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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-15-0564
8:30 a.m. (EDT) Friday, April 10, 2015

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Media contact:	       (202) 691-5902 * PressOffice@bls.gov


                              U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES - MARCH 2015

U.S. import prices fell 0.3 percent in March following a 0.2-percent upturn the previous month, the U.S. 
Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. In March, lower nonfuel prices more than offset a rise in fuel 
prices. The price index for U.S. exports rose in March, ticking up 0.1 percent, after declining 0.2 percent in 
February.

Imports

All Imports: Import prices decreased 0.3 percent in March, after increasing 0.2 percent in February, the 
first monthly advance recorded since a 0.3-percent rise in June 2014. Prior to February, import prices 
decreased 10.3 percent from June 2014 to January 2015. U.S. import prices declined 10.5 percent over the 
past year, the largest 12-month decrease since the index fell 12.0 percent for the year ended September 
2009.

Fuel Imports: Fuel prices increased for the second consecutive month in March, rising 0.4 percent, after a 
3.9-percent advance in February. Fuel prices had fallen 47.6 percent between June 2014 and January 2015, 
and despite the recent upturn, declined 45.2 percent over the past 12 months. The increase in March was led 
by a 0.8-percent advance in petroleum prices, which more than offset a 7.5-percent decrease in natural gas 
prices. Both the price indexes for petroleum and natural gas fell for the year ended in March, declining 45.1 
percent and 59.1 percent, respectively.

All Imports Excluding Fuel: The price index for nonfuel imports continued to trend down in March, 
decreasing 0.4 percent following a 0.3-percent drop the previous month. Nonfuel import prices have not 
recorded a monthly increase since the index rose 0.1 percent in July 2014. In March, lower prices for 
nonfuel industrial supplies and materials; foods, feeds, and beverages; and each of the major finished goods 
categories contributed to the overall decline in nonfuel import prices. Prices for nonfuel imports fell 1.9 
percent over the past 12 months, the largest year-over-year decrease since the index declined 3.1 percent 
between October 2008 and October 2009.

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

2014

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

-0.8 -3.6 -0.2 -0.4 -1.6 -0.2

October

-1.4 -6.8 -0.1 -0.9 -2.2 -0.7

November

-1.8 -9.3 -0.3 -0.9 0.1 -1.0

December

-2.5 (r)-15.0 -0.1 -0.9 -0.7 -1.0

2015

January

(r)-3.2 (r)-20.1 (r)-0.7 (r)-1.8 (r)-1.3 (r)-1.9

February

(r)0.2 (r)3.9 -0.3 (r)-0.2 (r)-2.1 (r)0.1

March

-0.3 0.4 -0.4 0.1 -1.7 0.2

Mar. 2013 to 2014

-0.5 1.0 -0.7 0.4 -1.4 0.5

Mar. 2014 to 2015

-10.5 -45.2 -1.9 -6.7 -13.5 -5.9

Footnotes
(r) Revised

Exports

All Exports: The price index for U.S. exports ticked up 0.1 percent in March, after declining 0.2 percent the 
previous month. The March upturn in overall export prices was driven by higher nonagricultural prices, and 
was the first 1-month advance since the index rose 0.1 percent in July 2014. The last time overall export 
prices advanced more than 0.1 percent was a 0.9 percent increase in March 2014. Despite the March 2015 
advance, U.S. export prices fell 6.7 percent over the past year, the largest 12-month drop since the index 
declined 8.3 percent for the year ended July 2009.

Agricultural Exports: Prices for agricultural exports decreased 1.7 percent in March following a 2.1-
percent drop in February. The March decline was led by a 5.9-percent decrease in meat prices, a 5.0-percent 
drop in fruit prices, and a 2.2-percent decline in nut prices. Export agricultural prices fell 13.5 percent over 
the past 12 months, the largest year-over-year decrease since the index declined 16.7 percent between 
September 2008 and September 2009.

All Exports Excluding Agriculture: Nonagricultural prices rose 0.2 percent in March, after ticking up 0.1 
percent the previous month. The March increase matched a 0.2-percent rise in July 2014, and those were the 
largest 1-month advances since the index rose 0.7 percent in March 2014. The March 2015 increase was 
driven by higher prices for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials. Despite the recent advances, 
the price index for overall nonagricultural prices declined 5.9 percent for the year ended in March. 


                                      SELECTED MARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Import Prices

Imports by Locality of Origin: The price index for imports from China fell 0.1 percent for the second 
consecutive month in March. Prices for imports from China declined 0.5 percent over the past 12 months. 
Import prices from Japan edged down 0.1 percent in March, after declining 0.2 percent the previous month. 
The price index for imports from Japan has not recorded a monthly advance since the index rose 0.2 percent 
in March 2014, and decreased 2.2 percent over the past year. Import prices from Canada and from Mexico 
also declined in March, decreasing 0.6 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively. Prices for imports from the 
European Union recorded no change in March.

Nonfuel Industrial Supplies and Materials: Nonfuel industrial supplies and materials prices declined 1.3 
percent in March following a 1.0-percent decrease in February. The March drop was driven by a 3.0 percent 
decline in unfinished metal prices and a 0.7-percent drop in chemical prices.

Finished Goods: Prices for each of the major import finished goods categories recorded decreases in 
March. The price index for consumer goods and automotive vehicles each declined 0.3 percent. Consumer 
goods prices had increased 0.3 percent in February, while in contrast, prices for automotive vehicles fell 0.3 
percent in February. In March, capital goods prices edged down 0.1 percent following 0.3-percent declines 
in each of the previous 2 months.

Foods, Feeds, and Beverages: Foods, feeds, and beverages prices decreased 1.1 percent in March, after 
recording no change in February. The March decline was led by a 6.5-percent decrease in meat prices. 
Lower prices for coffee; fish and shellfish; and feed and grain also contributed to the overall drop.

Transportation Services: Import air passenger fares fell 2.4 percent in March following a 2.5-percent drop 
the previous month. The March decline was led by lower European fares, while the drop in February was 
driven by lower Asian fares. Despite the recent declines, import air passenger fares rose 0.5 percent over the 
past year. The price index for import air freight increased 3.5 percent in March, the largest 1-month advance 
since the index rose 5.8 percent in May 2011. Despite the March increase, import air freight prices fell 1.6 
percent over the past 12 months.

Export Prices

Nonagricultural Industrial Supplies and Materials: Prices for nonagricultural industrial supplies and 
materials increased 0.7 percent in March, after advancing 0.2 percent the previous month. Both increases 
were driven by higher fuel prices which rose 4.9 percent in March and 3.7 percent in February.

Finished Goods: Export finished goods prices were mostly unchanged in March. Automotive vehicles 
prices ticked up 0.1 percent following a 0.2-percent decline in February. The price indexes for capital goods 
and consumer goods each recorded no change in March. Prices for capital goods had risen 0.2 percent the 
previous month, while consumer goods prices fell 0.5 percent.

Transportation Services: Export air passenger fares advanced 1.6 percent in March following a 13.3-
percent decline the previous month. The March increase was led by a 3.1-percent rise in Latin 
American/Caribbean fares. Overall export air passenger fares fell 6.7 percent over the past year. Export air 
freight prices decreased 1.7 percent in March, after a 1.8-percent drop in February. Despite those declines, 
prices for export air freight rose 4.1 percent over the past year.

Import and Export Price Index data for April 2015 are scheduled for release on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 
8:30 a.m. (EDT).

Table 1. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: March 2014 to March 2015
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2015(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2015
Mar.
2015
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2014
to
Mar.
2015
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014
Dec.
2014
to
Jan.
2015
Jan.
2015
to
Feb.
2015
Feb.
2015
to
Mar.
2015

All commodities

  100.000 126.2 125.8 -10.5 -2.5 -3.2 0.2 -0.3

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

  82.890 100.8 100.4 -1.8 -0.2 -0.6 -0.2 -0.4

All imports excluding petroleum

  89.715 113.9 113.4 -2.7 0.0 -0.7 -0.3 -0.4

All imports excluding fuels (Dec. 2001=100)

  88.890 117.9 117.4 -1.9 -0.1 -0.7 -0.3 -0.4

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

6.000 178.9 176.9 -2.9 0.7 -1.8 0.0 -1.1

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

4.643 197.0 194.8 -2.1 1.3 -2.1 -0.2 -1.1

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

1.357 138.1 136.5 -5.1 -1.4 -0.7 0.8 -1.2

Industrial supplies & materials

1

24.842 180.6 179.6 -29.5 -8.5 -10.5 1.2 -0.6

Industrial supplies & materials excluding petroleum

  14.557 153.1 150.8 -9.9 0.1 -1.6 -1.6 -1.5

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

  13.732 172.9 170.6 -5.5 -0.4 -1.3 -1.0 -1.3

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  8.188 161.2 158.4 -5.7 -0.1 -0.9 -0.9 -1.7

Industrial supplies & materials nondurable excluding petroleum

  5.544 143.0 141.3 -14.8 0.5 -2.5 -2.5 -1.2

Fuels & lubricants

10

11.110 190.9 191.7 -45.2 -15.0 -20.1 3.9 0.4

Petroleum & petroleum products

100

10.284 206.1 207.8 -45.1 -16.4 -21.2 5.2 0.8

Crude

10000

7.514 211.4 207.6 -46.6 -18.9 -21.5 8.4 -1.8

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

101

0.627 111.8 105.3 -52.4 9.0 -7.6 -12.7 -5.8

Gas-natural

10110

0.467 96.9 89.6 -59.1 11.1 -9.0 -16.2 -7.5

Paper & paper base stocks

11

0.595 111.9 111.7 -0.9 0.0 -0.6 -0.2 -0.2

Materials associated with nondurable supplies & materials

12

5.020 162.5 161.3 -5.9 -0.9 -1.9 -1.3 -0.7

Selected building materials

13

1.217 139.8 138.2 -3.4 0.0 0.1 -0.7 -1.1

Unfinished metals related to durable goods

14

3.508 221.9 215.2 -10.0 0.0 -1.8 -1.2 -3.0

Finished metals related to durable goods

15

1.708 154.6 154.2 -2.0 -0.1 -0.8 -0.6 -0.3

Nonmetals related to durable goods

16

1.684 111.2 110.0 -1.3 -0.3 0.2 -0.4 -1.1

Capital goods

2

27.435 91.5 91.4 -1.0 -0.1 -0.3 -0.3 -0.1

Electric generating equipment

20

3.360 119.5 119.2 0.2 -0.1 -0.3 -0.2 -0.3

Nonelectrical machinery

21

21.667 83.9 83.9 -1.3 -0.1 -0.4 -0.5 0.0

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

22

2.408 137.0 136.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 -0.4

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

15.217 111.5 111.2 -1.8 0.0 -0.7 -0.3 -0.3

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

26.506 107.8 107.5 -0.6 -0.1 -0.4 0.3 -0.3

Nondurables, manufactured

40

12.569 118.9 119.0 0.9 0.2 -0.3 0.1 0.1

Durables, manufactured

41

12.421 96.2 96.0 -1.8 -0.4 -0.3 0.0 -0.2

Nonmanufactured consumer goods

42

1.517 122.3 118.1 -1.9 -1.2 0.0 2.7 -3.4

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2013 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 2014 to March 2015
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2015(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2015
Mar.
2015
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2014
to
Mar.
2015
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014
Dec.
2014
to
Jan.
2015
Jan.
2015
to
Feb.
2015
Feb.
2015
to
Mar.
2015

All commodities

  100.000 125.8 125.9 -6.7 -0.9 -1.8 -0.2 0.1

Agricultural commodities

  9.259 195.1 191.8 -13.5 -0.7 -1.3 -2.1 -1.7

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

  83.664 100.8 100.6 -1.8 -0.1 -0.3 -0.3 -0.2

Nonagricultural commodities

  90.741 120.7 121.0 -5.9 -1.0 -1.9 0.1 0.2

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

8.572 196.3 193.9 -12.2 -0.8 -1.7 -2.2 -1.2

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

7.879 197.3 193.2 -14.0 -0.9 -2.0 -2.3 -2.1

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

0.693 193.6 210.0 11.9 1.0 2.4 -0.5 8.5

Industrial supplies & materials

1

31.018 154.5 155.6 -16.3 -2.9 -5.1 0.1 0.7

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  11.175 162.9 161.1 -6.1 -0.1 -0.4 -0.9 -1.1

Industrial supplies & materials, nondurable

  19.843 150.9 153.5 -21.1 -4.4 -7.6 0.7 1.7

Agricultural industrial supplies & materials

10

1.380 187.2 189.0 -10.0 0.6 3.5 -0.8 1.0

Nonagricultural industrial supplies & materials

  29.637 153.5 154.5 -16.6 -3.1 -5.4 0.2 0.7

Fuels & lubricants

11

7.764 176.9 185.5 -37.0 -9.0 -16.5 3.7 4.9

Nonagricultural supplies & materials excluding fuels & building materials

12

20.860 158.3 156.9 -6.0 -0.7 -1.1 -1.0 -0.9

Selected building materials

13

1.013 119.9 119.3 -7.4 -0.3 0.2 -1.3 -0.5

Capital goods

2

37.832 107.8 107.8 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.0

Electrical generating equipment

20

3.823 114.8 115.4 0.2 0.0 -0.3 -0.3 0.5

Nonelectrical machinery

21

25.926 95.6 95.5 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 -0.1

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

22

8.083 160.5 160.8 3.3 0.3 0.5 0.8 0.2

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

10.124 113.9 114.0 0.4 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 0.1

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

12.455 112.9 112.9 -1.7 -0.1 -0.7 -0.5 0.0

Nondurables, manufactured

40

5.541 109.0 108.8 -2.0 0.5 -1.2 -1.2 -0.2

Durables, manufactured

41

5.304 110.7 110.8 -1.2 0.0 -0.5 0.1 0.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2013 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 2014 to March 2015
[December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2015(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2015
Mar.
2015
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2014
to
Mar.
2015
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014
Dec.
2014
to
Jan.
2015
Jan.
2015
to
Feb.
2015
Feb.
2015
to
Mar.
2015

Nonmanufactured articles

  10.325 103.3 101.5 -42.4 -14.4 -17.4 5.0 -1.7

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

2.048 177.8 176.0 -8.7 2.3 -4.2 0.1 -1.0

Crop production

111

1.639 187.7 183.6 -9.8 3.3 -5.2 0.7 -2.2

Animal production (Dec. 2014=100)

112

0.229 94.3 94.0 - - -2.3 -3.5 -0.3

Forestry and logging (Dec. 2012=100)

113

0.114 67.3 65.8 -24.4 0.3 0.4 -1.6 -2.2

Mining

21

8.277 94.5 92.7 -46.8 -16.9 -20.3 6.3 -1.9

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

212

0.240 115.4 115.9 -7.1 -0.1 -1.8 -0.3 0.4

Manufactured articles

  89.357 112.4 112.2 -3.7 -0.5 -1.3 -0.4 -0.2

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

11.949 125.6 124.7 -0.5 -0.2 -0.3 -0.1 -0.7

Food manufacturing

311

3.388 157.9 153.5 -4.3 -0.4 -1.1 0.0 -2.8

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

1.073 117.5 118.1 2.3 -0.1 0.3 -0.1 0.5

Textile mills (Dec. 2011=100)

313

0.405 102.3 102.1 0.0 -0.2 -0.4 -0.4 -0.2

Textile product mills

314

0.884 113.1 112.9 -1.4 -0.4 -0.1 -0.4 -0.2

Apparel manufacturing

315

4.320 111.9 112.0 1.4 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 0.1

Leather and allied product manufacturing

316

1.879 124.3 124.3 1.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.0

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

17.319 122.3 123.5 -11.3 -1.9 -4.7 -0.6 1.0

Wood product manufacturing

321

0.736 118.7 116.5 -5.1 0.1 0.3 -1.2 -1.9

Paper manufacturing

322

1.111 110.6 109.6 -0.4 0.4 -0.4 -0.2 -0.9

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

2.603 91.8 99.1 -40.6 -8.7 -20.4 -2.2 8.0

Chemical manufacturing

325

9.516 134.7 134.5 -2.3 -0.4 -1.6 -0.4 -0.1

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

2.181 120.3 119.9 -2.7 -0.1 -0.8 -0.5 -0.3

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

0.964 130.3 130.4 0.1 -0.5 0.1 0.1 0.1

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

60.089 106.3 105.9 -1.9 -0.2 -0.5 -0.3 -0.4

Primary metal manufacturing

331

4.227 148.3 144.0 -8.4 -0.2 -1.7 -0.9 -2.9

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.996 126.5 126.3 -0.1 -0.2 -0.2 -0.5 -0.2

Machinery manufacturing

333

7.152 119.2 119.1 -2.0 -0.2 -0.2 -0.6 -0.1

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

17.638 78.6 78.6 -1.8 -0.3 -0.5 -0.3 0.0

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

4.698 118.8 118.6 0.3 -0.3 -0.3 0.1 -0.2

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

16.340 110.5 110.2 -1.3 -0.1 -0.5 -0.2 -0.3

Furniture and related product manufacturing

337

1.566 116.1 116.0 0.7 -0.4 0.1 -0.1 -0.1

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

5.472 121.0 120.6 -1.3 -0.3 -0.2 0.0 -0.3

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2013 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 2014 to March 2015
[December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2015(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2015
Mar.
2015
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2014
to
Mar.
2015
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014
Dec.
2014
to
Jan.
2015
Jan.
2015
to
Feb.
2015
Feb.
2015
to
Mar.
2015

Nonmanufactured articles

  6.485 135.5 138.3 -29.1 0.7 -4.1 -4.0 2.1

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

4.263 167.1 167.8 -17.6 0.4 0.0 -2.9 0.4

Crop production

111

4.026 173.3 172.8 -17.9 0.6 -0.2 -3.0 -0.3

Mining

21

2.222 75.5 79.5 -45.2 1.1 -10.8 -6.0 5.3

Mining (except oil and gas)

212

1.230 91.2 91.1 -8.8 -0.9 -2.2 -1.8 -0.1

Manufactured articles

  91.958 115.5 115.4 -4.8 -1.0 -1.6 0.3 -0.1

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

7.291 147.9 145.2 -6.0 -1.1 -1.5 -1.0 -1.8

Food manufacturing

311

5.047 169.1 164.7 -6.9 -1.5 -2.3 -1.5 -2.6

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.614 117.6 118.2 -5.4 1.3 3.1 0.7 0.5

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

24.193 114.4 115.4 -14.5 -3.5 -5.7 0.5 0.9

Paper manufacturing

322

1.864 124.1 124.0 -1.2 0.2 -1.1 -0.4 -0.1

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

5.313 104.7 110.4 -38.2 -11.9 -19.0 6.4 5.4

Chemical manufacturing

325

13.176 120.5 119.9 -6.1 -1.1 -2.1 -1.3 -0.5

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

2.224 118.3 118.2 -0.3 -0.3 0.4 -0.5 -0.1

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

0.817 112.7 112.7 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.0

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

60.475 112.8 112.6 -0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 -0.2

Primary metal manufacturing

331

4.880 144.2 140.8 -5.4 0.8 -0.1 1.3 -2.4

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.987 129.5 129.3 1.4 0.3 0.8 0.2 -0.2

Machinery manufacturing

333

11.373 124.9 125.0 1.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

14.292 86.8 86.6 -1.5 0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.2

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

3.716 114.7 115.3 0.7 -0.2 0.1 0.0 0.5

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

17.296 121.2 121.4 1.7 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2

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

337

0.381 110.2 107.9 0.7 0.4 0.6 -0.1 -2.1

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

5.551 123.5 123.6 -1.1 -0.8 -0.6 0.1 0.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2013 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 2014 to March 2015
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2015(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2015
Mar.
2015
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2014
to
Mar.
2015
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014
Dec.
2014
to
Jan.
2015
Jan.
2015
to
Feb.
2015
Feb.
2015
to
Mar.
2015

Live animals; animal products

I

1.396 195.2 189.4 -4.6 -1.6 -1.7 0.3 -3.0

Meat and edible meat offal

02

0.339 254.6 232.4 -1.9 -3.0 -2.8 2.7 -8.7

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.719 137.3 134.6 -9.8 -1.9 -0.9 1.2 -2.0

Vegetable products

II

1.956 202.8 199.6 -6.1 4.4 -5.7 0.9 -1.6

Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers

07

0.461 392.2 427.0 18.6 17.1 -20.4 1.8 8.9

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

0.507 101.3 99.7 -22.0 -2.1 3.9 0.0 -1.6

Coffee, tea, mate and spices

09

0.393 256.4 245.2 -4.7 1.3 1.6 -3.0 -4.4

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

III

0.275 108.1 108.0 -7.7 -2.7 1.3 -2.2 -0.1

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco

IV

2.802 162.4 160.6 0.4 0.3 -0.2 0.2 -1.1

Sugars and sugar confectionary (Dec. 2012=100)

17

0.187 91.9 91.5 4.3 1.8 -0.2 0.4 -0.4

Cocoa and cocoa preparations (Dec. 2009=100)

18

0.253 112.8 108.5 2.2 -0.8 2.1 0.4 -3.8

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

19

0.280 133.3 133.2 1.5 0.0 0.1 -0.4 -0.1

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

20

0.344 164.5 162.4 -3.4 0.6 -1.1 -0.6 -1.3

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar

22

1.043 127.6 128.2 1.7 -0.1 0.1 -0.2 0.5

Mineral products

V

11.037 192.2 192.9 -45.1 -15.1 -20.0 4.0 0.4

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

27

10.777 189.0 189.7 -45.6 -15.3 -20.4 4.1 0.4

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

8.652 148.4 148.4 -2.6 -0.3 -2.0 -0.5 0.0

Inorganic chemicals

28

0.677 305.7 299.9 -1.6 -0.5 -5.9 -4.1 -1.9

Organic chemicals

29

2.438 123.2 123.7 -10.2 -1.4 -5.4 -1.0 0.4

Pharmaceutical products

30

3.465 136.2 136.3 2.6 0.4 0.7 0.4 0.1

Fertilizers (Dec. 2009=100)

31

0.393 114.6 114.4 0.4 0.3 -0.3 -0.4 -0.2

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

32

0.215 104.5 100.0 -1.4 -0.5 -0.9 0.1 -4.3

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

0.548 90.2 90.1 -3.3 -0.5 -1.1 -0.6 -0.1

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

3.437 144.2 143.4 -3.7 -0.4 -0.7 -0.5 -0.6

Plastics and articles thereof

39

2.242 149.0 148.3 -1.1 -0.8 0.1 -0.3 -0.5

Rubber and articles thereof

40

1.195 137.5 136.3 -8.3 0.4 -2.1 -0.8 -0.9

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

VIII

0.718 128.4 128.3 -0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 -0.1

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

42

0.677 130.7 130.7 0.7 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0

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

IX

0.762 144.0 141.4 -5.0 0.1 0.2 -1.1 -1.8

Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal (Dec. 2014=100)

44

0.725 99.0 97.2 - - 0.2 -1.2 -1.8

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

1.161 113.1 112.7 -0.7 0.3 -0.2 0.0 -0.4

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

48

0.772 106.9 106.5 -0.7 0.1 0.2 -0.2 -0.4

Textile and textile articles

XI

5.452 114.7 114.6 0.5 -0.2 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted

61

2.171 103.7 103.9 1.2 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 0.2

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted

62

1.959 120.4 120.3 1.3 -0.1 0.0 0.1 -0.1

Made-up or worn textile articles

63

0.637 107.0 106.8 -1.1 -0.1 -0.2 -0.4 -0.2

Headgear, umbrellas, artifical flowers, etc.

XII

1.486 122.9 123.0 1.4 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.1

Footwear and parts of such articles

64

1.295 122.3 122.2 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.2 -0.1

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

XIII

0.894 132.3 132.4 -0.5 -0.5 -0.2 0.0 0.1

Ceramic products

69

0.267 138.2 138.7 -1.6 -1.6 -0.4 -0.4 0.4

Glass and glassware

70

0.312 129.1 129.0 -0.8 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.1

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

XIV

3.118 176.1 172.5 -6.0 0.3 0.4 1.4 -2.0

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.468 174.6 172.1 -5.1 -0.7 -1.7 -1.6 -1.4

Iron and steel

72

1.206 203.1 196.7 -11.3 -1.2 -2.1 -4.4 -3.2

Articles of iron or steel

73

1.699 151.3 150.4 -2.4 -0.8 -0.7 -0.8 -0.6

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.455 286.5 288.8 -13.6 -1.0 -3.7 -4.8 0.8

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.777 139.2 135.6 -0.4 -1.4 -2.7 0.7 -2.6

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

82

0.444 128.9 128.9 0.2 0.0 -0.1 0.0 0.0

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.516 138.0 138.4 1.8 0.0 -0.1 0.1 0.3

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

XVI

29.689 83.2 83.0 -1.7 -0.2 -0.4 -0.2 -0.2

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

15.068 88.2 88.1 -1.3 -0.2 -0.4 -0.5 -0.1

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

85

14.621 78.3 78.2 -1.8 -0.4 -0.4 -0.1 -0.1

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

13.681 114.6 114.5 -1.3 -0.1 -0.5 -0.2 -0.1

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

12.356 113.2 113.1 -1.4 -0.1 -0.5 -0.3 -0.1

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

88

1.232 120.3 119.3 -0.9 0.0 0.0 0.1 -0.8

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

XVIII

3.880 104.0 104.2 -0.4 0.2 -0.3 -0.1 0.2

Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments

90

3.558 100.8 100.9 -0.5 0.2 -0.1 -0.2 0.1

Clocks and watches and parts thereof

91

0.260 142.9 143.0 -0.4 -0.1 -0.7 0.4 0.1

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

4.027 113.6 113.4 0.2 0.1 -0.3 -0.2 -0.2

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

94

2.431 118.5 118.1 0.7 0.0 0.1 -0.3 -0.3

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

1.339 105.0 104.9 -0.6 0.0 -0.8 0.0 -0.1

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

96

0.257 134.9 134.9 -0.4 0.0 0.6 -0.6 0.0

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2013 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 2014 to March 2015
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2015(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2015
Mar.
2015
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2014
to
Mar.
2015
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014
Dec.
2014
to
Jan.
2015
Jan.
2015
to
Feb.
2015
Feb.
2015
to
Mar.
2015

Live animals; animal products

I

2.025 214.9 209.7 -10.5 -4.6 -4.5 -2.8 -2.4

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

02

1.230 172.9 163.3 -5.2 -5.1 -4.5 -2.5 -5.6

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.408 213.7 234.3 15.4 2.4 1.6 -0.6 9.6

Vegetable products

II

4.067 215.9 212.6 -17.1 1.1 -1.0 -3.2 -1.5

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

1.163 182.5 174.3 -8.4 4.3 -1.7 -1.0 -4.5

Cereals

10

1.042 207.5 206.0 -20.1 3.4 -3.5 -5.6 -0.7

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

12

1.439 215.6 215.4 -24.0 -2.8 1.4 -4.1 -0.1

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

III

0.203 97.0 96.3 -16.3 0.7 -0.4 -6.9 -0.7

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages,and tobacco

IV

3.062 161.8 159.5 -5.0 0.7 -0.1 -0.3 -1.4

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

20

0.400 118.4 118.5 1.5 0.0 0.9 -0.1 0.1

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

22

0.510 110.3 110.2 -0.6 -1.2 -0.5 0.1 -0.1

Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feed

23

0.808 244.1 237.9 -15.0 5.0 0.5 -0.3 -2.5

Mineral products

V

7.616 203.2 211.3 -39.1 -8.7 -16.2 2.6 4.0

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

26

0.493 88.7 88.5 -4.4 -2.1 -3.9 -1.2 -0.2

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

27

6.936 195.5 204.2 -41.2 -9.4 -17.3 2.9 4.5

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

10.789 143.0 142.3 -4.8 -0.6 -1.6 -0.9 -0.5

Inorganic chemicals

28

0.832 172.6 168.8 -3.4 1.0 -0.3 -0.1 -2.2

Organic chemicals

29

2.928 146.1 145.8 -10.3 -3.5 -4.3 -1.6 -0.2

Pharmaceutical products

30

2.563 111.4 110.9 -3.9 0.9 -1.0 -1.9 -0.4

Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery cosmetic or toilet preparations

33

0.782 135.9 136.2 2.1 0.0 2.5 -0.3 0.2

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

34

0.475 113.7 114.5 -4.4 0.0 -0.1 -2.9 0.7

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

1.897 153.1 151.2 -4.3 0.7 -1.4 0.8 -1.2

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

5.172 144.0 144.0 -4.3 -0.7 -1.3 -1.6 0.0

Plastics and articles thereof

39

4.218 139.5 139.6 -3.9 -0.8 -1.5 -1.5 0.1

Rubber and articles thereof

40

0.954 162.9 162.4 -6.1 -0.7 -0.7 -1.9 -0.3

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

VIII

0.442 148.6 148.2 -5.6 -3.1 -2.0 -0.8 -0.3

Raw hides and skins other than furskins and leather (Dec.2014=100)

41

0.275 96.4 96.0 - - -2.9 -0.7 -0.4

Wood, wood charcoal, cork, straw, baskets and wickerwork (Dec. 2014=100)

IX

0.629 99.9 99.3 - - 0.7 -0.8 -0.6

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

2.222 123.4 123.0 -2.5 0.3 -0.9 -1.2 -0.3

Woodpulp and recovered paper

47

0.612 122.7 121.8 -7.2 0.5 -1.9 -3.6 -0.7

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

48

1.201 123.7 123.3 -1.3 0.2 -0.7 -0.2 -0.3

Printed material (Dec. 2014=100)

49

0.409 100.3 100.3 - - 0.3 0.0 0.0

Textile and textile articles

XI

1.788 123.4 123.0 -10.2 -0.6 -0.6 -0.6 -0.3

Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof

52

0.456 119.8 119.5 -24.8 -1.5 -0.3 -1.8 -0.3

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

XIII

0.816 122.6 122.7 2.7 0.2 1.7 0.2 0.1

Glass and glassware

70

0.422 99.6 99.8 1.9 0.4 0.5 0.2 0.2

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

XIV

4.859 240.7 236.9 -5.0 0.4 -0.2 1.9 -1.6

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.226 154.6 153.9 -5.8 -0.7 -1.3 -2.0 -0.5

Iron and steel

72

1.241 167.9 165.8 -12.5 -2.5 -0.3 -5.9 -1.3

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.494 183.2 187.4 -19.6 -2.3 -4.5 -4.9 2.3

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.898 119.5 118.3 -1.3 0.1 -3.2 -1.0 -1.0

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.329 147.7 147.7 0.5 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0

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

XVI

28.913 97.6 97.6 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.0

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

17.374 114.0 113.9 1.2 0.0 0.4 0.4 -0.1

Electrical machinery and equipment and parts and accessories thereof

85

11.539 79.9 79.9 -1.4 0.3 0.0 -0.2 0.0

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

14.412 130.5 130.6 0.9 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

8.976 114.9 114.9 0.3 0.0 0.0 -0.3 0.0

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

XVIII

6.154 107.4 107.4 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 0.0

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

1.476 111.3 110.9 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.4 -0.4

Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;

94

0.838 123.3 122.5 0.6 0.1 0.2 0.5 -0.6

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

0.477 89.8 89.8 0.6 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2013 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 2014 to March 2015
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2015(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2015
Mar.
2015
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2014
to
Mar.
2015
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014
Dec.
2014
to
Jan.
2015
Jan.
2015
to
Feb.
2015
Feb.
2015
to
Mar.
2015

Industrialized Countries(2)

100.000 120.8 120.3 -11.0 -2.2 -2.9 -0.8 -0.4

Nonmanufactured articles

7.735 133.6 132.2 -51.1 -17.7 -17.4 -2.8 -1.0

Manufactured articles

91.819 119.3 119.0 -4.3 -0.3 -1.5 -0.6 -0.3

Other Countries(3)

100.000 123.8 123.5 -10.8 -2.5 -3.3 -0.2 -0.2

Nonmanufactured articles

10.956 201.3 197.0 -43.3 -13.2 -17.5 -0.2 -2.1

Manufactured articles

88.809 106.5 106.5 -3.2 -0.3 -1.2 -0.3 0.0

Canada

100.000 125.4 124.6 -22.2 -5.9 -5.6 -1.4 -0.6

Nonmanufactured articles

21.497 127.2 126.4 -51.9 -18.3 -17.9 -3.0 -0.6

Manufactured articles

77.795 129.3 128.4 -5.9 -0.8 -1.4 -0.8 -0.7

European Union(4)

100.000 133.5 133.5 -3.1 -0.4 -1.5 -1.1 0.0

Manufactured articles

99.395 130.0 130.1 -3.0 -0.4 -1.5 -1.1 0.1

France (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 122.4 122.4 0.1 -0.3 0.2 -0.6 0.0

Germany (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 117.4 117.1 -1.3 -0.3 0.1 -0.7 -0.3

United Kingdom (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 120.0 120.6 -6.9 0.1 -5.7 0.0 0.5

Latin America(5)

100.000 148.2 147.1 -15.2 -3.8 -4.8 0.3 -0.7

Nonmanufactured articles

17.983 218.7 212.4 -42.5 -13.2 -19.0 4.3 -2.9

Manufactured articles

81.588 125.5 125.2 -4.6 -0.6 -1.3 -0.6 -0.2

Mexico (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 130.9 130.6 -8.3 -1.9 -2.6 -0.2 -0.2

Nonmanufactured articles (Dec. 2008=100)

9.666 117.7 118.3 -41.6 -12.4 -19.1 0.7 0.5

Manufactured articles (Dec. 2008=100)

90.026 91.6 91.3 -1.6 -0.1 -0.5 -0.2 -0.3

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

100.000 101.2 101.0 -1.8 -0.2 -0.4 -0.2 -0.2

China (Dec. 2003=100)

100.000 103.4 103.3 -0.5 0.1 -0.2 -0.1 -0.1

Japan

100.000 97.1 97.0 -2.2 -0.5 -0.6 -0.2 -0.1

Asian NICs(7)

100.000 87.6 86.9 -2.7 -0.2 -0.9 0.0 -0.8

ASEAN (Dec. 2003=100)(8)

100.000 100.0 99.8 -4.5 -0.2 -1.1 -0.4 -0.2

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

100.000 170.7 168.1 -37.1 -11.7 -11.3 -4.2 -1.5

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2013 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: March 2014 to March 2015
[2000=100, unless otherwise noted]
Description Relative
import-
ance
Feb.
2015(1)
Index Percent change
Feb.
2015
Mar.
2015
Annual Monthly
Mar.
2014
to
Mar.
2015
Nov.
2014
to
Dec.
2014
Dec.
2014
to
Jan.
2015
Jan.
2015
to
Feb.
2015
Feb.
2015
to
Mar.
2015

Air Freight

Import Air Freight

100.000 168.0 173.8 -1.6 -1.7 0.2 0.3 3.5

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

25.408 153.9 150.0 -17.3 -2.3 -2.7 -5.1 -2.5

Asia

69.263 151.0 160.0 5.1 -1.6 1.5 2.4 6.0

Export Air Freight

100.000 160.1 157.4 4.1 -1.6 4.6 -1.8 -1.7

Europe (Dec. 2006=100)

36.354 151.5 149.0 9.8 -1.3 9.4 -1.8 -1.7

Inbound Air Freight

100.000 159.5 160.5 -2.6 -1.9 1.1 -0.6 0.6

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

25.676 142.8 141.0 -11.7 -2.0 -1.3 -3.7 -1.3

Asia

61.207 146.3 148.5 1.2 -2.1 2.3 0.7 1.5

Outbound Air Freight

100.000 150.6 149.5 0.6 -0.3 -0.7 -0.5 -0.7

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

33.119 170.5 168.7 1.7 0.0 -0.9 -0.1 -1.1

Asia

43.665 141.0 140.4 -0.8 -0.6 -1.1 -0.8 -0.4

Air Passenger Fares

Import Air Passenger Fares

100.000 196.0 191.3 0.5 7.9 -6.8 -2.5 -2.4

Europe

50.325 241.8 232.5 9.5 0.8 3.1 2.7 -3.8

Asia

23.229 138.3 141.3 -4.5 16.2 -14.4 -6.2 2.2

Latin America/Caribbean

9.903 166.0 167.0 -1.0 10.6 -11.2 0.4 0.6

Export Air Passenger Fares

100.000 164.0 166.7 -6.7 8.3 0.4 -13.3 1.6

Europe

30.280 209.8 210.2 -2.9 4.2 -5.4 -1.7 0.2

Asia

26.852 137.3 136.6 -8.5 7.2 2.5 -17.9 -0.5

Latin America/Caribbean

24.320 179.7 185.3 -8.7 10.6 -0.8 -9.4 3.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2013 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: April 10, 2015