Technical Information: USDL-06-2070 (202) 691-7101 Transmission of This Media contact: Material Is Embargoed (202) 691-5902 Until 8:30 A.M. E.S.T. Internet Address: http://www.bls.gov/mxp Thursday, December 14, 2006 U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES - NOVEMBER 2006 - The U.S. Import Price Index rose 0.2 percent in November, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. The increase was led by a 0.7 percent advance in nonpetroleum prices, which more than offset a decline in the price index for petroleum. Export prices increased 0.4 percent in November, following decreases in each of the two previous months. Percent changes in import and export price indexes by End Use category -not seasonally adjusted- IMPORTS EXPORTS Month Non- Agri- Nonagri- All Petroleum petroleum All cultural cultural Imports Imports Imports Exports Exports Exports 2005 November -1.9 -9.4 -0.1 -0.6 -0.2 -0.7 December 0.0 -0.3 0.0 0.1 -0.5 0.2 2006 January 1.2 5.8 0.3 0.7 0.6 0.7 February -0.8 -1.0 -0.7 0.1 -0.7 0.2 March -0.1 0.6 -0.3 0.2 -0.1 0.2 April 2.1 11.3 0.1 0.7 -0.4 0.7 May 1.8 6.4 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.7 June 0.1 -1.1 0.4 0.7 2.6 0.6 July 0.8 3.6 0.0 0.4 1.9 0.2 August 0.5 r 1.0 r 0.5 0.4 0.9 0.5 r September -2.2 r -10.9 r 0.1 r -0.4 -0.4 r -0.4 r October -2.3 r -10.1 r -0.5 r -0.3 r 1.1 -0.5 November 0.2 -1.6 0.7 0.4 4.4 0.1 November 2004-05 6.4 26.4 2.8 2.8 4.2 2.6 November 2005-06 1.2 1.5 1.3 3.9 10.4 3.4 r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents. Import Goods Import prices rose 0.2 percent in November following the petroleum- driven declines of 2.3 percent and 2.2 percent in October and September, respectively. The index for overall imports increased 1.2 percent over the past 12 months. Petroleum prices fell a more modest 1.6 percent in November compared to the double-digit declines recorded in the prior two months. Despite the recent downturn, petroleum prices advanced 1.5 percent for the year ended in November. Nonpetroleum prices resumed an upward trend in November, following a 0.5 percent decline in October, rising 0.7 percent for the month and 1.3 percent over the past year. A 2.9 percent increase in the price index for nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials was the largest contributor to the higher nonpetroleum prices in November. That increase was largely attributable to a sharp upturn in natural gas prices. Excluding all fuels, import prices rose a modest 0.1 percent. The November increase in nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials prices followed a 2.7 percent downturn in October that was caused in part by a large decline in natural gas prices. Foods, feeds, and beverages prices also advanced in November, rising 0.4 percent. Prices for foods, feeds, and beverages increased 5.0 percent for the November 2005-2006 period. In contrast, prices for each of the major finished goods areas were unchanged in November. Capital goods prices have remained unchanged since a 0.1 percent up-tick in July and rose a modest 0.2 percent overall for the year ended in November. The price indexes for consumer goods and automotive vehicles were also up over the past 12 months, rising 1.1 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively. Export Goods Prices for exports increased 0.4 percent in November after falling 0.3 percent in October and 0.4 percent in September. The November increase resumed a year-long upward trend for the index, which advanced 3.9 percent over the past 12 months. A 4.4 percent increase in agricultural prices led the November advance and was the largest one-month gain for that index since prices of agricultural exports rose 5.4 percent in September 2003. The November increase in agricultural prices was led by higher prices for corn, soybeans, and wheat. The agricultural exports price index advanced 10.4 percent for the year ended in November. Nonagricultural prices also increased in November, rising 0.1 percent after decreasing 0.5 percent and 0.4 percent in October and September, respectively. Despite those declines, the index rose 3.4 percent over the past year. The price index for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials rose 0.3 percent in November. Higher prices for metals and fuel were partially offset by falling prices for chemicals. Prices for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials increased 8.4 percent over the past 12 months. A 0.1 percent rise in capital goods prices also contributed to the increase in nonagricultural prices. The November increase followed a 0.2 percent advance in each of the prior two months and the index rose 1.2 percent for the November 2005-2006 period. In contrast, automotive vehicle prices edged down 0.1 percent in November, the first decrease for the index since a 0.1 percent dip in December 2005. Despite the downturn, prices for automotive vehicles increased 1.2 percent for the year ended in November. Consumer goods prices were unchanged in November and up 2.0 percent over the past 12 months. Imports by Locality of Origin Prices for imports from Canada rose 1.7 percent in November, led by higher fuel prices. The increase followed declines of 3.9 percent and 2.3 percent in October and September, respectively. Despite the November increase, import prices from Canada fell 3.1 percent over the past year. In contrast, the price indexes for imports from Mexico and from Japan each decreased for the third consecutive month in November. Prices for imports from Mexico declined a modest 0.2 percent after decreases of 1.7 percent in October and 2.9 percent in September; however, the index rose 6.5 percent for the year ended in November. Import prices from Japan fell 0.1 percent in November and 1.5 percent over the past 12 months. Import prices from the European Union and from China were each unchanged in November. Prices for imports from the European Union increased 5.1 percent over the past year, while the price index for imports from China declined 1.3 percent over the same period. Import and Export Services Import air passenger fares fell for the fourth consecutive month, declining 3.3 percent in November. The decrease was driven by a 4.4 percent seasonal drop in European fares. Notwithstanding the recent decreases, the index rose 7.7 percent for the year ended in November. Export air passenger fares also fell in November, declining 2.6 percent, and like imports were led by lower European fares. The index for export air passenger fares increased 6.4 percent over the past year. Import air freight prices fell 2.3 percent in November following a 0.2 percent drop the previous month. A 4.5 percent decrease in European air freight prices was the largest contributor to the decline. The price index for export air freight also fell for the second consecutive month, decreasing 0.5 percent in November after a 0.4 percent drop in October. 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 NAICS Table 4 U.S. Export Price Indexes, by NAICS 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. International Price Indexes for Selected Transportation Services ------------------------------------------------------------------- Import and Export Price Index data for December are scheduled for release on January 12, 2007 at 8:30 A.M. (E.S.T.). Table 1 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods November 2005-November 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance Nov. July Aug. Sept. Oct. END Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 USE October October November to to to to to 2006 2006 2006 Nov. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 ALL COMMODITIES.......................................... 100.000 113.5 113.7 1.2 0.5 -2.2 -2.3 0.2 ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM.......................... 82.365 104.3 105.0 1.3 0.5 0.1 -0.5 0.7 ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING FUELS (Dec. 2001=100)................................... 80.467 107.7 107.8 2.8 0.3 0.3 -0.1 0.1 0 FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES.............................. 4.474 120.9 121.4 5.0 2.1 0.2 0.0 0.4 00 Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages............. 3.373 130.6 131.8 5.8 2.7 0.3 0.2 0.9 01 Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages) 1.101 99.2 98.1 2.9 0.4 0.0 -0.6 -1.1 1 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS........................ 35.115 160.9 161.9 1.8 1.1 -5.8 -6.6 0.6 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM........................... 17.481 131.3 135.1 1.7 1.3 0.4 -2.7 2.9 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS EXCLUDING FUELS (Dec. 2001=100)............... 15.583 143.4 144.2 11.2 0.6 1.0 -0.8 0.6 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, DURABLE....................................... 10.110 137.9 138.3 14.7 0.9 1.4 -1.3 0.3 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM................ 7.370 122.5 130.5 -10.9 1.7 -0.7 -4.7 6.5 10 Fuels & lubricants............................... 19.532 193.4 194.8 -4.6 1.4 -10.1 -10.7 0.7 100 Petroleum & petroleum products............... 17.634 203.3 200.1 1.5 1.0 -10.9 -10.1 -1.6 10000 Crude................................ 12.960 206.1 202.0 4.6 0.1 -10.8 -9.2 -2.0 11 Paper & paper base stocks........................ 0.965 112.9 113.0 6.8 0.9 0.2 -0.2 0.1 12 Materials associated with nondurable supplies & materials...................... 4.604 122.0 123.2 4.8 -0.2 0.3 0.2 1.0 13 Selected building materials...................... 1.970 112.2 110.4 -4.8 -1.4 0.5 -3.1 -1.6 14 Unfinished metals related to durable goods....... 4.800 192.3 193.4 34.8 2.4 2.9 -0.9 0.6 15 Finished metals related to durable goods......... 1.657 126.2 128.5 8.9 0.3 -0.4 -1.7 1.8 16 Nonmetals related to durable goods............... 1.587 101.5 101.8 0.9 0.3 -0.2 0.2 0.3 2 CAPITAL GOODS.......................................... 21.616 91.3 91.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 20 Electric generating equipment.................... 2.602 102.7 102.9 3.7 -0.1 0.6 0.0 0.2 21 Nonelectrical machinery.......................... 17.305 87.8 87.8 -0.6 0.0 -0.1 0.0 0.0 22 Transportation equipment excluding motor vehicles (Dec. 2001=100)............ 1.709 109.0 109.2 2.8 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.2 3 AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES................... 14.758 104.4 104.4 0.7 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 4 CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING AUTOMOTIVES..................................... 24.036 100.6 100.6 1.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 40 Nondurables, manufactured........................ 11.362 102.9 102.9 0.1 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.0 41 Durables, manufactured........................... 11.465 97.9 98.0 2.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 42 Nonmanufactured consumer goods................... 1.209 102.1 102.0 2.0 0.4 0.4 1.6 -0.1 1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 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 November 2005-November 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance Nov. July Aug. Sept. Oct. END Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 USE October October November to to to to to 2006 2006 2006 Nov. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 ALL COMMODITIES............................................. 100.000 111.4 111.8 3.9 0.4 -0.4 -0.3 0.4 AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.................................... 7.816 128.6 134.2 10.4 0.9 -0.4 1.1 4.4 NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES................................. 92.185 110.1 110.2 3.4 0.5 -0.4 -0.5 0.1 0 FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES................................. 7.091 130.5 136.0 11.0 0.8 -0.5 1.2 4.2 00 Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages................ 6.344 131.1 137.7 12.5 0.7 -0.4 1.4 5.0 01 Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)... 0.747 124.8 121.6 -1.3 1.0 -0.7 -1.0 -2.6 1 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS........................... 30.125 137.2 137.7 8.1 1.4 -1.2 -1.6 0.4 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, DURABLE.......................................... 11.069 145.3 146.4 15.8 1.2 0.1 -1.1 0.8 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, NONDURABLE....................................... 19.057 132.9 133.1 4.0 1.5 -1.9 -2.1 0.2 10 Agricultural industrial supplies & materials........ 1.472 117.8 119.7 1.7 1.9 -0.6 -0.3 1.6 NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.................................. 28.654 138.5 138.9 8.4 1.4 -1.3 -1.7 0.3 11 Fuels & lubricants.................................. 4.466 177.5 181.4 11.2 4.1 -7.8 -7.1 2.2 12 Nonagricultural supplies & materials excluding fuels & building materials......... 23.036 135.3 135.2 8.2 0.8 0.2 -0.7 -0.1 13 Selected building materials......................... 1.152 110.3 110.4 4.1 0.3 -0.1 0.3 0.1 2 CAPITAL GOODS............................................. 39.741 98.7 98.8 1.2 -0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 20 Electrical generating equipment..................... 3.878 105.9 105.9 2.4 0.1 0.2 0.8 0.0 21 Nonelectrical machinery............................. 29.242 92.7 92.7 0.3 -0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 22 Transportation equipment excluding motor vehicles (Dec. 2001=100)............... 6.621 118.1 118.8 4.7 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.6 3 AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES...................... 10.731 105.3 105.2 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.2 -0.1 4 CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING AUTOMOTIVES........................................ 12.312 104.0 104.0 2.0 0.2 0.2 -0.1 0.0 40 Nondurables, manufactured........................... 6.027 103.7 103.6 2.0 0.1 0.2 -0.2 -0.1 41 Durables, manufactured.............................. 5.285 103.2 103.2 1.7 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.0 1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 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 November 2005-November 2006 December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance Nov. July Aug. Sept. Oct. NAICS Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 October October November to to to to to 2006 2006 2006 Nov. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 Nonmanufactured Articles...................................... 16.564 96.2 97.0 n.a. 1.4 -8.8 -9.7 0.8 11 AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS.................... 1.491 105.1 106.0 n.a. 6.4 0.2 -0.8 0.9 111 Agricultural products............................. 1.057 102.4 104.5 n.a. 11.0 1.0 0.2 2.1 21 OIL, GAS, MINERALS AND ORES........................... 15.073 95.4 96.2 n.a. 0.9 -9.5 -10.5 0.8 Manufactured Articles......................................... 82.771 102.5 102.6 n.a. 0.3 -0.5 -0.7 0.1 31 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 1............................ 10.709 101.2 101.3 n.a. 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 311 Food and kindred products......................... 2.566 103.1 103.4 n.a. 0.4 0.0 0.1 0.3 312 Beverages and tobacco products.................... 0.836 101.9 101.9 n.a. 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.0 313 Textiles and fabrics.............................. 0.532 103.6 103.5 n.a. 0.2 -0.3 0.3 -0.1 314 Textile mill products............................. 0.751 100.6 100.6 n.a. 0.1 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 315 Apparel and accessories........................... 4.507 99.9 100.1 n.a. 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.2 316 Leather and allied products....................... 1.517 101.0 100.9 n.a. 0.0 0.1 0.1 -0.1 32 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 2............................ 17.420 100.7 100.8 n.a. 0.7 -3.3 -3.1 0.1 321 Wood products..................................... 1.271 91.5 89.2 n.a. -2.4 0.9 -4.8 -2.5 322 Paper............................................. 1.524 105.5 105.7 n.a. 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.2 324 Petroleum and coal products....................... 3.856 94.3 94.4 n.a. 2.1 -13.4 -11.9 0.1 325 Chemicals......................................... 7.874 103.9 104.4 n.a. 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.5 326 Plastics and rubber products...................... 1.667 103.4 103.6 n.a. 0.8 0.6 0.1 0.2 327 Nonmetallic mineral products...................... 1.120 103.7 103.1 n.a. 0.0 0.1 0.1 -0.6 33 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 3............................ 54.642 103.3 103.5 n.a. 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.2 331 Primary metals.................................... 5.466 132.7 134.6 n.a. 2.3 2.7 -1.6 1.4 332 Fabricated metal products, nesoi.................. 2.545 104.7 105.1 n.a. 0.8 0.4 -0.1 0.4 333 Machinery, except electrical...................... 6.495 102.9 102.8 n.a. -0.1 0.1 0.5 -0.1 334 Computer and electronic products.................. 14.338 97.5 97.5 n.a. -0.1 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 335 Electrical equipment, appliances, and components.. 3.639 103.3 103.4 n.a. -0.1 0.5 0.1 0.1 336 Transportation equipment.......................... 15.648 100.8 100.8 n.a. 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 337 Furniture and fixtures............................ 1.522 100.6 100.7 n.a. 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1 339 Miscellaneous manufactured commodities............ 4.989 104.8 104.9 n.a. 0.3 0.1 0.6 0.1 1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 trade values. 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 November 2005-November 2006 December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance Nov. July Aug. Sept. Oct. NAICS Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 October October November to to to to to 2006 2006 2006 Nov. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 Nonmanufactured Articles...................................... 5.738 100.7 111.7 n.a. 0.4 -3.7 -0.9 10.9 11 AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS.................... 4.207 107.2 115.4 n.a. 0.4 -2.0 1.9 7.6 111 Agricultural products............................. 3.778 107.5 116.7 n.a. 0.4 -1.9 2.2 8.6 21 OIL, GAS, MINERALS AND ORES........................... 1.531 86.3 103.4 n.a. 0.5 -7.7 -7.9 19.8 211 Oil and gas....................................... 0.352 63.3 103.0 n.a. 18.7 -12.9 -24.1 62.7 212 Minerals and ores................................. 1.179 96.8 103.6 n.a. -5.6 -5.7 -1.5 7.0 Manufactured Articles......................................... 91.882 102.8 102.7 n.a. 0.4 -0.2 -0.3 -0.1 31 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 1............................ 6.697 102.3 102.5 n.a. 1.3 0.4 0.2 0.2 311 Food and kindred products......................... 3.866 104.5 104.8 n.a. 2.2 0.8 0.1 0.3 312 Beverages and tobacco products.................... 0.564 99.9 99.8 n.a. -0.2 -0.8 -0.3 -0.1 313 Textiles and fabrics.............................. 1.060 97.7 97.9 n.a. 0.1 0.1 0.9 0.2 315 Apparel and accessories........................... 0.625 100.1 100.1 n.a. 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 32 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 2............................ 23.917 104.9 104.1 n.a. 0.9 -1.1 -1.3 -0.8 321 Wood products..................................... 0.565 104.1 105.2 n.a. 0.7 0.0 0.1 1.1 322 Paper............................................. 2.169 107.7 107.7 n.a. 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.0 324 Petroleum and coal products....................... 2.458 104.6 104.8 n.a. 3.4 -11.5 -8.8 0.2 325 Chemicals......................................... 15.263 105.0 103.6 n.a. 0.7 0.4 -0.6 -1.3 326 Plastics and rubber products...................... 2.464 103.6 103.5 n.a. 0.3 0.0 0.5 -0.1 327 Nonmetallic mineral products...................... 0.897 102.3 102.3 n.a. 0.0 0.3 -0.3 0.0 33 MANUFACTURED GOODS, PART 3............................ 61.268 102.1 102.2 n.a. 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1 331 Primary metals.................................... 3.915 117.4 117.8 n.a. 2.5 0.2 -2.2 0.3 332 Fabricated metal products, nesoi.................. 2.780 107.1 107.3 n.a. 0.2 -0.1 0.4 0.2 333 Machinery, except electrical...................... 12.187 102.6 102.9 n.a. 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 334 Computer and electronic products.................. 17.993 97.8 97.6 n.a. -0.5 0.2 -0.2 -0.2 335 Electrical equipment, appliances, and components.. 3.514 102.3 102.2 n.a. 0.2 -0.1 0.8 -0.1 336 Transportation equipment.......................... 16.290 102.3 102.5 n.a. 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 339 Miscellaneous manufactured commodities............ 4.268 102.8 102.8 n.a. 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.0 1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 trade values. 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 November 2005-November 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly Harmo- ance Nov. July Aug. Sept. Oct. nized Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 System October October November to to to to to 2006 2006 2006 Nov. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 I LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS............................. 1.252 120.8 120.1 4.1 0.4 0.5 -0.3 -0.6 02 Meat and edible meat offal.......................... 0.360 142.4 143.5 2.9 1.4 -0.1 1.4 0.8 03 Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates.................. 0.656 98.0 96.4 4.6 0.7 0.4 -1.0 -1.6 2/ Other live animals; animal products................. 0.236 154.3 155.0 4.3 -1.7 1.6 -1.2 0.5 II VEGETABLE PRODUCTS........................................ 1.197 120.6 123.4 9.6 9.1 0.1 0.9 2.3 07 Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers................ 0.340 164.7 164.3 10.1 18.4 -0.4 1.9 -0.2 08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons.............................. 0.301 86.8 87.7 4.5 10.7 -0.3 -1.0 1.0 09 Coffee, tea, mate and spices........................ 0.261 130.5 135.7 16.0 7.2 1.7 2.4 4.0 2/ Other vegetable products............................ 0.294 117.7 123.3 8.8 0.2 0.0 0.6 4.8 IV PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND TOBACCO......................................... 2.084 118.8 118.9 3.3 -0.5 0.0 -0.2 0.1 2/ Other prepared foodstuffs........................... 0.808 127.3 127.8 3.0 -0.9 0.2 -0.2 0.4 20 Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants............... 0.261 117.4 117.0 9.0 -0.2 0.1 0.0 -0.3 22 Beverages, spirits, and vinegar..................... 0.793 110.0 109.9 2.7 -0.2 0.0 -0.5 -0.1 V MINERAL PRODUCTS.......................................... 19.328 192.5 193.9 -4.3 1.1 -10.0 -10.6 0.7 27 Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous substances and mineral wax........ 18.976 191.6 193.0 -4.6 1.1 -10.2 -10.8 0.7 2/ Other mineral products (Dec. 2001=100).............. 0.352 143.5 144.6 14.9 0.6 0.5 1.1 0.8 VI PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED INDUSTRIES...................................... 7.214 116.5 116.9 3.8 0.3 0.1 0.9 0.3 28 Inorganic chemicals................................. 0.776 166.0 168.8 10.0 0.5 3.0 3.8 1.7 29 Organic chemicals................................... 2.881 119.9 120.0 9.3 -0.8 -0.7 1.6 0.1 30 Pharmaceutical products............................. 1.974 105.3 105.2 -4.8 -0.1 -0.3 -0.5 -0.1 32 Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye & pigments; varnish & paints; putty............ 0.179 101.4 101.2 0.7 -0.1 2.8 0.0 -0.2 33 Essential oils and resinoids (Dec. 2001=100)........ 0.398 111.3 111.2 3.9 1.6 0.0 1.6 -0.1 38 Miscellaneous chemical products..................... 0.409 94.7 94.6 2.2 0.9 0.3 0.5 -0.1 VII PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER AND ARTICLES THEREOF............................ 2.923 121.5 121.3 3.9 0.2 -0.2 -0.5 -0.2 39 Plastics and articles thereof....................... 1.914 119.4 119.1 1.3 0.6 0.3 -0.3 -0.3 40 Rubber and articles thereof......................... 1.009 125.7 125.5 9.1 -0.5 -1.2 -0.9 -0.2 VIII RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS, TRAVEL GOODS, ETC............................... 0.638 105.8 105.8 1.8 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 42 Articles of leather; travel goods, bags, etc. of various materials.................... 0.547 105.8 105.9 1.9 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 IX WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKETWARE AND WICKERWORK....................... 1.358 112.8 110.0 -8.6 -2.1 0.8 -4.7 -2.5 X WOODPULP, RECOVERED PAPER, AND PAPER PRODUCTS...................................... 1.718 109.4 109.5 5.0 0.6 0.3 -0.2 0.1 47 Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; waste paper/paperboard............. 0.236 125.4 126.6 20.5 3.2 1.4 0.2 1.0 48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard.................... 1.205 106.6 106.5 2.9 0.1 0.0 -0.3 -0.1 49 Printed matter...................................... 0.277 115.0 115.0 2.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.0 XI TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES.............................. 5.602 101.1 101.1 0.4 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 61 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted............ 2.032 100.1 100.2 0.7 0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 62 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted........ 2.252 99.4 99.4 -0.8 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 0.0 63 Made-up or worn textile articles.................... 0.502 94.4 94.4 1.3 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.0 2/ Other textile & textile articles.................... 0.816 111.6 111.4 2.5 0.2 0.5 0.7 -0.2 XII HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS, ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC............................. 1.270 100.7 100.7 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 64 Footwear and parts of such articles................ 1.069 101.2 101.3 0.6 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 2/ Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas, whips, art. flowers, etc...................... 0.201 97.7 97.7 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 XIII STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS, CERAMICS, GLASS ETC................................. 0.986 109.2 108.6 3.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 -0.5 68 Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, or mica (Dec. 2001=100)............ 0.328 103.7 103.4 2.5 -0.1 -0.1 0.4 -0.3 69 Ceramic products.................................... 0.313 113.2 113.2 2.7 0.1 0.3 -0.2 0.0 70 Glass and glassware................................. 0.345 109.6 108.3 4.1 0.2 0.1 0.0 -1.2 XIV PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS, IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS........................ 2.811 124.6 124.8 19.9 1.9 0.6 -0.8 0.2 XV BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL.................... 6.735 161.0 162.7 22.6 1.5 1.8 -0.6 1.1 72 Iron and steel...................................... 1.787 187.4 184.8 17.3 0.9 4.5 0.1 -1.4 73 Articles of iron or steel........................... 1.464 125.8 125.6 1.5 0.1 -0.2 0.0 -0.2 74 Copper and articles thereof......................... 0.840 287.6 297.7 73.2 5.2 1.1 -6.2 3.5 76 Aluminum and articles thereof....................... 1.042 140.1 142.2 20.0 -1.0 -1.3 0.4 1.5 82 Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof.......... 0.387 107.3 107.3 2.9 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.0 83 Miscellaneous articles of base metal................ 0.478 122.7 123.2 9.5 1.3 1.1 0.5 0.4 2/ Other base metals and articles of base metals....... 0.737 230.5 246.2 88.5 6.2 5.7 0.9 6.8 XVI MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC................. 23.968 88.1 88.1 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 84 Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof.. 12.461 88.4 88.5 -0.1 0.1 -0.1 0.0 0.1 85 Electrical machinery and equip, sound and TV recorders & reproducers, parts........ 11.507 87.8 87.7 -0.2 -0.2 0.1 -0.1 -0.1 XVII VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...................... 13.624 105.4 105.3 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.4 -0.1 87 Motor vehicles and their parts...................... 12.549 104.7 104.7 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 88 Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof (Dec. 2002=100)...................... 0.935 107.4 107.7 2.4 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.3 XVIII OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL & MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES................... 3.190 99.7 99.5 -0.4 0.0 0.1 0.2 -0.2 90 Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments.......................... 2.834 98.3 98.1 -0.9 0.0 0.1 0.2 -0.2 91 Clocks and watches and parts thereof................ 0.256 113.2 113.2 4.9 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.0 XX MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES....................... 3.882 100.1 100.2 0.8 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 94 Furniture & stuffed furnishings; lamps & lighting fittings, nesoi; prefab bldg........ 2.252 104.0 104.0 0.6 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.0 95 Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof...................... 1.413 95.3 95.3 1.3 0.3 0.1 0.4 0.0 96 Miscellaneous manufactured articles................. 0.217 101.8 101.8 0.1 0.0 -0.1 0.1 0.0 1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 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 November 2005-November 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly Harmo- ance Nov. July Aug. Sept. Oct. nized Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 System October October November to to to to to 2006 2006 2006 Nov. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 I LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS............................. 1.391 135.3 133.1 -0.7 3.4 0.4 -0.2 -1.6 03 Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates.................. 0.444 121.2 118.3 -2.9 1.2 -1.0 -2.3 -2.4 II VEGETABLE PRODUCTS........................................ 3.819 137.5 148.3 19.8 1.0 -0.8 2.7 7.9 08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons.............................. 0.638 110.3 106.8 -12.9 -0.7 -2.9 -7.0 -3.2 10 Cereals............................................. 1.778 150.6 171.0 42.6 -1.1 1.7 6.9 13.5 12 Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds, fruits, plants, straw and fodder............. 0.836 120.6 134.9 10.4 -1.8 -2.9 1.8 11.9 IV PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND TOBACCO......................................... 2.310 114.3 115.0 3.9 0.6 0.2 0.4 0.6 21 Miscellaneous edible preparations................... 0.435 108.8 109.7 0.8 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.8 23 Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feed............. 0.424 130.1 133.7 8.9 0.4 0.6 2.8 2.8 2/ Other prepared foods................................ 0.798 110.2 110.3 2.3 1.3 -0.3 -0.7 0.1 V MINERAL PRODUCTS.......................................... 4.181 207.5 223.6 10.4 3.1 -8.1 -7.2 7.8 27 Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous substances and mineral wax........ 3.407 192.6 205.1 6.6 4.3 -9.0 -8.5 6.5 VI PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED INDUSTRIES...................................... 12.450 125.0 123.9 5.2 0.5 0.5 -0.1 -0.9 28 Inorganic chemicals................................. 1.238 160.2 160.4 25.7 0.3 1.3 0.8 0.1 29 Organic chemicals................................... 4.429 141.5 138.3 5.1 1.1 1.0 -0.8 -2.3 30 Pharmaceutical products............................. 2.443 109.9 109.7 2.6 0.2 0.4 -0.1 -0.2 31 Fertilizers......................................... 0.377 150.2 150.2 -7.1 -0.7 -1.1 1.3 0.0 32 Tanning or dyeing extracts, dyes, paints, varnish, putty, & inks............... 0.637 109.9 109.9 3.4 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.0 33 Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet................ 0.715 115.2 113.9 1.3 -0.3 0.1 0.8 -1.1 34 Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or scouring products; candles, pastes........... 0.408 108.0 108.0 2.7 -0.6 -0.6 -0.3 0.0 37 Photographic or cinematographic goods............... 0.369 104.5 104.2 0.7 -0.1 0.2 -0.2 -0.3 38 Miscellaneous chemical products..................... 1.630 112.7 112.9 3.7 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.2 VII PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER AND ARTICLES THEREOF............................ 5.956 129.1 127.2 -0.8 0.8 0.1 -1.1 -1.5 39 Plastics and articles thereof....................... 4.823 126.0 123.7 -2.6 1.0 0.2 -1.3 -1.8 40 Rubber and articles thereof......................... 1.133 141.9 141.8 7.8 -0.3 -0.4 0.1 -0.1 VIII RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS, TRAVEL GOODS, ETC............................... 0.496 119.6 120.0 6.1 0.4 0.6 1.4 0.3 41 Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather........................ 0.357 114.6 115.0 6.4 0.6 0.8 2.0 0.3 IX WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKETWARE AND WICKERWORK....................... 0.754 108.5 110.2 6.1 0.8 -0.4 0.2 1.6 X WOODPULP, RECOVERED PAPER, AND PAPER PRODUCTS...................................... 2.720 107.3 107.4 6.4 0.3 0.6 0.0 0.1 47 Woodpulp and recovered paper........................ 0.600 101.6 102.7 10.0 1.2 1.7 0.0 1.1 48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard.................... 1.517 107.2 107.0 7.0 0.2 0.2 0.5 -0.2 49 Printed material.................................... 0.603 117.4 116.9 1.7 -0.1 0.2 -0.8 -0.4 XI TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES.............................. 2.701 101.2 101.4 0.4 0.7 -0.6 -0.3 0.2 52 Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof... 0.715 90.8 92.2 0.0 2.9 -2.6 -1.7 1.5 61 Apparel & clothing knitted or crocheted (Dec. 2001=100)................. 0.321 94.6 94.6 -0.3 0.0 0.1 -0.1 0.0 2/ Other textile and textile articles (Dec. 2001=100).. 1.665 115.1 114.9 0.9 -0.1 0.3 0.2 -0.2 XIII STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS, CERAMICS, GLASS ETC................................. 0.823 103.9 103.9 0.8 -0.2 0.3 -0.2 0.0 70 Glass and glassware................................. 0.462 95.2 95.2 -0.2 -0.2 0.5 -0.3 0.0 XIV PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS, IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS........................ 2.852 135.8 136.4 18.8 1.9 0.4 -1.7 0.4 XV BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS................... 5.679 156.5 157.7 18.0 1.4 0.4 -0.8 0.8 72 Iron and steel...................................... 1.207 178.8 177.2 15.5 2.3 1.7 -2.6 -0.9 73 Articles of iron or steel........................... 1.337 137.9 138.2 9.9 0.4 0.0 -0.1 0.2 74 Copper and articles thereof......................... 0.818 247.7 254.8 53.5 4.0 -0.2 -1.0 2.9 76 Aluminum and articles thereof....................... 0.930 140.1 143.1 21.9 1.6 -1.5 0.2 2.1 82 Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof.......... 0.423 112.8 112.8 7.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.0 83 Miscellaneous articles of base metal................ 0.446 124.9 124.9 6.6 -0.2 -0.4 0.1 0.0 XVI MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC............... 32.340 93.9 93.9 0.3 -0.2 0.1 0.2 0.0 84 Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof.. 18.105 102.3 102.3 2.3 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.0 85 Electrical machinery and equipment and parts and accessories thereof............ 14.235 84.7 84.8 -2.0 -0.5 0.0 0.1 0.1 XVII VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT...................... 13.416 112.2 112.2 2.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.0 87 Motor vehicles and their parts...................... 8.843 105.0 104.9 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.2 -0.1 XVIII OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL & MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES................... 6.310 102.6 102.6 1.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.0 XX MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES....................... 1.432 101.7 103.0 2.9 0.2 0.2 -0.1 1.3 94 Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;........... 0.782 107.7 110.2 4.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 2.3 95 Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof...................... 0.509 94.9 94.9 1.1 0.5 0.5 -0.4 0.0 1 Relative importance figures are based on 2004 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 November 2005-November 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Annual Monthly Percentage Nov. July Aug. Sept. Oct. Description of 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 U.S. October November to to to to to Imports 2006 2006 Nov. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2/ Industrialized Countries............................ 46.371 114.6 115.6 0.8 0.5 -0.6 -2.1 0.9 Nonmanufactured Articles....................... 3.994 161.5 171.9 -16.9 4.2 -9.1 -12.1 6.4 Manufactured Articles.......................... 41.944 110.8 111.1 3.2 0.0 0.4 -0.8 0.3 3/ Other Countries..................................... 53.651 111.2 111.0 1.7 -0.2 -2.6 -2.5 -0.2 Nonmanufactured Articles....................... 9.299 188.1 185.3 3.8 0.5 -9.3 -8.2 -1.5 Manufactured Articles.......................... 44.152 100.5 100.7 1.1 -0.4 -0.3 -0.7 0.2 Canada.............................................. 17.089 124.7 126.8 -3.1 1.2 -2.3 -3.9 1.7 Nonmanufactured Articles....................... 3.239 159.0 172.8 -20.7 4.8 -9.7 -13.2 8.7 Manufactured Articles.......................... 13.575 118.5 118.5 3.1 0.2 0.0 -1.2 0.0 4/ European Union...................................... 18.654 120.5 120.5 5.1 -1.3 1.3 0.0 0.0 Nonmanufactured Articles....................... 0.367 193.1 191.3 -2.4 1.4 -6.9 -12.2 -0.9 Manufactured Articles.......................... 18.150 118.7 119.0 5.3 -1.3 1.5 0.3 0.3 France (Dec. 2003=100).............................. 1.971 105.1 105.1 3.5 0.1 0.2 1.0 0.0 Germany (Dec. 2003=100)............................. 5.187 105.1 105.4 1.8 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.3 United Kingdom (Dec. 2003=100)...................... 2.947 117.3 117.0 3.3 -1.7 1.3 -1.4 -0.3 5/ Latin America....................................... 17.406 137.4 136.4 5.2 -0.4 -3.2 -2.1 -0.7 Nonmanufactured Articles....................... 4.158 194.1 191.9 7.4 0.6 -9.9 -5.9 -1.1 Manufactured Articles.......................... 13.173 127.9 127.1 4.0 -0.9 -0.2 -0.4 -0.6 Mexico (Dec. 2003=100).............................. 10.594 118.9 118.7 6.5 2.0 -2.9 -1.7 -0.2 6/ Pacific Rim (Dec. 2003=100)......................... 34.090 98.5 98.4 -0.7 0.1 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1 China (Dec. 2003=100)............................... 13.773 97.3 97.3 -1.3 0.1 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 Japan............................................... 8.920 94.2 94.1 -1.5 0.0 -0.1 -0.2 -0.1 7/ Asian NICs.......................................... 7.216 89.2 89.0 0.1 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1 -0.2 8/ ASEAN (Dec. 2003=100)............................... 6.086 98.3 98.1 0.8 -0.3 -0.6 -0.7 -0.2 9/ Asia Near East (Dec. 2003=100)...................... 3.547 166.5 163.6 3.8 -0.6 -8.1 -5.9 -1.7 1 Percentage of trade figures are based on 2004 trade values. 2 Includes Western Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. 3 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 China, Japan, Asia Newly Industrialized Countries, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Macao, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Philippines. 7 Asia Newly Industrialized Countries. Includes Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. 8 Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 9 Includes Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. 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. International Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Transportation Services November 2005-November 2006 2000=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative import- Annual Monthly ance Nov. July Aug. Sept. Oct. Description 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 October October November to to to to to 2006 2006 2006 Nov. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 1/ 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 AIR FREIGHT Import Air Freight................................ 100.000 132.9 129.8 n.a. -0.7 0.5 -0.2 -2.3 Europe (Dec. 2003=100)....................... 39.225 130.9 125.0 n.a. 0.0 1.4 -0.7 -4.5 Asia......................................... 48.757 115.9 114.5 n.a. -1.5 -0.2 0.3 -1.2 Export Air Freight................................ 100.000 117.4 116.8 n.a. 0.6 1.4 -0.4 -0.5 Inbound Air Freight............................... 100.000 127.9 126.2 n.a. 0.2 0.5 -0.8 -1.3 Europe (Dec. 2003=100)....................... 39.311 125.0 121.8 n.a. 1.0 0.8 -1.5 -2.6 Asia......................................... 48.261 110.8 110.2 n.a. -0.6 0.1 -0.1 -0.5 Outbound Air Freight.............................. 100.000 115.7 114.2 n.a. -0.4 0.7 -1.0 -1.3 Europe (Dec. 2003=100)....................... 41.973 130.7 128.9 n.a. 0.3 0.1 -1.4 -1.4 Asia......................................... 41.972 106.6 105.1 n.a. -1.3 -0.6 -0.7 -1.4 AIR PASSENGER FARES Import Air Passenger Fares........................ 100.000 125.5 121.4 7.7 -0.8 -5.4 -4.1 -3.3 Europe....................................... 60.762 119.2 113.9 8.8 -0.4 -3.8 -6.8 -4.4 Asia......................................... 13.124 110.3 109.6 1.0 -3.4 -15.2 -2.3 -0.6 Latin America/Caribbean...................... 10.486 120.9 120.2 8.4 0.5 -3.6 1.8 -0.6 Export Air Passenger Fares........................ 100.000 139.7 136.1 6.4 5.2 -7.6 -1.9 -2.6 Europe....................................... 32.140 173.2 160.9 11.0 2.5 -7.8 -1.0 -7.1 Asia......................................... 33.605 109.3 108.2 -0.5 16.1 -15.2 -4.5 -1.0 Latin America/Caribbean...................... 18.139 154.5 154.9 10.7 -4.6 1.5 0.8 0.3 Inbound Air Passenger Fares (Dec. 2003=100)....... 100.000 122.2 116.5 7.8 4.1 -7.5 -1.4 -4.7 Europe (Dec. 2003=100)....................... 41.872 126.1 114.9 9.8 2.4 -9.6 -0.4 -8.9 Asia (Dec. 2003=100)......................... 28.340 107.8 104.9 2.1 13.9 -12.3 -4.6 -2.7 Latin America/Caribbean (Dec. 2003=100)...... 14.529 122.2 121.8 11.6 -3.5 1.3 1.1 -0.3 Canada (Dec. 2003=100)....................... 10.000 162.3 161.9 11.4 -2.8 2.9 -0.3 -0.2 Outbound Air Passenger Fares (Dec. 2003=100)...... 100.000 121.1 117.7 8.0 0.2 -3.7 -4.2 -2.8 Europe (Dec. 2003=100)....................... 51.122 124.3 118.7 9.0 -0.2 -3.1 -7.9 -4.5 Asia (Dec. 2003=100)......................... 14.875 109.9 107.2 3.7 1.9 -11.8 -2.0 -2.5 Latin America/Caribbean (Dec. 2003=100)...... 19.569 113.0 113.0 6.8 0.5 -0.8 0.5 0.0 Canada (Dec. 2003=100)....................... 9.205 164.0 164.0 15.1 3.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 CRUDE OIL TANKER FREIGHT 2/ Inbound Crude Oil Tanker Freight.................. 100.000 n.a. n.a. n.a. 2.2 5.3 n.a. n.a. OCEAN LINER FREIGHT Inbound Ocean Liner Freight....................... 100.000 113.9 114.1 -11.8 1.1 0.3 -0.3 0.2 U.S. East Coast.............................. 40.368 118.4 118.7 -7.7 0.6 0.2 -0.6 0.3 From Atlantic.......................... 17.676 119.0 118.0 -10.8 0.1 0.1 -1.2 -0.8 From Pacific........................... 16.777 121.1 122.7 -2.2 0.8 0.3 -0.1 1.3 U.S. West Coast.............................. 59.632 111.6 111.7 -14.3 1.5 0.2 0.0 0.1 1 Relative importance figures are based on 2000 trade values. 2 Publication of the Crude Oil Tanker Freight Indexes is lagged two months, as are the relative importance figures. 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. 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. Merchandise Goods Classification Systems -- The merchandise price indexes are published using three classification systems. Items are classified, respectively, by end use for the Bureau of Economic Analysis System, industry for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), and product category for the Harmonized System (HS). While classification by end use and product category are self-explanatory, a couple of notes are in order for classifying items by industry. In the NAICS tables, for both imports and exports, items are classified by output industry, not input industry. As an example, NAICS import index 326 (plastics and rubber products) would include outputs such as manufactured plastic rather than inputs such as petroleum. The NAICS classification structure also matches the classification system used by the PPI to produce the NAICS primary products indexes. 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 -- 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.). 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. 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. After three months, no further data revisions take place. So, for example, data released in the January release will be subject to revision in the releases for February, March, and April. Uses of the Data -- The primary use of the indexes is to deflate trade statistics, notably the foreign trade sector of the National Income and Product Accounts constructed by the Department of Commerce. Other published indexes are useful for general market analysis. For trade in international services, Balance of Payments indexes are used for deflating National Income and Product Accounts, 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. Mailing List -- If you wish to be added to the mailing list to receive a copy of the U.S. Import and Export Price Index News Release, please either call the IPP information line at (202) 691-7101 or send e-mail to (mxpinfo@bls.gov) to provide your name and mailing address. You may also contact the IPP at the following address: Division of International Prices Bureau of Labor Statistics PSB Building, Rm. 3955 2 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E. Washington, DC 20212-0001 The information you provide will be used to register you for delivery of selected publications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is authorized to request this information under 5 United States Code (USC) Section 301. Furnishing such information is voluntary, however, BLS may not be able to register you for the subscription service if you fail to do so. As part of helping us assess the quality of our customer service, BLS may contact subscribers with a customer service survey. In addition, the IPP news release is now available through an e-mail subscription service at (http://www.bls.gov/mxp) or (http://www.bls.gov/bls/newsrels.htm). Additional Information -- More detailed IPP data are available on the IPP home page at (http://www.bls.gov/mxp). To access data using Anonymous FTP, use the Internet address at (ftp://ftp.bls.gov). For technical assistance in using the BLS Internet site, send e-mail to (labstat.helpdesk@bls.gov). For IPP data requests, send e-mail to (mxpinfo@bls.gov). Information from this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: 202-691-5200; Federal Relay Service: 1-800-877-8339.