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Economic News Release
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U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes News Release

Transmission of material in this release is embargoed until                          USDL-15-0016
8:30 a.m. (EST) Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Technical information: (202) 691-7101 * MXPinfo@bls.gov * www.bls.gov/mxp
Media contact:	       (202) 691-5902 * PressOffice@bls.gov


                        U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES - DECEMBER 2014

The price index for U.S. imports fell 2.5 percent in December following a 1.8-percent drop in November 
and a 1.4-percent decline in October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each of the 
monthly decreases was driven by lower fuel prices. U.S. export prices declined 1.2 percent in December, 
after decreasing 0.8 percent the previous month.

Imports

All Imports: U.S. import prices fell 2.5 percent in December, the largest 1-month decline since a 4.6-
percent drop in December 2008. Import prices have not recorded a monthly advance since rising 0.3 percent 
in June and fell 7.3 percent over the second half of 2014. The price index for imports decreased 5.5 percent 
overall in 2014, the largest calendar-year drop since falling 10.1 percent in 2008. 

Fuel Imports: Fuel prices declined 15.1 percent in December following an 8.7-percent decrease in 
November and a 6.7-percent drop in October. The December decrease was led by a 16.6-percent decline in 
petroleum prices which more than offset a 15.3-percent increase in natural gas prices. Overall fuel prices fell 
28.6 percent in 2014, the largest calendar-year decrease since a 47.0-percent drop in 2008. Petroleum prices 
decreased 30.1 percent for the year ended in December while prices for natural gas declined 1.6 percent 
over the same period. 

All Imports Excluding Fuel: The price index for nonfuel imports edged down 0.1 percent in December, 
after falling 0.3 percent the previous month. The December drop was driven by lower prices for consumer 
goods, nonfuel industrial supplies and materials, and capital goods which more than offset rising foods, 
feeds, and beverages prices. Overall nonfuel prices recorded no change in 2014 following a 1.2-percent 
decline the previous year. In 2014, lower prices for capital goods, automotive vehicles, and nonfuel 
industrial supplies and materials offset higher foods, feeds, and beverages prices and prices for consumer 
goods. 

Table A. Percent change in Import and Export Price Indexes, selected categories

Month IMPORTS EXPORTS
All
imports
Fuel
imports
Nonfuel
imports
All
exports
Agri-
cultural
exports
Non-
agricultural
exports

2013

December

0.1 0.7 -0.1 0.4 0.3 0.4

2014

January

0.4 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.4

February

1.1 5.9 0.0 0.8 1.4 0.6

March

0.5 1.0 0.3 0.9 2.8 0.7

April

-0.6 -2.6 0.0 -1.0 1.5 -1.2

May

0.3 1.2 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.0

June

0.3 1.6 -0.1 -0.5 -1.9 -0.3

July

-0.3 -1.5 0.1 0.1 -1.8 0.2

August

-0.8 -3.8 0.0 -0.5 -3.1 -0.2

September

(r)-0.8 (r)-3.6 -0.2 (r)-0.4 -1.6 -0.2

October

(r)-1.4 (r)-6.7 (r)-0.1 -0.9 (r)-2.2 (r)-0.7

November

(r)-1.8 (r)-8.7 (r)-0.3 (r)-0.8 (r)0.4 (r)-1.0

December

-2.5 -15.1 -0.1 -1.2 -0.7 -1.2

Dec. 2012 to 2013

-1.1 -1.2 -1.2 -1.0 -6.4 -0.4

Dec. 2013 to 2014

-5.5 -28.6 0.0 -3.2 -4.9 -2.9

Footnotes
(r) Revised

Exports

All Exports: Prices for overall exports declined 1.2 percent in December following a 0.8-percent decrease 
in November and a 0.9-percent drop in October. In December, both agricultural and nonagricultural export 
prices contributed to the 1.2-percent decrease, which was the largest monthly decline since the index fell 1.7 
percent in June 2012. The price index for U.S. exports decreased 3.2 percent in 2014, the largest calendar-
year drop since the index declined 3.4 percent in 1998. 

Agricultural Exports: The price index for agricultural exports decreased 0.7 percent in December, after 
rising 0.4 percent the previous month. The December drop was led by a 4.6-percent decline in meat prices 
and a 3.4-percent decrease in soybean prices. Agricultural export prices fell 4.9 percent in 2014, driven by 
lower prices for soybeans and corn. 

All Exports Excluding Agriculture: Nonagricultural prices fell 1.2 percent in December following a 1.0-
percent drop in November and a 0.7-percent decline in October. The December drop was led by declining 
prices for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials and consumer goods. The price index for 
nonagricultural exports decreased 2.9 percent in 2014, the largest calendar-year decline since the index was 
first published in March 1985. The 2014 drop was driven by a 24.2-percent decrease in export fuel prices.


                              SELECTED DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Import Prices

Imports by Locality of Origin: Prices for imports from China recorded no change for the fourth 
consecutive month in December and edged down 0.1 percent over the past 12 months. The decline over the 
past year followed a 0.7-percent decrease in 2013 and a 0.6-percent drop in 2012. Import prices from Japan 
fell 0.5 percent in December, the largest 1-month drop since the index fell 0.8 percent in April 2013. The 
price index for imports from Japan declined 1.4 percent in 2014, after decreasing 3.4 percent in 2013. Prices 
for imports from Canada fell 4.7 percent in December, while import prices from Mexico declined 1.5 
percent. Each index was led by falling fuel prices. The price index for imports from the European Union 
also declined in December, dropping 0.4 percent. 

Nonfuel Industrial Supplies and Materials: Nonfuel industrial supplies and materials prices fell 0.2 
percent in December. The decline was led by lower prices for iron and steel mill products, industrial organic 
chemicals, and aluminum which more than offset a 3.7-percent upturn in gold prices. 

Finished Goods: The major finished goods areas mostly declined in December. Prices for consumer goods 
decreased 0.2 percent, capital goods prices edged down 0.1 percent, and prices for automotive vehicles were 
unchanged. Despite recording no change in December, automotive vehicle prices fell 0.8 percent in 2014, 
after declining 1.4 percent the previous year. 

Foods, Feeds, and Beverages: Foods, feeds, and beverages prices increased 0.9 percent in December, 
driven by a 14.9-percent advance in vegetable prices.

Transportation Services: Import air passenger fares increased 7.9 percent in December following a 1.0-
percent advance in November and a 2.4-percent rise in October. The December increase was led by a 16.2-
percent rise in Asian fares. Overall import air passenger fares advanced 2.7 percent over the past 12 months. 
In contrast, import air freight prices fell 1.8 percent in December and declined 5.6 percent in 2014. 


Export Prices

Nonagricultural Industrial Supplies and Materials: Nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials 
prices fell 3.5 percent in December, after declining 2.6 percent in November. The decrease was primarily 
led by a 10.4-percent drop in export fuel prices. 

Finished Goods: Consumer goods prices decreased 0.2 percent in December while the price indexes for 
capital goods and for automotive vehicles each recorded no change. In 2014, the major finished goods 
categories were mostly up. Capital goods prices rose 0.7 percent and prices for automotive vehicles 
advanced 0.5 percent. In contrast, consumer goods prices decreased 0.6 percent. 

Transportation Services: Export air passenger fares rose 7.9 percent in December, after declining 5.0 
percent the previous month. Higher Asian, Latin American/Caribbean, and European fares all contributed to 
the December advance. Despite the December increase, overall export air passenger prices declined 2.3 
percent in 2014. The price index for export air freight decreased 1.7 percent in December and increased 5.7 
percent over the past year. 

Import and Export Price Index data for January 2015 are scheduled for release on Friday, February 
13, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. (EST). 

Table 1. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: December 2013 to December 2014
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Nov.
2014(1)
Index Percent change
Nov.
2014
Dec.
2014
Annual Monthly
Dec.
2013
to
Dec.
2014
Aug.
2014
to
Sept.
2014
Sept.
2014
to
Oct.
2014
Oct.
2014
to
Nov.
2014
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014

All commodities

  100.000 133.6 130.2 -5.5 -0.8 -1.4 -1.8 -2.5

All imports excluding food and fuels (Dec. 2010=100)

  77.835 101.7 101.6 -0.2 -0.1 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1

All imports excluding petroleum

  84.365 115.1 115.2 0.0 -0.1 -0.2 -0.3 0.1

All imports excluding fuels (Dec. 2001=100)

  83.415 119.1 119.0 0.0 -0.2 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

5.580 181.0 182.6 3.8 0.2 1.1 -0.5 0.9

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

4.267 199.1 202.3 5.3 -0.3 1.2 -0.4 1.6

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

1.313 139.9 137.8 -0.8 1.4 0.6 -1.1 -1.5

Industrial supplies & materials

1

29.924 218.9 200.4 -17.3 -2.3 -4.3 -5.3 -8.5

Industrial supplies & materials excluding petroleum

  14.290 158.0 158.9 -0.7 -0.4 -0.6 -0.9 0.6

Industrial supplies & materials excluding fuels (Dec. 2001=100)

  13.340 177.7 177.3 -0.7 -0.3 -0.7 -0.8 -0.2

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  7.974 164.3 164.2 -1.6 -0.4 -1.8 -1.2 -0.1

Industrial supplies & materials nondurable excluding petroleum

  5.366 150.0 151.9 0.1 -0.6 0.9 -0.3 1.3

Fuels & lubricants

10

16.583 272.6 231.5 -28.6 -3.6 -6.7 -8.7 -15.1

Petroleum & petroleum products

100

15.633 299.8 250.0 -30.1 -3.7 -7.1 -9.1 -16.6

Crude

10000

11.850 309.5 251.9 -30.9 -4.2 -6.6 -9.3 -18.6

Fuels, n.e.s.-coals & gas

101

0.773 127.2 142.9 -1.9 -1.7 -1.1 -1.7 12.3

Gas-natural

10110

0.625 114.5 132.0 -1.6 -2.4 -1.1 -2.0 15.3

Paper & paper base stocks

11

0.557 112.7 112.8 -1.0 -0.6 -0.3 -0.2 0.1

Materials associated with nondurable supplies & materials

12

4.880 169.8 169.0 0.6 -0.4 1.1 -0.2 -0.5

Selected building materials

13

1.076 140.6 140.6 -1.3 0.3 -0.7 -0.6 0.0

Unfinished metals related to durable goods

14

3.528 229.0 228.7 -2.9 -0.5 -3.5 -2.1 -0.1

Finished metals related to durable goods

15

1.707 157.1 157.1 0.8 -0.6 -0.1 -0.8 0.0

Nonmetals related to durable goods

16

1.592 111.8 111.6 -0.6 -0.1 -0.3 -0.2 -0.2

Capital goods

2

25.918 92.1 92.0 -0.5 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2 -0.1

Electric generating equipment

20

3.151 120.3 120.1 0.7 -0.1 -0.2 0.1 -0.2

Nonelectrical machinery

21

20.741 84.6 84.5 -0.8 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2 -0.1

Transportation equipment excluding motor vehicles (Dec. 2001=100)

22

2.026 136.6 136.7 0.5 0.0 -0.1 0.0 0.1

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

14.045 112.4 112.4 -0.8 -0.2 -0.1 -0.1 0.0

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

24.532 108.0 107.8 0.6 0.0 -0.2 -0.1 -0.2

Nondurables, manufactured

40

11.933 118.9 118.8 2.1 -0.1 0.0 0.1 -0.1

Durables, manufactured

41

11.355 96.9 96.7 -1.2 0.0 -0.4 -0.1 -0.2

Nonmanufactured consumer goods

42

1.244 120.5 119.0 1.6 0.2 0.0 -0.5 -1.2

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2012 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
Dash = Not available


Table 2. U.S. export price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: December 2013 to December 2014
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Nov.
2014(1)
Index Percent change
Nov.
2014
Dec.
2014
Annual Monthly
Dec.
2013
to
Dec.
2014
Aug.
2014
to
Sept.
2014
Sept.
2014
to
Oct.
2014
Oct.
2014
to
Nov.
2014
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014

All commodities

  100.000 129.6 128.1 -3.2 -0.4 -0.9 -0.8 -1.2

Agricultural commodities

  9.589 203.8 202.4 -4.9 -1.6 -2.2 0.4 -0.7

All exports excluding food and fuels (Dec. 2010=100)

  82.356 101.6 101.3 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.4 -0.3

Nonagricultural commodities

  90.410 124.2 122.7 -2.9 -0.2 -0.7 -1.0 -1.2

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

8.867 206.2 204.3 -4.2 -1.5 -2.1 0.3 -0.9

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

8.231 208.5 206.7 -4.4 -1.6 -2.3 0.4 -0.9

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

0.636 188.2 186.2 -1.8 0.1 -0.4 -1.8 -1.1

Industrial supplies & materials

1

32.226 167.6 162.0 -9.0 -0.7 -1.9 -2.6 -3.3

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  11.041 165.1 164.8 -3.5 -0.9 -1.4 -1.6 -0.2

Industrial supplies & materials, nondurable

  21.185 169.9 161.4 -11.8 -0.6 -2.2 -3.0 -5.0

Agricultural industrial supplies & materials

10

1.358 182.8 183.6 -8.0 -1.6 -1.3 -0.2 0.4

Nonagricultural industrial supplies & materials

  30.868 167.3 161.4 -9.0 -0.6 -1.9 -2.6 -3.5

Fuels & lubricants

11

8.776 224.4 201.1 -24.2 -0.6 -4.6 -6.1 -10.4

Nonagricultural supplies & materials excluding fuels & building materials

12

21.094 163.0 161.7 -1.9 -0.6 -0.8 -1.2 -0.8

Selected building materials

13

0.998 121.7 121.3 -4.1 -0.5 -0.2 0.3 -0.3

Capital goods

2

37.241 107.2 107.2 0.7 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.0

Electrical generating equipment

20

3.766 115.3 114.9 0.3 0.1 -0.6 0.0 -0.3

Nonelectrical machinery

21

26.223 95.2 95.2 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 -0.1 0.0

Transportation equipment excluding motor vehicles (Dec. 2001=100)

22

7.252 158.0 158.3 4.1 0.2 0.9 0.0 0.2

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

9.707 114.2 114.2 0.5 -0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

11.958 114.5 114.3 -0.6 -0.3 -0.3 -0.3 -0.2

Nondurables, manufactured

40

5.497 111.3 111.8 -2.1 -0.3 -0.4 -0.4 0.4

Durables, manufactured

41

5.046 111.1 111.0 -0.7 -0.3 -0.4 -0.1 -0.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2012 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
Dash = Not available


Table 3. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: December 2013 to December 2014
[December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Nov.
2014(1)
Index Percent change
Nov.
2014
Dec.
2014
Annual Monthly
Dec.
2013
to
Dec.
2014
Aug.
2014
to
Sept.
2014
Sept.
2014
to
Oct.
2014
Oct.
2014
to
Nov.
2014
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014

Nonmanufactured articles

  14.874 140.3 120.7 -25.3 -3.5 -5.0 -8.1 -14.0

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

1.927 182.1 187.4 7.4 0.1 4.1 -1.7 2.9

Crop production

111

1.486 191.4 199.2 10.2 0.6 5.5 -2.1 4.1

Forestry and logging (Dec. 2012=100)

113

0.125 67.9 68.1 -24.9 -5.2 -5.0 -1.3 0.3

Mining

21

12.947 135.4 113.1 -29.2 -3.9 -6.1 -9.0 -16.5

Mining (except oil and gas) (Dec. 2006=100)

212

0.248 118.0 117.9 -9.6 -0.5 -3.4 -0.2 -0.1

Manufactured articles

  84.750 114.8 114.1 -1.4 -0.3 -0.6 -0.6 -0.6

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

11.035 126.3 126.1 1.6 0.1 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2

Food manufacturing

311

3.219 160.1 159.6 2.2 -0.1 -0.6 -0.8 -0.3

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.980 117.4 117.2 2.3 0.0 -0.1 0.0 -0.2

Textile mills (Dec. 2011=100)

313

0.376 103.3 103.2 1.6 0.0 0.7 -0.1 -0.1

Textile product mills

314

0.796 114.2 113.7 -0.6 -0.1 -0.2 0.2 -0.4

Apparel manufacturing

315

3.932 112.2 112.2 1.4 0.4 0.0 0.2 0.0

Leather and allied product manufacturing

316

1.733 123.9 124.1 1.9 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

17.515 131.6 128.7 -5.3 -0.7 -1.8 -1.8 -2.2

Wood product manufacturing

321

0.644 119.7 119.7 -2.0 0.5 -1.1 -0.9 0.0

Paper manufacturing

322

1.023 110.9 111.3 0.2 -0.3 -0.2 0.0 0.4

Printing and related support activities (Dec. 2013=100)

323

0.195 99.6 99.1 -0.9 0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.5

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

3.399 129.2 115.5 -27.7 -2.3 -10.0 -8.0 -10.6

Chemical manufacturing

325

9.365 137.9 137.4 2.8 -0.4 0.9 -0.1 -0.4

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

2.013 122.0 122.3 -1.7 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.2

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

0.875 130.7 130.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.1 -0.4

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

56.200 107.3 107.1 -0.6 -0.2 -0.4 -0.2 -0.2

Primary metal manufacturing

331

4.198 152.8 152.5 -1.6 -0.7 -2.6 -1.7 -0.2

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.806 127.6 127.4 0.9 0.2 0.2 -0.2 -0.2

Machinery manufacturing

333

7.118 120.3 120.1 -0.7 -0.2 -0.5 -0.2 -0.2

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

16.500 79.4 79.2 -1.6 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.3

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

4.295 119.4 119.1 0.3 -0.1 -0.2 0.3 -0.3

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

14.962 111.2 111.1 -0.5 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1

Furniture and related product manufacturing

337

1.423 116.6 116.1 1.3 0.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.4

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

4.896 121.4 120.8 -0.1 -0.2 -0.5 -0.1 -0.5

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2012 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
Dash = Not available


Table 4. U.S. export price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: December 2013 to December 2014
[December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Nov.
2014(1)
Index Percent change
Nov.
2014
Dec.
2014
Annual Monthly
Dec.
2013
to
Dec.
2014
Aug.
2014
to
Sept.
2014
Sept.
2014
to
Oct.
2014
Oct.
2014
to
Nov.
2014
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014

Nonmanufactured articles

  6.751 146.4 147.1 -8.3 -1.5 -3.5 2.2 0.5

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

4.501 171.9 172.2 -11.1 -1.9 -4.4 2.1 0.2

Crop production

111

4.289 178.5 178.9 -10.4 -2.0 -4.6 2.4 0.2

Mining

21

2.250 89.0 90.1 -2.2 -0.6 -1.8 2.7 1.2

Mining (except oil and gas)

212

1.323 95.9 95.1 -6.0 -1.0 -1.6 -0.1 -0.8

Manufactured articles

  91.380 118.4 117.0 -2.8 -0.2 -0.7 -0.9 -1.2

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

7.271 154.0 152.4 0.7 -0.9 -0.6 -0.6 -1.0

Food manufacturing

311

5.165 179.1 176.5 1.8 -1.0 -0.5 -1.0 -1.5

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.510 112.2 115.3 -7.2 -1.5 -2.4 4.0 2.8

Leather and allied product manufacturing (Dec. 2013=100)

316

0.293 104.7 102.8 2.8 -1.0 -1.0 -1.0 -1.8

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

25.475 125.4 120.5 -10.1 -0.4 -1.8 -2.5 -3.9

Wood product manufacturing

321

0.478 125.8 125.8 2.1 0.8 -0.3 0.9 0.0

Paper manufacturing

322

1.886 125.8 126.0 2.6 -0.7 0.4 0.0 0.2

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

6.289 138.0 119.5 -31.0 -0.6 -5.7 -8.1 -13.4

Chemical manufacturing

325

13.527 126.5 125.2 -2.6 -0.4 -0.5 -0.8 -1.0

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

2.218 119.0 118.7 -0.9 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 -0.3

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

0.785 112.0 112.2 0.2 -0.1 -0.1 0.1 0.2

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

58.634 112.3 112.3 0.2 -0.1 -0.2 -0.3 0.0

Primary metal manufacturing

331

4.552 141.2 142.2 -3.3 -1.3 -2.6 -2.3 0.7

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.776 127.9 128.3 -2.6 0.0 0.1 -0.2 0.3

Machinery manufacturing

333

12.057 124.3 124.4 1.1 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.1

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

13.957 86.7 86.6 -1.6 -0.2 -0.5 -0.3 -0.1

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

3.569 114.7 114.2 0.5 -0.1 0.3 -0.3 -0.4

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

16.140 120.6 120.6 2.0 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.0

Furniture and related product manufacturing (Dec. 2011=100)

337

0.377 109.3 109.7 2.2 -0.3 0.6 0.0 0.4

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

5.206 125.1 124.1 1.7 0.1 -0.3 0.2 -0.8

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2012 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
Dash = Not available


Table 5. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: December 2013 to December 2014
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Nov.
2014(1)
Index Percent change
Nov.
2014
Dec.
2014
Annual Monthly
Dec.
2013
to
Dec.
2014
Aug.
2014
to
Sept.
2014
Sept.
2014
to
Oct.
2014
Oct.
2014
to
Nov.
2014
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014

Live animals; animal products

I

1.390 201.3 197.9 5.3 0.4 0.0 -1.1 -1.7

Meat and edible meat offal

02

0.326 262.8 253.1 13.6 -0.2 -2.9 -1.5 -3.7

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.719 139.4 137.1 -3.8 1.5 1.1 -1.7 -1.6

Vegetable products

II

1.761 204.5 215.2 6.3 0.5 4.3 -1.7 5.2

Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers

07

0.459 414.7 498.1 26.8 4.5 19.5 -7.1 20.1

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

0.418 99.6 97.8 -12.8 -2.1 -4.2 4.5 -1.8

Coffee, tea, mate and spices

09

0.377 257.3 261.2 15.6 0.3 3.7 -2.4 1.5

Animal or vegetable fats and oils (Dec. 2009=100)

III

0.252 112.2 109.3 -5.1 -5.5 1.4 -0.3 -2.6

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco

IV

2.621 161.8 162.2 2.2 0.0 -0.5 -0.6 0.2

Sugars and sugar confectionary (Dec. 2012=100)

17

0.176 90.2 92.3 5.6 -1.2 -0.6 0.1 2.3

Cocoa and cocoa preparations (Dec. 2009=100)

18

0.253 110.9 109.5 9.0 -0.1 1.5 -6.6 -1.3

Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; bakers' wares (Dec. 2007=100)

19

0.259 133.6 133.6 2.2 0.3 0.5 -0.1 0.0

Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants

20

0.314 166.2 167.3 3.5 0.8 -2.0 0.7 0.7

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar

22

0.993 127.9 127.7 1.8 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 -0.2

Mineral products

V

16.456 274.1 232.6 -28.6 -3.6 -6.9 -8.6 -15.1

Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous substances and mineral waxes

27

16.204 271.2 229.5 -28.8 -3.6 -7.0 -8.8 -15.4

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

8.518 152.6 151.7 2.2 -0.2 0.5 -0.1 -0.6

Inorganic chemicals

28

0.700 340.4 338.6 9.3 1.7 6.1 2.5 -0.5

Organic chemicals

29

2.456 133.1 131.4 -3.8 -0.7 -0.9 -0.7 -1.3

Pharmaceutical products

30

3.504 133.9 133.5 6.1 -0.3 0.0 -0.1 -0.3

Fertilizers (Dec. 2009=100)

31

0.347 115.1 116.8 10.9 2.3 7.6 -1.5 1.5

Tanning extracts; dye, pigments, varnish, paints & putty (Dec. 2011=100)

32

0.189 106.1 105.7 12.3 0.0 0.9 -0.1 -0.4

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

0.484 93.1 93.2 -2.6 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.1

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

3.265 146.6 146.6 -1.3 -0.6 0.3 0.1 0.0

Plastics and articles thereof

39

2.117 150.6 150.3 1.9 -0.5 0.7 0.1 -0.2

Rubber and articles thereof

40

1.148 141.2 141.8 -6.5 -0.8 -0.6 0.2 0.4

Raw hides, skins, leather, furskins, travel goods, etc

VIII

0.642 127.8 128.0 1.3 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.2

Articles of leather; travel goods, bags, etc. of various materials

42

0.598 130.2 130.4 2.2 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.2

Wood, wood charcoal, cork, straw, basketware and wickerwork

IX

0.675 145.1 145.2 -2.0 0.4 -1.0 -0.9 0.1

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

1.081 113.0 113.2 -1.0 -0.4 -0.3 0.0 0.2

Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard

48

0.714 106.8 106.9 -0.8 -0.3 0.0 -0.2 0.1

Printed matter (Dec. 2013=100)

49

0.202 99.6 100.6 0.6 0.0 -0.2 -0.1 1.0

Textile and textile articles

XI

4.970 115.2 115.0 0.9 0.3 0.0 0.2 -0.2

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted

61

1.943 104.1 104.0 1.2 1.0 0.0 0.2 -0.1

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted

62

1.809 120.5 120.5 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0

Made-up or worn textile articles

63

0.572 107.7 107.6 0.0 -0.1 -0.3 0.2 -0.1

Headgear, umbrellas, artifical flowers, etc.

XII

1.395 122.7 122.8 1.5 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1

Footwear and parts of such articles

64

1.203 122.0 122.1 1.6 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1

Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, ceramics, glass etc.

XIII

0.809 133.3 132.8 -0.2 0.0 0.1 0.1 -0.4

Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, or mica (Dec. 2001=100)

68

0.268 126.7 127.2 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.4 0.4

Ceramic products

69

0.249 141.5 139.3 -1.2 -0.1 0.1 -0.1 -1.6

Glass and glassware

70

0.292 129.5 129.5 -0.2 0.0 0.1 -0.1 0.0

Pearls, stones, precious metals, imitation jewelry, and coins

XIV

2.614 172.3 172.9 -3.0 -1.2 -3.2 -2.2 0.3

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.559 182.1 181.0 0.5 0.2 -0.9 -0.5 -0.6

Iron and steel

72

1.309 219.5 216.5 -0.7 0.6 -0.6 -1.5 -1.4

Articles of iron or steel

73

1.772 155.8 155.4 1.2 0.1 0.3 0.1 -0.3

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.439 315.7 312.2 -6.5 -1.7 -2.2 -1.5 -1.1

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.774 144.0 142.0 5.7 0.6 -1.7 1.1 -1.4

Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof

82

0.410 129.0 129.0 -0.7 -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.467 137.9 137.9 1.6 0.1 -0.4 0.0 0.0

Machinery, electrical equipment, TV image and sound recorders, parts, etc.

XVI

28.099 83.9 83.7 -0.9 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2 -0.2

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

14.629 89.1 88.9 -0.6 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2

Electrical machinery and equip, sound and TV recorders & reproducers, parts

85

13.470 79.0 78.8 -1.3 0.0 -0.3 -0.3 -0.3

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

12.525 115.3 115.2 -0.7 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.1

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

11.464 114.0 113.8 -0.8 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.2

Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof (Dec. 2002=100)

88

0.956 120.2 120.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Optical, photo, measuring, medical & musical instruments; & timepieces

XVIII

3.560 103.9 103.9 -0.3 -0.4 -0.5 -0.1 0.0

Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments

90

3.248 100.7 100.7 -0.4 -0.4 -0.4 -0.2 0.0

Clocks and watches and parts thereof

91

0.252 143.4 143.1 1.0 -0.2 -1.5 1.7 -0.2

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

3.724 114.0 114.1 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1

Furniture & stuffed furnishings; lamps & lighting fittings, nesoi; prefab bldgs

94

2.175 118.7 118.8 1.5 -0.1 0.0 0.3 0.1

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

1.307 105.7 105.8 0.4 -0.1 -0.1 0.1 0.1

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

96

0.242 134.9 134.6 -3.0 -0.1 0.7 -0.7 -0.2

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2012 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
Dash = Not available


Table 6. U.S. export price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: December 2013 to December 2014
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Nov.
2014(1)
Index Percent change
Nov.
2014
Dec.
2014
Annual Monthly
Dec.
2013
to
Dec.
2014
Aug.
2014
to
Sept.
2014
Sept.
2014
to
Oct.
2014
Oct.
2014
to
Nov.
2014
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014

Live animals; animal products

I

2.267 244.6 232.2 2.7 -1.2 0.1 -1.5 -5.1

Meat & edible meat offal (Dec. 2006=100)

02

1.388 195.8 185.6 10.3 -2.2 1.2 -1.2 -5.2

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.369 206.6 203.7 -0.2 0.6 -1.5 -1.5 -1.4

Vegetable products

II

4.269 222.8 225.6 -7.8 -1.5 -3.4 2.1 1.3

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

1.191 180.1 188.9 7.5 4.5 10.0 -5.3 4.9

Cereals

10

1.031 220.3 227.7 -6.9 -2.7 -5.6 6.3 3.4

Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds, fruits, plants, straw and fodder

12

1.623 228.3 221.8 -18.1 -5.0 -12.3 6.0 -2.8

Animal or vegetable fats and oils (Dec. 2009=100)

III

0.233 103.9 104.6 -10.2 -4.5 -1.7 -1.5 0.7

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages,and tobacco

IV

2.879 161.4 163.0 -1.7 -0.5 -1.2 0.0 1.0

Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants (Dec. 2009=100)

20

0.356 117.5 117.5 3.2 -0.3 0.0 -0.2 0.0

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar (Dec. 2008=100)

22

0.501 112.1 110.8 -1.6 -0.2 -0.7 2.0 -1.2

Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feed

23

0.649 231.9 245.8 -7.5 -1.5 -4.0 -0.3 6.0

Mineral products

V

8.549 259.0 233.5 -24.7 -0.6 -4.7 -5.6 -9.8

Ores, slag and ash (Dec. 2012=100)

26

0.455 95.4 93.4 2.6 -1.4 -2.4 -0.1 -2.1

Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous substances and mineral waxes

27

7.910 253.7 226.8 -26.5 -0.5 -4.9 -6.0 -10.6

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

10.944 148.0 147.0 -2.6 -0.4 -0.5 -0.7 -0.7

Inorganic chemicals

28

0.892 170.7 174.8 -0.7 -0.1 1.0 -1.1 2.4

Organic chemicals

29

3.195 163.0 157.0 -2.5 -1.2 -1.3 -1.2 -3.7

Pharmaceutical products

30

2.590 113.6 114.5 -5.3 -0.5 -0.9 -0.7 0.8

Fertilizers (Dec. 2012=100)

31

0.306 83.4 83.4 10.3 -0.2 -2.5 -0.8 0.0

Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery cosmetic or toilet preparations

33

0.721 133.0 133.0 -2.1 -0.3 0.0 -0.2 0.0

Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or scouring products; candles, pastes

34

0.461 116.9 116.8 -3.8 0.4 0.3 -1.0 -0.1

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

1.790 152.8 153.7 -1.3 0.9 0.1 -0.2 0.6

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

5.288 149.5 148.2 -0.8 -0.1 0.0 -1.0 -0.9

Plastics and articles thereof

39

4.311 144.8 143.5 -0.1 0.0 0.0 -0.9 -0.9

Rubber and articles thereof

40

0.977 168.8 167.9 -3.5 -0.7 0.0 -1.6 -0.5

Raw hides, skins, leather, furskins, travel goods, etc.

VIII

0.457 158.2 154.0 3.0 -0.3 -0.7 -1.2 -2.7

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

2.348 125.6 125.9 2.9 -1.0 0.4 -0.2 0.2

Woodpulp and recovered paper

47

0.697 129.0 129.6 2.5 -1.6 -0.5 -0.2 0.5

Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard

48

1.206 124.7 124.9 3.5 -1.3 0.9 -0.2 0.2

Textile and textile articles

XI

1.853 126.5 125.0 -5.0 -0.7 -0.7 -1.1 -1.2

Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof

52

0.531 127.2 122.1 -15.0 -2.3 -1.0 -2.3 -4.0

Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, ceramics, glass etc.

XIII

0.762 120.1 120.3 1.4 0.0 -0.1 0.1 0.2

Glass and glassware

70

0.390 98.5 98.9 1.4 0.0 -0.2 0.1 0.4

Pearls, stones, precious metals, imitation jewelry, and coins

XIV

4.288 235.8 236.7 -1.7 -1.3 -2.6 -2.4 0.4

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.324 160.9 159.5 -3.6 -0.3 -0.6 -1.0 -0.9

Iron and steel

72

1.395 182.8 178.0 -5.0 -1.2 2.4 -3.4 -2.6

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.558 206.5 200.4 -14.3 -2.0 -8.4 0.2 -3.0

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.884 124.6 124.7 3.9 -0.1 -1.2 0.1 0.1

Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof

82

0.417 140.6 141.5 3.1 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.319 147.1 147.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Machinery, electrical equipment, TV image and sound recorders, parts, etc.

XVI

28.428 97.2 97.2 0.3 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.0

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

17.303 113.3 113.1 1.3 0.2 0.4 0.0 -0.2

Electrical machinery and equipment and parts and accessories thereof

85

11.125 79.8 79.8 -1.5 -0.2 -0.6 -0.1 0.0

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

13.797 130.1 130.2 1.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

8.980 115.3 115.2 0.9 0.0 0.2 0.0 -0.1

Optical, photo, measuring, medical & musical instruments; & timepieces

XVIII

6.154 107.6 107.6 0.3 0.0 -0.2 -0.2 0.0

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

1.452 110.8 110.8 0.9 -0.4 0.5 -0.4 0.0

Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;

94

0.807 122.5 122.5 1.0 -0.7 1.1 -0.7 0.0

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

0.488 89.6 89.5 1.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 -0.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2012 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
Dash = Not available


Table 7. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes by locality of origin: December 2013 to December 2014
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Relative
import-
ance
Nov.
2014(1)
Index Percent change
Nov.
2014
Dec.
2014
Annual Monthly
Dec.
2013
to
Dec.
2014
Aug.
2014
to
Sept.
2014
Sept.
2014
to
Oct.
2014
Oct.
2014
to
Nov.
2014
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014

Industrialized Countries(2)

100.000 128.5 126.1 -2.9 -1.0 -1.0 -1.1 -1.9

Nonmanufactured articles

11.019 206.0 178.7 -16.8 -1.9 -4.1 -6.2 -13.3

Manufactured articles

88.444 122.2 121.6 -1.1 -1.0 -0.5 -0.3 -0.5

Other Countries(3)

100.000 131.8 127.9 -7.0 -0.9 -1.5 -1.9 -3.0

Nonmanufactured articles

17.183 284.1 242.6 -28.2 -3.8 -5.7 -8.2 -14.6

Manufactured articles

82.578 108.4 107.8 -1.8 -0.1 -0.5 -0.5 -0.6

Canada

100.000 144.2 137.4 -6.7 -1.0 -1.5 -2.6 -4.7

Nonmanufactured articles

29.384 199.1 171.8 -16.6 -1.9 -4.2 -6.1 -13.7

Manufactured articles

69.776 133.6 132.3 -2.3 -0.6 -0.4 -1.0 -1.0

European Union(4)

100.000 137.4 136.8 0.3 -1.6 -0.5 0.5 -0.4

Manufactured articles

99.385 133.7 133.2 0.4 -1.5 -0.4 0.5 -0.4

France (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 123.2 122.8 0.2 -0.1 0.2 -0.1 -0.3

Germany (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 118.5 118.1 0.7 -0.5 0.5 -0.4 -0.3

United Kingdom (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 127.0 126.8 -1.8 -0.2 -0.9 -2.8 -0.2

Latin America(5)

100.000 161.7 155.8 -9.2 -1.2 -1.7 -2.4 -3.6

Nonmanufactured articles

25.363 301.2 263.8 -26.5 -3.6 -4.5 -8.0 -12.4

Manufactured articles

74.248 128.6 127.8 -2.3 -0.3 -0.5 -0.4 -0.6

Mexico (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 137.5 135.4 -4.0 -0.6 -1.1 -1.0 -1.5

Nonmanufactured articles (Dec. 2008=100)

14.693 166.5 150.1 -21.1 -2.7 -3.9 -6.9 -9.8

Manufactured articles (Dec. 2008=100)

85.057 92.4 92.3 -0.6 -0.2 -0.4 0.0 -0.1

Pacific Rim (Dec. 2003=100)(6)

100.000 102.0 101.8 -1.3 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 -0.2

China (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 103.7 103.7 -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Japan

100.000 98.4 97.9 -1.4 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.5

Asian NICs(7)

100.000 88.6 88.4 -1.6 0.1 0.0 -0.3 -0.2

ASEAN (Dec. 2003=100)(8)

100.000 101.9 101.6 -3.1 -1.4 0.2 -0.3 -0.3

Asia Near East (Dec. 2003=100)(9)

100.000 228.6 197.8 -21.9 -2.8 -6.4 -6.2 -13.5

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2012 trade values.
(2) Western Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
(3) Eastern Europe, Latin America, OPEC countries, and other countries in Asia, Africa and the Western Hemisphere.
(4) European Union countries.
(5) Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
(6) China, Japan, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Macao, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and the Asian Newly Industrialized Countries.
(7) Asian Newly Industrialized Countries - Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.
(8) Association of Southeast Asian Nations - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
(9) 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.
Dash = Not available


Table 8. U.S. international price indexes and percent changes for selected transportation services: December 2013 to December 2014
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Relative
import-
ance
Nov.
2014(1)
Index Percent change
Nov.
2014
Dec.
2014
Annual Monthly
Dec.
2013
to
Dec.
2014
Aug.
2014
to
Sept.
2014
Sept.
2014
to
Oct.
2014
Oct.
2014
to
Nov.
2014
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014

Air Freight

Import Air Freight

100.000 170.2 167.2 -5.6 -0.6 -1.3 -1.3 -1.8

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

27.687 169.1 165.2 -7.9 -1.6 -2.7 -1.5 -2.3

Asia

69.046 148.4 146.0 -4.9 -0.3 -0.8 -1.3 -1.6

Export Air Freight

100.000 158.5 155.8 5.7 -0.4 -0.4 -0.2 -1.7

Europe (Dec. 2006=100)

35.888 142.9 141.1 6.7 -0.2 0.0 -0.1 -1.3

Inbound Air Freight

100.000 161.8 158.8 -3.6 -0.6 -0.8 -0.8 -1.9

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

26.812 152.6 149.5 -4.7 -1.3 -1.8 -1.4 -2.0

Asia

63.409 145.5 142.4 -3.8 -0.3 -0.5 -0.7 -2.1

Outbound Air Freight

100.000 152.7 152.2 3.7 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 -0.3

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

33.589 172.1 172.1 5.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0

Asia

47.068 144.6 143.8 3.3 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 -0.6

Air Passenger Fares

Import Air Passenger Fares

100.000 199.9 215.7 2.7 -0.3 2.4 1.0 7.9

Europe

47.681 226.6 228.3 4.5 3.5 2.3 2.8 0.8

Asia

24.791 148.3 172.3 -0.2 -7.2 1.4 -0.9 16.2

Latin America/Caribbean

9.318 168.4 186.2 -0.7 -5.5 4.5 -1.6 10.6

Export Air Passenger Fares

100.000 174.1 187.8 -2.3 -12.0 -3.0 -5.0 7.9

Europe

28.039 216.6 228.4 5.7 -2.1 -1.1 -6.4 5.4

Asia

29.888 152.3 163.0 0.1 -23.6 -3.3 0.8 7.0

Latin America/Caribbean

18.961 180.8 199.4 -5.0 -4.6 0.2 -1.8 10.3

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2012 trade values.

NOTES: Data may be revised in each of the three months after original publication.
Dash = 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 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 by end use according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis 
Classification System, by industry according to the North American Industry Classification System 
(NAICS), and by product category according to the Harmonized System (HS).  While classification by 
end use and product category are self-explanatory, some notes are in order for classifying items by 
industry.  In the NAICS imports and exports tables, items are classified by output industry, not input 
industry.  As an example, NAICS import index 326 (plastics and rubber products manufacturing) 
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 (Producer Price Index) 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.

Services Price Indexes -- Starting in September 2008 the Import Air Passenger Fares Indexes represent 
changes in the average revenue per passenger received by foreign carriers from U.S. residents and are 
calculated from data obtained from an airline consulting service.  These data include tickets sold by 
travel agencies and travel websites.  Tickets sold directly by the airlines are excluded, as are frequent 
flyer tickets generally.  Starting in January 2008 the Export Air Passenger Fares Indexes represent 
changes in the average revenue per passenger received by U.S. carriers from foreign residents and are 
calculated from data collected directly from airlines. These data include frequent flyer tickets and those 
sold by consolidators. Taxes and fees are included in the Import Air Passenger Fares Index and 
excluded from the Export Air Passenger Fares Index. The Air Freight Indexes are calculated from data 
collected directly from airlines. These data exclude mail and passenger baggage. The scope of the service 
being priced is the movement of freight from airport to airport only, and does not include any ground 
transportation or port service. The Air Freight Indexes 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.). Fact sheets specifying detailed 
information for each services industry are available at http://www.bls.gov/mxp under "MXP 
Publications."

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. 

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 to compute price elasticities, and the merchandise import 
indexes by country or region of origin are useful in terms of trade analysis.

E-Mail Subscription -- The U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes news release is available through an 
e-mail subscription service at (http://www.bls.gov/bls/list.htm).

Additional Information -- More detailed data are available on the Import/Export Price Indexes home 
page at (http://www.bls.gov/mxp). For technical assistance in using the BLS Internet site, send e-mail to 
(labstat.helpdesk@bls.gov).  For Import/Export Price Index 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.

Last Modified Date: January 14, 2015