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Internet Address: http://stats.bls.gov/ipphome.htm  Wednesday, March 15, 2000


                  U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES
                            - FEBRUARY 2000-

                                    
      The U.S. Import Price Index rose 1.9 percent in February, the
Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported
today.  The increase--the largest since October 1990--was primarily led
by higher prices for imported petroleum products.  Nonpetroleum import
prices were also up in February.  Export prices increased in February,
up 0.5 percent after edging up 0.1 percent in January.
      
           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                                                                           
February          -0.1       -0.5        0.0       -0.2      -2.4        0.1 
March              0.2       13.9       -0.5       -0.4      -3.0       -0.2 
April              1.1       20.3       -0.2        0.2       0.5        0.2 
May                0.7        7.3        0.2        0.1       0.4        0.0 
June              -0.1        0.4       -0.2        0.0      -0.2        0.1 
July               1.0       13.5       -0.1       -0.1      -2.2        0.1 
August             1.1       11.7        0.1        0.3       1.9        0.1 
September          1.0        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 r      0.4        0.2      -0.9        0.3 
December           0.6        6.5 r      0.0        0.0      -0.7        0.1 r

2000
January            0.3 r      3.0 r     -0.1        0.1 r     0.2 r      0.1 
February           1.9       13.9        0.3        0.5       1.0        0.5 
                                                                               
February 1998-99  -3.9      -27.0       -2.2       -2.7      -7.5       -2.1 
February 99-2000   9.0      168.4        0.1        1.4      -3.4        1.9 
                                                                                
r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents.


Import Goods

      Import prices were up 1.9 percent last month--the eighth
consecutive monthly increase--and have risen 9.0 percent during the past
year.  Prices for petroleum imports surged 13.9 percent in February, the
largest monthly jump in this component since last April.  The petroleum
index has increased for twelve consecutive months and has advanced 168.4
percent over the past year.  Nonpetroleum import prices, which rose 0.3
percent in February after dipping 0.1 percent in January, also
contributed to the increase for overall imports.  Over the past twelve
months, the non-petroleum index increased slightly, up 0.1 percent.

      The February increase for the nonpetroleum import index was
largely attributable to rising prices for industrial supplies and
materials.  Led by rising metal prices, the index for industrial
supplies and materials excluding petroleum rose 1.4 percent in February
after recording little movement in the previous two months.   For the
year ended in February, the index advanced 6.6 percent.  Automotive
vehicles, parts, and engines also increased in February, rising 0.1
percent for the second consecutive month and 0.7 percent for the year.

      In contrast, the price indexes for foods, feeds, and beverages,
and for capital goods decreased last month.  Led by continuing declines
in prices for vegetables and coffee, the index for foods, feeds, and
beverages decreased 0.6 percent in February after falling 1.3 percent in
January.  Capital goods prices also declined last month, down 0.1
percent for the fifth consecutive month.  Over the past year, the index
recorded only one monthly increase and was down 3.6 percent.
      
      The index for consumer goods was unchanged for the second
consecutive month and decreased 0.9 percent for the year ended in
February.

Export Goods

      In February, prices for overall exports increased 0.5 percent, the
largest monthly gain since April 1996.  For the year ended in February,
export prices were up 1.4 percent.  Last month's increase was widespread
with all the major commodity areas posting increases.  Agricultural
export prices, which had decreased in four of the previous five months,
rose 1.0 percent in February after increasing 0.2 percent in January.
The 2-month upturn was led by rising prices for grains and oilseeds.
Despite the recent gains, the index fell 3.4 percent over the past 12
months.

      Prices for nonagricultural exports rose 0.5 percent in February,
the largest monthly increase for this index since April 1995.  The index
has increased nine consecutive months and was up 1.9 percent for the
year.  Led by a jump in exported fuel prices, the index for
nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials continued to have the
largest impact on the index, rising 1.6 percent in February and 8.8
percent over the past 12 months.
      
      In addition, the indexes for the major finished goods areas each
posted modest increases last month.  Export prices for capital goods and
automotive parts and engines edged up 0.1 percent in February after
recording no change the previous month.  The consumer goods index was
also up slightly last month, 0.2 percent, following no change in
January.  For the year ended in February, each of the major finished
goods indexes posted movements of less than one percent.
      


Imports by Locality of Origin
      
      Prices of imports from Canada rose 2.0 percent in February, the
largest increase for this index since monthly publication began in 1993.
Led primarily by ongoing price increases for petroleum products, the
index has advanced 9.6 percent during the past 12 months.
      
      Also largely attributable to rising petroleum prices, the import
price index for Latin America rose 1.6 percent in February.  Over the
past 12 months, the index gained 21.0 percent.

      In addition, prices of imports from the European Union increased
0.2 percent in February, after recording no change, on average, in
January.  For the February 1999-2000 period, the index rose 1.1 percent.

      In contrast, the index for imports from Japan dipped 0.1 percent
in February, after increasing during the previous six months.  For the
year ended in February, the index rose 1.2 percent.

      The index for imports from the Asian Newly Industrialized
Countries also declined 0.1 percent last month, after decreasing the
same amount in January.  Over the past twelve months, the index fell 0.8
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 March are scheduled for release on
April 12th, 2000 at 8:30 A.M. (EDT).


Table 1   U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods,
             February 1999-February 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                       Feb.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
END                         Description                                                  1999    1999     1999     1999     2000
USE                                                         January  January  February    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000    2000      2000     Feb.    Nov.     Dec.     Jan.     Feb.
                                                               1/      2/                2000    1999     1999     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      97.1    98.9       9.0     0.8      0.6      0.3   1.9
        ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM..............        88.313      92.6    92.9       0.1     0.4      0.0     -0.1   0.3

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         4.517      93.6    93.0      -0.3     1.5      1.9     -1.3   -0.6

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
             excluding distilled beverages...........         3.110      88.5    87.1      -2.4     1.3      3.0     -1.4   -1.6

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
             beverages)..............................         1.407     107.2   108.6       4.6     1.8     -0.5     -0.5   1.3

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        29.902     110.7   117.7      42.7     2.5      2.3      1.2   6.3
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
               EXCLUDING PETROLEUM...................        18.215      95.3    96.6       6.6     1.6     -0.1      0.1   1.4
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               DURABLE...............................         9.722      97.3    98.7       7.3     0.5      0.7      1.0   1.4
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM........         8.493      92.9    94.3       6.0     2.9     -1.1     -1.1   1.5

10        Fuels & lubricants.........................        12.970     143.5   162.4     141.7     4.8      4.8      1.9   13.2

100        Petroleum & petroleum products............        11.687     145.4   165.6     168.4     4.1      6.5      3.0   13.9

1000         Crude...................................         9.542     148.7   158.7     166.3     4.7      6.7      3.3   6.7

11        Paper & paper base stocks..................         1.784      81.5    82.2       4.6     4.2     -0.7      0.4   0.9

12        Materials associated with nondurable
             supplies & materials....................         5.630      89.2    89.7       2.7     0.6      0.3      0.1   0.6

13        Selected building materials................         2.173     110.6   110.2       2.4    -1.5      2.6     -0.5   -0.4

14        Unfinished metals associated with
             durable goods...........................         4.604      97.3   100.3      15.8     1.5      0.3      2.7   3.1

15        Finished metals associated with durable
             goods...................................         1.380      91.5    91.6      -0.7     0.7      0.3     -0.5   0.1

16        Nonmetals associated with durable goods....         1.361      87.1    87.1      -1.7     0.0     -0.2     -0.2   0.0

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        25.756      81.6    81.5      -3.6    -0.1     -0.1     -0.1   -0.1

20        Electric & electrical generating
             equipment...............................         3.176      91.5    91.4      -2.4     0.1     -0.7      0.3   -0.1

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        20.855      78.3    78.2      -4.0    -0.1     -0.1     -0.1   -0.1

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        18.049     102.1   102.2       0.7     0.0      0.0      0.1   0.1

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
             AUTOMOTIVES.............................        21.776      97.5    97.5      -0.9     0.1     -0.1      0.0   0.0

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................        10.896     100.4   100.5      -0.6     0.2     -0.1     -0.2   0.1

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         9.771      94.0    93.8      -1.5     0.1     -0.1     -0.1   -0.2

42        Nonmanufactured consumer goods.............         1.109     101.5   102.5       1.6    -1.2      1.0      1.7   1.0



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for November and December 1999 and January 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,
             February 1999-February 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                       Feb.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
END                         Description                                                  1999    1999     1999     1999     2000
USE                                                         January  January  February    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000    2000      2000     Feb.    Nov.     Dec.     Jan.     Feb.
                                                               1/      2/                2000    1999     1999     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      95.4    95.9       1.4     0.2      0.0      0.1      0.5
        AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.....................         9.071      83.3    84.1      -3.4    -0.9     -0.7      0.2      1.0
        NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES..................        90.929      96.8    97.3       1.9     0.3      0.1      0.1      0.5

0        FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES...................         8.381      86.3    87.1      -2.6    -0.8     -0.8      0.3      0.9

00        Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
             excluding distilled beverages...........         7.576      85.4    86.0      -3.0    -0.9     -0.8      0.6      0.7

01        Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled
             beverages)..............................         0.805      98.3   100.0       1.3    -0.5      0.3     -1.2      1.7

1        INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.............        25.447      92.1    93.6       7.8     0.8      0.7      0.4      1.6
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               DURABLE...............................         9.614      90.3    91.2       3.5     1.6      0.1      0.2      1.0
           INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
               NONDURABLE............................        15.834      93.2    95.0      10.5     0.3      0.9      0.5      1.9

10        Agricultural industrial supplies &
             materials...............................         1.495      75.4    77.0      -6.0    -1.2      0.3     -1.8      2.1

          NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
             & MATERIALS.............................        23.952      93.4    94.9       8.8     0.9      0.7      0.5      1.6

11        Fuels & lubricants.........................         2.805     122.8   131.5      41.9     1.3      3.9      2.0      7.1

12        Nonagricultural supplies & materials
             excluding fuels & building materials....        19.615      89.6    90.4       5.5     0.9      0.2      0.3      0.9

13        Selected building materials................         1.532      89.3    89.5       3.1    -0.1      1.0      0.8      0.2

2        CAPITAL GOODS...............................        43.807      96.1    96.2      -0.9     0.1     -0.2      0.0      0.1

20        Electric & electrical generating
             Equipment...............................         4.404      98.2    98.6      -0.5     0.1      0.1     -0.3      0.4

21        Nonelectrical machinery....................        33.561      92.2    92.2      -1.5     0.1     -0.3      0.0      0.0

3        AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........        10.144     103.8   103.9       0.8    -0.1     -0.1      0.0      0.1

4        CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
             AUTOMOTIVES.............................        12.221     102.4   102.6       0.7     0.0      0.2      0.0      0.2

40        Nondurables, manufactured..................         6.480     102.7   102.6       0.3     0.1      0.3     -0.1     -0.1

41        Durables, manufactured.....................         5.163     101.0   101.3       1.0     0.1     -0.1      0.2      0.3



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for November and December 1999 and January 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,
             February 1999-February 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                       Feb.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
SITC                        Description                                                  1999    1999     1999     1999     2000
Rev. 3                                                      January  January  February    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000    2000      2000     Feb.    Nov.     Dec.     Jan.     Feb.
                                                               1/      2/                2000    1999     1999     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      97.1    98.9       9.0     0.8      0.6      0.3      1.9

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         3.829      93.8    93.0      -0.2     1.5      2.5     -1.0     -0.9
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         0.338      97.8    98.3       6.6    -0.7      0.7     -0.6      0.5
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         1.057     106.8   107.6       4.8     2.4     -0.7      0.0      0.7
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.083     102.5   100.4      -1.7     0.7      6.6     -1.1     -2.0
07        Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and
             manufactures thereof....................         0.472      67.2    64.7     -10.5     6.5      7.0     -4.8     -3.7
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.878      92.9    92.7      -0.5     0.0      0.1     -0.1     -0.2

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         0.875     111.2   113.1       2.8     0.0      0.4     -0.7      1.7
11        Beverages..................................         0.738     107.9   110.1       3.2     0.0      0.2     -0.7      2.0

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         2.902      93.4    94.6       8.2    -0.6      2.1      1.3      1.3
24        Cork and wood..............................         1.079     117.7   117.1       3.0    -1.5      3.3     -0.8     -0.5
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         0.389      69.7    71.2      23.0     4.5      2.1      2.2      2.2
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.623     101.4   104.8      15.9    -0.4      1.0      2.4      3.4
29        Crude animal and vegetable materials,
             n.e.s. (9612=100).......................         0.314     121.1   127.2       5.4    -5.0      5.1      8.2      5.0
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.318      88.1    87.1       3.0    -1.3     -0.1     -1.8     -1.1

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................        12.627     144.4   163.4     145.3     5.2      4.9      2.2     13.2
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................        11.158     145.7   166.0     170.8     4.1      6.8      2.9     13.9
34        Gas, natural and manufactured..............         1.342     144.5   155.2      44.6    14.5     -7.1     -3.7      7.4

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......         5.376      92.3    92.6       1.6     0.3     -0.1      0.3      0.3
51        Organic chemicals..........................         1.557      93.6    94.2       3.9     0.8     -0.5      0.8      0.6
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.606      88.3    89.1       0.5     0.6      0.3      0.3      0.9
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.266      88.9    89.3      -5.0     0.9     -1.9     -0.9      0.4
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         0.936      98.7    98.8       1.4     0.4     -0.5      1.4      0.1
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.296      89.6    89.6      -5.0     0.5     -2.3     -0.7      0.0
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         0.375      93.7    93.0       0.9     0.1      0.1     -0.3     -0.7
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.505      79.3    79.5       8.9     0.6      0.4     -0.5      0.3
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         0.637      99.9    99.7       1.6    -0.2      1.1      0.4     -0.2

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................        12.360      94.5    95.5       4.0     0.6      0.0      0.6      1.1
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.700      92.6    92.5      -2.3    -0.5      0.0     -1.9     -0.1
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.565      99.9    99.0       0.1    -2.5      1.8      0.1     -0.9
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paper board........         1.570      86.1    86.4       0.8     3.6     -1.4     -0.1      0.3
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up
             articles, n.e.s., and related prod......         1.341      94.3    94.7      -0.5    -0.6      0.5     -0.5      0.4
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         2.117     100.9   101.3       0.4     0.4     -0.4     -0.3      0.4
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.929      90.6    90.4       4.9     1.4      0.7      1.8     -0.2
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         2.056      98.9   104.5      23.8     0.6      0.2      3.5      5.7
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         1.927      95.7    96.0      -0.8     0.3     -0.1     -0.1      0.3

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        44.483      89.8    89.7      -1.8    -0.1     -0.1      0.1     -0.1
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment (9612=100)....................         3.012      99.7    99.8       1.4     0.3      0.1      0.6      0.1
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         2.665      97.7    98.1      -0.7     0.4     -0.4     -0.1      0.4
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         0.800      94.9    94.8      -2.6     0.8     -0.8     -0.3     -0.1
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & machine parts, n.e.s.......         3.414      97.0    96.7      -2.4     0.0     -0.3      0.0     -0.3
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         5.578      61.6    61.4      -6.8     0.0      0.5     -0.2     -0.3
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         4.208      85.2    85.1      -3.8    -0.1     -0.3     -0.5     -0.1
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........         8.884      82.1    82.0      -2.5    -0.5     -0.1      0.0     -0.1
78        Road vehicles..............................        14.869     102.4   102.6       0.6     0.0     -0.1      0.1      0.2

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        17.141      97.8    97.7      -0.7     0.1      0.0     -0.1     -0.1
81        Prefabricated buildings; plumbing, heat
             & lighting fixtures, n.e.s..............         0.379      94.5    94.2       1.2     1.4     -0.3      1.7     -0.3
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         1.209      98.0    98.0      -2.1     0.1     -0.6      0.2      0.0
83        Travel goods, handbags and similar
             containers..............................         0.509     101.6   102.1       0.9    -0.4     -0.3     -0.1      0.5
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         5.782     101.4   101.4      -0.9     0.2      0.0     -0.5      0.0
85        Footwear...................................         1.774     100.8   100.9      -0.5     0.0      0.0      0.0      0.1
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         1.562      94.7    94.3      -0.7     0.1      0.2     -0.4     -0.4
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.;.....         1.321      92.1    91.5      -0.7     0.3      0.0     -0.4     -0.7
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.604      95.1    94.9      -0.8     0.1      0.1      0.2     -0.2




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for November and December 1999 and January 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,
             February 1999-February 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
                                                              ance                       Feb.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
SITC                        Description                                                  1999    1999     1999     1999     2000
Rev. 3                                                      January  January  February    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000    2000      2000     Feb.    Nov.     Dec.     Jan.     Feb.
                                                               1/      2/                2000    1999     1999     2000     2000

        ALL COMMODITIES..............................       100.000      95.4    95.9       1.4     0.2      0.0      0.1      0.5

0        FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.......................         6.903      86.3    86.8      -2.7    -0.1     -0.8      0.8      0.6
01        Meat and meat preparations.................         1.230     100.1    97.7       4.7     0.3      3.3     -0.8     -2.4
03        Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
             and preparations thereof................         0.604      96.5    97.6      -1.1    -0.9      0.8     -2.4      1.1
04        Cereals and cereal preparations............         2.163      71.0    74.1      -4.8     0.9     -2.3      3.6      4.4
05        Vegetables, fruit and nuts,
             fresh or dried..........................         1.330      90.9    89.2      -8.9    -2.4     -3.3     -0.3     -1.9
08        Feeding stuff for animals (not
             including unmilled cereals).............         0.665      92.3    92.6       1.9     0.4     -1.2      1.1      0.3
09        Miscellaneous edible products and
             preparations............................         0.411     107.3   105.9      -0.8     0.0      0.0     -0.3     -1.3
     3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100).......         0.501      91.6    91.7      -0.7     0.0      0.3      0.4      0.1

1        BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.......................         1.567     102.3   101.9       0.5     0.1      0.0      0.4     -0.4
12        Tobacco and tobacco manufactures...........         1.297     102.5   102.2       0.7     0.1      0.0      0.4     -0.3

2        CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS.....         5.334      80.1    82.3       9.7    -0.4      1.4      1.5      2.7
21        Hides, skins and furskins, raw.............         0.310      92.3    90.6      11.3    -0.9      4.3      0.8     -1.8
22        Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits............         0.901      80.5    84.8      -0.1    -5.1      1.9      1.1      5.3
24        Cork and wood..............................         0.927      86.6    86.7       6.4     0.4      1.4      1.9      0.1
25        Pulp and waste paper.......................         1.000      84.3    88.4      44.2     2.1      2.8      4.2      4.9
26        Textile fibers and their waste.............         0.625      61.2    65.7      -7.2    -1.7     -1.4     -2.1      7.4
27        Crude fertilizers and crude minerals.......         0.331      94.3    94.3       1.0     0.8      0.3      0.2      0.0
28        Metalliferous ores and metal scrap.........         0.849      80.0    80.5      17.0     2.9      1.4      2.0      0.6
     3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except
           fuels (9612=100)..........................         0.391      90.1    91.5       1.4    -0.7      0.3      0.7      1.6

3        MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
            MATERIALS................................         2.574     129.6   138.7      48.5     1.6      4.3      2.4      7.0
32        Coal, coke and briquettes..................         0.676      96.7    96.6      -2.7     0.0     -0.1     -0.8     -0.1
33        Petroleum, petroleum products and
             related materials.......................         1.610     143.5   159.6      74.6     1.6      5.0      2.4     11.2

4        ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS, FATS AND
            WAXES....................................         0.366      75.8    74.2     -18.1    -3.5     -1.3     -2.8     -2.1

5        CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.......        10.895      93.7    94.0       3.8     0.0      0.3      0.1      0.3
51        Organic chemicals..........................         2.631      84.7    85.3      15.7     1.2      1.5      1.1      0.7
52        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.847      98.1    97.7      -5.3     0.5     -1.2      0.1     -0.4
53        Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials.....         0.491      98.9    99.1      -2.1    -0.3     -0.7     -1.1      0.2
54        Medicinal and pharmaceutical products......         1.245     100.2   100.4       0.2     0.0      0.5     -0.1      0.2
55        Essential oils; polishing and cleansing
             preps...................................         0.779     103.4   103.8       2.4     1.2     -0.1      0.0      0.4
56        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.442      73.2    74.3     -22.0    -9.5     -1.5     -0.3      1.5
57        Plastics in primary forms..................         1.897      94.7    94.6      12.1     0.5      0.3     -0.5     -0.1
58        Plastics in nonprimary forms...............         0.837      97.8    98.3       3.0    -0.1      0.2     -0.2      0.5
59        Chemical materials and products, n.e.s.....         1.725      99.2    99.3      -1.5    -0.1      0.3      0.1      0.1

6        MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
            BY MATERIAL..............................         9.961      98.3    99.1       2.4     0.2      0.3      0.0      0.8
62        Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.................         0.700     104.7   103.7      -3.6     0.0      0.3     -3.5     -1.0
63        Cork and wood manufactures other than
             furniture...............................         0.301      92.3    92.8      -1.6    -2.4      1.3     -0.8      0.5
64        Paper, paperboard, and articles of
             paper pulp, paper or paperboard.........         1.621      87.6    87.8       8.7     0.5     -0.5      0.5      0.2
65        Textile yarn, fabrics, and
             made-up articles, n.e.s.................         1.380      98.4    98.5      -1.1     0.3      0.9     -0.3      0.1
66        Nonmetallic mineral manufactures,
             n.e.s...................................         1.348     105.8   106.0      -0.8     0.0     -0.2      0.0      0.2
67        Iron and steel.............................         1.057      96.0    96.5      -0.4     0.0     -0.6      1.4      0.5
68        Nonferrous metals..........................         1.332      93.4    98.8      15.7     0.6      1.8      1.2      5.8
69        Manufactures of metals, n.e.s..............         2.071     106.8   106.9      -1.1     0.2      0.3     -0.4      0.1

7        MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        50.268      97.4    97.4      -0.7     0.1     -0.2      0.1      0.0
71        Power generating machinery and
             equipment...............................         4.685     111.7   111.6       2.1     0.7      0.0      0.6     -0.1
72        Machinery specialized for particular
             industries..............................         4.857     106.2   106.3       0.7     0.1      0.0      0.1      0.1
73        Metalworking machinery.....................         1.016     108.6   108.6      -0.5     0.0     -0.3      0.1      0.0
74        General industrial machinery,
             equipment, & parts, n.e.s...............         5.252     107.9   107.8       0.4     0.0      0.2      0.0     -0.1
75        Computer equipment and office machines.....         5.656      70.2    70.0      -4.5    -0.1     -0.3      0.0     -0.3
76        Telecommunications & sound recording
             & reproducing apparatus & equipment.....         3.768      96.5    97.1      -0.3     0.0      0.1     -0.2      0.6
77        Electrical machinery and equipment.........        10.874      86.3    86.5      -3.8    -0.1     -0.8     -0.3      0.2
78        Road vehicles..............................         9.416     103.4   103.5       1.2     0.0      0.0      0.3      0.1

8        MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........        11.419     101.1   101.1       0.1     0.1     -0.1     -0.2      0.0
82        Furniture and parts thereof................         0.662     106.0   106.1       2.1     0.0     -0.1      0.7      0.1
84        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories.............................         1.243      98.5    97.4      -3.8    -0.1     -0.2     -1.6     -1.1
87        Professional, scientific and controlling
             instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........         3.850     105.2   105.4       0.6     0.1     -0.3     -0.1      0.2
88        Photographic apparatus, equipment and
             supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.......         0.941      96.0    95.6       0.2     0.1      0.5     -1.3     -0.4
89        Miscellaneous manufactured articles,
             n.e.s...................................         4.253      98.6    98.7       0.5     0.0     -0.1      0.4      0.1
     3/ Other miscellaneous manufactured
           articles (9612=100).......................         0.470     101.7   102.2      -0.4     0.2     -0.2      0.0      0.5




    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                   n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for November and December 1999 and January 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,
             February 1999-February 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                       Feb.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
nized                       Description                                                  1999    1999     1999     1999     2000
System                                                      January  January  February    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000    2000      2000     Feb.    Nov.     Dec.     Jan.     Feb.
                                                               1/      2/                2000    1999     1999     2000     2000


I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.633     105.9   106.2       7.4     1.8      0.4     -0.1      0.3
02        Meat and edible meat offal.................         0.280     100.1   100.4       8.3    -0.8      0.7     -0.1      0.3
03        Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
             other aquatic invertebrates.............         0.976     112.8   113.7       8.8     2.9     -0.2     -0.1      0.8
     3/   Other live animals and animal
             products (9612=100).....................         0.377      97.3    96.3       3.2     1.3      1.7     -0.1     -1.0

II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         1.542      89.4    87.7       1.0     1.3      7.2     -1.7     -1.9
07        Edible vegetables and certain roots and
             tubers..................................         0.291     107.7    97.1      -8.0    -0.7     22.1     -6.3     -9.8
08        Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
             fruit or melons.........................         0.485     107.7   109.1       7.4     0.3      2.8      0.6      1.3
09        Coffee, tea, mate and spices...............         0.358      73.6    70.3      -0.8     9.6      8.9     -5.9     -4.5
     3/   Other vegetable products...................         0.408      93.9    95.8       1.9    -3.0      1.5      3.4      2.0

IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
            TOBACCO..................................         1.946      95.3    95.5      -5.0    -0.1     -1.1     -0.3      0.2
20        Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
             nuts, or other parts of plants..........         0.255      85.0    82.1     -12.3     1.8     -3.7      1.9     -3.4
22        Beverages, spirits, and vinegar............         0.756     105.2   106.8       1.7     0.0      0.6     -0.9      1.5
     3/   Other prepared foodstuffs (9612=100).......         0.935      89.1    89.3      -7.9    -0.8     -1.8     -0.4      0.2

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................        13.165     140.8   158.9     131.3     4.8      4.5      1.6     12.9
26        Ores, slag and ash.........................         0.289     100.2   100.3      -0.8    -0.2      0.1      0.3      0.1
27        Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
             bituminous substances and mineral wax...        12.655     143.1   162.2     142.5     5.0      4.7      1.7     13.3

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
            INDUSTRIES...............................         5.064      95.5    96.1       2.2     0.4     -0.2      0.6      0.6
28        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.794      95.7    97.7       6.3     0.2      1.2      1.7      2.1
29        Organic chemicals..........................         1.971      94.1    94.6       4.6     0.6     -0.4      0.3      0.5
30        Pharmaceutical products....................         0.593     108.9   108.8       3.5     0.5     -0.4      2.9     -0.1
32        Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye &
             pigments; varnish & paints; putty.......         0.263      87.2    87.5      -5.2     0.9     -1.9     -0.8      0.3
37        Photographic or cinematographic goods......         0.351      97.1    96.9       1.6    -0.1      0.6     -0.1     -0.2
38        Miscellaneous chemical products
             (9612=100)..............................         0.377      88.8    88.3      -3.0     0.1     -0.3      0.1     -0.6
     3/   Other products of the chemical or
             allied industries (9612=100)............         0.716      91.4    92.2      -3.2    -0.1     -0.2      0.0      0.9

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         2.647      86.9    87.0       1.6     0.2      0.3     -0.2      0.1
39        Plastics and articles thereof..............         1.688      91.8    91.8       3.1     0.1      0.8     -0.1      0.0
40        Rubber and articles thereof................         0.959      79.5    79.7      -1.1     0.3     -0.2     -0.5      0.3

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
            TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................         0.978     100.2   101.3      -1.3    -0.3     -0.3     -0.1      1.1
42        Articles of leather; travel goods, bags,
             etc. of various materials...............         0.797      99.7   100.5      -0.3    -0.2     -0.3     -0.1      0.8

IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKET
            AND WICKER...............................         1.685     109.1   108.5       2.2    -1.9      3.3     -0.5     -0.5

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         2.331      83.9    84.5       4.1     3.2     -0.7      0.2      0.7
47        Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
             material; waste paper/paperboard........         0.396      71.6    73.3      25.9     4.3      2.2      2.4      2.4
48        Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
             pulp, paper or paperboard...............         1.589      87.0    87.4       0.7     3.6     -1.2     -0.2      0.5
49        Printed matter.............................         0.346      97.8    97.8      -1.4     0.6     -1.8     -0.2      0.0

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         6.820     100.0   100.2       0.3     0.2      0.1     -0.4      0.2
61        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories, knitted or crocheted.......         2.051     101.9   101.9       2.1    -0.1     -0.2      0.1      0.0
62        Articles of apparel and clothing
             accessories, not knitted or crocheted...         3.310     102.9   102.9      -1.2     0.3      0.2     -0.6      0.0
63        Made-up or worn textile articles and
             clothing; needlecraft sets; rags........         0.335      95.1    95.1       1.6     0.0      0.0      0.4      0.0
     3/   Other textile & textile
             articles (9612=100).....................         1.124      93.4    94.0       0.5     0.2      0.4     -0.5      0.6

XII      FOOTWEAR, HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS, WHIPS,
            ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC..................         2.083     101.3   101.4      -0.2     0.1      0.0     -0.1      0.1
64        Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts
             of such articles........................         1.788     100.7   100.8      -0.2     0.1     -0.1      0.0      0.1
     3/   Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas,
             whips, art. flowers, etc. (9612=100)....         0.295     103.7   103.5       0.3     0.1      0.1      0.1     -0.2

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,CERAMIC
            GLASS ETC................................         1.127     100.5   101.0      -0.5     0.4     -0.5     -0.4      0.5
69        Ceramic products...........................         0.431      98.5    99.7       1.0     0.3     -0.4      0.0      1.2
70        Glass and glassware........................         0.434     100.0    99.8      -0.5     0.3     -0.7     -0.2     -0.2

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
            IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............         2.361     105.6   108.5       8.2     2.4     -0.4      1.7      2.7

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL......         5.537      89.2    90.1       6.8     0.5      0.1      1.1      1.0
72        Iron and steel.............................         1.677      90.8    91.0       7.1     1.4      0.7      2.3      0.2
73        Articles of iron or steel..................         1.228      92.3    92.2      -0.8     0.8      0.2     -0.4     -0.1
74        Copper and articles thereof................         0.395      72.9    74.0       9.8    -0.6      0.1      1.0      1.5
76        Aluminum and articles thereof..............         0.915      87.2    91.1      14.0    -0.6     -0.6      2.1      4.5
83        Miscellaneous articles of base metal.......         0.419     102.8   102.9       2.9     0.2      1.1     -0.2      0.1
     3/   Miscellaneous nonferrous metals and
             articles, including scrap (9612=100)....         0.471      93.7    94.4      26.0    -0.6     -0.8      2.9      0.7

XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
            IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC......        27.630      81.6    81.5      -3.1     0.0     -0.1      0.0     -0.1
84        Specialized machinery & computer
             equipment...............................        14.286      81.3    81.2      -3.1     0.1      0.0      0.1     -0.1
85        Electrical machinery and equip, sound
             and TV recorders & reproducers, parts...        13.344      81.8    81.7      -3.0    -0.4     -0.2     -0.1     -0.1

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
            ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        16.108     102.6   102.7       0.6    -0.1     -0.1      0.2      0.1
87        Motor vehicles and their parts.............        15.215     102.3   102.4       0.6    -0.1     -0.1      0.2      0.1

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
            MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES........         3.477      91.8    91.5      -0.7     0.3      0.0     -0.4     -0.3
90        Optical, photographic, measuring and
             medical instruments.....................         2.965      91.6    91.4      -0.3     0.1      0.1     -0.4     -0.2
91        Clocks and watches and parts thereof.......         0.370      92.6    91.4      -3.5     1.4     -1.0     -0.4     -1.3

XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         3.620      97.0    96.5      -1.3     0.2     -0.2      0.2     -0.5
94        Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps
             and lighting fittings nes;..............         1.567      97.9    97.7      -0.8     0.3     -0.5      0.7     -0.2
95        Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
             and accessories thereof.................         1.767      96.7    95.9      -1.9     0.1      0.1     -0.2     -0.8
96        Miscellaneous manufactured articles........         0.287      94.0    94.0      -0.8     0.2     -0.1     -0.6      0.0



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for November and December 1999 and January 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 6   U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods,
             February 1999-February 2000     1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                             Index                      Percent Change
                                                            Relative
                                                             Import-                    Annual          Monthly
Harmo-                                                        ance                       Feb.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
nized                       Description                                                  1999    1999     1999     1999     2000
System                                                      January  January  February    to      to       to       to       to
                                                              2000    2000      2000     Feb.    Nov.     Dec.     Jan.     Feb.
                                                               1/      2/                2000    1999     1999     2000     2000


I        LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS...............         1.976      95.8    94.9       1.5     0.1      1.9     -1.4     -0.9
02        Meat & edible meat offal...................         1.111      94.7    92.0       3.8     0.5      3.4     -2.3     -2.9
03        Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
             other aquatic invertebrates.............         0.542      94.8    97.5       0.8    -0.8      0.2     -0.7      2.8
     3/   Other live animals and animal
             products (9612=100).....................         0.324      86.1    85.6      -4.8     0.2     -0.3      0.2     -0.6

II       VEGETABLE PRODUCTS..........................         4.329      78.4    80.7      -3.4    -1.6     -1.5      2.6      2.9
07        Edible vegetables and certain roots and
             tubers..................................         0.337     103.4    91.3      -1.5    -0.2      5.0     -0.8    -11.7
08        Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
             fruit or melons.........................         0.692      91.4    92.1      -8.8    -6.3     -7.3      2.6      0.8
10        Cereals....................................         1.953      68.8    72.2      -5.0     1.2     -2.4      3.9      4.9
12        Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds,
             fruits, plants, straw and fodder........         1.108      85.9    89.5       0.0    -3.3      1.8      1.4      4.2

III      ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FATS AND OILS...........         0.392      75.4    73.8     -19.4    -2.2     -1.9     -3.1     -2.1

IV       PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
            TOBACCO..................................         3.473      98.4    98.3       0.2     0.1     -0.4      0.3     -0.1
20        Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
             nuts, or other parts of plants..........         0.344      93.6    93.1      -4.2     0.6      0.3      0.1     -0.5
21        Miscellaneous edible preparations..........         0.380     107.4   106.1      -0.8     0.0      0.0     -0.3     -1.2
22        Beverages, spirits, and vinegar............         0.336      98.1    98.1      -0.8     0.1      0.0     -0.3      0.0
23        Residues and waste from the food
             industries; prepared animal feed........         0.584      87.3    88.6       1.6     0.0     -2.6     -0.1      1.5
24        Tobacco and manufactured tobacco
             substitutes.............................         1.307     102.4   102.1       0.7     0.1      0.0      0.3     -0.3
     3/   Other prepared foods.......................         0.522     101.9   101.5       1.5     0.0      0.2      0.9     -0.4

V        MINERAL PRODUCTS............................         3.088     117.8   124.5      35.3     1.2      2.9      1.6      5.7
27        Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
             bituminous substances and mineral wax...         2.532     125.1   134.0      42.7     1.2      3.4      2.2      7.1

VI       PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
            INDUSTRIES...............................         8.822      93.8    94.1       2.2     0.0      0.2      0.1      0.3
28        Inorganic chemicals........................         0.922      98.1    97.7      -3.9     1.0     -1.6      0.0     -0.4
29        Organic chemicals..........................         2.930      87.1    87.7      14.3     0.9      1.4      0.7      0.7
30        Pharmaceutical products....................         0.956     105.8   106.0       2.7     0.1      0.8      1.4      0.2
31        Fertilizers (9612=100).....................         0.495      73.5    74.6     -21.6    -9.2     -1.5     -0.3      1.5
32        Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes and
             pigments; paints & varnish; putty;ink...         0.496      97.5    97.6      -3.7    -0.2     -1.3     -2.0      0.1
33        Essential oils and resinoids;
             perfumery, cosmetic or toilet...........         0.563     106.4   106.1       2.7     1.9     -0.1      0.0     -0.3
34        Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or
             scouring products; candles, pastes......         0.329     104.8   106.1       1.7     0.0      0.0      0.1      1.2
37        Photographic or cinematographic goods......         0.410      88.6    87.6      -1.7     0.1      0.4     -3.3     -1.1
38        Miscellaneous chemical products............         1.501      98.3    98.3      -1.2     0.2      0.0      0.2      0.0

VII      PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         4.349      94.4    94.3       4.3     0.0      0.3     -0.7     -0.1
39        Plastics and articles thereof..............         3.432      93.4    93.5       6.6     0.3      0.2     -0.3      0.1
40        Rubber and articles thereof................         0.917      98.2    97.3      -3.7    -1.0      0.5     -2.4     -0.9

VIII     RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
            TRAVEL GOODS, ETC........................         0.548      91.3    91.9      10.1    -0.6      2.0      2.9      0.7
41        Raw hides and skins (other than
             furskins) and leather...................         0.394      88.2    87.9      14.0    -0.7      2.8      4.0     -0.3

IX       WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW,
            BASKET AND WICKER........................         1.256      88.4    88.6       4.2    -0.3      1.4      1.3      0.2

X        WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER
            AND ARTICLES THEREOF.....................         3.347      85.7    86.7      13.9     0.8      0.7      1.3      1.2
47        Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
             material; waste paper/paperboard........         0.907      79.2    82.5      41.0     2.6      3.2      3.8      4.2
48        Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
             pulp, paper or paperboard...............         1.593      88.4    88.5       9.0     0.5     -0.3      0.5      0.1
49        Printed material...........................         0.846     110.7   110.7       0.9    -0.1      0.0      0.4      0.0

XI       TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................         2.991      83.8    85.0      -3.5    -0.4      0.0     -1.4      1.4
52        Cotton, including yarns and woven
             fabrics thereof.........................         0.522      59.0    64.5     -11.4    -2.7      0.3     -3.1      9.3
55        Manmade staple fibers, includ. yarns
             and woven fabrics (9812=100)............         0.268      99.6    99.7       1.3     1.2     -4.2      1.2      0.1
61        Apparel and clothing access.,
             knitted or crocheted (9812=100).........         0.469      98.7    98.6      -2.5     0.0     -0.6     -1.0     -0.1
62        Apparel and clothing access.,
             not knitted or crocheted (9812=100).....         0.634      94.9    93.6      -5.4     0.0      0.0     -3.2     -1.4

XIII     STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,
            CERAMIC, GLASS ETC.......................         0.872     103.1   103.3      -0.1     0.6     -0.3     -0.1      0.2
70        Glass and glassware........................         0.500     101.2   101.4      -1.1     0.1      0.0      0.0      0.2

XIV      PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
            IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............         1.975      99.0   104.9      10.2     6.3     -1.3     -0.5      6.0

XV       BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS.....         4.616      93.4    94.2       5.1     0.5      0.8      1.0      0.9
72        Iron and steel.............................         0.883      82.6    82.8       6.8     2.1     -0.1      2.4      0.2
73        Articles of iron or steel..................         1.322     110.4   110.6       0.9    -0.1      0.4      0.6      0.2
74        Copper and articles thereof................         0.377      70.2    71.3      14.8    -1.9      1.3      2.5      1.6
76        Aluminum and articles thereof..............         0.887      87.0    89.1      11.5    -0.2      1.7      1.4      2.4
82        Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and
             forks, of base metal; parts thereof.....         0.441     107.7   108.0       0.8     0.8      0.5      0.6      0.3
83        Miscellaneous articles of base metal.......         0.388     101.5   101.8      -0.3    -0.1      0.0      0.0      0.3


XVI      MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
            IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC....        35.933      91.6    91.6      -1.6     0.1     -0.3      0.1      0.0
84        Specialized machinery & computer
             equipment...............................        20.347      94.1    94.0      -0.7     0.2     -0.1      0.1     -0.1
85        Electrical machinery and equip, sound
             & tv recorders & reproducers, parts.....        15.586      88.5    88.7      -2.6    -0.1     -0.4     -0.1      0.2

XVII     VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
            ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...........        14.413     107.4   107.6       1.7     0.1      0.1      0.4      0.2
87        Motor vehicles and their parts.............         9.887     103.5   103.6       1.2     0.0      0.0      0.3      0.1

XVII     OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
            MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES........         5.567     102.9   103.2       0.4     0.1     -0.4     -0.1      0.3


XX       MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.........         1.827     102.5   102.7       0.5    -0.1     -0.1      0.4      0.2
94        Furniture; stuffed furnishings;
             lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;......         0.909     105.4   105.4       1.3     0.0     -0.2      0.7      0.0
95        Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
             and accessories thereof.................         0.744      99.8   100.2      -0.5    -0.2      0.0     -0.4      0.4



    1  Relative importance figures are based on                                     n.a.      Not available
        1995 trade values.
    2  Data for November and December 1999 and January 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  7    U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes by Locality of Origin,  February 1999-February 2000
               1995=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                       Index                            Percent Change
                                                            Percentage
                                                               of                       Annual          Monthly
                                                            US Imports                   Feb.    Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Jan.
                           Description 1/                                                1999    1999     1999     1999     2000
                                                              1995    Jan.      Feb.      to      to       to       to       to
                                                                      2000      2000     Feb.    Nov.     Dec.     Jan.     Feb.
                                                                       2/                2000    1999     1999     2000     2000

     3/ Developed Countries..........................       100.000      98.8   100.0       5.0     0.7      0.0      0.4      1.2
          Manufactured Goods.........................        92.497      97.4    98.1       2.1     0.4      0.1      0.3      0.7
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................         7.270     127.8   136.9      60.3     3.8      0.4      1.2      7.1

     3/ Developing Countries.........................       100.000     100.2   101.4      13.9     1.1      0.9      0.9      1.2
          Manufactured Goods.........................        76.946      92.2    92.1       0.5    -0.1     -0.2      0.4     -0.1
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................        22.807     135.4   142.8      98.9     5.7      4.7      3.0      5.5

        Canada.......................................       100.000     101.9   103.9       9.6     0.8      0.1      0.6      2.0
          Manufactured Goods.........................        85.148      99.0   100.0       4.1     0.0      0.5      0.5      1.0
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................        14.331     127.8   137.3      54.4     4.9     -1.9      1.2      7.4

     4/ European Union...............................       100.000     101.4   101.6       1.1     0.5     -0.2      0.0      0.2
          Manufactured Goods.........................        96.194     100.7   100.9      -0.6     0.5     -0.5     -0.1      0.2
          Nonmanufactured Goods......................         3.806     124.0   129.3      71.3     0.4      8.1      0.9      4.3

     5/ Latin America  (9712=100)....................       100.000     107.6   109.3      21.0     2.2      1.1      1.7      1.6
          Manufactured Goods  (9712=100).............        68.547      99.6    99.5       4.6     0.5     -0.1      0.8     -0.1
          Nonmanufactured Goods (9712=100)...........        30.807     132.3   139.3      82.3     6.5      4.2      3.8      5.3

        Japan........................................       100.000      90.1    90.0       1.2     0.3      0.4      0.4     -0.1

     6/ Asian Newly Industrialized Countries.........       100.000      83.2    83.1      -0.8    -0.4      0.0     -0.1     -0.1



        1    Regions are not mutually exclusive.

        2    Data for  November and December 1999 and January 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
             December 1998-December 1999  1995 = 100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                       Index                            Percent Change

                                                                                        Annual          Quarterly
                                                             Trade                       Dec.    Dec.    March     June    Sept.
                            Description                      (Mil.                       1998    1998     1999     1999     1999
                                                               of     Sept.     Dec.      to      to       to       to       to
                                                            Dollars)  1999      1999     Dec.   March     June    Sept.     Dec.
                                                                                         1999    1999     1999     1999     1999


        IMPORT

         Air Freight                                            3188     87.0   88.9        2.5     1.3     -2.7      1.9      2.2
          Atlantic                                              1278     85.0   83.4       -9.1    -2.8     -4.7      0.1     -1.9
          Pacific                                               1674     89.5   94.4       12.6     4.9     -1.7      3.6      5.5

         Air Passenger Fares                                   11127    118.0   106.4       1.2    -1.2     13.0      0.6     -9.8
     1/   Atlantic                                              4922    131.2   103.5       5.5    -1.0     28.4      5.2    -21.1
     1/   Pacific                                               2340     98.5   101.9      -2.7    -7.0      7.8     -6.2      3.5
     1/   Latin American / Caribbean                            3021    110.3   109.4       0.4     3.2     -1.2     -0.8     -0.8

     1/  Crude Oil Tanker Freight                               1346     70.0    n.a.     n.a.    -11.8     -2.8     -0.8    n.a.

         Ocean Liner Freight                                    9868    134.3   129.1      28.3    -0.2     22.6      9.1     -3.9
          U.S. East Coast                                       4271    111.7   112.0      13.1    -0.4      3.4      9.5      0.3
           from Atlantic                                        1952     99.9   102.1       4.8    -0.9     -9.1     13.9      2.2
           from Pacific                                         1774    128.1   125.8      21.8     0.0     17.2      5.8     -1.8
     1/   U.S. West Coast                                       5596    150.7   141.4      39.7    -0.1     37.1      8.7     -6.2

        EXPORT

         Air Freight (9612 = 100)                               2562     89.3   87.8       -9.2    -6.4      0.3     -1.7     -1.7

         Air Passenger Fares                                   17272    105.9   103.8       5.9     2.7      1.3      3.9     -2.0
     1/   Atlantic                                              4120    114.6   100.7      -7.6    -2.3      6.3      1.2    -12.1
     1/   Pacific                                              10700     90.3   91.9       12.1     3.8     -1.4      7.6      1.8
          Latin American / Caribbean                            1392    116.0   116.7       3.2    -1.3      2.2      1.8      0.6
          Canadian                                              1006    183.2   187.1      12.7    13.6      1.9     -4.7      2.1



        1     Detailed data available upon request.                                            n.a.    Not available



        Table  9    U.S. International Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Services
             December 1998-December 1999    1995 = 100
                                                                       Index                            Percent Change

                                                                                        Annual          Quarterly
                                                             Trade                       Dec.    Dec.    March     June    Sept.
                            Description                      (Mil.                       1998    1998     1999     1999     1999
                                                               of     Sept.     Dec.      to      to       to       to       to
                                                            Dollars)  1999      1999     Dec.   March     June    Sept.     Dec.
                                                                                         1999    1999     1999     1999     1999


         Air Freight (Inbound)                                  5495     87.9   90.7        3.8     0.7     -2.0      2.0      3.2
          Atlantic                                              1880     86.5   87.9       -4.0    -2.7     -2.9      0.0      1.6
          Pacific                                               3151     89.3   93.5        9.4     2.9     -1.9      3.5      4.7

         Air Freight (Outbound)                                 5835     92.7   89.5       -6.0    -2.6      0.1     -0.1     -3.5
          Atlantic                                              2080    104.6   95.7       -8.1     0.0      0.4      0.1     -8.5
          Pacific                                               3222     85.0   84.8       -5.5    -4.9     -0.1     -0.2     -0.2

         Air Passenger Fares (U.S. Carrier)                    30673    114.2   106.8       3.6     1.4      7.5      1.7     -6.5
    1/    Atlantic                                              8811    122.9   96.7       -1.3    -1.1     23.3      2.8    -21.3
    1/    Pacific                                              15900     97.9   98.6        5.6     1.3      1.6      1.9      0.7
    1/    Latin American / Caribbean                            4542    120.7   119.3       2.2     1.5      1.1      0.8     -1.2
          Canadian                                              1367    189.1   192.4      11.9    10.8      2.2     -2.9      1.7

         Air Passenger Fares (Foreign Carrier)                 31694    108.6   102.2       1.1    -2.2      7.5      2.2     -5.9
    1/    Atlantic                                             13572    117.3   100.3      -2.5    -4.5     15.9      3.0    -14.5
    1/    Pacific                                              12570     90.7   92.5        5.2    -1.5      2.1      2.6      2.0
    1/    Latin American / Caribbean                            4224    109.3   109.9       1.9     1.8     -1.0      0.6      0.5

    1/   Crude Oil Tanker Freight (Inbound)                     1949     71.4    n.a.     n.a.     -9.8     -4.3      0.0    n.a.

         Ocean Liner Freight (Inbound)                         12253    148.0   139.4      33.8    -1.5     30.3     10.7     -5.8
          U.S. East Coast                                       5410    107.6   108.2      11.9    -0.3      1.5     10.0      0.6
           from Atlantic                                        2647     97.9   100.1       4.9    -0.8     -9.2     14.0      2.2
           from Pacific                                         1874    124.0   121.9      21.1     0.5     16.1      5.5     -1.7
    1/    U.S. West Coast                                       6844    179.2   163.4      49.1    -2.4     50.8     11.0     -8.8



        1     Detailed data available upon request.                                            n.a.    Not available


                                                                     
                           TECHNICAL NOTE
   
Import and Export Merchandise and Services Price Indexes -- All indexes use 
a modified Laspeyres formula and are weighted with 1995 trade weights.  The 
merchandise price indexes are published using three classifications:  the 
Harmonized System (HS), the Bureau of Economic Analysis End Use System,
and the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) system, Rev. 3.  
Price indexes for internationally traded services are presented using two 
definitions: Balance of Payments (which represents transactions between U.S. 
and foreign residents) and International (which represents all transactions
with U.S. importers or exporters, regardless of nationality).  Published
series use a base year of 1995=100 where possible.  Net transaction price
data are collected every month for over 20,000 products from over 6,000
companies and secondary sources.  Indexes are not seasonally adjusted.  More
detailed index series and additional information may be obtained from the
Division of International Prices, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2 Massachusetts
Avenue N.E., PSB 3955, Washington, DC 20212 or (202) 691-7101.

Import Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the 1995 Harmonized 
Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (TSUSA).  Import prices are 
based on U.S. dollar prices paid by the U.S. importer.  The prices are
generally either "free on board" (f.o.b.) foreign port or "cost, insurance,
and freight" (c.i.f.) U.S. port transaction prices, depending on the
practices of the individual industry.  The index for crude petroleum is
calculated from data collected by the U.S. Department of Energy.  

Export Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the 1995 Harmonized 
Schedule B classification system of the U.S. Bureau of the Census.  The
prices used are generally either "free alongside ship" (f.a.s.) factory
or "free on board" (f.o.b.) transaction prices, depending on the practices of
the individual industry.  Prices used in the grain index, excluding rice,
are obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Import Indexes by Locality of Origin -- Prices used in these indexes are a
subset of the data collected for the Import Price Indexes.  Prior to
January 1993, nonmanufactured goods were defined as SITC 0-4 and manufactured
goods were defined as SITC 5-8.  Beginning with January 1993, the indexes are
defined by locality of origin using a nomenclature based upon the Standard
Industrial Classification (SIC-based).  Nonmanufactured goods are defined as
SIC 0-1, and manufactured goods are defined as SIC 2-3.  The indexes use 1995
weights and a base of 1995=100.

Import, Export, and International Services Indexes -- Indexes are calculated
on a quarterly basis.  The figures for services indexes will not sum up to
the aggregate dollar value because not all categories are shown in the tables.
Revenue figures for air passenger indexes exclude frequent flyer tickets and
those sold by consolidators.  Indexes for crude oil tanker freight are
calculated from data collected by the U. S. Department of Energy and the 
publication of these indexes is lagged one quarter.  

Revision policy -- Data are revised for the previous three months to reflect
the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents.

Uses of the Data -- The primary use of the indexes is to deflate trade
statistics.  For merchandise trade, the End Use classification system is the
structure used by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the construction of the
foreign trade sector of the National Income and Product Accounts.  Indexes
published using the Harmonized System and the Standard International Trade
Classification, Rev. 3, both international structures, are useful for general
market analysis.  For trade in international services, Balance of Payments
indexes are used for deflating National Accounts data, while International
indexes are more appropriate for market analysis. Merchandise and services
indexes also can be used to study U.S. competitiveness and price elasticities,
and the merchandise import indexes by country or region of origin are useful
for terms of trade analysis.



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