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U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes News Release

Technical information:					      		  	  USDL-09-0363
     (202) 691-7101								  Transmission of this
Media contact:								          material is embargoed
     (202) 691-5902								  until 8:30 A.M. EDT
Internet address:   http://www.bls.gov/mxp					  Thursday, April 9, 2009


                                   U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES
                                              - MARCH 2009 -

   The U.S. Import Price Index rose 0.5 percent in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. 
Department of Labor reported today.  A 10.5 percent increase in import petroleum prices more than 
offset a 0.7 percent decline in the price index for nonpetroleum imports.  In contrast, export prices fell in 
March, decreasing 0.6 percent.

                              Percent changes in import and export price indexes
                                              by End Use category
                                          - not seasonally adjusted -

Month IMPORTS EXPORTS
All
imports
Petroleum
imports
Non-
petroleum
imports
All
exports
Agri-
cultural
exports
Non-
agricultural
exports

2008

March

3.1 10.1 1.1 1.6 4.7 1.3

April

2.8 8.1 1.3 0.5 -2.0 0.7

May

2.8 9.7 0.7 0.3 0.2 0.4

June

3.0 9.2 0.9 1.0 2.3 0.9

July

1.4 3.3 0.6 1.5 6.7 0.9

August

-3.1 -9.8 -0.4 -1.6 -9.6 -0.7

September

-3.6 -11.4 -1.0 -0.8 0.1 -0.9

October

-6.0 -22.2 -0.9 -2.1 -8.4 -1.4

November

-7.4 -30.2 -1.7 -3.2 -6.9 -2.8

December

-4.6 -25.2 -1.1 -2.2 (r)-6.1 -1.9

2009

January

-1.2 (r)-4.9 (r)-0.7 (r)0.6 (r)6.1 0.1

February

(r)-0.1 (r)5.2 (r)-0.7 (r)-0.3 (r)-1.6 (r)-0.1

March

0.5 10.5 -0.7 -0.6 -3.5 -0.3

Mar. 2007 to 2008

15.2 62.7 5.4 7.9 34.0 5.5

Mar. 2008 to 2009

-14.9 -52.0 -3.7 -6.7 -21.8 -5.0

Footnotes
(r) Revised

Import Goods
   
   Import prices increased for the first time since July, advancing 0.5 percent in March after edging 
down 0.1 percent in February.  The March advance was led by a 10.5 percent rise in petroleum prices.  
The price index for petroleum increased for the second consecutive month after falling 69.2 percent from 
July through January.  In contrast, nonpetroleum prices decreased for the eighth consecutive month, 
falling 0.7 percent in March.  For the year ended in March, petroleum prices fell 52.0 percent and prices 
for nonpetroleum imports declined 3.7 percent.  
    
   The continued decline in nonpetroleum prices was led by a 2.3 percent drop in nonpetroleum 
industrial supplies and materials prices.  That decrease was driven by a sharp fall in natural gas prices, 
although lower prices for some metals also contributed to the decline.  The price index for nonpetroleum 
industrial supplies and materials has not recorded an increase since July 2008.  
   
   Lower prices for finished goods also contributed to the drop in nonpetroleum prices in March.  
Prices for consumer goods fell 0.5 percent following a 0.1 percent advance in February.  The price index 
for capital goods declined 0.3 percent in March, led by falling prices for industrial and service 
machinery.  Import automotive vehicle prices edged down 0.2 percent in March after increasing 0.2 
percent in each of the previous two months.  
   
   Prices for foods, feeds, and beverages decreased 1.0 percent this month primarily because of 
lower fruit prices.  The March drop followed a 3.2 percent decline in February.  


Export Goods 

   Export prices decreased 0.6 percent in March because of lower prices for both agricultural and 
nonagricultural exports.  The index decreased 9.8 percent over the past eight months and 6.7 percent for 
the year ended in March.  Agricultural prices fell 3.5 percent in March, led by declines for soybeans, 
corn, and wheat.  Agricultural export prices decreased 21.8 percent over the past year, the largest annual 
decrease since the index was first published in March 1985.  Nonagricultural prices edged down 0.3 
percent in March and fell 5.0 percent over the past 12 months.  
   
   The drop in nonagricultural prices was led by a 0.9 percent decrease in the index for 
nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials.  Lower prices for fuels and chemicals contributed to 
the decline.  Nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials decreased 23.2 percent over the past eight 
months and 17.3 percent for the March 2008-2009 period, the largest annual decrease since the index 
was first published in September 1989.
   
   Prices for the major finished goods categories were mixed in March.  Consumer goods prices 
contributed to the decline in overall export prices, falling 0.5 percent.  Despite the recent decreases, the 
index increased 0.5 percent for the year ended in March.  In contrast, the price index for automotive 
vehicles increased in March, rising 0.2 percent.  Automotive vehicle prices advanced 1.1 percent over 
the past year.  The price index for capital goods was unchanged this month as lower prices for computers 
offset higher prices for transportation equipment.  Prices for capital goods increased 1.0 percent for the 
March 2008-2009 period.  
   
   
   
Imports by Locality of Origin 
	
   Prices for imports from China fell for the seventh consecutive month, decreasing 0.6 percent in 
March.  Import prices from China edged down 0.2 percent for the year ended in March.  
    
   Import prices from Canada and from Mexico also continued to decline in March, falling 0.7 
percent and 0.1 percent, respectively.  Prices for imports from Canada fell for the eighth consecutive 
month, and decreased 18.4 percent over the past year, the largest annual decline since the index was first 
published in December 1990.  The price index for imports from Mexico decreased 11.7 percent for the 
March 2008-2009 period, the largest annual decline since the index was first published in December 
2003.
   
   The price index for imports from Japan also fell, decreasing 0.1 percent in March after increasing 
in each of the previous five months.  Despite the downturn this month, the index rose 1.8 percent over 
the past year.    
   
   In contrast, prices for imports from the European Union rose in March, advancing 0.1 percent for 
the month.  The index, however, decreased 4.0 percent over the past 12 months.

Import and Export Services

   Import air passenger fares decreased 4.7 percent in March following a 4.6 percent drop the 
previous month.  The March decrease was again led by lower European fares, which fell 7.8 percent after 
decreasing 5.7 percent in February.  Despite the recent downward pattern, the index for import air 
passenger fares rose 2.7 percent for the year ended in March.  Export air passenger fares also decreased 
in March, falling 5.1 percent as lower fares from Europe, the Latin America/Caribbean region, and Asia 
all contributed to the overall decrease.  Fares for export air passengers decreased 10.5 percent over the 
past 12 months, the largest annual decline since the index was first published in September 1986.
	
   Import air freight prices fell 2.2 percent in March, as both European and Asian air freight prices 
declined.  The price index for import air freight decreased 8.0 percent over the past year.  Prices for 
export air freight declined 2.8 percent in March and 7.0 percent for the March 2008-2009 period.

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 April 2009 are scheduled for release on May 13, 2009 at 
8:30 A.M. (EDT).  

Table 1. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: March 2008 to March 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2009
Mar.
2009
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2008
to
Mar.
2009
Nov.
2008
to
Dec.
2008
Dec.
2008
to
Jan.
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009

All commodities

  100.000 113.0 113.6 -14.9 -4.6 -1.2 -0.1 0.5

All imports excluding petroleum

  88.621 108.3 107.5 -3.7 -1.1 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7

All imports excluding fuels (Dec. 2001=100)

  86.668 111.4 110.9 -2.6 -1.1 -0.7 -0.4 -0.4

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

4.929 137.8 136.4 -3.8 2.0 0.1 -3.2 -1.0

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

3.812 153.1 150.6 -4.3 3.2 -0.1 -3.8 -1.6

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

1.117 103.2 104.5 -2.2 -1.9 0.6 -1.1 1.3

Industrial supplies & materials

1

27.943 144.7 149.0 -36.5 -13.9 -4.5 0.7 3.0

Industrial supplies & materials excluding petroleum

  16.564 136.8 133.7 -16.1 -4.8 -4.2 -2.2 -2.3

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

  14.611 147.4 146.1 -12.4 -5.4 -4.1 -0.9 -0.9

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  9.059 137.2 135.4 -14.8 -6.2 -2.7 -0.6 -1.3

Industrial supplies & materials nondurable excluding petroleum

  5.552 136.2 131.5 -17.5 -3.0 -5.8 -4.1 -3.5

Fuels & lubricants

10

13.333 150.1 160.8 -51.1 -22.2 -4.9 2.5 7.1

Petroleum & petroleum products

100

11.380 150.8 166.7 -52.0 -25.2 -4.9 5.2 10.5

Crude

10000

8.098 151.5 166.8 -54.2 -23.7 -5.5 4.1 10.1

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

101

1.746 150.6 129.4 -39.7 -0.1 -4.6 -11.6 -14.1

Gas-natural

10110

1.549 139.2 117.2 -44.6 -0.1 -5.7 -13.0 -15.8

Paper & paper base stocks

11

0.786 108.5 105.9 -7.2 -1.7 -2.6 -1.6 -2.4

Materials associated with nondurable supplies & materials

12

4.864 136.9 137.4 -7.0 -4.2 -6.5 -1.4 0.4

Selected building materials

13

1.740 116.4 115.9 1.6 -0.6 -0.8 -0.6 -0.4

Unfinished metals related to durable goods

14

3.535 175.8 172.6 -28.5 -11.3 -4.9 -0.5 -1.8

Finished metals related to durable goods

15

2.005 137.1 135.2 -7.3 -4.5 -1.8 -0.8 -1.4

Nonmetals related to durable goods

16

1.681 106.0 104.8 -0.4 -1.3 -2.0 -0.7 -1.1

Capital goods

2

25.226 92.3 92.0 -0.2 -0.2 0.0 -0.4 -0.3

Electric generating equipment

20

3.237 110.2 109.8 0.5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.8 -0.4

Nonelectrical machinery

21

19.776 87.1 86.8 -0.8 -0.2 0.0 -0.5 -0.3

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

22

2.213 121.0 121.1 5.0 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.1

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

14.877 108.2 108.0 0.6 -0.1 0.2 0.2 -0.2

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

27.025 104.5 104.0 0.0 -0.2 0.0 0.1 -0.5

Nondurables, manufactured

40

12.545 109.0 108.5 0.9 0.2 0.6 0.1 -0.5

Durables, manufactured

41

13.150 100.0 99.7 -0.7 -0.4 -0.5 -0.2 -0.3

Nonmanufactured consumer goods

42

1.330 104.4 101.3 -2.9 0.4 -0.9 1.7 -3.0

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2007 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: March 2008 to March 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2009
Mar.
2009
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2008
to
Mar.
2009
Nov.
2008
to
Dec.
2008
Dec.
2008
to
Jan.
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009

All commodities

  100.000 116.2 115.5 -6.7 -2.2 0.6 -0.3 -0.6

Agricultural commodities

  8.704 157.4 151.9 -21.8 -6.1 6.1 -1.6 -3.5

Nonagricultural commodities

  91.297 113.2 112.9 -5.0 -1.9 0.1 -0.1 -0.3

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

8.166 162.5 156.9 -20.3 -5.9 6.8 -1.9 -3.4

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

7.487 164.6 158.6 -21.7 -6.2 7.2 -2.0 -3.6

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

0.679 145.5 143.7 -3.1 -3.2 3.1 -1.6 -1.2

Industrial supplies & materials

1

26.869 137.8 136.5 -17.5 -5.8 -0.7 -0.6 -0.9

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  10.531 142.7 143.5 -16.9 -5.2 0.4 0.5 0.6

Industrial supplies & materials, nondurable

  16.338 135.5 132.9 -18.0 -6.3 -1.4 -1.2 -1.9

Agricultural industrial supplies & materials

10

1.217 126.6 123.5 -22.5 -6.0 -0.4 0.8 -2.4

Nonagricultural industrial supplies & materials

  25.652 138.6 137.4 -17.3 -5.8 -0.7 -0.6 -0.9

Fuels & lubricants

11

3.568 159.1 150.9 -39.5 -13.8 -0.8 -3.9 -5.2

Nonagricultural supplies & materials excluding fuels & building materials

12

21.023 137.6 137.4 -13.1 -4.7 -0.7 -0.1 -0.1

Selected building materials

13

1.061 115.8 114.8 0.5 -0.4 0.3 0.3 -0.9

Capital goods

2

41.409 102.2 102.2 1.0 -0.1 0.4 0.3 0.0

Electrical generating equipment

20

3.793 107.7 107.8 -0.7 -0.2 -1.1 -0.1 0.1

Nonelectrical machinery

21

28.699 93.8 93.5 -0.2 -0.2 0.1 0.4 -0.3

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

22

8.917 134.8 135.2 5.5 0.4 2.1 0.4 0.3

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

10.494 108.1 108.3 1.1 -0.1 0.4 -0.3 0.2

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

13.063 109.0 108.5 0.5 -0.1 0.2 -0.2 -0.5

Nondurables, manufactured

40

5.812 109.0 108.1 -1.1 -0.2 1.4 0.3 -0.8

Durables, manufactured

41

6.142 109.5 109.4 3.8 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 -0.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2007 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: March 2008 to March 2009 December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2009
Mar.
2009
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2008
to
Mar.
2009
Nov.
2008
to
Dec.
2008
Dec.
2008
to
Jan.
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009

Nonmanufactured articles

  12.175 79.5 82.7 -48.8 -16.4 -5.1 0.8 4.0

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

1.811 131.0 127.2 -4.1 11.5 -0.6 -5.8 -2.9

Crop production

111

1.339 142.2 134.0 -2.3 19.6 -0.4 -7.3 -5.8

Mining

21

10.364 74.2 78.1 -52.5 -20.1 -5.7 1.9 5.3

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

212

0.469 127.2 129.4 17.7 -0.8 -1.2 0.6 1.7

Manufactured articles

  87.280 105.2 105.4 -5.2 -2.5 -0.7 -0.2 0.2

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

11.120 107.2 107.0 -0.8 -0.4 0.1 -0.2 -0.2

Food manufacturing

311

2.575 115.9 115.1 -7.0 -2.1 -0.8 -1.7 -0.7

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.996 106.7 107.1 2.4 0.5 0.4 0.0 0.4

Textile mills

313

0.482 113.3 113.0 2.4 -1.2 1.6 0.7 -0.3

Textile product mills

314

0.869 101.0 100.9 -0.7 -0.3 -0.6 -0.2 -0.1

Apparel manufacturing

315

4.517 102.7 102.8 0.4 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.1

Leather and allied product manufacturing

316

1.681 107.8 107.8 3.8 0.1 1.2 0.0 0.0

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

17.606 105.7 107.6 -13.0 -7.2 -1.9 0.2 1.8

Wood product manufacturing

321

1.028 90.2 89.8 -1.0 -1.0 -1.8 -1.0 -0.4

Paper manufacturing

322

1.388 106.6 104.4 -3.9 -1.3 -1.6 -1.4 -2.1

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

2.716 72.0 82.9 -45.1 -30.6 -1.8 4.3 15.1

Chemical manufacturing

325

9.144 119.9 119.5 -2.9 -2.4 -2.8 -0.5 -0.3

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

1.992 113.1 112.6 3.6 -0.1 0.4 -0.4 -0.4

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

1.222 117.9 117.7 6.1 -0.3 0.3 0.0 -0.2

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

58.554 104.6 104.2 -3.4 -1.3 -0.5 -0.3 -0.4

Primary metal manufacturing

331

4.257 123.8 121.9 -27.4 -10.8 -4.2 -0.7 -1.5

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

3.046 118.1 117.0 1.8 -1.2 -0.2 -0.7 -0.9

Machinery manufacturing

333

7.344 111.4 111.2 2.3 0.0 0.9 -0.1 -0.2

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

16.271 89.4 89.1 -4.7 -0.7 -1.0 -0.4 -0.3

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

4.311 112.8 112.5 2.4 -0.1 -0.4 -0.6 -0.3

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

16.082 105.2 105.1 1.0 -0.1 0.3 0.1 -0.1

Furniture and related product manufacturing

337

1.701 110.4 110.6 4.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

5.542 110.3 110.1 0.5 0.3 0.3 -0.6 -0.2

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2007 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: March 2008 to March 2009 December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2009
Mar.
2009
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2008
to
Mar.
2009
Nov.
2008
to
Dec.
2008
Dec.
2008
to
Jan.
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009

Nonmanufactured articles

  6.097 118.4 111.2 -32.3 -6.9 7.3 -3.3 -6.1

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

4.845 138.1 129.2 -31.6 -7.2 11.1 -3.5 -6.4

Crop production

111

4.477 141.7 132.0 -33.1 -7.6 11.8 -3.8 -6.8

Mining

21

1.252 75.2 71.6 -33.8 -5.6 -5.9 -2.0 -4.8

Mining (except oil and gas)

212

0.936 84.4 83.9 -17.8 -0.9 -6.8 -0.2 -0.6

Manufactured articles

  92.257 107.2 106.9 -3.3 -1.6 0.1 -0.2 -0.3

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

6.547 117.7 117.3 -2.2 -2.8 0.3 0.3 -0.3

Food manufacturing

311

4.356 130.6 129.9 -2.8 -3.7 0.9 0.4 -0.5

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.510 103.8 104.8 -0.8 0.0 0.1 0.3 1.0

Apparel manufacturing

315

0.392 101.6 101.6 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

21.692 107.9 106.5 -11.5 -4.4 -0.5 -1.2 -1.3

Wood product manufacturing

321

0.475 108.8 108.2 -3.9 -0.5 -1.4 -0.1 -0.6

Paper manufacturing

322

1.953 112.5 111.9 -1.7 -1.2 -1.4 -0.2 -0.5

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

1.990 88.4 81.8 -49.7 -18.6 -1.8 -7.5 -7.5

Chemical manufacturing

325

14.191 110.9 110.1 -6.4 -3.2 -0.5 -0.4 -0.7

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

2.218 108.7 107.9 0.5 -1.2 0.5 -1.1 -0.7

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

0.866 111.8 112.2 3.3 0.3 0.8 -1.1 0.4

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

64.018 105.7 105.8 -0.3 -0.5 0.3 0.1 0.1

Primary metal manufacturing

331

4.209 119.3 121.7 -17.4 -5.3 0.1 -0.3 2.0

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.895 121.9 120.6 5.1 0.2 2.4 0.1 -1.1

Machinery manufacturing

333

12.901 112.0 112.0 3.5 -0.1 0.5 0.1 0.0

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

16.574 92.5 92.2 -3.7 -0.2 -0.8 0.3 -0.3

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

3.661 107.0 107.1 0.1 -0.3 0.3 -0.1 0.1

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

18.394 109.2 109.5 3.2 0.1 1.0 0.2 0.3

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

5.041 110.7 110.7 4.3 -0.1 -0.2 -0.5 0.0

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2007 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: March 2008 to March 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2009
Mar.
2009
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2008
to
Mar.
2009
Nov.
2008
to
Dec.
2008
Dec.
2008
to
Jan.
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009

Live animals; animal products

I

1.146 122.7 125.0 -4.8 -3.5 -0.1 -2.2 1.9

Meat and edible meat offal

02

0.259 144.9 141.4 -7.2 -5.2 -1.0 -1.2 -2.4

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.586 97.9 100.4 -3.1 -2.8 0.6 -2.1 2.6

Vegetable products

II

1.555 160.5 152.2 0.7 16.3 -1.5 -6.8 -5.2

Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers

07

0.402 257.8 271.6 27.6 49.3 -2.3 -25.6 5.4

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

0.492 110.1 101.1 6.5 10.5 -0.8 -2.3 -8.2

Coffee, tea, mate and spices

09

0.266 149.2 139.5 -20.0 -1.7 4.0 -1.0 -6.5

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco

IV

2.432 134.5 133.8 -1.0 0.2 0.3 -0.4 -0.5

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

19

0.253 106.1 106.8 1.6 -1.7 0.1 -0.8 0.7

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

20

0.312 131.3 128.0 -9.0 -1.7 -0.8 -0.5 -2.5

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar

22

0.996 115.2 115.8 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.5

Mineral products

V

13.632 153.5 164.2 -49.4 -21.2 -4.8 2.4 7.0

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

27

13.218 149.8 160.5 -50.8 -22.0 -4.8 2.5 7.1

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

8.291 131.1 129.9 -5.5 -3.3 -3.5 -0.4 -0.9

Inorganic chemicals

28

0.717 187.5 185.7 -29.2 -9.7 -25.3 -2.7 -1.0

Organic chemicals

29

2.531 121.0 121.2 -9.8 -4.4 -1.3 0.7 0.2

Pharmaceutical products

30

2.958 115.5 113.1 0.7 0.1 1.7 0.3 -2.1

Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye & pigments; varnish & paints; putty

32

0.184 105.1 104.1 0.7 0.1 -0.2 -0.1 -1.0

Essential oils and resinoids (Dec. 2001=100)

33

0.457 120.9 119.3 -2.5 -1.3 1.2 -0.9 -1.3

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

0.471 93.3 92.6 -6.7 -1.6 -1.7 -2.1 -0.8

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

3.114 127.1 127.5 -1.4 -1.8 -1.2 -1.3 0.3

Plastics and articles thereof

39

2.019 124.2 124.9 -1.3 -0.9 -1.8 -1.4 0.6

Rubber and articles thereof

40

1.095 132.7 132.7 -1.3 -3.6 0.1 -1.1 0.0

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

VIII

0.670 114.0 113.9 2.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.1

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

42

0.622 114.8 114.7 2.6 0.3 0.0 0.0 -0.1

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

IX

1.063 110.4 109.9 -1.3 -0.9 -1.8 -1.0 -0.5

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

1.583 111.5 109.6 -3.2 -1.0 -0.8 -1.2 -1.7

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

48

1.122 112.8 110.7 2.4 -0.4 0.3 -1.1 -1.9

Printed matter

49

0.304 119.8 119.8 1.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0

Textile and textile articles

XI

5.671 103.4 103.4 -0.2 -0.1 -0.2 0.2 0.0

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted

61

2.138 100.1 100.1 -0.7 -0.5 0.3 0.0 0.0

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted

62

2.179 104.0 104.2 1.3 1.1 -0.2 0.6 0.2

Made-up or worn textile articles

63

0.585 91.8 90.9 -4.6 -0.3 -3.4 -0.1 -1.0

Headgear, umbrellas, artifical flowers, etc.

XII

1.371 108.1 108.1 3.3 0.0 1.2 0.0 0.0

Footwear and parts of such articles

64

1.158 107.5 107.5 4.2 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0

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

XIII

1.086 122.4 122.3 6.3 -0.4 0.3 -0.1 -0.1

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

68

0.416 119.1 119.1 11.7 -0.2 0.4 -0.2 0.0

Ceramic products

69

0.332 132.3 131.9 6.1 -0.1 0.4 -0.1 -0.3

Glass and glassware

70

0.338 114.2 114.2 0.5 -1.0 0.1 0.0 0.0

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

XIV

2.649 132.3 134.9 -13.8 -1.2 1.1 0.1 2.0

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.977 155.5 152.1 -16.9 -7.7 -3.6 -1.5 -2.2

Iron and steel

72

1.440 203.1 193.3 -19.8 -14.1 -4.2 -3.2 -4.8

Articles of iron or steel

73

2.061 151.6 148.9 3.0 -2.7 -2.2 -1.2 -1.8

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.454 179.1 181.9 -40.8 -12.7 -7.5 3.0 1.6

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.717 103.2 100.7 -32.7 -6.3 -8.4 -4.8 -2.4

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

82

0.427 119.2 119.0 4.8 -0.3 2.5 -0.1 -0.2

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.505 129.3 129.2 1.7 -0.4 0.3 -1.9 -0.1

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

XVI

27.808 87.1 86.7 -1.9 -0.3 -0.3 -0.3 -0.5

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

13.966 87.9 87.6 -1.2 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 -0.3

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

85

13.842 86.3 85.9 -2.4 -0.5 -1.0 -0.3 -0.5

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

13.722 109.5 109.3 0.5 -0.2 0.4 0.0 -0.2

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

12.442 108.3 108.1 0.1 -0.2 0.3 0.0 -0.2

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

88

1.161 116.1 116.2 5.0 -0.1 0.8 -0.3 0.1

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

XVIII

3.421 101.6 101.6 1.7 -0.2 0.3 0.2 0.0

Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments

90

3.073 99.4 99.3 1.3 -0.1 0.2 0.1 -0.1

Clocks and watches and parts thereof

91

0.266 123.1 123.6 3.2 -0.4 0.9 0.7 0.4

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

4.557 107.9 107.7 3.4 0.0 0.6 0.1 -0.2

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

94

2.499 113.1 113.0 4.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 -0.1

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

1.835 100.7 100.4 2.2 0.0 0.9 0.1 -0.3

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

96

0.223 112.9 111.7 2.7 -0.1 0.4 0.1 -1.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2007 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: March 2008 to March 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2009
Mar.
2009
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2008
to
Mar.
2009
Nov.
2008
to
Dec.
2008
Dec.
2008
to
Jan.
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009

Live animals; animal products

I

1.523 155.6 154.7 -4.9 -3.8 1.2 -0.9 -0.6

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

02

0.765 121.0 122.0 -7.1 -4.8 1.7 -0.2 0.8

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.411 148.3 144.8 -5.4 -2.3 1.1 -2.3 -2.4

Vegetable products

II

4.611 184.1 174.6 -28.8 -8.6 11.4 -3.7 -5.2

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

0.594 103.8 100.4 -17.2 -2.2 -1.8 -1.5 -3.3

Cereals

10

1.980 197.0 186.7 -40.4 -12.8 18.7 -6.6 -5.2

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

12

1.393 198.5 183.7 -29.9 -8.4 13.1 -1.6 -7.5

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages,and tobacco

IV

2.485 136.8 135.1 0.4 -0.8 2.4 1.0 -1.2

Miscellaneous edible preparations

21

0.393 124.8 124.9 4.3 0.1 2.1 0.3 0.1

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

22

0.283 100.1 99.6 - - 0.7 -0.6 -0.5

Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feed

23

0.517 189.6 174.9 -11.6 -4.2 7.6 4.2 -7.8

Mineral products

V

3.481 184.7 173.0 -43.2 -13.7 -4.5 -4.4 -6.3

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

27

3.011 179.5 166.6 -44.3 -15.4 -2.1 -4.7 -7.2

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

11.742 134.3 134.0 -4.4 -2.0 -0.1 -0.6 -0.2

Inorganic chemicals

28

1.382 205.5 205.5 11.6 -2.3 1.8 -0.1 0.0

Organic chemicals

29

3.046 126.3 127.0 -18.8 -5.4 -3.5 -0.9 0.6

Pharmaceutical products

30

2.776 118.1 116.7 -1.7 -0.5 2.2 1.5 -1.2

Tanning or dyeing extracts, dyes, paints, varnish, putty, & inks

32

0.545 113.0 113.0 -3.0 0.2 -1.1 0.1 0.0

Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery cosmetic or toilet preparations

33

0.721 120.3 119.5 -0.5 1.1 1.9 -5.4 -0.7

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

34

0.424 116.7 116.4 0.7 -0.1 -3.1 -1.1 -0.3

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

1.808 129.8 129.2 5.1 -1.1 2.2 -1.9 -0.5

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

5.382 132.3 130.2 -5.3 -4.0 -1.3 -1.2 -1.6

Plastics and articles thereof

39

4.337 126.3 123.7 -7.2 -4.1 -1.2 -0.7 -2.1

Rubber and articles thereof

40

1.045 159.3 159.6 2.9 -3.9 -1.7 -2.9 0.2

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

VIII

0.284 83.6 81.2 -30.6 -14.4 -11.2 -0.4 -2.9

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

IX

0.598 106.9 105.3 -6.1 -0.7 -2.2 0.4 -1.5

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

2.396 106.8 106.5 -8.7 -2.5 -1.3 0.8 -0.3

Woodpulp and recovered paper

47

0.491 88.5 89.6 -30.6 -8.4 -4.8 2.3 1.2

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

48

1.368 113.6 113.0 2.0 -0.8 -0.5 0.6 -0.5

Printed material

49

0.537 115.6 114.3 -5.6 -0.3 0.1 0.1 -1.1

Textile and textile articles

XI

2.019 103.6 102.4 -6.1 -0.5 0.0 -0.3 -1.2

Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof

52

0.543 91.1 86.1 -24.9 -2.8 0.2 -1.5 -5.5

Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, ceramics, glass etc. (Dec.2008=100)

XIII

0.862 117.2 117.2 5.2 0.4 1.7 0.8 0.0

Glass and glassware

70

0.455 100.7 100.7 1.5 0.2 1.0 0.0 0.0

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

XIV

3.776 167.5 174.9 -7.6 -2.8 1.9 2.1 4.4

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.119 144.5 142.1 -19.2 -5.6 -0.3 -0.3 -1.7

Iron and steel

72

1.381 171.5 165.7 -28.5 -8.1 0.9 0.2 -3.4

Articles of iron or steel

73

1.536 164.8 164.5 9.2 0.5 3.6 -0.7 -0.2

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.331 119.8 119.4 -54.8 -29.1 -8.3 2.3 -0.3

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.670 96.1 95.6 -36.4 -6.4 -4.8 -0.8 -0.5

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

82

0.407 121.8 121.8 3.0 0.1 -0.2 0.1 0.0

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.360 127.7 116.8 -8.8 -0.8 0.3 -0.6 -8.5

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

XVI

31.579 95.0 94.8 -0.4 -0.2 0.1 0.3 -0.2

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

18.236 105.1 104.9 1.3 -0.2 0.7 0.1 -0.2

Electrical machinery and equipment and parts and accessories thereof

85

13.343 84.0 83.8 -2.6 -0.2 -0.7 0.6 -0.2

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

15.862 118.9 119.3 3.3 0.2 0.6 0.2 0.3

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

9.197 107.5 107.7 1.4 -0.1 0.1 -0.1 0.2

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

XVIII

6.319 107.1 107.0 0.8 0.1 0.9 0.0 -0.1

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

1.572 105.8 105.8 -1.6 -1.1 -0.4 -0.3 0.0

Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;

94

0.762 114.4 114.4 -1.9 -1.5 -0.3 -0.6 0.0

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

0.688 93.0 93.1 0.0 -0.5 -0.4 0.1 0.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2007 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: March 2008 to March 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Percent
of
U.S.
imports(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2009
Mar.
2009
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2008
to
Mar.
2009
Nov.
2008
to
Dec.
2008
Dec.
2008
to
Jan.
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009

Industrialized Countries(2)

42.434 117.9 117.7 -10.1 -2.9 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2

Nonmanufactured articles

4.390 141.2 137.5 -50.1 -15.7 -5.3 -3.5 -2.6

Manufactured articles

37.621 115.3 115.5 -3.8 -1.7 -0.1 -0.3 0.2

Other Countries(3)

57.566 109.2 110.3 -17.3 -5.2 -1.9 0.1 1.0

Nonmanufactured articles

12.442 156.3 166.3 -47.1 -15.4 -3.9 1.5 6.4

Manufactured articles

44.910 101.7 101.7 -5.7 -2.8 -1.5 -0.2 0.0

Canada

15.963 124.9 124.0 -18.4 -4.4 -1.8 -2.0 -0.7

Nonmanufactured articles

3.979 137.4 133.0 -51.4 -15.8 -4.9 -4.2 -3.2

Manufactured articles

11.678 123.8 123.6 -4.0 -1.5 -0.8 -1.6 -0.2

European Union(4)

17.447 124.4 124.5 -4.0 -1.5 0.1 0.0 0.1

Nonmanufactured articles

0.222 223.4 237.5 -26.6 3.4 -3.8 0.6 6.3

Manufactured articles

17.133 121.9 122.1 -3.5 -1.6 0.1 0.0 0.2

France (Dec. 2003=100)

1.954 118.6 119.0 3.0 -0.8 1.6 -1.1 0.3

Germany (Dec. 2003=100)

4.735 109.3 108.5 -2.8 -0.8 1.1 -0.1 -0.7

United Kingdom (Dec. 2003=100)

2.660 119.3 121.1 -11.1 -2.5 -0.1 0.8 1.5

Latin America(5)

17.808 133.0 133.8 -22.0 -6.2 -1.0 -0.8 0.6

Nonmanufactured articles

5.160 183.7 193.4 -39.7 -7.2 2.5 -1.2 5.3

Manufactured articles

12.547 124.0 122.7 -11.9 -5.9 -2.2 -0.7 -1.0

Mexico (Dec. 2003=100)

10.785 125.8 125.7 -11.7 0.5 -1.5 -1.4 -0.1

Nonmanufactured articles

1.947 92.4 99.0 - - -1.6 -6.1 7.1

Manufactured articles

8.788 97.8 96.3 - - -1.8 -0.4 -1.5

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

33.590 99.8 99.3 -1.7 -0.9 -0.6 -0.4 -0.5

China (Dec. 2003=100)

16.852 101.5 100.9 -0.2 -0.5 -0.4 -0.5 -0.6

Japan

7.488 96.4 96.3 1.8 0.3 0.2 0.2 -0.1

Asian NICs(7)

5.647 86.5 85.5 -4.1 -3.0 -2.7 -0.3 -1.2

ASEAN (Dec. 2003=100)(8)

5.729 95.3 95.1 -5.6 -1.3 -1.4 -0.6 -0.2

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

3.992 131.7 139.2 -46.2 -16.1 -7.7 0.8 5.7

Footnotes
(1) Percentage of trade figures are based on 2007 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, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Macao, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Asian Newly Industrialized Countries.
(7) Asian 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.
Dash = Not available


Table 8. U.S. international price indexes and percent changes for selected transportation services: March 2008 to March 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2009
Mar.
2009
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2008
to
Mar.
2009
Nov.
2008
to
Dec.
2008
Dec.
2008
to
Jan.
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009

Air Freight

Import Air Freight

100.000 135.8 132.8 -8.0 -4.9 -0.9 -1.1 -2.2

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

22.410 129.0 124.4 -17.2 -6.8 0.2 -2.3 -3.6

Asia

68.863 120.4 118.4 -4.4 -3.4 -0.8 -0.1 -1.7

Export Air Freight

100.000 126.3 122.8 -7.0 -3.1 -3.3 -3.3 -2.8

Europe (Dec. 2006=100)

38.626 120.8 117.5 -4.9 -4.1 0.2 -3.4 -2.7

Inbound Air Freight

100.000 130.5 125.6 -10.7 -4.2 -2.8 -1.9 -3.8

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

24.961 127.0 121.3 -17.1 -6.6 -1.4 -2.3 -4.5

Asia

63.529 114.0 111.1 -6.2 -2.5 -1.9 -2.2 -2.5

Outbound Air Freight

100.000 121.8 118.8 -7.8 -6.0 -3.8 -2.9 -2.5

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

41.077 144.2 141.3 -3.2 -3.7 -2.8 -2.4 -2.0

Asia

40.031 108.0 105.4 -8.9 -8.1 -4.8 -0.4 -2.4

Air Passenger Fares

Import Air Passenger Fares

100.000 141.6 134.9 2.7 -0.2 -5.6 -4.6 -4.7

Europe

43.120 146.0 134.6 8.1 -10.2 5.3 -5.7 -7.8

Asia

28.239 128.3 123.1 5.2 10.1 -11.7 -4.6 -4.1

Latin America/Caribbean

11.719 121.9 118.2 -9.1 22.1 -19.7 -3.9 -3.0

Export Air Passenger Fares

100.000 147.5 140.0 -10.5 3.1 0.2 -10.6 -5.1

Europe

29.511 165.4 152.2 -14.5 -3.5 -1.7 -9.9 -8.0

Asia

34.572 128.0 126.3 -5.2 6.5 2.4 -13.9 -1.3

Latin America/Caribbean

22.023 161.9 154.1 -0.7 9.2 0.9 -10.3 -4.8

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures for Air Passenger Fares Indexes are based on 2007 trade values, while the relative importance figures for the Air Freight Indexes are based on 2006 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 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 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 excluded from both indexes. 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 IPP news release is 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).  Flat Files and the FTP server are available for users requiring access to 
either a large volume of time series data or other IPP-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 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.

Last Modified Date: April 09, 2009