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                    U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES
                             - SEPTEMBER 2004 -
                                  
     The U.S. Import Price Index was up 0.2 percent in September, the Bureau
of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today.  The
increase was attributable to higher prices for both petroleum and
nonpetroleum imports and followed a 1.4 percent rise in August.  September
export prices increased 0.4 percent, following a 0.5 percent decline the
previous month.
     
             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 
                                                                         
2003                                                                            
September         -0.5       -5.8        0.3        0.4        5.4      -0.1     
October            0.1        1.6       -0.1        0.2        2.4       0.1     
November           0.5        2.1        0.2        0.5        4.0       0.1     
December           0.7        5.1        0.3        0.3        0.4       0.3     
2004                                                                             
January            1.5        7.3        0.8        0.7        0.7       0.7     
February           0.4        0.5        0.4        0.7        1.5       0.6     
March              0.8        5.1        0.2        0.8        3.5       0.5     
April              0.2       -0.2        0.3        0.7        2.5       0.5     
May                1.5        9.4        0.2        0.4        0.5       0.3     
June              -0.2       -1.1 r      0.1       -0.7 r     -4.7      -0.2     
July               0.4 r      2.2 r      0.0        0.5       -1.1 r     0.7 r
August             1.4 r      8.3 r      0.3 r     -0.5       -8.5       0.4     
September          0.2        0.6        0.1        0.4        1.6       0.2     
                                                                                 
September 2002-03  0.7        0.1        0.9        1.0        5.6       0.6     
September 2003-04  7.8       48.7        2.9        4.0        2.2       4.3     
                                                                                
r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents.


Import Goods
     
     Import prices increased for the third consecutive month, up 0.2 percent
in September.  Higher petroleum prices again were the primary factor behind
the increase, rising a more modest 0.6 percent in September compared with
increases of 8.3 percent and 2.2 percent in the previous two months.  Prices
for petroleum were up 48.7 percent over the past year.  Nonpetroleum prices
also contributed to the September increase in overall import prices, rising
0.1 percent.  For the year ended in September, nonpetroleum prices were up
2.9 percent and overall import prices rose 7.8 percent.
     
     Higher prices for automotive vehicles, for foods, feeds, and beverages,
and for nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials all contributed to the
increase in nonpetroleum prices.  The price index for automotive vehicles
increased 0.3 percent in September after two months of no movement, and the
index was up 2.0 percent over the past year.  Foods, feeds, and beverages
prices rose 0.8 percent last month, led by higher vegetable prices.  For the
year ended in September, import food prices were up 6.5 percent.  Prices for
nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials, which have been steadily
increasing for the past year, were up a more modest 0.1 percent in September.
Nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials prices increased 14.3 percent
over the past 12 months.

     The price indexes for capital goods and for consumer goods were both
unchanged for the third consecutive month.  For the year ended in September,
prices for capital goods fell 1.4 percent, while consumer goods prices were
up 0.6 percent.
     
     
Export Goods

     Export prices rose 0.4 percent in September as higher prices for
agricultural exports and for nonagricultural exports contributed to the
overall increase.  The price index for agricultural exports was up 1.6
percent in September, following decreases in each of the previous three
months.  The September increase was led by higher prices for soybeans,
vegetables, and seafood.  Agricultural export prices were up 2.2 percent over
the past year.  Prices for nonagricultural exports were up 0.2 percent,
continuing the recent trend for this index.  Nonagricultural prices have
risen in 11 of the past 12 months and were up 4.3 percent over that period.
Overall export prices increased 4.0 percent for the year ended in September.
     
     The advance in nonagricultural prices was again attributable to rising
prices for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials, up 0.7 percent
in September.  Higher chemicals prices were the main contributor to the
increase.  The price index for nonagricultural industrial supplies and
materials has trended upward over the past year and was up 14.6 percent for
that period.
     
     The export price indexes for capital goods and for consumer goods both
were up 0.1 percent in September.  The increase in capital goods prices was
the first since April, and the index was up a modest 0.4 percent over the
past year.  In contrast, prices of consumer goods have risen in each of the
past three months and were up 1.9 percent for the year ended in September.
     
     Prices for automotive vehicles were unchanged in September and have
risen 0.8 percent over the past 12 months.


Imports by Locality of Origin

     Prices for imports from Japan fell 0.1 percent in September after
increasing in each of the two previous months.  The index was up 1.6 percent
for the year ended in September.
     
     Import prices from the Asian Newly Industrialized Countries rose 0.1
percent for the third consecutive month.  Despite the recent increases, the
index was down 0.9 percent over the past year.
     
     Prices for imports from Latin America and from the European Union were
up in September, rising 1.2 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively.  For the
past 12 months, prices for imports from Latin America were up 13.4 percent,
and prices for imports from the European Union rose 6.5 percent.
     
     The price index for imports from Canada fell 0.2 percent in September,
but was up 10.0 percent for the past 12 months.


Import and Export Services

     The indexes for both import and export air passenger fares declined in
September, attributable primarily to seasonal factors.  September import air
passenger fares fell 4.1 percent, following a 0.3 percent decline the
previous month.  The August drop had been the first since March.  The index
for export air passenger fares fell 6.8 percent in September, the first
decrease since May.  For the year ended in September, import air passenger
fares were down 3.9 percent, whereas export air passenger fares increased
10.3 percent.

     The import price index for air freight increased for the third
quarter in a row, rising 2.1 percent between June and September.  Export air
freight prices rose 1.2 percent for the third quarter of 2004, the fourth
consecutive quarterly increase for the index.  For the year ended in
September, the price indexes for import air freight and for export freight
were up 2.7 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively.

                                      
                             CONTENTS OF RELEASE

This news release includes the following tables:

Table 1    U.S. Import Price Indexes, by End Use
Table 2    U.S. Export Price Indexes, by End Use
Table 3    U.S. Import Price Indexes, by SITC
Table 4    U.S. Export Price Indexes, by SITC
Table 5    U.S. Import Price Indexes, by Harmonized System
Table 6    U.S. Export Price Indexes, by Harmonized System
Table 7    U.S. Import Price Indexes, by Locality of Origin
Table 8    U.S. Import and Export Quarterly Price Indexes for Services
Table 9    U.S. Import and Export Monthly Price Indexes for Services
Table 10   U.S. Inbound and Outbound Quarterly Price Indexes for Services
Table 11   U.S. Inbound and Outbound Monthly Price Indexes for Services
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Import and Export Price Index data for October are scheduled for release on
November 10 at 8:30 A.M. (E.S.T.).


Table  1     U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods
                  September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                                      Index                            Percent Change
                                                                  Relative
                                                                   Import-                          Annual             Monthly
                                                                    ance                             Sept.     May       June      July      Aug.
 END                            Description                                                          2003      2004      2004      2004      2004
 USE                                                               August     August    September     to        to        to        to        to
                                                                    2004       2004       2004       Sept.     June      July      Aug.      Sept.
                                                                     1/                              2004      2004      2004      2004      2004

         ALL COMMODITIES.......................................... 100.000     103.5      103.7       7.8      -0.2       0.4       1.4       0.2
         ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM..........................  85.312     100.0      100.1       2.9       0.1       0.0       0.3       0.1
         ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING FUELS
                (200112=100)......................................  83.626     103.2      103.5       2.9      -0.2       0.1       0.4       0.3

0          FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES..............................   4.523     107.5      108.4       6.5       0.1       0.6       0.0       0.8

00               Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
                        excluding distilled beverages.............   3.315     114.2      115.9       7.0       0.3       0.1      -0.2       1.5

01               Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)   1.208      92.5       91.7       4.7      -0.3       1.9       0.5      -0.9

1          INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS........................  31.067     126.4      126.9      28.3      -0.3       1.1       4.8       0.4
              INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
                    EXCLUDING PETROLEUM...........................  16.379     114.5      114.6      14.3       0.4       0.1       1.7       0.1
              INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
                    EXCLUDING FUELS (200112=100)..................  14.693     122.8      124.4      15.3      -0.6       0.5       2.0       1.3
              INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
                    DURABLE.......................................   9.138     115.9      117.9      21.2      -1.3       0.1       2.7       1.7
              INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
                    NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM................   7.241     112.8      110.7       6.6       2.6       0.2       0.5      -1.9

10               Fuels & lubricants...............................  16.374     142.8      142.3      43.2      -0.1       1.7       7.3      -0.4
100                  Petroleum & petroleum products...............  14.688     143.6      144.5      48.7      -1.1       2.2       8.3       0.6
10000                        Crude................................  10.845     145.2      145.7      47.9      -1.8       3.9       8.7       0.3

11               Paper & paper base stocks........................   1.068     100.4      101.9       8.4       0.8       1.0       0.4       1.5

12               Materials associated with nondurable
                        supplies & materials......................   4.612     108.3      108.6       6.0       0.6       1.0       1.1       0.3

13               Selected building materials......................   2.350     124.2      125.9      14.1      -2.5      -2.3       5.5       1.4

14               Unfinished metals related to durable goods.......   3.635     129.3      132.7      42.1      -1.4       1.4       2.5       2.6

15               Finished metals related to durable goods.........   1.465     111.1      112.2      13.3       0.1       1.0       1.7       1.0

16               Nonmetals related to durable goods...............   1.563      98.7       99.2       1.7      -0.4      -0.2       0.2       0.5

2          CAPITAL GOODS..........................................  22.518      92.2       92.2      -1.4      -0.4       0.0       0.0       0.0

20               Electric generating equipment....................   2.767      97.6       97.6       1.9      -0.1       0.5       0.1       0.0

21               Nonelectrical machinery..........................  17.551      90.0       90.0      -2.3      -0.4       0.0      -0.1       0.0

22               Transportation equipment excluding
                        motor vehicles (200112=100)...............   2.200     103.8      103.8       1.6       0.1      -0.2       0.0       0.0

3          AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES...................  16.876     102.2      102.5       2.0       0.2       0.0       0.0       0.3

4          CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
                  AUTOMOTIVES.....................................  25.016      98.5       98.5       0.6       0.0       0.0       0.0       0.0

40               Nondurables, manufactured........................  12.241     101.0      101.0       1.3      -0.1       0.2      -0.1       0.0

41               Durables, manufactured...........................  11.524      95.9       95.9      -0.3       0.1      -0.2       0.0       0.0

42               Nonmanufactured consumer goods...................   1.251      97.9       97.9       2.3      -0.5       0.6       0.5       0.0


     1   Relative importance figures are based on 2002 trade values.

     NOTES:  Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
             n.a.  Not available


Table  2     U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods
                  September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                                         Index                            Percent Change
                                                                     Relative
                                                                      Import-                          Annual             Monthly
                                                                       ance                             Sept.     May       June      July      Aug.
 END                             Description                                                            2003      2004      2004      2004      2004
 USE                                                                  August     August    September     to        to        to        to        to
                                                                       2004       2004       2004       Sept.     June      July      Aug.      Sept.
                                                                        1/                              2004      2004      2004      2004      2004

         ALL COMMODITIES............................................. 100.000     103.4      103.8       4.0      -0.7       0.5      -0.5       0.4
         AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES....................................   8.754     115.3      117.2       2.2      -4.7      -1.1      -8.5       1.6
         NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.................................  91.246     102.6      102.8       4.3      -0.2       0.7       0.4       0.2

0          FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES.................................   8.007     116.4      118.6       2.9      -4.8      -0.9      -9.0       1.9

00               Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages,
                        excluding distilled beverages................   7.260     116.9      119.1       2.4      -5.0      -1.0      -9.9       1.9

01               Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)...   0.747     111.4      114.0       7.0      -1.8      -0.6       1.3       2.3

1          INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS...........................  27.266     113.2      114.0      13.8      -0.3       2.0       1.0       0.7
              INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
                    DURABLE..........................................  10.383     116.0      115.8      15.3      -0.6       3.3       0.4      -0.2
              INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS,
                    NONDURABLE.......................................  16.884     111.7      113.1      12.6      -0.2       1.3       1.3       1.3

10               Agricultural industrial supplies & materials........   1.494     107.9      108.7       1.3      -2.6      -1.7      -0.8       0.7

           NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
                        & MATERIALS..................................  25.772     113.6      114.4      14.6      -0.2       2.3       1.1       0.7

11               Fuels & lubricants..................................   2.949     120.1      121.3      24.3      -2.2       3.0       1.4       1.0

12               Nonagricultural supplies & materials
                        excluding fuels & building materials.........  21.626     113.7      114.5      13.9       0.1       2.3       1.1       0.7

13               Selected building materials.........................   1.197     103.4      104.0       5.7      -0.5      -0.6       0.6       0.6

2          CAPITAL GOODS.............................................  41.134      97.8       97.9       0.4      -0.3       0.0       0.0       0.1

20               Electrical generating equipment.....................   3.998     102.3      102.3       0.6       0.3       0.2       0.1       0.0

21               Nonelectrical machinery.............................  29.498      94.0       93.9      -0.4      -0.5      -0.1       0.0      -0.1

22               Transportation equipment excluding
                        motor vehicles (200112=100)..................   7.638     107.9      108.1       2.9       0.3       0.4       0.3       0.2

3          AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES......................  11.501     102.6      102.6       0.8       0.0       0.2       0.1       0.0

4          CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING
                  AUTOMOTIVES........................................  12.042     101.2      101.3       1.9      -0.1       0.6       0.2       0.1

40               Nondurables, manufactured...........................   5.913     101.1      101.1       2.6      -0.1       0.9       0.2       0.0

41               Durables, manufactured..............................   5.385     101.1      101.2       1.1       0.1       0.2       0.2       0.1

42               Nonmanufactured consumer goods (200112=100).........   0.744     101.2      101.8       1.1       0.3      -0.1       0.4       0.6



     1   Relative importance figures are based on 2002 trade values.

     NOTES:  Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
             n.a.  Not available


Table  3     U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods
                  September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                                         Index                            Percent Change
                                                                     Relative
                                                                      Import-                          Annual             Monthly
                                                                       ance                             Sept.     May       June      July      Aug.
SITC                             Description                                                            2003      2004      2004      2004      2004
Rev. 3                                                                August     August    September     to        to        to        to        to
                                                                       2004       2004       2004       Sept.     June      July      Aug.      Sept.
                                                                        1/                              2004      2004      2004      2004      2004

         ALL COMMODITIES............................................. 100.000     103.5      103.7       7.8      -0.2       0.4       1.4       0.2

0          FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.....................................   3.586     107.5      108.9       8.9       0.8       0.6       0.0       1.3
01               Meat and meat preparations..........................   0.447     133.9      134.6      19.3       3.6       3.7       0.1       0.5
03               Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
                        and preparations thereof.....................   0.881      87.1       86.2       4.9       0.0       2.5       1.0      -1.0
05               Vegetables, fruit and nuts, fresh or dried..........   0.812     101.3      109.6       4.4      -0.2      -3.6      -0.8       8.2
07               Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof.   0.408     102.8      102.5       4.0       4.5      -4.1       0.2      -0.3
      2/   Other food and live animals...............................   1.038     127.1      125.3      13.7      -0.5       2.9      -0.1      -1.4

1          BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.....................................   0.917     106.1      106.2       2.1      -0.1       0.6       0.2       0.1
11               Beverages...........................................   0.809     106.6      106.6       2.6      -0.1       0.8       0.2       0.0

2          CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS...................   2.277     134.0      135.7      27.9      -1.2      -0.2       6.7       1.3
24               Cork and wood.......................................   0.966     149.0      151.3      33.9      -2.1      -2.9      12.8       1.5
25               Woodpulp and recovered paper........................   0.268     107.7      106.4      17.7       3.0       1.4      -0.3      -1.2
28               Metalliferous ores and metal scrap..................   0.425     160.2      162.7      56.9      -2.2       2.8      10.9       1.6
29               Crude animal and vegetable materials, n.e.s.........   0.215      97.6       99.1       3.6      -4.0       3.3      -3.6       1.5

3          MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
                     MATERIALS.......................................  16.006     143.5      142.9      40.8      -0.1       1.7       7.3      -0.4
33               Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials.  14.205     144.0      144.7      45.6      -1.1       2.2       8.4       0.5
34               Gas, natural and manufactured.......................   1.801     136.6      125.9      10.1       8.1      -3.7       1.3      -7.8

5          CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.....................   7.673     105.6      106.3       7.2       0.3       1.3       0.5       0.7
51               Organic chemicals...................................   2.587     101.8      103.6       6.8       0.6       1.3       0.7       1.8
52               Inorganic chemicals.................................   0.636     127.7      127.7      21.2       2.0       4.9       1.6       0.0
53               Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials..............   0.201     100.1      100.1       2.5      -0.5      -0.4       0.2       0.0
54               Medicinal and pharmaceutical products...............   2.236     107.6      107.4       5.4      -0.2       0.5       0.0      -0.2
55               Essential oils; polishing and cleansing preps.......   0.325      93.7       93.7       2.3       0.1       0.1       0.1       0.0
57               Plastics in primary forms...........................   0.604     108.5      109.4       6.5      -1.1       2.9       0.8       0.8
58               Plastics in nonprimary forms........................   0.369     103.5      104.1       2.7      -0.6       0.8       0.4       0.6
59               Chemical materials and products, n.e.s..............   0.511      93.9       94.0       2.4       0.1      -0.4      -0.9       0.1

6          MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
                     BY MATERIAL.....................................  12.097     107.5      108.9      13.8      -0.7       0.0       1.3       1.3
62               Rubber manufactures, n.e.s..........................   0.649     100.7      100.7       2.2       0.5       0.0       0.2       0.0
63               Cork and wood manufactures other than furniture.....   0.815     114.6      118.1       3.9      -7.1      -5.6       2.3       3.1
64               Paper and paperboard, cut to size...................   1.238      96.8       98.3       4.0       0.0       0.9       0.4       1.5
65               Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up
                        articles, n.e.s., and related prod...........   1.417     104.2      103.9       3.3       0.1       0.2       0.2      -0.3
66               Nonmetallic mineral manufactures, n.e.s.............   2.152     100.4      100.4       2.7       0.0       0.2       0.8       0.0
67               Iron and steel......................................   1.875     150.1      157.2      57.4       2.6       1.0       2.7       4.7
68               Nonferrous metals...................................   1.858     105.2      105.8      31.1      -4.2       0.7       2.8       0.6
69               Manufactures of metals, n.e.s.......................   1.990     103.3      103.7       5.3       0.0       0.3       0.6       0.4

7          MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT.........................  40.398      94.9       95.0      -0.5      -0.1      -0.1      -0.1       0.1
71               Power generating machinery and equipment............   2.849     101.3      101.3       1.6      -0.1      -0.2       0.0       0.0
72               Machinery specialized for particular industries.....   1.610     107.6      107.4       5.1      -0.1       0.6       0.4      -0.2
73               Metalworking machinery..............................   0.441     107.3      107.0       3.3       0.2       0.7       0.4      -0.3
74               General industrial machinery,
                        equipment, & machine parts, n.e.s............   3.081     104.2      104.4       4.2      -0.1       0.6       0.1       0.2
75               Computer equipment and office machines..............   5.414      74.3       74.3      -7.7      -1.2      -0.8      -0.8       0.0
76               Telecommunications & sound recording
                        & reproducing apparatus & equipment..........   4.885      84.0       83.9      -5.3      -0.2      -0.5      -0.4      -0.1
77               Electrical machinery and equipment..................   6.557      94.7       94.6      -1.5      -0.1      -0.1       0.1      -0.1
78               Road vehicles.......................................  14.058     102.5      102.8       2.2       0.1       0.1       0.0       0.3

8          MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.......................  16.611     100.1      100.1       0.5       0.0       0.1       0.1       0.0
81               Prefabricated buildings; plumbing, heat
                        & lighting fixtures, n.e.s...................   0.439      93.5       93.5      -1.7       0.0       0.0       0.0       0.0
82               Furniture and parts thereof.........................   1.836     102.3      102.3       1.9       0.0      -0.1       0.1       0.0
83               Travel goods, handbags and similar containers.......   0.376     103.4      103.5       0.6      -0.1       0.0       0.0       0.1
84               Articles of apparel and clothing accessories........   5.303     100.8      100.8       0.3       0.0       0.1       0.0       0.0
85               Footwear............................................   1.277     100.1      100.5       0.6      -0.2       0.0      -0.3       0.4
87               Professional, scientific and controlling
                        instruments and apparatus, n.e.s.............   1.746      99.9       99.9       0.6       0.0       0.3       0.0       0.0
88               Photographic apparatus, equipment and
                        supplies and optical goods, n.e.s............   0.938      98.1       98.1      -1.1      -0.3      -0.9       0.0       0.0
89               Miscellaneous manufactured articles, n.e.s..........   4.696      98.9       99.0       0.7       0.4       0.2       0.2       0.1


     1   Relative importance figures are based on 2002 trade values.
     2   Product categories included in this group have been modified due to concordance or coverage limitations.

     NOTES:   Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
              n.a.  Not available


Table  4     U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods
                  September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                                         Index                            Percent Change
                                                                     Relative
                                                                      Import-                          Annual             Monthly
                                                                       ance                             Sept.     May       June      July      Aug.
SITC                             Description                                                            2003      2004      2004      2004      2004
Rev. 3                                                                August     August    September     to        to        to        to        to
                                                                       2004       2004       2004       Sept.     June      July      Aug.      Sept.
                                                                        1/                              2004      2004      2004      2004      2004

         ALL COMMODITIES............................................. 100.000     103.4      103.8       4.0      -0.7       0.5      -0.5       0.4

0          FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS.....................................   6.606     116.4      117.7       5.0      -2.2      -3.3      -2.8       1.1
01               Meat and meat preparations..........................   1.307     125.6      123.8       5.6      -0.3      -3.6       2.4      -1.4
03               Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates
                        and preparations thereof.....................   0.510     108.1      110.6       7.1      -1.5      -1.1       0.7       2.3
04               Cereals and cereal preparations.....................   1.787     120.6      122.0      -1.8      -3.3      -9.3      -5.8       1.2
05               Vegetables, fruit and nuts, fresh or dried..........   1.369     114.1      121.3      19.6      -1.9      -0.9       3.6       6.3
08               Feeding stuff for animals (not
                        including unmilled cereals)..................   0.653     112.6      108.5      -3.7      -6.1       5.5     -19.1      -3.6
09               Miscellaneous edible products and preparations......   0.463     101.6      101.6       0.6      -0.1       0.0       0.0       0.0
      2/   Other food and live animals...............................   0.516     109.6      108.9       5.0       0.6      -2.3      -2.0      -0.6

1          BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO.....................................   0.702     101.8      101.7       4.0      -0.2       0.2       0.0      -0.1
12               Tobacco and tobacco manufactures....................   0.452     100.3      100.2       4.2      -0.2       0.3       0.0      -0.1

2          CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS...................   5.122     117.9      119.3      12.3      -5.1       5.1     -10.7       1.2
22               Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits.....................   1.002     117.4      125.1       3.3     -15.3       9.5     -36.4       6.6
24               Cork and wood.......................................   0.552      98.9       99.1       8.2       0.1       0.6       0.0       0.2
25               Woodpulp and recovered paper........................   0.673      99.5       99.3      11.8       0.4      -0.7      -0.6      -0.2
26               Textile fibers and their waste......................   0.534     101.1      102.1      -6.8      -5.4      -5.3      -1.7       1.0
28               Metalliferous ores and metal scrap..................   1.317     183.0      177.2      47.8      -1.8      13.6      -3.8      -3.2
      2/   Other crude materials, inedible, except fuels.............   1.044     114.2      117.8       6.8       1.5       1.2       2.0       3.2

3          MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED
                     MATERIALS.......................................   2.448     139.6      141.2      29.9      -2.4       4.3       1.5       1.1
33               Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials.   1.763     136.2      137.7      32.1      -3.9       3.7       1.3       1.1

5          CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S.....................  13.813     108.7      109.6       9.3       0.2       1.2       1.5       0.8
51               Organic chemicals...................................   3.183     118.6      120.2      19.7       0.8       1.1       2.3       1.3
52               Inorganic chemicals.................................   0.824     100.6      101.4       2.3       0.7       0.2       1.7       0.8
53               Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials..............   0.587      98.8       99.1       0.3       0.3       0.2       0.6       0.3
54               Medicinal and pharmaceutical products...............   2.519     108.3      108.3       2.8       0.1       2.1       0.3       0.0
55               Essential oils; polishing and cleansing preps.......   0.955     104.6      104.7       6.6      -0.1      -0.2       0.5       0.1
56               Fertilizers.........................................   0.458     139.1      145.2      18.2      -1.9       1.2       0.0       4.4
57               Plastics in primary forms...........................   2.412     108.9      111.0      16.4       0.3       2.9       2.5       1.9
58               Plastics in nonprimary forms........................   0.881      97.7       97.8      -0.4      -0.2       0.7       0.5       0.1
59               Chemical materials and products, n.e.s..............   1.994     106.6      106.4       4.4       0.1      -0.2       1.8      -0.2

6          MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY
                     BY MATERIAL.....................................  10.550     109.8      110.5      10.3       0.4       1.3       1.3       0.6
62               Rubber manufactures, n.e.s..........................   0.778     112.0      111.6       2.2       0.4       0.6       0.1      -0.4
64               Uncoated Paper/paperboard, and linerboard...........   1.537     101.8      103.0       4.8       0.2       2.1       0.5       1.2
65               Textile yarn, fabrics, and made-up articles, n.e.s..   1.640     105.7      106.3       4.1       1.3       0.3       0.0       0.6
66               Nonmetallic mineral manufactures, n.e.s.............   1.478     100.2      100.6       1.1       0.4       0.1       0.2       0.4
67               Iron and steel......................................   1.352     165.1      165.3      55.8       2.0       6.2       6.9       0.1
68               Nonferrous metals...................................   1.115      96.9       98.1      20.2      -2.3       0.0       1.6       1.2
69               Manufactures of metals, n.e.s.......................   2.207     111.1      111.7       7.0       0.6       2.0       0.5       0.5
      2/   Other manufactured goods classified
                  chiefly by material (200112=100)...................   0.442     115.7      117.5       1.4      -3.0      -4.1       2.1       1.6

7          MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT.........................  48.552      98.3       98.3       0.4      -0.2       0.1       0.0       0.0
71               Power generating machinery and equipment............   4.895     108.9      109.0       1.4       0.0       0.2       0.0       0.1
72               Machinery specialized for particular industries.....   3.726     105.9      106.1       2.9       0.0       0.3       0.2       0.2
73               Metalworking machinery..............................   0.626      99.6       99.5      -1.3      -0.7      -0.7       0.3      -0.1
74               General industrial machinery,
                        equipment, & parts, n.e.s....................   4.748     105.3      105.3       2.6       0.1       0.3       0.1       0.0
75               Computer equipment and office machines..............   5.473      86.5       86.4      -1.6      -1.6      -0.7      -0.1      -0.1
76               Telecommunications & sound recording
                        & reproducing apparatus & equipment..........   3.367      90.7       90.7      -2.8      -0.2      -0.3      -0.9       0.0
77               Electrical machinery and equipment..................  11.237      88.2       88.1      -1.5      -0.5       0.1      -0.1      -0.1
78               Road vehicles.......................................   8.832     102.7      102.7       1.3       0.1       0.1       0.2       0.0

8          MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.......................  11.213     101.2      101.2       0.5      -0.1       0.1       0.2       0.0
82               Furniture and parts thereof.........................   0.639     102.9      102.9       0.3      -0.2       0.3       0.3       0.0
84               Articles of apparel and clothing accessories........   0.865      97.0       96.9       0.1       0.0       0.0       0.1      -0.1
87               Professional, scientific and controlling
                        instruments and apparatus, n.e.s.............   4.236     101.9      101.8      -0.4      -0.1      -0.3       0.2      -0.1
88               Photographic apparatus, equipment and
                        supplies and optical goods, n.e.s............   0.964      96.0       96.1       1.8      -0.2       0.8       0.7       0.1
89               Miscellaneous manufactured articles, n.e.s..........   4.120     102.2      102.3       1.1      -0.2       0.4       0.2       0.1
      2/   Other miscellaneous manufactured articles.................   0.390     108.0      108.0       2.9       1.2       0.1       0.3       0.0


     1   Relative importance figures are based on 2002 trade values.
     2   Product categories included in this group have been modified due to concordance or coverage limitations.

     NOTES:   Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
              n.a.  Not available


Table  5     U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods
                  September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                                         Index                            Percent Change
                                                                      Relative
                                                                       Import-                         Annual             Monthly
Harmo-                                                                  ance                            Sept.     May       June      July      Aug.
nized                            Description                                                            2003      2004      2004      2004      2004
System                                                                 August    August    September     to        to        to        to        to
                                                                        2004      2004       2004       Sept.     June      July      Aug.      Sept.
                                                                         1/                             2004      2004      2004      2004      2004

I          LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS.............................   1.605     112.9      110.3      15.0       1.0       4.3       0.4      -2.3
02               Meat and edible meat offal..........................   0.407     137.6      137.8      20.9       4.2       4.9       0.3       0.1
03               Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
                        other aquatic invertebrates..................   0.697      86.6       85.0       3.3       0.0       2.6       1.2      -1.8
      2/         Other live animals; animal products.................   0.502     159.9      152.2      29.6       0.1       6.1      -0.4      -4.8

II         VEGETABLE PRODUCTS........................................   1.070      97.3      104.1       3.7       0.1      -3.9      -1.7       7.0
07               Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers................   0.216      95.2      126.5      15.1       2.1     -12.1      -4.8      32.9
08               Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
                        fruit or melons..............................   0.350      98.7       97.2      -0.8      -1.5       0.1       2.4      -1.5
09               Coffee, tea, mate and spices........................   0.211      86.9       87.8       0.9       7.9      -8.4      -0.8       1.0
      2/         Other vegetable products............................   0.293     104.3      106.4       1.9      -5.0       2.3      -4.5       2.0

IV         PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
                     TOBACCO.........................................   2.138     110.4      110.7       4.4       0.0       0.9       0.5       0.3
20               Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
                        nuts, or other parts of plants...............   0.237     101.2      103.3       2.5      -0.5       0.1       0.2       2.1
22               Beverages, spirits, and vinegar.....................   0.819     104.6      104.7       2.3      -0.1       0.8       0.2       0.1
      2/         Other prepared foodstuffs...........................   1.082     117.8      117.9       6.7       0.2       1.3       0.6       0.1

V          MINERAL PRODUCTS..........................................  16.371     142.5      142.0      41.6       0.1       1.8       6.9      -0.4
27               Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
                        bituminous substances and mineral wax........  16.056     141.8      141.3      42.4       0.0       1.9       7.0      -0.4
      2/         Other mineral products (200112=100).................   0.315     110.3      110.3       8.9       0.4       0.5       0.1       0.0

VI         PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
                     INDUSTRIES......................................   7.024     105.8      106.5       7.9       0.5       1.4       0.8       0.7
28               Inorganic chemicals.................................   0.715     126.9      127.0      22.6       2.1       5.4       2.5       0.1
29               Organic chemicals...................................   2.866     102.1      103.8       7.3       0.7       1.3       0.7       1.7
30               Pharmaceutical products.............................   1.925     107.5      107.2       5.7      -0.3       0.5       0.1      -0.3
32               Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye &
                        pigments; varnish & paints; putty............   0.199      97.9       97.9       1.0      -0.3      -0.3       0.3       0.0
33               Essential oils and resinoids (200112=100)...........   0.282     105.2      105.3       2.3       0.0       0.1       0.0       0.1
37               Photographic or cinematographic goods...............   0.171      96.8       96.8      -0.4       0.0      -0.5       0.0       0.0
38               Miscellaneous chemical products.....................   0.389      92.9       92.9      -0.4       0.0       0.3       0.4       0.0
      2/         Other products of the chemical or allied industries.   0.478     120.0      120.2      16.5       1.5       2.4       2.4       0.2

VII        PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
                     AND ARTICLES THEREOF............................   2.714     106.9      107.5       3.5      -0.3       0.8       0.1       0.6
39               Plastics and articles thereof.......................   1.804     106.3      106.8       3.5      -0.6       1.1       0.3       0.5
40               Rubber and articles thereof.........................   0.910     108.3      108.9       3.4       0.4       0.2       0.0       0.6

VIII       RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
                     TRAVEL GOODS, ETC...............................   0.709     101.4      101.6       1.2       0.0      -0.1       0.0       0.2
42               Articles of leather; travel goods, bags,
                        etc. of various materials....................   0.600     101.8      102.0       0.5      -0.1       0.0       0.0       0.2

IX         WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW,
                     BASKETWARE AND WICKERWORK.......................   1.818     133.2      135.9      16.3      -3.7      -3.9       7.0       2.0

X          WOODPULP, RECOVERED PAPER, AND
                 PAPER PRODUCTS......................................   1.829      99.2      100.1       4.9       0.5       0.8       0.2       0.9
47               Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic
                        material; waste paper/paperboard.............   0.266     107.2      105.9      16.8       3.0       1.5      -0.4      -1.2
48               Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
                        pulp, paper or paperboard....................   1.251      95.8       97.3       3.8       0.0       0.8       0.3       1.6
49               Printed matter......................................   0.312     112.8      112.7       0.3       0.0       0.3       0.3      -0.1

XI         TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES..............................   6.275     100.6      100.5       0.8       0.0       0.1       0.2      -0.1
61               Articles of apparel and clothing
                        accessories, knitted or crocheted............   2.325     100.1      100.1      -0.1       0.1       0.3       0.0       0.0
62               Articles of apparel and clothing
                        accessories, not knitted or crocheted........   2.532     100.0       99.9       0.3      -0.1       0.0       0.0      -0.1
63               Made-up or worn textile articles....................   0.452      94.0       94.0       0.0       0.1       0.0      -0.3       0.0
      2/         Other textile & textile articles....................   0.967     106.7      106.6       5.3       0.3       0.2       1.0      -0.1

XII        HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS,
                 ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC.............................   1.495      99.5       99.9       0.5      -0.1       0.0      -0.3       0.4
64               Footwear and  parts of such articles................   1.270      99.9      100.3       0.5      -0.2       0.0      -0.3       0.4
      2/         Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas,
                       whips, art. flowers, etc......................   0.225      97.4       97.5       0.6      -0.1       0.1       0.1       0.1

XIII       STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,
                 CERAMICS, GLASS ETC.................................   1.008     104.0      103.9       1.8      -0.1       0.1       0.1      -0.1
68               Articles of stone, plaster, cement,
                        asbestos, or mica (200112=100)...............   0.307      99.3       99.4      -0.3      -0.1       0.2       0.1       0.1
69               Ceramic products....................................   0.347     107.9      107.9       4.4       0.3      -0.3       0.1       0.0
70               Glass and glassware.................................   0.354     103.8      103.6       1.2      -0.2       0.3       0.0      -0.2

XIV        PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
                 IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS........................   2.393      95.3       96.2       8.8      -1.1       0.4       1.5       0.9

XV         BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL....................   5.643     122.7      124.8      28.0      -0.8       0.8       2.3       1.7
72               Iron and steel......................................   1.632     162.1      170.8      65.0      -0.7       0.8       3.6       5.4
73               Articles of iron or steel...........................   1.384     112.8      114.1      16.9       0.7       1.6       1.9       1.2
74               Copper and articles thereof.........................   0.467     124.6      124.1      26.5      -3.6       2.7       2.0      -0.4
76               Aluminum and articles thereof.......................   0.840     109.5      110.4      13.0      -1.5      -2.5       1.7       0.8
82               Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and
                        forks, of base metal; parts thereof..........   0.403     104.0      104.3       5.9       0.2       0.2       0.2       0.3
83               Miscellaneous articles of base metal................   0.450     107.4      107.2       4.8       0.1       0.0       0.4      -0.2
      2/         Miscellaneous nonferrous metals and
                       articles, including scrap.....................   0.467     112.8      109.8      43.5      -3.6       4.9       4.3      -2.7

XVI        MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
                 IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC.................  24.559      90.4       90.3      -2.3      -0.4      -0.2      -0.1      -0.1
84               Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof..  12.703      90.5       90.5      -1.7      -0.7      -0.1      -0.3       0.0
85               Electrical machinery and equip, sound
                        and TV recorders & reproducers, parts........  11.856      90.2       90.1      -2.9      -0.2      -0.2      -0.1      -0.1

XVII       VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
                 ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT......................  15.686     102.9      103.2       2.3       0.2       0.1       0.0       0.3
87               Motor vehicles and their parts......................  14.262     102.5      102.8       2.3       0.1       0.1       0.1       0.3
88               Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts
                        thereof (200212=100).........................   1.297     102.6      102.6       1.4       0.1       0.1       0.0       0.0

XVIII      OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
                 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES...................   3.253      99.0       99.1       0.0      -0.1      -0.1       0.0       0.1
90               Optical, photographic, measuring and
                        medical instruments..........................   2.867      98.1       98.1      -0.4      -0.1      -0.2       0.0       0.0
91               Clocks and watches and parts thereof................   0.276     107.9      107.6       2.0       0.5       0.7       0.2      -0.3

XX         MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.......................   4.198      97.7       97.7       0.1       0.0       0.1       0.2       0.0
94               Furniture & stuffed furnishings; lamps &
                        lighting fittings, nesoi; prefab bldg........   2.240      99.8       99.8       1.4       0.0       0.0       0.1       0.0
95               Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
                        and accessories thereof......................   1.723      95.1       95.3      -1.5       0.1       0.2       0.3       0.2
96               Miscellaneous manufactured articles.................   0.235      98.4       98.4       2.4       0.0       0.1       0.0       0.0


     1   Relative importance figures are based on 2002 trade values.
     2   Product categories included in this group have been modified due to concordance or coverage limitations.

     NOTES:   Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
              n.a.  Not available


Table  6     U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods
                  September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                                         Index                            Percent Change
                                                                      Relative
                                                                       Import-                         Annual             Monthly
Harmo-                                                                  ance                            Sept.     May       June      July      Aug.
nized                            Description                                                            2003      2004      2004      2004      2004
System                                                                 August    August    September     to        to        to        to        to
                                                                        2004      2004       2004       Sept.     June      July      Aug.      Sept.
                                                                         1/                             2004      2004      2004      2004      2004

I          LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS.............................   1.940     118.9      119.2       3.9      -0.9      -3.3       1.2       0.3
03               Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and
                        other aquatic invertebrates..................   0.445     106.8      110.1       7.4      -2.5      -0.2       1.7       3.1
      2/         Other live animals and animal products..............   0.310     111.1      113.8      -1.2      -1.9      -6.1      -2.6       2.4

II         VEGETABLE PRODUCTS........................................   3.966     119.2      125.2       6.1      -7.9      -1.5     -13.7       5.0
08               Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
                        fruit or melons..............................   0.686     108.4      112.9      19.1       4.0      -1.8       1.1       4.2
10               Cereals.............................................   1.520     120.3      122.0      -2.9      -3.6     -10.3      -6.5       1.4
12               Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds,
                        fruits, plants, straw and fodder.............   1.173     117.5      124.7       4.3     -13.9       8.5     -32.7       6.1

III        ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FATS AND OILS.........................   0.347     158.8      165.3      11.6      -8.3       2.7      -8.3       4.1

IV         PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND
                     TOBACCO.........................................   2.632     106.1      104.9       1.5      -1.9       1.7      -5.8      -1.1
20               Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
                        nuts, or other parts of plants...............   0.335     110.5      110.5       4.4       0.1       0.4       4.0       0.0
21               Miscellaneous edible preparations...................   0.421     102.5      102.4       1.7       0.8      -0.1       0.1      -0.1
23               Residues and waste from the food
                        industries; prepared animal feed.............   0.578     113.9      108.9      -6.2      -7.4       7.0     -23.1      -4.4
      2/         Other prepared foods................................   0.847     107.5      107.0       3.9       0.2      -0.6       0.1      -0.5

V          MINERAL PRODUCTS..........................................   3.039     138.3      139.6      30.0      -1.6       5.1       1.5       0.9
27               Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,
                        bituminous substances and mineral wax........   2.410     135.4      137.0      29.0      -2.2       4.1       1.7       1.2

VI         PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED
                     INDUSTRIES......................................  11.085     110.1      111.0       8.9       0.4       1.0       1.2       0.8
28               Inorganic chemicals.................................   0.916     105.0      106.8       4.1       0.6       0.7       1.6       1.7
29               Organic chemicals...................................   3.614     119.3      121.0      19.0       1.1       1.7       2.4       1.4
30               Pharmaceutical products.............................   2.055     108.1      108.1       3.7       0.1       2.2       0.3       0.0
31               Fertilizers.........................................   0.440     134.8      140.7      19.6      -1.9       1.3       0.0       4.4
32               Tanning or dyeing extracts, dyes,
                        paints, varnish, putty, & inks...............   0.597      99.2       99.6       0.6       0.4       0.2       0.7       0.4
33               Essential oils and resinoids;
                        perfumery, cosmetic or toilet................   0.688     106.1      106.2       6.7      -0.5      -0.1       0.0       0.1
34               Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or
                        scouring products; candles, pastes...........   0.378     104.7      105.0       4.8       1.1      -0.6       1.0       0.3
37               Photographic or cinematographic goods...............   0.429      99.3       99.3       2.3      -0.2       0.3       0.5       0.0
38               Miscellaneous chemical products.....................   1.665     106.0      105.8       4.3       0.0      -0.1       1.5      -0.2

VII        PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER
                     AND ARTICLES THEREOF............................   5.488     109.2      110.3       8.5       0.5       1.9       1.4       1.0
39               Plastics and articles thereof.......................   4.431     107.4      108.6       9.1       0.2       2.1       1.5       1.1
40               Rubber and articles thereof.........................   1.057     115.7      116.2       5.9       1.3       1.2       1.0       0.4

VIII       RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,
                     TRAVEL GOODS, ETC...............................   0.513     111.1      111.0       3.1       0.6       1.6       0.7      -0.1
41               Raw hides and skins (other than
                        furskins) and leather........................   0.462     107.6      107.4      -0.9       0.4       1.7       0.8      -0.2

IX         WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW,
                     BASKETWARE AND WICKERWORK.......................   0.842     103.1      103.8       6.4      -0.5      -1.2       0.5       0.7

X          WOODPULP, RECOVERED PAPER, AND
                 PAPER PRODUCTS......................................   2.903      99.3       99.9       5.3      -0.3       0.9       0.3       0.6
47               Woodpulp and recovered paper........................   0.670      95.3       95.1      11.8       0.3      -0.6      -0.7      -0.2
48               Paper and paperboard; articles of paper
                        pulp, paper or paperboard....................   1.588      98.5       99.7       4.2       0.1       1.9       0.4       1.2
49               Printed material....................................   0.645     108.8      109.0       2.1      -1.6       0.6       0.7       0.2

XI         TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES..............................   2.874      97.6       98.0      -0.2      -0.6      -0.9      -0.3       0.4
52               Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof...   0.730      91.6       92.2      -0.2      -2.4      -4.6      -1.3       0.7
61               Apparel & clothing knitted
                        or crocheted (200112=100)....................   0.496      95.3       95.1      -0.4       0.0       0.1       0.2      -0.2
62               Apparel Articles & Accessories, not knitted.........   0.376      95.7       95.8       0.3       0.0       0.0       0.0       0.1
      2/         Other textile and textile articles (200112=100).....   1.272     106.4      107.1       1.2       0.4       0.5       0.0       0.7

XIII       STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,
                 CERAMICS, GLASS ETC.................................   0.802      99.0       99.8       1.4       0.3       0.0       0.0       0.8
70               Glass and glassware.................................   0.482      95.9       95.7      -0.6       0.6      -0.2       0.1      -0.2

XIV        PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,
                 IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS........................   2.271     102.6      103.3      11.2      -2.2       0.3       0.7       0.7

XV         BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS...................   5.207     127.2      126.4      24.8       0.1       5.3       1.0      -0.6
72               Iron and steel......................................   1.333     177.4      170.1      58.4      -1.7      16.2      -0.2      -4.1
73               Articles of iron or steel...........................   1.399     123.3      124.3      19.1       1.9       4.0       2.8       0.8
74               Copper and articles thereof.........................   0.415     124.5      125.4      28.7       2.4      -0.3       1.8       0.7
76               Aluminum and articles thereof.......................   0.822     108.9      108.9      14.6      -2.9       0.1       1.4       0.0
82               Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and
                        forks, of base metal; parts thereof..........   0.405     102.3      102.3       1.1       0.3       0.1       0.4       0.0
83               Miscellaneous articles of base metal................   0.465     110.8      111.1       2.7       0.2       0.6       0.2       0.3

XVI        MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV
                 IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC...............  33.639      94.8       94.8      -0.3      -0.4       0.0      -0.1       0.0
84               Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof..  18.635     100.0      100.0       0.9      -0.5       0.1       0.0       0.0
85               Electrical machinery and equipment
                        and parts and accessories thereof............  15.004      89.1       89.0      -1.8      -0.3      -0.1      -0.2      -0.1

XVII       VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND
                 ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT......................  14.713     107.1      107.2       1.8       0.2       0.3       0.3       0.1
87               Motor vehicles and their parts......................   9.154     102.7      102.7       1.3       0.1       0.1       0.2       0.0

XVIII      OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &
                 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES...................   6.097     101.3      101.3       0.1      -0.2       0.0       0.1       0.0

XX         MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.......................   1.492     100.0      100.0      -0.8       0.1       0.0       0.8       0.0
94               Furniture; stuffed furnishings;
                        lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;...........   0.851     104.6      104.6       1.6       0.2       0.2       1.4       0.0
95               Toys, games and sports equipment; parts
                        and accessories thereof......................   0.492      94.4       94.5      -3.6      -0.1      -0.3       0.0       0.1


     1   Relative importance figures are based on 2002 trade values.
     2   Product categories included in this group have been modified due to concordance or coverage limitations.

     NOTES:   Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
              n.a.  Not available


Table  7     U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes by Locality of Origin
                  September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                          Index                          Percent Change

                                                                                        Annual            Monthly
                                                       Percentage                        Sept.     May      June     July     Aug.
                        Description                        of                            2003      2004     2004     2004     2004
                                                          U.S.    August   September      to        to       to       to       to
                                                        Imports    2004       2004       Sept.     June     July     Aug.     Sept.
                                                           1/                            2004      2004     2004     2004     2004

 2/ Industrialized Countries............................ 49.276   106.1      106.1        7.6       0.2      0.2      1.1      0.0
         Manufactured Goods............................. 45.418   103.6      104.1        6.0      -0.1      0.2      0.6      0.5
         Nonmanufactured Goods..........................  3.591   140.3      135.5       24.4       2.9      0.3      5.1     -3.4


 3/ Other Countries..................................... 50.724   100.3      100.7        7.9      -0.5      0.5      1.9      0.4
         Manufactured Goods............................. 43.453    96.9       97.2        2.2      -0.1     -0.1      0.8      0.3
         Nonmanufactured Goods..........................  7.173   135.6      136.6       38.3      -2.1      3.0      6.9      0.7


    Canada.............................................. 17.463   114.5      114.3       10.0       0.5     -0.1      2.0     -0.2
         Manufactured Goods............................. 14.664   109.5      110.4        7.0      -0.3     -0.2      1.4      0.8
         Nonmanufactured Goods..........................  2.611   143.8      137.4       23.2       4.1      0.1      4.1     -4.5


 4/ European Union...................................... 19.312   109.4      109.5        6.5       0.3      0.1      0.7      0.1
         Manufactured Goods............................. 18.793   109.1      109.2        5.8       0.3      0.1      0.6      0.1
         Nonmanufactured Goods..........................  0.460   141.5      142.2       27.5       1.4     -0.9      5.7      0.5


 5/ Latin America....................................... 17.761   111.9      113.2       13.4      -1.1      1.2      1.8      1.2
         Manufactured Goods............................. 14.150   110.6      111.6        6.9      -0.4      0.6      0.7      0.9
         Nonmanufactured Goods..........................  3.575   136.5      138.6       37.4      -3.3      2.9      5.3      1.5


    Japan............................................... 10.651    95.4       95.3        1.6      -0.2      0.2      0.1     -0.1


 6/ Asian Newly Industrialized Countries................  8.019    90.8       90.9       -0.9      -0.3      0.1      0.1      0.1



    1   Percentage of trade figures are based on 2002 trade values.
    2   Defined according to the BEA definition for Industrialized Countries which includes Western Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
    3   Defined according to the BEA definition for Other Countries, which includes Eastern Europe, Latin America, OPEC countries, and other countries in Asia, Africa
        and the Western Hemisphere.
    4   Includes European Union countries.
    5   Includes Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
    6   Includes Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

    NOTES:  Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
            Regions are not mutually exclusive.
            n.a.  Not available


Table  8     U.S. Import and Export Quarterly Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Services
                  September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                            Index                             Percent Change

                                                                                           Annual              Quarterly
                                                           Trade                            Sept.     Sept.     Dec.     March      June
                        Description                        (Mil.                            2003      2003      2003      2004      2004
                                                             of      June     September      to        to        to        to        to
                                                          Dollars)   2004       2004        Sept.     Dec.     March      June      Sept.
                                                             1/                             2004      2003      2004      2004      2004


    IMPORT

      Air Freight.......................................    4168     117.5      120.0        2.7      -1.6       1.9       0.3       2.1
             Europe (200312=100)........................    1407     107.9      112.1       n.a.      n.a.       6.0       1.8       3.9
             Asia.......................................    2329     108.6      109.3       -5.1      -4.2      -0.4      -1.3       0.6

    EXPORT

      Air Freight.......................................    2836      99.1      100.3        5.5       0.3       1.8       2.1       1.2


    1   Trade dollar values are based on 2000 trade values.

    NOTES:  Data may be revised one quarter after original publication.
            n.a.  Not available


Table  9     U.S. Import and Export Monthly Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Services
                  September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                           Index                         Percent Change

                                                                                        Annual           Monthly
                                                           Trade                         Sept.    May      June     July     Aug.
                        Description                        (Mil.                         2003     2004     2004     2004     2004
                                                             of     August   September    to       to       to       to       to
                                                          Dollars)   2004      2004      Sept.    June     July     Aug.     Sept.
                                                             1/                          2004     2004     2004     2004     2004


    IMPORT

      Air Passenger Fares...............................   18253    126.2     121.0      -3.9      9.7      2.8     -0.3     -4.1
             Europe.....................................   11250    121.1     118.1      -7.1     11.1      1.3     -0.3     -2.5
             Asia.......................................    2626    125.6     111.1       0.1     17.1      2.1      1.0    -11.5
             Latin America / Caribbean..................    1916    122.3     112.9       5.2      1.8      7.5     -0.6     -7.7

    EXPORT


      Air Passenger Fares...............................   20319    139.6     130.1      10.3      0.2      4.7      7.7     -6.8
             Europe.....................................    5394    158.8     151.3       7.9      4.0      5.8     -0.4     -4.7
             Asia.......................................    8936    136.1     120.4      16.0     -3.3      4.4     21.8    -11.5
             Latin America / Caribbean..................    3413    136.2     130.1       5.1      1.2      4.9     -0.5     -4.5


    1   Trade dollar values are based on 2000 trade values.

    NOTES:  Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
            n.a.  Not available


Table  10     U.S. Inbound and Outbound Quarterly Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Services
                   September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                           Index                         Percent Change

                                                                                        Annual           Quarterly
                                                           Trade                         Sept.    Sept.    Dec.     March    June
                        Description                        (Mil.                         2003     2003     2003     2004     2004
                                                             of      June    September    to       to       to       to       to
                                                          Dollars)   2004      2004      Sept.    Dec.     March    June     Sept.
                                                             1/                          2004     2003     2004     2004     2004

    INBOUND

      Air Freight.......................................    7483    116.6     118.7       5.5      0.4      2.9      0.3      1.8
           Europe (200312=100)..........................    2466    108.0     111.6      n.a.     n.a.      7.0      0.9      3.3
           Asia.........................................    4180    106.8     107.8      -0.4     -1.0      0.2     -0.5      0.9

      Ocean Liner Freight...............................   17817    121.1     120.3       3.5      1.4      1.1      1.7     -0.7
           U.S. East Coast..............................    6938    116.0     113.5       6.1      3.4      3.8      1.0     -2.2
                 From Atlantic..........................    3022    119.2     110.5       4.8      7.3      7.5     -2.0     -7.3
                 From Pacific...........................    2817    113.5     113.4       2.8     -0.6      1.1      2.4     -0.1
           U.S. West Coast..............................   10879    124.9     125.2       2.0      0.2     -0.4      2.0      0.2

    OUTBOUND

      Air Freight.......................................    5193     99.0     100.7       5.4     -0.6      1.3      3.0      1.7
           Europe (200312=100)..........................    1998    106.7     108.7      n.a.     n.a.      1.8      4.8      1.9
           Asia.........................................    2365     97.6      98.5       2.9     -0.3      0.6      1.7      0.9


    1   Trade dollar values are based on 2000 trade values.

    NOTES:  Data may be revised one quarter after original publication.
            n.a.  Not available


Table  11     U.S. Inbound and Outbound Monthly Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Services
                   September 2003-September 2004      2000=100, unless otherwise noted
                                                                           Index                         Percent Change

                                                                                        Annual            Monthly
                                                           Trade                         Sept.    May      June     July     Aug.
                        Description                        (Mil.                         2003     2004     2004     2004     2004
                                                             of     August   September    to       to       to       to       to
                                                          Dollars)   2004      2004      Sept.    June     July     Aug.     Sept.
                                                             1/                          2004     2004     2004     2004     2004

    INBOUND


      Air Passenger Fares (200312=100)..................   38589    117.0     110.1      n.a.      1.3      6.2      3.8     -5.9
           Europe (200312=100)..........................   15654    116.6     110.0      n.a.      4.4      6.6      0.6     -5.7
           Asia (200312=100)............................   12401    126.6     114.9      n.a.     -1.9      6.8     12.0     -9.2
           Latin America / Caribbean (200312=100).......    5604    106.5     103.0      n.a.      1.3      5.6     -1.2     -3.3
           Canada (200312=100)..........................    2905    105.8     107.1      n.a.      0.7      3.0      0.1      1.2

      Crude Oil Tanker Freight..........................    3434     n.a.      n.a.      n.a.     -8.9      6.6     n.a.     n.a.

    OUTBOUND

      Air Passenger Fares (200312=100)..................   43898    117.7     114.2      n.a.      7.0      3.6     -0.5     -3.0
           Europe (200312=100)..........................   21857    126.6     124.0      n.a.      9.8      1.7     -0.4     -2.1
           Asia (200312=100)............................    7190    118.3     106.9      n.a.      8.0      8.6      0.8     -9.6
           Latin America / Caribbean (200312=100).......    9206    104.0     101.1      n.a.      1.9      3.8     -0.9     -2.8
           Canada (200312=100)..........................    2982    109.3     107.5      n.a.     -0.6      0.8      1.0     -1.6


    1   Trade dollar values are based on 2000 trade values.

    NOTES:  Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
            n.a.  Not available
                            
                            TECHNICAL NOTE

Import and Export Merchandise and Services Price Indexes -- All
indexes use a modified Laspeyres formula and are not seasonally
adjusted.  Price indexes for merchandise goods are reweighted
annually, with a two-year lag in the weights.  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 represent transactions
between U.S. and foreign residents) and International (which represent
transactions inbound to and outbound from the U.S.).  Published series
use a base year of 2000=100 where possible.  More detailed index
series and additional information may be obtained at
http://www.bls.gov/mxp, or by calling (202) 691-7101.

Import Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (TSUSA).
Import prices are based on U.S. dollar prices paid by the U.S.
importer.  The prices are generally either "free on board" (f.o.b.)
foreign port or "cost, insurance, and freight" (c.i.f.) U.S. port
transaction prices, depending on the practices of the individual
industry.  The index for crude petroleum is calculated from data
collected by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Export Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the
Harmonized Schedule B classification system of the U.S. Bureau of the
Census.  The prices used are generally either "free alongside ship"
(f.a.s.) factory or "free on board" (f.o.b.) transaction prices,
depending on the practices of the individual industry.  Prices used in
the grain index, excluding rice, are obtained from the U.S. Department
of Agriculture.

Import Indexes by Locality of Origin -- Prices used in these indexes
are a subset of the data collected for the Import Price Indexes.
Beginning with January 2002, the indexes are defined by locality of
origin using a nomenclature based upon the North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS).  Nonmanufactured goods are defined as
NAICS 11 and 21, and manufactured goods are defined as NAICS 31-33.

Services Price Indexes -- The Air Passenger Fares Indexes are
calculated from data collected from a commercial airline reservation
system.  These data exclude frequent flyer tickets and those sold by
consolidators. The Crude Oil Tanker Freight Indexes are calculated
from data collected by the U. S. Department of Energy, and the
publication of these indexes is lagged two months.  The Air Freight and
Ocean Liner Freight Indexes are calculated from data collected
directly from companies.  The trade dollar figures for services indexes
will not sum up to the aggregate dollar value because not all
categories are shown in the tables.  Fact sheets specifying detailed
information for each services industry are available at
http://www.bls.gov/mxp under "Publications and Other Documentation".

Revision Policy -- To reflect the availability of late reports and
corrections by respondents, monthly data may be revised in each of the
three months after original publication and quarterly data may be
revised one quarter after original publication.

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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