Department of Labor Logo United States Department of Labor
Dot gov

The .gov means it's official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Economic News Release
PRINT:Print
MXP MXP Program Links

U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes News Release

Transmission of material in this release is embargoed until                                  USDL-13-0235        
8:30 a.m. (EST) Wednesday, February 13, 2013

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 - JANUARY 2013

The price index for U.S. imports increased 0.6 percent in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 
reported today, following declines of 0.5 percent and 0.7 percent the previous two months. The January 
upturn was primarily led by higher fuel prices. U.S. export prices rose 0.3 percent in January after declining 
0.1 percent in December and 0.6 percent in November. 


Imports 

All Imports: Import prices increased 0.6 percent in January, the first monthly advance since a 0.3 percent 
rise in October. Higher fuel prices were the largest contributor to the January advance, although nonfuel 
prices also increased. Despite the January rise, import prices declined 1.3 percent over the past year and have 
not risen on a 12-month basis since the index increased 0.8 percent between April 2011 and April 2012.          

Fuel Imports: Prices for fuel imports rose 2.4 percent in January after falling 2.0 percent in December and 
2.2 percent in November. The upturn was the largest monthly increase since a 3.9 percent advance in 
September. The January rise was led by a 2.9 percent increase in petroleum prices, which more than offset a 
6.4 percent decline in natural gas prices. The price index for overall fuel imports decreased 5.2 percent for 
the year ended in January. A 5.9 percent drop in petroleum prices drove the 12-month decline in fuel prices. 
In contrast, natural gas prices increased 18.0 percent over the past year, despite the decline in January.       

All Imports Excluding Fuel: Nonfuel import prices advanced 0.2 percent in January, following declines of 
0.1 percent and 0.2 percent over the previous two months. Higher prices for nonfuel industrial supplies and 
materials; foods, feeds and beverages; consumer goods; and automotive vehicles all contributed to the 
January increase in nonfuel import prices. The price index for capital goods recorded no change. Prices for 
nonfuel imports were unchanged over the past year as rising prices for nonfuel industrial supplies and 
materials, automotive vehicles, and consumer goods offset decreasing prices for capital goods and foods, 
feeds, and beverages.    


Table A. Percent changes

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

2012

January

0.0 -0.2 0.2 0.3 1.1 0.2

February

0.0 -0.1 0.0 0.5 -0.4 0.6

March

1.4 4.4 0.4 0.8 2.4 0.5

April

-0.1 -0.9 0.2 0.4 2.0 0.2

May

-1.5 -5.6 -0.1 -0.5 0.5 -0.6

June

-2.3 -8.5 -0.3 -1.7 -3.5 -1.5

July

-0.7 -2.0 -0.4 0.4 6.0 -0.2

August

1.2 6.1 -0.2 0.9 4.8 0.4

September

1.0 3.9 0.2 0.8 1.3 0.7

October

(r)0.3 0.1 (r)0.2 (r)0.1 (r)-1.7 0.3

November

(r)-0.7 (r)-2.2 -0.2 (r)-0.6 (r)0.5 (r)-0.7

December

(r)-0.5 (r)-2.0 -0.1 -0.1 (r)0.2 -0.2

2013

January

0.6 2.4 0.2 0.3 -1.3 0.5

Jan. 2011 to 2012

6.9 19.8 2.9 2.6 -0.9 3.2

Jan. 2012 to 2013

-1.3 -5.2 0.0 1.1 10.7 0.0

Footnotes
(r) Revised


Exports

All Exports: Export prices increased 0.3 percent in January, the first monthly advance since a 0.1 percent 
uptick in October. Higher nonagricultural prices more than offset declining agricultural prices. The price 
index for overall exports increased 1.1 percent for the year ended in January and was driven by a 10.7 
percent advance in agricultural prices.       

Agricultural Exports: The price index for agricultural exports decreased 1.3 percent in January following 
increases of 0.2 percent in December and 0.5 percent in November. The January downturn was led by lower 
prices for corn, wheat, and soybeans which fell 8.5 percent, 7.9 percent, and 3.5 percent, respectively. 
Despite the January drop, agricultural prices rose over the past 12 months, primarily driven by higher 
soybeans, wheat, and corn prices in the summer of 2012.              

All Exports Excluding Agriculture: Prices for nonagricultural exports advanced 0.5 percent in January 
after decreasing in each of the past two months. Rising prices for capital goods, nonagricultural industrial 
supplies and materials, and automotive vehicles all contributed to the January increase. Prices for overall 
nonagricultural exports were unchanged over the past year. Increases of 1.0 percent in the price indexes for 
capital goods and automotive vehicles were offset by a 1.5 percent decline in nonagricultural industrial 
supplies and materials prices and a 0.1 percent drop in prices for consumer goods.      



                                   SELECTED JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

Import Prices

Imports by Locality of Origin: Prices for imports from China edged down 0.1 percent in January after 
recording no change the previous month. Import prices from China have not recorded a monthly increase 
since February 2012, after rising 3.6 percent in 2011. The price index for imports from Japan also declined in 
January, falling 0.2 percent, the largest one-month decrease since September 2008. In contrast, import prices 
from the European Union rose 1.1 percent, the largest monthly increase since a 1.2 percent advance in March 
2011. Prices for imports from Canada and Mexico also increased in January, rising 0.9 percent and 0.6 
percent, respectively.      

Nonfuel Industrial Supplies and Materials: Nonfuel industrial supplies and materials prices advanced 0.4 
percent in January following a 0.3 percent rise in December. The January increase was led by a 2.9 percent 
advance in the price index for building materials which increased 12.5 percent over the past 12 months. 
Higher lumber prices were the primary contributor to both the increase in January and over the past year.     

Finished Goods: The price indexes for automotive vehicles and consumer goods each edged up 0.1 percent 
in January, and capital goods prices were unchanged. The increase in automotive vehicle prices was led by a 
0.5 percent advance in passenger car prices, which more than offset lower parts prices. Consumer goods 
prices were primarily impacted by prices for medicinal, dental, and pharmaceutical products which rose 1.4 
percent and cotton apparel prices which fell 0.8 percent.      

Foods, Feeds, and Beverages: Prices for foods, feeds, and beverages rose 0.5 percent in January, the first 
monthly advance for the index since a 1.4 percent rise in September. Despite the January upturn, foods, 
feeds, and beverages prices declined 3.6 percent over the past year.     

Transportation Services: Import air passenger fares declined 3.7 percent in January following a 6.8 percent 
increase in December. The January decrease was primarily led by a 7.7 percent drop in Asian fares. Despite 
the January downturn, overall import air passenger fares advanced 3.9 percent over the past year. Prices for 
import air freight increased 0.2 percent in January and 2.9 percent over the past 12 months.  


Export Prices

Nonagricultural Industrial Supplies and Materials: Nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials 
prices rose 0.3 percent in January after decreasing 0.4 percent the previous month. The increase in January 
was mostly driven by a 0.9 percent rise in fuels, a 3.4 percent advance in paper prices, and a 0.6 percent rise 
in chemicals prices. In contrast, nonferrous metals prices fell 1.2 percent.   

Finished Goods: Finished goods prices increased overall in January. The price index for capital goods rose 
0.8 percent, the largest one-month advance for the index since a similar 0.8 percent rise in January 2012. 
Prices for automotive vehicles increased 0.3 percent in January, led by higher parts prices and prices for 
transportation vehicles. Consumer goods prices recorded no change in January.        

Transportation Services: Export air passenger fares advanced 9.3 percent in January and 8.4 percent over 
the past 12 months. The January increase was driven by higher Asian and Latin American/Caribbean fares. 
The price index for export air freight rose 1.6 percent in January and 2.0 percent over the past year.     

Import and Export Price Index data for February 2013 are scheduled for release on Wednesday, 
March 13, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. (EDT).


Table 1. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: January 2012 to January 2013
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Dec.
2012(1)
Index Percent change
Dec.
2012
Jan.
2013
Annual Monthly
Jan.
2012
to
Jan.
2013
Sept.
2012
to
Oct.
2012
Oct.
2012
to
Nov.
2012
Nov.
2012
to
Dec.
2012
Dec.
2012
to
Jan.
2013

All commodities

  100.000 139.5 140.4 -1.3 0.3 -0.7 -0.5 0.6

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

  74.335 103.4 103.6 0.3 0.3 -0.2 0.0 0.2

All imports excluding petroleum

  80.304 116.5 116.6 0.2 0.3 -0.1 0.2 0.1

All imports excluding fuels (Dec. 2001=100)

  79.273 120.4 120.6 0.0 0.2 -0.2 -0.1 0.2

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

4.938 169.1 170.0 -3.6 0.0 -1.2 -0.3 0.5

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

3.852 190.6 191.6 -3.6 -0.1 -1.7 -0.2 0.5

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

1.086 120.4 121.3 -3.3 0.2 0.8 -0.8 0.7

Industrial supplies & materials

1

34.350 249.8 253.8 -3.3 0.4 -1.6 -1.2 1.6

Industrial supplies & materials excluding petroleum

  14.654 168.0 167.9 1.3 1.2 0.6 1.1 -0.1

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

  13.623 188.7 189.4 0.6 1.1 -0.5 0.3 0.4

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  8.091 177.5 178.4 0.2 2.3 -0.5 -0.3 0.5

Industrial supplies & materials nondurable excluding petroleum

  5.532 156.4 155.1 2.6 0.0 1.9 2.9 -0.8

Fuels & lubricants

10

20.727 329.0 337.0 -5.2 0.1 -2.2 -2.0 2.4

Petroleum & petroleum products

100

19.695 363.9 374.4 -5.9 -0.1 -2.9 -2.7 2.9

Crude

10000

14.924 373.3 384.5 -5.5 -0.3 -2.7 -2.8 3.0

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

101

0.804 133.4 126.1 16.1 6.0 19.5 14.8 -5.5

Gas-natural

10110

0.672 119.5 111.9 18.0 7.7 23.4 16.7 -6.4

Paper & paper base stocks

11

0.554 111.5 111.9 -0.5 -0.3 -0.1 -0.6 0.4

Materials associated with nondurable supplies & materials

12

5.057 176.2 176.5 1.0 -0.6 -0.5 1.2 0.2

Selected building materials

13

1.017 143.6 147.7 12.5 0.2 -0.1 1.5 2.9

Unfinished metals related to durable goods

14

3.839 264.0 264.1 -2.5 4.4 -0.9 -0.7 0.0

Finished metals related to durable goods

15

1.616 161.7 162.2 0.3 1.4 -0.5 -0.8 0.3

Nonmetals related to durable goods

16

1.540 114.4 114.5 -0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1

Capital goods

2

24.150 93.1 93.1 -0.4 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 0.0

Electric generating equipment

20

3.009 119.7 119.7 0.7 0.1 -0.1 0.2 0.0

Nonelectrical machinery

21

19.289 85.9 86.0 -0.8 -0.2 -0.1 -0.2 0.1

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

22

1.852 134.8 135.1 2.7 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.2

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

12.282 114.9 115.0 1.5 0.2 0.0 -0.1 0.1

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

24.280 107.6 107.7 0.2 0.5 -0.1 -0.1 0.1

Nondurables, manufactured

40

11.756 115.3 115.7 1.0 0.5 0.1 -0.1 0.3

Durables, manufactured

41

11.214 99.7 99.7 -0.3 0.4 -0.2 -0.1 0.0

Nonmanufactured consumer goods

42

1.310 115.3 115.3 -2.8 0.1 0.1 -0.3 0.0

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2011 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: January 2012 to January 2013
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Dec.
2012(1)
Index Percent change
Dec.
2012
Jan.
2013
Annual Monthly
Jan.
2012
to
Jan.
2013
Sept.
2012
to
Oct.
2012
Oct.
2012
to
Nov.
2012
Nov.
2012
to
Dec.
2012
Dec.
2012
to
Jan.
2013

All commodities

  100.000 133.6 134.0 1.1 0.1 -0.6 -0.1 0.3

Agricultural commodities

  10.703 227.5 224.5 10.7 -1.7 0.5 0.2 -1.3

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

  80.855 102.7 103.1 0.6 0.3 -0.2 0.0 0.4

Nonagricultural commodities

  89.298 126.9 127.5 0.0 0.3 -0.7 -0.2 0.5

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

10.016 229.3 225.9 12.1 -1.5 0.6 -0.1 -1.5

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

9.338 233.9 229.8 12.8 -1.6 0.8 0.0 -1.8

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

0.678 187.5 192.4 3.5 1.0 -2.1 -1.7 2.6

Industrial supplies & materials

1

34.117 180.6 181.3 -1.4 0.5 -1.9 -0.3 0.4

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  12.451 186.1 184.8 -0.1 2.0 -0.8 0.3 -0.7

Industrial supplies & materials, nondurable

  21.667 178.3 180.2 -2.1 -0.2 -2.5 -0.7 1.1

Agricultural industrial supplies & materials

10

1.365 196.4 200.2 -0.2 -1.9 -1.6 1.2 1.9

Nonagricultural industrial supplies & materials

  32.753 180.2 180.8 -1.5 0.7 -1.8 -0.4 0.3

Fuels & lubricants

11

9.130 253.6 256.0 -6.5 -0.4 -5.5 -1.2 0.9

Nonagricultural supplies & materials excluding fuels & building materials

12

22.636 172.4 172.6 0.3 1.1 -0.6 -0.1 0.1

Selected building materials

13

0.987 117.9 118.8 2.6 -0.8 0.0 0.0 0.8

Capital goods

2

34.981 105.7 106.5 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.8

Electrical generating equipment

20

3.461 114.2 114.8 2.2 0.4 -0.1 -0.1 0.5

Nonelectrical machinery

21

25.473 94.9 95.6 0.4 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.7

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

22

6.047 149.0 150.1 2.2 -0.1 -0.1 0.1 0.7

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

8.867 112.9 113.2 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

12.019 116.6 116.6 -0.1 0.2 -0.2 -0.1 0.0

Nondurables, manufactured

40

5.479 115.6 115.8 1.0 0.4 0.0 -0.2 0.2

Durables, manufactured

41

5.174 114.3 114.0 0.5 -0.3 -0.3 0.0 -0.3

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2011 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: January 2012 to January 2013
[December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Dec.
2012(1)
Index Percent change
Dec.
2012
Jan.
2013
Annual Monthly
Jan.
2012
to
Jan.
2013
Sept.
2012
to
Oct.
2012
Oct.
2012
to
Nov.
2012
Nov.
2012
to
Dec.
2012
Dec.
2012
to
Jan.
2013

Nonmanufactured articles

  17.967 161.7 165.3 -4.7 0.1 -1.8 -1.9 2.2

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

1.749 165.3 166.7 -5.9 1.2 -4.9 -0.4 0.8

Crop production

111

1.232 170.8 170.6 -8.6 0.9 -6.5 -0.2 -0.1

Forestry and logging (Dec. 2012=100)

113

0.194 100.0 105.9 - - - - 5.9

Mining

21

16.218 160.9 164.9 -4.6 0.1 -1.4 -2.2 2.5

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

212

0.337 139.4 135.2 -8.0 -3.0 -0.9 0.3 -3.0

Manufactured articles

  81.579 117.4 117.7 -0.3 0.3 -0.4 -0.2 0.3

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

10.532 123.7 123.6 -1.0 -0.3 0.1 0.2 -0.1

Food manufacturing

311

2.873 154.8 155.2 -2.9 -1.0 0.0 0.8 0.3

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.865 112.0 113.2 1.0 0.1 0.4 -0.3 1.1

Textile mills (Dec. 2011=100)

313

0.392 102.3 101.9 0.7 0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.4

Textile product mills

314

0.792 115.9 115.6 -1.9 0.1 0.1 0.1 -0.3

Apparel manufacturing

315

3.959 111.0 110.4 -1.3 -0.2 0.1 0.0 -0.5

Leather and allied product manufacturing

316

1.652 120.8 121.0 2.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.2

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

17.963 137.8 139.1 -0.9 0.2 -1.3 -0.4 0.9

Wood product manufacturing

321

0.608 123.4 128.6 19.0 0.1 0.4 2.5 4.2

Paper manufacturing

322

1.031 110.1 109.0 -1.2 -0.1 0.2 -0.5 -1.0

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

4.261 163.9 168.2 -7.8 0.3 -4.9 -1.9 2.6

Chemical manufacturing

325

9.178 135.1 135.8 1.7 0.4 0.0 0.1 0.5

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

1.966 127.6 126.7 -0.4 0.1 -0.1 0.1 -0.7

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

0.835 129.1 129.5 0.4 -0.5 -0.2 -0.2 0.3

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

53.084 109.8 109.9 0.0 0.5 -0.3 -0.1 0.1

Primary metal manufacturing

331

4.477 173.0 173.4 -2.3 4.2 -1.1 -1.0 0.2

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.699 130.1 129.9 0.5 0.4 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2

Machinery manufacturing

333

6.638 121.8 122.3 1.7 0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.4

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

16.169 81.7 81.6 -1.8 -0.2 -0.5 -0.1 -0.1

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

4.028 119.8 119.7 1.6 0.3 0.4 0.3 -0.1

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

12.988 112.3 112.6 2.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.3

Furniture and related product manufacturing

337

1.249 113.8 114.0 0.9 -0.3 0.0 0.0 0.2

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

4.835 120.7 120.6 -1.1 0.2 0.1 -0.5 -0.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2011 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: January 2012 to January 2013
[December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Dec.
2012(1)
Index Percent change
Dec.
2012
Jan.
2013
Annual Monthly
Jan.
2012
to
Jan.
2013
Sept.
2012
to
Oct.
2012
Oct.
2012
to
Nov.
2012
Nov.
2012
to
Dec.
2012
Dec.
2012
to
Jan.
2013

Nonmanufactured articles

  8.055 175.5 172.4 3.6 -2.9 0.1 -0.2 -1.8

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

5.920 217.0 212.5 11.5 -3.5 -0.1 -0.3 -2.1

Crop production

111

5.486 226.4 221.6 12.0 -3.8 0.2 -0.2 -2.1

Mining

21

2.135 94.5 93.6 -17.9 -1.0 1.0 0.3 -1.0

Mining (except oil and gas)

212

1.460 109.0 108.0 -21.8 -4.9 -3.8 1.5 -0.9

Manufactured articles

  89.381 120.7 121.2 0.7 0.3 -0.7 -0.2 0.4

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

7.038 152.3 152.6 6.9 1.0 0.4 0.0 0.2

Food manufacturing

311

4.963 175.2 175.3 7.7 1.5 0.5 -0.1 0.1

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.564 126.3 127.8 11.9 -0.5 -1.4 0.3 1.2

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

26.133 132.1 133.1 -0.2 0.1 -2.1 -0.6 0.8

Wood product manufacturing

321

0.404 113.3 113.6 -0.5 -0.7 0.4 -0.4 0.3

Paper manufacturing

322

1.773 118.9 120.3 1.3 -0.1 -0.5 -0.1 1.2

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

6.837 161.8 163.8 -2.3 -0.1 -7.6 -1.3 1.2

Chemical manufacturing

325

14.134 130.4 131.0 -0.1 0.2 -0.5 -0.5 0.5

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

2.206 119.4 120.1 2.9 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.6

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

0.779 110.8 110.2 -0.8 -0.3 -0.2 -0.4 -0.5

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

56.210 113.2 113.6 0.5 0.4 -0.1 -0.1 0.4

Primary metal manufacturing

331

5.299 172.6 170.2 -1.6 4.0 -1.1 -0.5 -1.4

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.753 131.8 131.7 1.7 0.3 0.0 -0.2 -0.1

Machinery manufacturing

333

11.499 121.1 121.9 1.8 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.7

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

14.168 88.9 89.3 -1.4 0.1 0.0 -0.2 0.4

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

3.271 113.0 113.7 2.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.6

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

13.972 116.8 117.2 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3

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

337

0.312 104.8 105.1 5.1 1.4 0.2 0.1 0.3

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

4.936 121.9 123.3 0.7 -0.2 0.0 -0.2 1.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2011 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: January 2012 to January 2013
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Dec.
2012(1)
Index Percent change
Dec.
2012
Jan.
2013
Annual Monthly
Jan.
2012
to
Jan.
2013
Sept.
2012
to
Oct.
2012
Oct.
2012
to
Nov.
2012
Nov.
2012
to
Dec.
2012
Dec.
2012
to
Jan.
2013

Live animals; animal products

I

1.050 163.1 165.0 -2.8 0.2 1.5 -0.7 1.2

Meat and edible meat offal

02

0.250 217.2 220.4 -0.2 -0.7 0.4 -0.6 1.5

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.546 113.1 115.2 -7.2 0.2 1.6 -1.3 1.9

Vegetable products

II

1.605 205.8 207.7 -4.8 -1.5 -4.3 1.9 0.9

Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers

07

0.360 349.8 357.6 -2.3 -3.7 -2.6 -0.2 2.2

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

0.403 108.7 111.0 -5.0 -2.3 -3.0 -0.7 2.1

Coffee, tea, mate and spices

09

0.359 232.1 233.1 -22.0 4.0 -11.4 -0.3 0.4

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

III

0.254 118.4 120.4 -11.3 -2.5 -2.0 -2.5 1.7

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco

IV

2.407 157.6 157.6 -0.3 0.1 0.0 -0.1 0.0

Sugars and sugar confectionary (Dec. 2012=100)

17

0.211 100.0 100.9 - - - - 0.9

Cocoa and cocoa preparations (Dec. 2009=100)

18

0.206 91.7 91.0 6.6 2.8 1.6 3.9 -0.8

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

19

0.236 129.0 129.3 2.8 0.2 0.0 -0.1 0.2

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

20

0.320 166.9 163.0 -7.8 -0.8 0.4 -1.2 -2.3

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar

22

0.852 122.4 124.0 1.0 0.2 0.3 -0.2 1.3

Mineral products

V

20.640 331.0 339.3 -5.0 0.1 -2.4 -1.9 2.5

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

27

20.342 327.5 336.0 -4.9 0.1 -2.4 -1.9 2.6

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

8.671 151.1 151.9 2.4 0.5 0.2 -0.3 0.5

Inorganic chemicals

28

0.871 386.1 380.0 3.5 -1.0 -0.1 -1.6 -1.6

Organic chemicals

29

2.696 139.8 141.4 2.8 0.2 1.0 -0.2 1.1

Pharmaceutical products

30

3.261 119.8 121.0 4.6 2.2 0.1 0.1 1.0

Fertilizers (Dec. 2009=100)

31

0.414 130.6 128.7 -7.7 -1.5 -2.0 -0.5 -1.5

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

32

0.163 93.1 93.8 -9.0 -10.0 0.0 -0.1 0.8

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

0.487 102.7 102.1 -1.3 -0.5 0.6 0.8 -0.6

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

3.217 152.5 153.1 0.8 0.3 -0.5 0.7 0.4

Plastics and articles thereof

39

1.943 146.2 147.5 3.0 0.4 -0.2 1.5 0.9

Rubber and articles thereof

40

1.274 164.8 164.3 -2.6 0.1 -0.9 -0.5 -0.3

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

VIII

0.599 126.1 126.3 0.6 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.2

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

42

0.552 126.8 127.1 0.6 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 0.2

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

IX

0.642 149.5 156.1 19.4 0.4 0.1 2.3 4.4

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

1.128 113.1 112.1 -0.7 -0.1 0.0 -0.3 -0.9

Pulp wood, waste paper, and paperboard (Dec. 2011=100)

47

0.169 97.5 98.4 2.9 -1.2 -0.8 -0.3 0.9

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

48

0.759 108.1 106.5 -2.3 0.2 0.2 -0.5 -1.5

Textile and textile articles

XI

4.985 114.6 114.0 -1.6 -0.1 0.2 -0.1 -0.5

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted

61

1.968 104.8 104.0 -2.6 -0.4 0.2 0.0 -0.8

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted

62

1.825 117.3 116.7 -0.7 0.0 0.1 -0.2 -0.5

Made-up or worn textile articles

63

0.552 108.6 108.1 -3.5 0.0 0.2 -0.1 -0.5

Headgear, umbrellas, artifical flowers, etc.

XII

1.357 120.5 120.7 2.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.2

Footwear and parts of such articles

64

1.144 119.8 119.8 2.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0

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

XIII

0.764 131.4 132.3 0.8 -0.2 -0.2 -0.3 0.7

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

68

0.246 124.5 124.8 0.6 -1.0 0.4 -0.6 0.2

Ceramic products

69

0.241 141.0 140.6 -0.4 0.1 -1.0 0.1 -0.3

Glass and glassware

70

0.277 126.9 129.3 2.2 0.0 0.1 -0.2 1.9

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

XIV

3.402 205.8 204.2 0.6 4.5 -0.7 -0.6 -0.8

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.025 183.3 185.0 -2.4 0.7 -0.5 -0.5 0.9

Iron and steel

72

1.143 218.5 216.7 -12.2 -2.7 0.2 -1.2 -0.8

Articles of iron or steel

73

1.494 157.0 156.9 -2.9 -0.4 -0.4 -0.6 -0.1

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.487 355.0 364.6 4.5 5.0 -3.2 0.3 2.7

Nickel and articles thereof (Dec. 2009=100)

75

0.142 97.2 102.4 -2.4 6.9 2.5 -6.6 5.3

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.670 137.5 140.2 1.4 4.1 -1.0 0.5 2.0

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

82

0.380 128.0 131.5 3.7 -0.5 0.2 -0.1 2.7

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.430 136.3 136.6 3.3 -0.4 -0.1 0.1 0.2

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

XVI

26.653 85.7 85.7 -0.6 0.0 -0.2 0.0 0.0

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

13.734 90.0 90.0 0.3 0.0 -0.2 0.0 0.0

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

85

12.919 81.6 81.5 -1.6 -0.1 -0.2 0.0 -0.1

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

10.739 116.5 116.7 1.8 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.2

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

9.807 115.3 115.6 1.7 0.3 -0.1 -0.2 0.3

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

88

0.865 119.3 119.4 2.8 0.0 0.3 0.7 0.1

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

XVIII

3.348 104.0 103.6 -0.3 0.7 0.0 -0.8 -0.4

Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments

90

3.037 100.8 100.4 -1.0 0.2 0.0 -0.9 -0.4

Clocks and watches and parts thereof

91

0.252 140.8 141.7 10.9 6.4 0.1 -0.1 0.6

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

3.457 112.8 113.2 1.4 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.4

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

94

1.932 116.7 117.0 1.7 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.3

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

1.334 105.1 105.3 0.5 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.2

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

96

0.190 135.5 141.4 6.6 0.1 0.0 -0.3 4.4

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2011 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: January 2012 to January 2013
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Dec.
2012(1)
Index Percent change
Dec.
2012
Jan.
2013
Annual Monthly
Jan.
2012
to
Jan.
2013
Sept.
2012
to
Oct.
2012
Oct.
2012
to
Nov.
2012
Nov.
2012
to
Dec.
2012
Dec.
2012
to
Jan.
2013

Live animals; animal products

I

2.123 224.7 219.1 6.4 4.2 1.9 2.1 -2.5

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

02

1.186 169.1 167.7 -0.7 1.6 -0.2 0.1 -0.8

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.404 203.4 206.9 2.1 1.3 -2.4 -2.3 1.7

Vegetable products

II

5.512 278.1 274.2 16.2 -3.7 0.5 -0.1 -1.4

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

0.989 155.1 158.6 20.0 4.2 3.8 3.8 2.3

Cereals

10

2.281 336.2 309.8 10.7 -1.0 0.6 0.5 -7.9

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

12

1.730 295.5 287.6 18.2 -9.2 -0.5 -2.4 -2.7

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

III

0.299 131.7 132.0 -10.4 -2.6 -6.7 -1.6 0.2

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages,and tobacco

IV

2.979 166.2 166.8 12.0 0.4 0.5 -1.2 0.4

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

20

0.339 110.8 111.2 1.5 -1.4 0.1 -0.2 0.4

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

22

0.615 110.3 113.2 6.6 0.7 0.0 -0.4 2.6

Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feed

23

0.808 279.2 271.3 33.7 1.3 1.2 -3.2 -2.8

Mineral products

V

9.068 296.9 299.0 -6.9 -0.4 -5.8 -1.1 0.7

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

26

0.483 100.0 97.7 - - - - -2.3

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

27

8.403 292.9 295.4 -7.2 -0.5 -6.0 -1.3 0.9

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

11.482 154.5 154.6 0.1 0.2 -0.2 -0.2 0.1

Inorganic chemicals

28

1.016 184.2 184.4 -0.5 -0.9 0.7 -0.6 0.1

Organic chemicals

29

3.247 166.3 164.6 -1.4 0.5 -0.4 0.1 -1.0

Pharmaceutical products

30

2.710 124.7 125.7 1.0 0.4 -0.1 -0.2 0.8

Fertilizers (Dec. 2012=100)

31

0.393 100.0 97.8 - - - - -2.2

Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery cosmetic or toilet preparations

33

0.709 136.5 137.2 1.9 -0.4 0.1 0.0 0.5

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

34

0.458 122.8 120.9 -2.6 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 -1.5

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

1.740 153.1 154.9 1.6 0.1 -0.6 0.1 1.2

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

5.180 147.4 149.1 0.9 -0.1 -0.4 -0.5 1.2

Plastics and articles thereof

39

4.126 138.8 140.7 1.2 -0.1 -0.4 -0.6 1.4

Rubber and articles thereof

40

1.054 187.7 187.9 -0.5 -0.3 -0.1 -0.5 0.1

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

VIII

0.377 136.8 141.6 14.7 0.8 1.5 1.3 3.5

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

IX

0.564 110.0 110.1 3.8 -0.3 0.0 0.0 0.1

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

2.171 117.3 120.5 2.8 1.1 0.8 0.2 2.7

Woodpulp and recovered paper

47

0.571 119.0 128.5 4.9 2.0 2.9 1.0 8.0

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

48

1.170 117.0 118.2 0.7 0.2 0.0 -0.3 1.0

Printed material

49

0.430 125.8 126.2 5.5 2.8 0.1 0.2 0.3

Textile and textile articles

XI

1.758 126.0 127.4 -4.1 -0.8 0.2 0.4 1.1

Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof

52

0.484 132.5 135.3 -19.2 -3.1 0.2 1.5 2.1

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

XIII

0.757 118.2 117.8 0.9 0.4 0.0 -0.1 -0.3

Glass and glassware

70

0.392 98.6 97.1 -1.6 0.3 0.0 -0.2 -1.5

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

XIV

5.374 285.9 282.5 0.1 3.7 -1.5 -0.1 -1.2

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.465 172.0 170.6 -3.0 0.5 -0.2 0.5 -0.8

Iron and steel

72

1.582 201.9 198.5 -9.8 -1.8 2.1 1.2 -1.7

Articles of iron or steel

73

1.331 171.0 168.0 -2.7 0.0 -0.6 -0.6 -1.8

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.640 253.8 254.8 2.7 4.5 -4.3 2.6 0.4

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.859 126.0 126.8 0.2 2.3 -1.0 0.2 0.6

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

82

0.404 133.1 131.7 2.1 1.1 0.0 0.0 -1.1

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.321 145.6 145.6 6.9 0.0 0.0 -0.3 0.0

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

XVI

27.730 96.9 97.5 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.6

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

16.538 110.6 111.4 1.3 0.0 0.2 -0.1 0.7

Electrical machinery and equipment and parts and accessories thereof

85

11.192 82.0 82.4 -0.8 0.2 -0.2 0.0 0.5

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

11.847 126.9 127.5 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.5

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

8.043 113.0 113.4 1.0 -0.1 0.1 0.0 0.4

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

XVIII

5.821 106.2 107.4 2.6 0.1 0.0 0.0 1.1

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

1.340 111.1 111.0 2.2 0.4 0.2 0.2 -0.1

Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;

94

0.722 121.6 121.4 2.2 0.7 0.3 0.3 -0.2

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

0.510 90.9 90.9 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2011 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: January 2012 to January 2013
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Relative
import-
ance
Dec.
2012(1)
Index Percent change
Dec.
2012
Jan.
2013
Annual Monthly
Jan.
2012
to
Jan.
2013
Sept.
2012
to
Oct.
2012
Oct.
2012
to
Nov.
2012
Nov.
2012
to
Dec.
2012
Dec.
2012
to
Jan.
2013

Industrialized Countries(2)

100.000 131.2 131.9 -0.5 0.5 0.1 -0.6 0.5

Nonmanufactured articles

11.054 215.8 217.7 -10.3 2.2 0.4 -6.1 0.9

Manufactured articles

88.363 124.2 124.9 1.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.6

Other Countries(3)

100.000 138.7 139.5 -1.9 -0.2 -0.9 -0.3 0.6

Nonmanufactured articles

22.148 342.0 351.4 -3.2 -0.4 -2.9 -0.7 2.7

Manufactured articles

77.506 110.7 110.6 -1.3 -0.2 -0.3 -0.1 -0.1

Canada

100.000 149.6 150.9 -2.3 0.7 0.3 -1.8 0.9

Nonmanufactured articles

27.786 205.0 207.6 -10.6 3.1 0.7 -6.1 1.3

Manufactured articles

71.163 138.9 139.8 1.6 -0.1 0.1 0.1 0.6

European Union(4)

100.000 133.7 135.2 0.1 0.7 0.0 -1.1 1.1

Nonmanufactured articles

1.081 370.0 386.5 4.0 1.1 -2.9 -0.1 4.5

Manufactured articles

98.435 130.0 131.4 -0.1 0.8 0.0 -1.1 1.1

France (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 120.4 121.0 -0.2 0.3 0.2 -0.1 0.5

Germany (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 114.6 115.5 1.2 0.3 0.2 -0.3 0.8

United Kingdom (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 132.5 133.3 -0.2 0.4 -0.6 -1.3 0.6

Latin America(5)

100.000 173.7 175.2 -4.1 -0.4 -2.4 0.1 0.9

Nonmanufactured articles

31.009 358.3 368.3 -8.3 -1.5 -4.9 -0.3 2.8

Manufactured articles

68.557 133.1 133.1 -1.6 0.1 -0.9 0.3 0.0

Mexico (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 142.6 143.4 -4.0 -0.3 -1.7 -0.1 0.6

Nonmanufactured articles (Dec. 2008=100)

18.118 189.8 195.3 -10.5 -1.8 -5.8 -0.9 2.9

Manufactured articles (Dec. 2008=100)

81.529 94.1 94.2 -2.1 0.1 -0.6 0.0 0.1

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

100.000 104.2 104.1 -0.8 0.0 -0.2 0.1 -0.1

China (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 104.4 104.3 -1.0 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 -0.1

Japan

100.000 102.8 102.6 0.3 0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2

Asian NICs(7)

100.000 90.4 90.7 0.1 0.2 -0.8 -0.1 0.3

ASEAN (Dec. 2003=100)(8)

100.000 104.1 104.6 -0.5 0.0 -0.7 0.2 0.5

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

100.000 270.1 276.1 1.1 1.3 -0.9 -0.7 2.2

Footnotes
(1) Relative figures are based on 2011 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: January 2012 to January 2013
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Relative
import-
ance
Dec.
2012(1)
Index Percent change
Dec.
2012
Jan.
2013
Annual Monthly
Jan.
2012
to
Jan.
2013
Sept.
2012
to
Oct.
2012
Oct.
2012
to
Nov.
2012
Nov.
2012
to
Dec.
2012
Dec.
2012
to
Jan.
2013

Air Freight

Import Air Freight

100.000 175.8 176.2 2.9 1.3 0.6 -0.7 0.2

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

21.247 162.2 165.3 0.5 3.8 1.8 -2.7 1.9

Asia

74.465 156.7 156.3 4.0 0.5 0.2 -0.1 -0.3

Export Air Freight

100.000 147.0 149.4 2.0 1.2 -0.3 -0.7 1.6

Europe (Dec. 2006=100)

35.184 129.6 133.0 1.1 -1.3 -0.4 -0.3 2.6

Inbound Air Freight

100.000 167.5 165.7 5.3 1.2 1.8 -0.6 -1.1

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

21.359 149.2 151.4 2.9 3.2 1.3 -1.7 1.5

Asia

68.349 154.3 151.1 7.2 0.6 2.3 -0.1 -2.1

Outbound Air Freight

100.000 148.0 148.1 2.8 0.3 1.3 -0.8 0.1

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

27.820 161.7 161.6 -0.4 -1.3 0.3 -0.6 -0.1

Asia

52.489 141.6 141.8 5.0 0.9 2.3 -1.0 0.1

Air Passenger Fares

Import Air Passenger Fares

100.000 194.2 187.0 3.9 2.0 -0.9 6.8 -3.7

Europe

40.999 207.2 210.8 14.1 3.7 2.4 2.1 1.7

Asia

27.546 171.3 158.1 1.4 -0.3 -3.0 16.1 -7.7

Latin America/Caribbean

9.870 185.1 163.5 -8.5 1.5 6.3 9.4 -11.7

Export Air Passenger Fares

100.000 193.7 211.8 8.4 -0.4 -2.2 5.9 9.3

Europe

27.269 222.2 221.1 6.0 -2.2 0.6 2.6 -0.5

Asia

31.314 183.7 205.4 8.1 -0.9 -4.1 10.9 11.8

Latin America/Caribbean

24.243 223.7 244.3 15.0 -0.4 0.4 3.8 9.2

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2011 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).  Flat Files and the FTP server are available for users requiring access 
to either a large volume of time series data or other related documentation. The FTP site can be accessed 
at ftp://ftp.bls.gov.   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: February 13, 2013