Constant dollars, sometimes referred to as real dollars, show the value of a year's output in the prices of a base year so you can accurately compare real changes in output levels over time. In these tables the base year is 1992. ITA uses Producer Price Indexes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the product class level to deflate the current dollar shipments. The tables distinguish between industry and product shipments. Shipments data are collected separately for individual factories, or establishments, and not at the company level.
Most factories make a variety of products.
For statistical purposes, each establishment is classified in the industry identified with its major product. For instance, the total output of a plant may consist of 80 percent tires and 20 percent hose and belting. In this case, the total output of the plant would be credited to the tire industry. Imports are restricted to goods imported for consumption and are on a customs value basis. Current dollars show the value of the goods produced in the particular year referred to.