
     The price index for imports from the European Union also gained
in May, edging up 0.1 percent after decreasing in the previous month.
From May 1999 to May 2000, import prices from the European Union
increased 1.0 percent.

                                  
                         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 June are scheduled for release
on July 13, 2000 at 8:30 A.M. (E.D.T.).



Table  1  U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods,
             May 1999-May 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                         May     Jan.     Feb.     March   April
END                         Description                                                    1999    2000     2000     2000    2000
USE                                                          April       April   May        to      to       to       to      to
                                                              2000       2000    2000      May     Feb.     March    April   May
                                                               1/         2/               2000    2000     2000     2000    2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      97.8    98.4       6.4     2.1      0.1     -1.5    0.6
        ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM..............        88.290      93.3    93.1       0.9     0.3      0.2      0.1   -0.2

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         4.485      93.7    92.6      -2.3    -0.3     -0.4      0.9   -1.2

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
             excluding distilled beverages...........         3.024      86.7    85.2      -5.6    -0.9     -1.3      0.2   -1.7

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
             beverages)..............................         1.461     112.1   112.1       5.3     0.8      1.5      2.2    0.0

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        30.588     114.1   116.7      27.5     6.8      1.0     -4.8    2.3
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
               EXCLUDING PETROLEUM...................        18.878      99.4    99.1       8.9     1.6      2.4      0.1   -0.3
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               DURABLE...............................        10.026     101.1    99.6       7.6     1.5      3.6     -1.3   -1.5
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM........         8.852      97.5    98.5      10.4     1.7      0.8      1.8    1.0

10        Fuels & lubricants.........................        13.193     147.0   155.3      66.3    14.2     -0.5    -10.3    5.6

100        Petroleum & petroleum products............        11.710     146.7   156.3      72.1    14.9     -0.7    -11.8    6.5

1000         Crude...................................         9.368     147.0   158.6      71.6     8.0      3.7    -12.0    7.9

11        Paper & paper base stocks..................         1.860      85.6    86.9      11.8     0.9      0.4      3.0    1.5

12        Materials associated with nondurable
             supplies & materials....................         5.711      91.2    92.5       6.0     0.6      0.8      0.9    1.4

13        Selected building materials................         2.183     111.9   109.2      -1.2    -0.4      1.8     -0.2   -2.4

14        Unfinished metals associated with
             durable goods...........................         4.895     104.2   102.0      16.8     3.0      6.6     -2.5   -2.1

15        Finished metals associated with durable
             goods...................................         1.385      92.5    92.7       0.7     0.1      1.0      0.0    0.2

16        Nonmetals associated with durable goods....         1.361      87.8    88.5       1.4     0.9     -0.5      0.2    0.8

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        25.449      81.2    81.0      -2.4    -0.1     -0.4     -0.1   -0.2

20        Electric & electrical generating
             equipment...............................         3.176      92.2    92.4       0.1     0.0      0.3      0.1    0.2

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        20.559      77.7    77.5      -3.0    -0.1     -0.4     -0.3   -0.3

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        17.953     102.3   102.6       0.8     0.1      0.0      0.1    0.3

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
             AUTOMOTIVES.............................        21.525      97.1    96.9      -0.7    -0.1     -0.3      0.0   -0.2

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................        10.796     100.2   100.1      -0.4     0.0     -0.1     -0.1   -0.1

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         9.639      93.4    93.3      -1.3    -0.3     -0.3     -0.1   -0.1

42        Nonmanufactured consumer goods.............         1.090     100.4    99.3       0.5     0.5     -1.9      0.3   -1.1



    1  Relative importance figures are based on 1995 trade values.                           n.a.      Not available
    2  Data for February, March and April 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,
             May 1999-May 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                         May     Jan.     Feb.    March    April
END                         Description                                                    1999    2000     2000     2000     2000
USE                                                          April       April   May        to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000       2000    2000      May     Feb.    March    April     May
                                                               1/         2/               2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      96.2    96.4       2.0     0.4      0.5     -0.1      0.2
        AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.....................         9.195      85.1    85.3       0.1     1.0      0.5      0.8      0.2
        NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES..................        90.806      97.5    97.6       2.2     0.4      0.4     -0.1      0.1

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         8.478      88.1    88.0      -1.1     1.0      0.2      0.8     -0.1

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
             excluding distilled beverages...........         7.661      87.0    87.3       0.6     0.7      0.2      0.9      0.3

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
             beverages)..............................         0.817     100.6    96.6     -15.4     2.6      0.5     -0.8     -4.0

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        25.904      94.5    95.2       9.2     1.6      1.7     -0.7      0.7
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               DURABLE...............................         9.705      91.9    91.2       3.9     1.0      1.1     -0.2     -0.8
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               NONDURABLE............................        16.200      96.2    97.7      12.7     1.9      2.1     -0.9      1.6

10        Agricultural industrial supplies &
             materials...............................         1.534      78.0    78.0      -1.9     2.3      1.0      0.4      0.0

          NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
             & MATERIALS.............................        24.371      95.8    96.5       9.9     1.6      1.7     -0.7      0.7

11        Fuels & lubricants.........................         2.890     127.5   132.8      35.0     7.0      9.4    -11.2      4.2

12        Nonagricultural supplies & materials
             excluding fuels & building materials....        19.943      91.8    92.2       7.6     0.8      0.7      0.9      0.4

13        Selected building materials................         1.538      90.4    89.9       2.7     0.3      0.7      0.3     -0.6

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        43.417      96.1    96.1      -0.6    -0.1      0.0      0.1      0.0

20        Electric & electrical generating
             Equipment...............................         4.392      98.7    98.8      -0.1     0.5     -0.1      0.0      0.1

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        33.175      91.9    91.9      -1.4    -0.2      0.0      0.0      0.0

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        10.092     104.2   104.2       1.2    -0.1      0.4      0.0      0.0

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
             AUTOMOTIVES.............................        12.109     102.3   102.3       0.5     0.1     -0.1     -0.1      0.0

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................         6.402     102.3   102.4       0.4    -0.2     -0.1     -0.2      0.1

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         5.131     101.2   101.2       0.9     0.4     -0.4      0.2      0.0



    1  Relative importance figures are based on 1995 trade values.                           n.a.      Not available
    2  Data for February, March and April 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,
             May 1999-May 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                         May     Jan.     Feb.    March    April
SITC                        Description                                                    1999    2000     2000     2000     2000
Rev. 3                                                       April      April    May        to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000       2000    2000      May     Feb.    March    April     May
                                                               1/         2/               2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      97.8    98.4       6.4     2.1      0.1     -1.5      0.6

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         3.826      94.3    93.1      -1.9    -0.1     -0.1      0.9     -1.3
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         0.344     100.2   100.2       6.9     0.4      0.9      1.1      0.0
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         1.109     112.7   112.5       6.1     1.0      1.7      2.7     -0.2
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.056     100.6    97.0     -10.3     0.1     -0.9     -0.6     -3.6
07        Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and
             manufactures thereof....................         0.427      61.1    59.7     -12.7    -3.7     -5.7      0.2     -2.3
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.891      94.9    94.6       2.2     0.0      1.2      0.6     -0.3

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         0.874     111.9   112.4       1.8     0.2      0.3      0.2      0.4
11        Beverages..................................         0.738     108.7   109.4       2.1     0.3      0.3      0.2      0.6

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         2.893      93.8    91.9       3.8     1.2     -0.4     -0.5     -2.0
24        Cork and wood..............................         1.071     117.6   113.0      -4.5    -0.6      1.4     -0.8     -3.9
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         0.416      75.1    77.0      32.5     2.1      0.6      3.7      2.5
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.621     101.7    99.5       9.5     4.2     -1.6     -2.2     -2.2
29        Crude animal and vegetable materials,
             n.e.s. (9612=100).......................         0.285     110.5   104.7      -2.9     2.6    -10.0     -1.3     -5.2
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.322      89.9    90.0      -2.3    -1.2      3.3     -0.2      0.1

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................        12.837     147.8   156.4      68.0    14.1     -0.1    -10.7      5.8
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................        11.138     146.4   156.7      72.0    14.9     -0.7    -12.2      7.0
34        Gas, natural and manufactured..............         1.580     171.3   166.8      48.8     9.2      5.6      0.5     -2.6

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......         5.402      93.4    94.8       4.6     0.5      0.1      0.6      1.5
51        Organic chemicals..........................         1.594      96.4   100.0      10.1     0.5      0.5      2.0      3.7
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.612      89.8    91.0       4.8     0.8     -0.2      1.1      1.3
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.261      87.9    87.1      -5.0     0.4     -1.0     -0.6     -0.9
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         0.916      97.3    97.3       1.8     0.0     -0.9      0.0      0.0
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.294      89.4    90.0      -2.9     0.0      0.1     -0.3      0.7
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         0.373      93.9    93.9       0.5    -0.7      1.0      0.0      0.0
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.508      80.3    80.8       9.2    -0.4      1.8     -0.1      0.6
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         0.634     100.0   101.3       3.4     1.6     -1.0     -0.6      1.3

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................        12.677      97.6    97.1       5.8     1.1      2.5     -0.3     -0.5
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.693      92.4    92.5      -2.3     0.1     -0.5      0.1      0.1
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.588     104.5   104.2       4.0    -0.9      4.3      1.3     -0.3
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paper board........         1.609      88.8    89.7       5.3     0.3      0.2      2.0      1.0
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up
             articles, n.e.s., and related prod......         1.347      95.3    95.7       0.7     0.4      1.0     -0.3      0.4
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         2.103     100.9   100.8       0.0     0.4     -0.4      0.1     -0.1
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.985      93.9    93.7       9.5    -0.4      3.7      0.4     -0.2
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         2.272     110.1   106.6      24.2     5.6     10.0     -4.1     -3.2
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         1.927      96.3    96.3      -0.1     0.4      0.0      0.2      0.0

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        44.106      89.6    89.6      -1.1     0.0     -0.1     -0.1      0.0
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment (9612=100)....................         3.000      99.9    99.6       0.5     0.0     -0.3      0.5     -0.3
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         2.629      97.1    97.0      -0.8     0.2     -0.6     -0.2     -0.1
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         0.788      94.1    93.8      -1.2    -0.3     -0.7      0.2     -0.3
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & machine parts, n.e.s.......         3.384      96.9    96.7      -1.0    -0.3      0.3     -0.1     -0.2
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         5.444      60.5    60.2      -5.3    -0.2     -0.7     -0.8     -0.5
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         4.146      84.6    84.5      -3.8     0.0     -0.4     -0.4     -0.1
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........         8.865      82.5    83.0      -0.4    -0.2      0.0      0.4      0.6
78        Road vehicles..............................        14.802     102.7   102.8       0.5     0.2      0.1      0.0      0.1

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        16.990      97.6    97.4      -0.5    -0.1     -0.1      0.0     -0.2
81        Prefabricated buildings; plumbing, heat
             & lighting fixtures, n.e.s..............         0.376      94.2    94.0       1.2    -0.3      0.0      0.0     -0.2
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         1.201      98.1    97.4      -1.6     0.0      0.0      0.0     -0.7
83        Travel goods, handbags and similar
             containers..............................         0.503     101.2   101.2       1.0     0.5      0.0     -0.9      0.0
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         5.757     101.6   101.5      -0.5     0.0      0.1      0.1     -0.1
85        Footwear...................................         1.757     100.5   100.7       0.2     0.1     -0.2     -0.2      0.2
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         1.539      94.0    93.8      -0.4    -0.4     -0.4      0.2     -0.2
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.;.....         1.307      91.7    91.8       0.4    -0.5      0.1     -0.1      0.1
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.549      94.6    94.4      -0.9    -0.2     -0.4      0.1     -0.2




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for February, March and April 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,
             May 1999-May 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                         May     Jan.     Feb.    March    April
SITC                        Description                                                    1999    2000     2000     2000     2000
Rev. 3                                                       April      April    May        to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000       2000    2000      May     Feb.    March    April     May
                                                               1/         2/               2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      96.2    96.4       2.0     0.4      0.5     -0.1      0.2

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         6.960      87.8    87.9      -1.5     0.7      0.2      0.8      0.1
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         1.244     102.1   105.1      16.9    -2.1      1.4      2.7      2.9
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         0.603      97.3    93.3     -22.7     1.9      0.0     -1.0     -4.1
04        Cereals and cereal preparations............         2.234      74.0    75.0      -1.6     4.4      0.4     -0.5      1.4
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.312      90.6    89.0      -8.8    -2.1     -0.4      2.3     -1.8
08        Feeding stuff for animals (not
             including unmilled cereals).............         0.670      93.9    93.6       6.6     0.3     -0.5      2.1     -0.3
09        Miscellaneous edible products and
             preparations............................         0.405     106.8   106.8      -0.2    -1.3      0.7      0.2      0.0
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.492      90.7    90.0       1.1     0.1     -0.4     -0.7     -0.8

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         1.545     101.7   101.7       0.6    -0.4      0.0     -0.2      0.0
12        Tobacco and tobacco manufactures...........         1.276     101.8   101.8       0.7    -0.3     -0.1     -0.3      0.0

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         5.556      84.2    85.2      14.2     2.8      1.2      1.2      1.2
21        Hides, skins and furskins, raw.............         0.284      85.5    86.3       9.2    -1.8     -2.0     -2.5      0.9
22        Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits............         0.978      88.3    89.1      12.1     5.3      1.4      2.7      0.9
24        Cork and wood..............................         0.927      87.4    86.7       6.1     0.1      0.8      0.2     -0.8
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         1.103      93.8    99.0      57.4     4.7      1.9      4.2      5.5
26        Textile fibers and their waste.............         0.697      68.9    69.0      -1.6     7.4      4.4      0.4      0.1
27        Crude fertilizers and crude minerals.......         0.324      93.0    93.0      -0.5    -0.3     -0.5     -0.5      0.0
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.847      80.4    79.5      12.6     0.9      0.2     -0.6     -1.1
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.396      92.1    94.6       2.0     1.1      0.5      0.5      2.7

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................         2.701     137.2   142.4      41.4     6.9      9.8     -9.8      3.8
32        Coal, coke and briquettes..................         0.656      94.7    94.7      -3.8     0.0      0.0     -1.5      0.0
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................         1.689     152.0   163.1      54.9    11.1     12.3    -15.2      7.3

4        ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS, FATS AND
            WAXES....................................         0.343      71.6    70.9     -13.4    -2.0     -4.7      1.1     -1.0

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......        11.019      95.6    95.9       5.7     0.4      0.2      1.3      0.3
51        Organic chemicals..........................         2.765      89.8    90.2      20.7     0.7      0.7      4.4      0.4
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.828      96.9    97.7      -2.0    -0.8      0.1     -1.1      0.8
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.493     100.2    99.8      -1.3     0.3     -0.1      0.9     -0.4
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         1.230     100.0   100.0      -0.6     0.2      0.0     -0.4      0.0
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.771     103.2   103.1       1.3    -0.1     -0.3      0.2     -0.1
56        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.430      71.9    73.0     -19.8     1.5     -2.6     -0.7      1.5
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         1.937      97.5    98.1      13.3     0.0      0.8      2.0      0.6
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.854     100.6   100.1       3.9     0.8      1.9      0.1     -0.5
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         1.710      99.3    98.9      -0.6     0.7     -0.3     -0.3     -0.4

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................        10.033      99.9   100.0       3.5     0.7      0.7      0.2      0.1
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.687     103.7   103.9      -1.9    -1.0     -0.1      0.1      0.2
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.304      93.9    93.1      -2.7     1.1      0.1      0.5     -0.9
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paperboard.........         1.633      89.1    90.6       9.3     0.2      0.7      0.8      1.7
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, and
             made-up articles, n.e.s.................         1.366      98.4    99.1      -0.3     0.0      0.0      0.0      0.7
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         1.343     106.4   106.4       0.1     0.2      0.2      0.2      0.0
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.067      97.8    98.1       3.8     0.5      0.3      1.0      0.3
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         1.418     100.3    98.2      15.9     5.8      3.1     -1.6     -2.1
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         2.068     107.6   107.7      -0.4    -0.2      0.4      0.6      0.1

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        49.816      97.4    97.4      -0.4    -0.1      0.0      0.1      0.0
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment...............................         4.653     111.9   112.1       2.4     0.0      0.0      0.1      0.2
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         4.812     106.2   106.2       0.3     0.1     -0.2      0.1      0.0
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         1.005     108.4   108.4      -1.0     0.0     -0.1     -0.1      0.0
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & parts, n.e.s...............         5.219     108.2   108.2       0.9     0.1      0.4      0.2      0.0
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         5.469      68.5    68.4      -5.3    -2.0      0.0     -0.3     -0.1
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         3.740      96.7    96.8      -0.3     0.6     -0.2     -0.1      0.1
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........        10.791      86.4    86.4      -2.9     0.2     -0.3      0.1      0.0
78        Road vehicles..............................         9.373     103.9   103.9       1.6     0.1      0.4     -0.1      0.0

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        11.314     101.1   101.1       0.1    -0.1     -0.1      0.2      0.0
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         0.654     105.7   105.9       1.2    -1.0      0.3      0.5      0.2
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         1.210      96.8    96.8      -3.9    -1.5     -0.3      0.1      0.0
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         3.836     105.8   105.8       0.4     0.2      0.3      0.1      0.0
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.......         0.927      95.4    95.4       1.0    -0.4     -0.6      0.4      0.0
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.218      98.7    98.6       0.7     0.1     -0.2      0.2     -0.1
     3/ Other miscellaneous manufactured
           articles (9612=100).......................         0.468     102.3   102.3       0.1     0.5     -0.2      0.3      0.0




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                   n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for February, March and April 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,
             May 1999-May 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual           Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                          May     Jan.     Feb.    March    April
nized                       Description                                                    1999    2000     2000     2000     2000
System                                                       April      April    May        to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000      2000    2000        May    Feb.    March    April      May
                                                               1/        2/                2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.698     110.9   110.7       9.0     0.7      1.8      2.2     -0.2
02        Meat and edible meat offal.................         0.283     101.7   101.8       6.8     0.2      0.5      0.9      0.1
03        Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
             other aquatic invertebrates.............         1.021     118.9   119.4      10.0     1.0      1.9      2.4      0.4
     3/   Other live animals and animal
             products (9612=100).....................         0.394     102.2   100.2       7.7    -0.1      2.5      2.6     -2.0
II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         1.456      85.0    82.2      -8.2    -1.0     -3.1     -0.7     -3.3
07        Edible vegetables and certain roots and
             tubers..................................         0.283     105.3    97.5     -15.8    -6.0     -2.9      7.1     -7.4
08        Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
             fruit or melons.........................         0.459     102.6   100.0      -7.8     3.0     -2.2     -4.7     -2.5
09        Coffee, tea, mate and spices...............         0.321      66.5    65.1      -4.1    -4.5     -5.1     -0.3     -2.1
     3/   Other vegetable products...................         0.393      91.1    89.2      -5.6     0.7     -2.6     -1.1     -2.1
IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
            TOBACCO..................................         1.947      96.0    96.1      -4.0    -0.3      0.3      0.6      0.1
20        Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
             nuts, or other parts of plants..........         0.258      86.4    86.9      -7.0    -3.4      3.2      2.0      0.6
22        Beverages, spirits, and vinegar............         0.755     105.8   106.3       1.1     0.2      0.4      0.0      0.5
     3/   Other prepared foodstuffs (9612=100).......         0.934      89.6    89.3      -7.2     0.2     -0.6      0.7     -0.3

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................        13.381     144.1   152.0      62.7    13.9     -0.4    -10.2      5.5
26        Ores, slag and ash.........................         0.287     100.2   100.3       0.1     0.1      1.6     -1.7      0.1
27        Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
             bituminous substances and mineral wax...        12.877     146.6   155.0      66.7    14.4     -0.5    -10.4      5.7

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
            INDUSTRIES...............................         5.091      96.7    98.4       5.6     0.9     -0.2      0.6      1.8
28        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.798      96.7    96.5       6.5     2.6     -1.1     -0.4     -0.2
29        Organic chemicals..........................         1.995      95.9    99.7      10.4     0.4      0.0      1.7      4.0
30        Pharmaceutical products....................         0.582     107.6   107.6       4.3     0.0     -0.9      0.5      0.0
32        Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye &
             pigments; varnish & paints; putty.......         0.258      86.1    85.3      -5.2     0.3     -1.1     -0.5     -0.9
37        Photographic or cinematographic goods......         0.353      98.0    98.1       1.9    -0.2      0.9      0.2      0.1
38        Miscellaneous chemical products
             (9612=100)..............................         0.379      89.9    91.8       3.1     2.7     -0.5     -0.9      2.1
     3/   Other products of the chemical or
             allied industries (9612=100)............         0.727      93.5    94.2       0.0     0.9      1.3      0.1      0.7

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         2.638      87.2    87.6       2.1    -0.1      0.5     -0.1      0.5
39        Plastics and articles thereof..............         1.685      92.2    92.8       3.5    -0.2      0.5      0.0      0.7
40        Rubber and articles thereof................         0.953      79.6    79.7      -0.3     0.3      0.0     -0.3      0.1

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
            TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................         0.971     100.1   100.1      -1.4     1.3     -0.4     -0.8      0.0
42        Articles of leather; travel goods, bags,
             etc. of various materials...............         0.791      99.5    99.5      -0.3     0.6      0.0     -0.8      0.0
IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKET
            AND WICKER...............................         1.698     110.6   107.3      -1.9    -0.6      2.3     -0.3     -3.0

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         2.400      86.9    88.0       9.0     0.7      0.1      2.2      1.3
47        Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
             material; waste paper/paperboard........         0.424      77.2    79.4      35.7     2.3      0.7      3.5      2.8
48        Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
             pulp, paper or paperboard...............         1.635      90.2    91.1       5.9     0.3      0.2      2.5      1.0
49        Printed matter.............................         0.341      96.9    96.9      -1.9     0.0     -0.9      0.0      0.0

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         6.792     100.3   100.3       0.5     0.1      0.1      0.1      0.0
61        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories, knitted or crocheted.......         2.031     101.5   101.5       0.4    -0.3     -0.1      0.0      0.0
62        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories, not knitted or crocheted...         3.302     103.4   103.2      -0.1     0.0      0.2      0.3     -0.2
63        Made-up or worn textile articles and
             clothing; needlecraft sets; rags........         0.327      93.5    93.8       1.4     0.0     -0.6     -1.1      0.3
     3/   Other textile & textile
             articles (9612=100).....................         1.131      94.7    94.9       1.8     0.6      0.5      0.2      0.2

XII      FOOTWEAR, HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS, WHIPS,
            ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC..................         2.060     100.9   101.1       0.0     0.1     -0.2     -0.3      0.2
64        Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts
             of such articles........................         1.770     100.4   100.6       0.3     0.1     -0.2     -0.2      0.2
     3/   Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas,
             whips, art. flowers, etc. (9612=100)....         0.290     102.5   102.5      -1.8    -0.2     -0.2     -0.8      0.0

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,CERAMIC
            GLASS ETC................................         1.114     100.0    99.5      -1.5     0.5     -0.8     -0.2     -0.5
69        Ceramic products...........................         0.427      98.2    98.2       0.6     1.2     -0.9     -0.6      0.0
70        Glass and glassware........................         0.429      99.4    98.4      -2.3    -0.2     -0.7      0.3     -1.0

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
            IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............         2.538     114.2   112.8      13.3     2.8      8.9     -3.5     -1.2

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL......         5.630      91.3    90.7       6.8     1.0      1.2      0.1     -0.7
72        Iron and steel.............................         1.738      94.7    94.6      11.0    -0.2      4.0      0.5     -0.1
73        Articles of iron or steel..................         1.237      93.6    93.8       1.2    -0.1      1.2      0.3      0.2
74        Copper and articles thereof................         0.384      71.3    69.6       1.6     1.4     -2.2     -1.4     -2.4
76        Aluminum and articles thereof..............         0.924      88.7    86.0       6.0     4.4     -0.2     -2.3     -3.0
83        Miscellaneous articles of base metal.......         0.414     102.2   102.3      -0.1     0.1     -0.3     -0.4      0.1
     3/   Miscellaneous nonferrous metals and
             articles, including scrap (9612=100)....         0.500     100.1    99.8      30.6     0.9      1.3      4.6     -0.3

XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
            IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC......        27.312      81.2    81.2      -1.9    -0.2     -0.2     -0.1      0.0
84        Specialized machinery & computer
             equipment...............................        14.051      80.5    80.2      -2.6    -0.1     -0.5     -0.4     -0.4
85        Electrical machinery and equip, sound
             and TV recorders & reproducers, parts...        13.261      81.9    82.1      -1.4    -0.1     -0.1      0.1      0.2

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
            ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        16.035     102.8   102.9       0.5     0.1      0.1      0.0      0.1
87        Motor vehicles and their parts.............        15.145     102.5   102.6       0.5     0.1      0.1      0.0      0.1

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
            MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES........         3.433      91.3    91.3      -0.4    -0.3     -0.4      0.1      0.0
90        Optical, photographic, measuring and
             medical instruments.....................         2.930      91.2    91.1      -0.3    -0.2     -0.4      0.2     -0.1
91        Clocks and watches and parts thereof.......         0.361      90.9    91.4      -2.2    -1.2     -0.7     -0.5      0.6

XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         3.576      96.4    95.9      -1.4    -0.5     -0.2      0.1     -0.5
94        Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps
             and lighting fittings nes;..............         1.553      97.7    97.0      -0.7    -0.1     -0.2      0.1     -0.7
95        Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
             and accessories thereof.................         1.742      95.9    95.9      -1.6    -0.8      0.0      0.0      0.0
96        Miscellaneous manufactured articles........         0.281      92.9    89.2      -4.9     0.0     -1.5      0.3     -4.0


    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 February, March and April 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,
             May 1999-May 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                      Annual          Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                         May     Jan.     Feb.    March    April
nized                       Description                                                    1999    2000     2000     2000     2000
System                                                       April      April    May        to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000       2000    2000      May     Feb.    March    April     May
                                                               1/         2/               2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.977      96.8    96.4       1.6    -0.4      0.7      0.7     -0.4
02        Meat & edible meat offal...................         1.115      96.0    98.7      15.6    -2.5      1.5      2.5      2.8
03        Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
             other aquatic invertebrates.............         0.556      98.3    91.7     -18.8     4.2      0.5     -1.0     -6.7
     3/   Other live animals and animal
             products (9612=100).....................         0.307      82.3    82.1      -0.8    -0.6     -1.3     -2.6     -0.2
II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         4.450      81.4    80.9      -2.2     2.8      0.4      0.6     -0.6
07        Edible vegetables and certain roots and
             tubers..................................         0.326     101.0   102.2       6.1   -11.7     -0.9     11.6      1.2
08        Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
             fruit or melons.........................         0.662      88.4    79.7     -24.1     0.4     -0.8     -3.0     -9.8
10        Cereals....................................         2.027      72.1    73.2      -1.3     4.9      0.4     -0.6      1.5
12        Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds,
             fruits, plants, straw and fodder........         1.188      93.0    93.5       9.5     4.2      1.0      2.9      0.5
III      ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FATS AND OILS...........         0.368      71.4    70.4     -13.2    -2.0     -4.5      1.1     -1.4
IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
            TOBACCO..................................         3.446      98.5    98.6       1.9    -0.1     -0.1      0.3      0.1
20        Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
             nuts, or other parts of plants..........         0.336      92.2    92.3      -2.5    -0.5     -1.2      0.2      0.1
21        Miscellaneous edible preparations..........         0.375     107.0   107.0       0.0    -1.2      0.7      0.2      0.0
22        Beverages, spirits, and vinegar............         0.334      98.5    98.5      -0.1     0.0      0.4      0.0      0.0
23        Residues and waste from the food
             industries; prepared animal feed........         0.597      90.1    90.0       7.9     1.5     -0.3      2.0     -0.1
24        Tobacco and manufactured tobacco
             substitutes.............................         1.287     101.8   101.9       0.9    -0.3      0.0     -0.3      0.1
     3/   Other prepared foods.......................         0.518     102.0   102.3       3.0    -0.4      0.0      0.5      0.3

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................         3.141     121.0   126.5      29.0     5.7      7.5     -9.5      4.5
27        Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
             bituminous substances and mineral wax...         2.603     129.8   136.5      34.7     7.0      9.1    -11.1      5.2

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
            INDUSTRIES...............................         8.885      95.4    95.7       4.5     0.3     -0.1      1.3      0.3
28        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.907      97.4    98.8       0.0    -1.0      0.2     -0.8      1.4
29        Organic chemicals..........................         3.064      91.9    92.4      18.9     0.6      0.7      4.1      0.5
30        Pharmaceutical products....................         0.946     105.7   105.8       1.8     0.3      0.1     -0.5      0.1
31        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.481      72.2    73.3     -19.5     1.5     -2.5     -0.7      1.5
32        Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes and
             pigments; paints & varnish; putty;ink...         0.496      98.4    97.9      -3.5     0.1     -0.1      0.7     -0.5
33        Essential oils and resinoids;
             perfumery, cosmetic or toilet...........         0.556     106.2   106.1       1.8    -0.2     -0.4      0.4     -0.1
34        Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or
             scouring products; candles, pastes......         0.326     104.8   104.9       1.0     0.1     -0.2      0.1      0.1
37        Photographic or cinematographic goods......         0.400      87.2    87.2       0.9    -1.1     -1.5      1.0      0.0
38        Miscellaneous chemical products............         1.488      98.3    97.7      -0.8     0.7     -0.3     -0.4     -0.6

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         4.386      96.1    96.6       6.3    -0.1      0.8      0.9      0.5
39        Plastics and articles thereof..............         3.477      95.6    95.8       7.9     0.2      1.0      1.1      0.2
40        Rubber and articles thereof................         0.909      98.3    99.6       0.4    -0.9      0.1      0.9      1.3

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
            TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................         0.534      89.7    91.4      11.3     0.7     -1.9      0.0      1.9
41        Raw hides and skins (other than
             furskins) and leather...................         0.385      86.8    89.3      18.3    -0.3     -1.3      0.8      2.9
IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW,
            BASKET AND WICKER........................         1.260      89.5    88.8       4.0     0.5      0.7      0.3     -0.8

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         3.428      88.6    90.2      16.2     1.2      0.7      1.5      1.8
47        Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
             material; waste paper/paperboard........         0.985      86.8    90.2      49.1     3.9      1.5      4.0      3.9
48        Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
             pulp, paper or paperboard...............         1.601      89.6    91.0       9.2     0.0      0.6      0.8      1.6
49        Printed material...........................         0.842     111.2   111.2       1.8     0.1      0.1     -0.1      0.0

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         3.033      85.8    86.0      -1.9     1.3      0.9      0.1      0.2
52        Cotton, including yarns and woven
             fabrics thereof.........................         0.592      67.5    67.6      -6.8     9.0      4.7      0.1      0.1
55        Manmade staple fibers, includ. yarns
             and woven fabrics (9812=100)............         0.276     103.5   103.6       4.0     0.1      3.1      0.7      0.1
61        Apparel and clothing access.,
             knitted or crocheted (9812=100).........         0.460      97.8    97.8      -2.4    -1.1      0.0      0.2      0.0
62        Apparel and clothing access.,
             not knitted or crocheted (9812=100).....         0.617      93.3    93.3      -5.7    -1.4     -0.5      0.2      0.0

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,
            CERAMIC, GLASS ETC.......................         0.875     104.4   104.6       1.3     0.2      0.8      0.3      0.2
70        Glass and glassware........................         0.503     102.7   102.7       0.8     0.1      1.1      0.3      0.0

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
            IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............         2.105     106.6   104.4      12.6     6.1      4.4     -2.7     -2.1

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS.....         4.670      95.4    94.8       5.5     0.9      0.7      0.5     -0.6
72        Iron and steel.............................         0.887      83.9    83.4       7.8     0.2      0.2      1.1     -0.6
73        Articles of iron or steel..................         1.311     110.5   110.8       1.1     0.2      0.3     -0.4      0.3
74        Copper and articles thereof................         0.372      70.1    69.1       7.1     1.4     -0.6     -1.0     -1.4
76        Aluminum and articles thereof..............         0.902      89.3    88.0       8.6     2.4      1.5     -1.2     -1.5
82        Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and
             forks, of base metal; parts thereof.....         0.449     110.6   110.6       3.6     0.3      0.2      2.2      0.0
83        Miscellaneous articles of base metal.......         0.414     109.3   109.3       7.4     0.3      0.0      7.4      0.0

XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
            IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC....        35.473      91.3    91.3      -1.3    -0.1     -0.1      0.0      0.0
84        Specialized machinery & computer
             equipment...............................        20.051      93.6    93.7      -0.7    -0.5      0.1      0.0      0.1
85        Electrical machinery and equip, sound
             & tv recorders & reproducers, parts.....        15.422      88.4    88.4      -2.1     0.3     -0.3      0.0      0.0

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
            ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        14.371     108.1   108.1       2.2     0.1      0.3      0.2      0.0
87        Motor vehicles and their parts.............         9.833     103.9   103.8       1.4     0.1      0.4     -0.1     -0.1

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
            MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES........         5.551     103.6   103.8       0.6     0.3      0.2      0.2      0.2

XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         1.818     103.0   102.9       0.6    -0.4      0.1      0.8     -0.1
94        Furniture; stuffed furnishings;
             lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;......         0.896     104.9   105.0       0.9    -0.9      0.1      0.4      0.1
95        Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
             and accessories thereof.................         0.745     101.0   101.0       0.2     0.3      0.0      0.9      0.0


    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 February, March and April 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,  May 1999-May 2000
               1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                       Index                            Percent Change
                                                            Percentage
                                                               of                         Annual          Monthly
                                                            US Imports                      May     Jan.     Feb.    March    April
                           Description 1/                                                  1999    2000     2000     2000     2000
                                                              1995      April    May        to      to       to       to       to
                                                                        2000    2000        May    Feb.    March    April      May
                                                                         2/                2000    2000     2000     2000     2000

     3/ Developed Countries..........................       100.000     100.2   100.4       4.8     1.1      0.3     -0.2      0.2
          Manufactured Goods.........................        91.973      98.2    98.1       2.3     0.7      0.1     -0.1     -0.1
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................         7.782     138.7   144.0      44.9     6.4      2.8     -1.6      3.8

     3/ Developing Countries.........................       100.000     100.0   101.1       9.4     1.3      0.7     -2.2      1.1
          Manufactured Goods.........................        77.195      92.3    92.2       0.8    -0.1      0.2      0.0     -0.1
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................        22.550     133.6   140.9      52.0     6.4      2.1     -9.4      5.5

        Canada.......................................       100.000     104.8   105.2       8.8     1.9      0.1      0.7      0.4
          Manufactured Goods.........................        83.795     100.2    99.8       3.4     0.9     -0.4      0.6     -0.4
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................        15.657     143.6   149.7      46.6     6.7      2.5      1.6      4.2

     4/ European Union...............................       100.000     101.1   101.2       1.0     0.3      0.1     -0.8      0.1
          Manufactured Goods.........................        96.115     100.4   100.3      -0.5     0.1     -0.2     -0.4     -0.1
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................         3.885     126.2   133.4      46.9     3.1      7.7     -9.3      5.7

     5/ Latin America  (9712=100)....................       100.000     108.8   110.2      14.4     1.8      1.3     -2.1      1.3
          Manufactured Goods  (9712=100).............        69.644     102.3   102.3       6.6    -0.1      1.5      1.2      0.0
          Nonmanufactured Goods (9712=100)...........        29.699     128.9   134.7      37.7     6.3      0.7     -9.0      4.5

        Japan........................................       100.000      90.2    90.2       1.7     0.0     -0.4      0.6      0.0

     6/ Asian Newly Industrialized Countries.........       100.000      82.6    82.6      -1.0     0.0      0.1     -0.7      0.0



        1    Regions are not mutually exclusive.

        2    Data for  February, March and April 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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