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U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes News Release

Technical information:					      		  	  USDL-09-0635
     (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					  Friday, June 12, 2009


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

   The U.S. Import Price Index increased for the third consecutive month in May, the Bureau of 
Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today, rising 1.3 percent.  An 8.3 percent 
increase in petroleum prices was the primary contributor to the overall advance.  The U.S. Export Price 
Index rose 0.6 percent in May after increasing 0.4 percent in April.

                               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

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 -6.1 -1.9

2009

January

-1.3 -4.6 -0.8 0.7 5.9 0.3

February

(r)0.0 (r)5.4 -0.7 -0.3 (r)-1.7 -0.2

March

(r)0.5 (r)11.1 (r)-0.8 -0.7 (r)-3.5 -0.4

April

(r)1.1 (r)9.8 (r)-0.2 (r)0.4 (r)3.7 (r)0.2

May

1.3 8.3 0.2 0.6 3.6 0.3

May 2007 to 2008

19.1 75.9 6.6 8.1 33.6 5.7

May 2008 to 2009

-17.6 -51.4 -5.8 -6.5 -14.7 -5.6

Footnotes
(r) Revised

Import Goods
   
   Prices of U.S. imports rose 1.3 percent in May, the third consecutive increase and largest 
monthly advance since a 1.4 percent advance in July 2008.  The May increase was led by an 8.3 percent 
gain in petroleum prices which followed a 28.6 percent increase from January through April.  Despite 
the recent jump in petroleum prices, the index fell 51.4 percent over the past year.  Nonpetroleum prices 
rose 0.2 percent in May, the first increase for the index since July 2008.  Prices for nonpetroleum 
imports decreased 5.8 percent for the year ended in May and overall import prices fell 17.6 percent for 
the same period.  
    
   The rise in nonpetroleum prices was driven primarily by a 0.6 percent advance in prices for 
nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials, the first increase for that index since July 2008.  The 
increase was led by higher prices for nonferrous metals and chemicals, which more than offset lower 
iron and steel mill product prices.  Overall, nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials prices 
declined 22.2 percent for the May 2008-2009 period.
   
   Prices for automotive vehicles and for foods, feeds, and beverages also contributed to the overall 
increase in nonpetroleum prices in May.  Automotive vehicle prices advanced 0.3 percent in May, the 
first monthly increase for the index since January.  The increase was driven by a 0.4 percent advance in 
passenger vehicle prices.  Foods, feeds, and beverages prices also rose 0.3 percent in May after a 1.4 
percent increase in April. 
   
   The price indexes for capital goods and consumer goods were both unchanged in May following 
increases of 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively, in April.  

Export Goods 

   Export prices rose 0.6 percent in May, the second consecutive advance and largest since a 0.7 
percent increase in January.  Despite the rise, export prices decreased 6.5 percent over the past 12 
months.  Agricultural prices rose 3.6 percent in May after a 3.7 percent advance the previous month.  In 
each month, the increase was led by a jump in soybean prices, which advanced 12.8 percent in May after 
a 12.9 percent rise in April.  Overall agricultural prices remained down 14.7 percent over the past 12 
months.  Nonagricultural prices increased 0.3 percent in May, but fell 5.6 percent over the past year.  
   
   The increase in nonagricultural prices was led by a 0.5 percent rise in the price index for 
nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials.  The advance in nonagricultural industrial supplies and 
materials prices followed a 0.3 percent increase in April, which was the first monthly rise for the index 
since July 2008.  Higher prices for nonferrous metals, fuel, and chemicals all contributed to the advance.  
Despite the May rise, prices for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials fell 18.7 percent over 
the past 12 months.
   
   Export prices for both capital goods and consumer goods also rose in May, increasing 0.2 percent 
and 0.4 percent, respectively.  The increase in capital goods prices followed a 0.4 percent advance in 
April and the May rise in consumer goods prices was an upturn from the previous month when the index 
recorded a 0.9 percent decline.  
   
   The price index for automotive vehicles was unchanged in May after edging down 0.1 percent 
the previous month.  
   
Imports by Locality of Origin 
	
   Higher petroleum prices led import prices from Canada and from Mexico to rise in May, 
increasing 1.5 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively.  Despite the May advances, each index declined 
over the past 12 months--prices of imports from Canada fell 24.5 percent for the May 2008-2009 period 
and import prices from Mexico decreased 12.5 percent.  
    
   Import prices from China edged down 0.1 percent, the ninth consecutive month the index 
declined.  The price index for imports from China decreased 1.9 percent over the past year, the largest 
12-month decrease for the index, which was first published in 2003.
   
   Prices of imports from the European Union and from Japan were unchanged in May after each 
index declined 0.1 percent the previous month.  The price index for imports from the European Union 
fell 7.0 percent over the past year, while import prices from Japan rose 1.4 percent for the same period.


Import and Export Services

   Import air passenger fares continued to trend downward in May, falling 2.1 percent for the month 
and 10.1 percent over the past year.  Both the May and 12-month declines were led by declining 
European and Latin American/Caribbean fares, which fell 6.0 percent and 6.4 percent, respectively, for 
the month.  European fares fell 14.9 percent for the year ended in May while Latin American/Caribbean 
fares decreased 20.2 percent over the same period.  Export air passenger fares also fell in May, declining 
2.4 percent for the month and 14.6 percent for the May 2008-2009 period.
	
   Import air freight prices rose 0.9 percent in May, led by a 1.2 percent increase in European air 
freight prices.  Despite the May rise, the index declined 16.1 percent over the past 12 months.  Export air 
freight prices fell 3.0 percent in May and decreased 13.5 percent from May 2008 to May 2009.

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 June 2009 are scheduled for release on July 10, 2009 at 
8:30 A.M. (EDT).  

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

All commodities

  100.000 114.8 116.3 -17.6 0.0 0.5 1.1 1.3

All imports excluding petroleum

  86.268 107.1 107.3 -5.8 -0.7 -0.8 -0.2 0.2

All imports excluding fuels (Dec. 2001=100)

  84.794 110.8 111.0 -4.1 -0.4 -0.6 0.1 0.2

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

4.888 138.9 139.3 -3.9 -3.2 -0.6 1.4 0.3

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

3.783 154.4 155.2 -4.3 -3.8 -1.1 2.0 0.5

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

1.105 103.7 103.4 -2.4 -1.1 1.2 -0.9 -0.3

Industrial supplies & materials

1

29.268 154.0 160.4 -39.5 0.8 3.0 3.2 4.2

Industrial supplies & materials excluding petroleum

  15.535 130.2 131.0 -22.2 -2.2 -2.6 -2.1 0.6

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

  14.061 144.1 145.2 -16.8 -0.9 -1.3 -1.0 0.8

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  8.707 134.0 134.2 -20.6 -0.6 -1.8 -0.5 0.1

Industrial supplies & materials nondurable excluding petroleum

  5.353 125.6 127.0 -23.8 -4.1 -3.7 -4.0 1.1

Fuels & lubricants

10

15.207 173.9 186.8 -51.9 2.7 7.7 7.3 7.4

Petroleum & petroleum products

100

13.733 184.9 200.3 -51.4 5.4 11.1 9.8 8.3

Crude

10000

9.892 188.1 206.4 -52.5 3.4 13.7 9.7 9.7

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

101

1.283 112.5 111.2 -55.2 -12.2 -13.8 -12.2 -1.2

Gas-natural

10110

1.070 97.7 96.3 -61.1 -13.7 -15.8 -14.4 -1.4

Paper & paper base stocks

11

0.745 104.6 103.5 -11.6 -1.4 -2.0 -1.9 -1.1

Materials associated with nondurable supplies & materials

12

4.691 134.2 137.0 -8.4 -1.2 -0.3 -1.8 2.1

Selected building materials

13

1.696 115.3 114.4 -1.5 -0.6 -0.3 -0.7 -0.8

Unfinished metals related to durable goods

14

3.390 171.3 172.3 -34.6 -0.3 -2.4 -0.2 0.6

Finished metals related to durable goods

15

1.907 132.5 134.1 -13.7 -1.2 -2.5 -0.2 1.2

Nonmetals related to durable goods

16

1.632 104.6 103.8 -3.3 -0.8 -0.9 -0.6 -0.8

Capital goods

2

24.740 92.0 92.0 -1.4 -0.4 -0.4 0.1 0.0

Electric generating equipment

20

3.175 109.9 110.7 -0.9 -0.7 -0.3 -0.1 0.7

Nonelectrical machinery

21

19.390 86.8 86.7 -1.9 -0.3 -0.6 0.1 -0.1

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

22

2.175 120.8 120.9 2.8 -0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

14.583 107.7 108.0 0.2 -0.1 -0.2 0.0 0.3

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

26.522 104.2 104.2 -0.6 0.0 -0.4 0.2 0.0

Nondurables, manufactured

40

12.271 108.4 108.2 0.2 0.0 -0.5 0.0 -0.2

Durables, manufactured

41

12.965 100.2 100.4 -0.9 -0.1 -0.2 0.4 0.2

Nonmanufactured consumer goods

42

1.286 102.6 101.1 -4.4 1.7 -3.2 1.5 -1.5

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: May 2008 to May 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Apr.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Apr.
2009
May
2009
Annual Monthly
May
2008
to
May
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009
Mar.
2009
to
Apr.
2009
Apr.
2009
to
May
2009

All commodities

  100.000 116.0 116.7 -6.5 -0.3 -0.7 0.4 0.6

Agricultural commodities

  8.696 157.1 162.8 -14.7 -1.7 -3.5 3.7 3.6

Nonagricultural commodities

  91.304 113.1 113.4 -5.6 -0.2 -0.4 0.2 0.3

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

8.184 162.7 166.5 -13.9 -2.0 -3.4 3.9 2.3

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

7.506 164.8 169.8 -14.6 -2.1 -3.6 4.2 3.0

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

0.678 145.2 138.2 -5.0 -1.5 -1.2 0.8 -4.8

Industrial supplies & materials

1

26.754 137.0 138.2 -18.5 -0.8 -0.9 0.2 0.9

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  10.506 142.2 143.3 -17.4 0.6 0.6 -1.0 0.8

Industrial supplies & materials, nondurable

  16.248 134.6 135.8 -19.3 -1.7 -1.8 1.1 0.9

Agricultural industrial supplies & materials

10

1.190 123.6 133.2 -15.1 0.5 -2.5 0.5 7.8

Nonagricultural industrial supplies & materials

  25.564 138.0 138.7 -18.7 -0.9 -0.8 0.3 0.5

Fuels & lubricants

11

3.532 157.3 159.4 -42.2 -5.8 -5.8 6.9 1.3

Nonagricultural supplies & materials excluding fuels & building materials

12

20.992 137.2 137.9 -13.9 0.0 0.1 -0.8 0.5

Selected building materials

13

1.040 113.3 111.7 -1.9 -0.2 -1.1 -0.6 -1.4

Capital goods

2

41.654 102.7 102.9 1.3 0.2 0.0 0.4 0.2

Electrical generating equipment

20

3.765 106.8 107.0 -1.5 -0.6 0.1 0.0 0.2

Nonelectrical machinery

21

28.854 94.1 94.2 0.3 0.3 -0.1 0.2 0.1

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

22

9.035 136.4 136.8 5.6 0.5 0.4 1.0 0.3

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

10.506 108.1 108.1 0.6 -0.3 0.1 -0.1 0.0

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

12.902 107.5 107.9 -0.2 0.1 -0.7 -0.9 0.4

Nondurables, manufactured

40

5.729 107.3 108.0 -1.8 0.2 -1.8 0.3 0.7

Durables, manufactured

41

6.043 107.6 107.9 2.7 0.1 0.1 -2.1 0.3

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: May 2008 to May 2009 December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Apr.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Apr.
2009
May
2009
Annual Monthly
May
2008
to
May
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009
Mar.
2009
to
Apr.
2009
Apr.
2009
to
May
2009

Nonmanufactured articles

  13.583 90.1 95.9 -49.5 0.3 6.4 7.0 6.4

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

1.884 138.4 136.1 0.7 -5.8 -1.7 7.7 -1.7

Crop production

111

1.368 147.7 143.8 3.9 -7.4 -3.7 8.3 -2.6

Mining

21

11.699 85.1 91.7 -53.0 1.4 7.9 6.9 7.8

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

212

0.471 129.7 129.5 5.4 0.4 -1.1 0.1 -0.2

Manufactured articles

  85.912 105.2 105.7 -7.2 -0.1 -0.3 0.2 0.5

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

10.860 106.3 106.4 -2.2 -0.3 -0.2 -0.6 0.1

Food manufacturing

311

2.487 113.8 114.7 -9.6 -1.5 -0.6 -1.5 0.8

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.983 107.0 107.0 1.3 -0.1 0.3 0.1 0.0

Textile mills

313

0.466 111.4 111.5 -1.3 0.7 -0.2 -1.5 0.1

Textile product mills

314

0.836 98.7 98.7 -3.6 -0.1 -0.2 -2.0 0.0

Apparel manufacturing

315

4.436 102.5 102.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 -0.3

Leather and allied product manufacturing

316

1.652 107.6 107.5 2.4 0.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.1

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

17.704 107.9 109.6 -15.9 0.7 0.6 1.0 1.6

Wood product manufacturing

321

1.001 89.1 88.1 -5.6 -1.2 -0.4 -0.9 -1.1

Paper manufacturing

322

1.327 103.5 103.0 -7.4 -1.0 -1.7 -1.6 -0.5

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

3.233 87.0 91.9 -48.0 7.2 7.1 9.3 5.6

Chemical manufacturing

325

8.858 118.0 119.6 -3.5 -0.4 -0.8 -0.8 1.4

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

1.957 112.8 112.2 1.4 -0.5 -0.1 -0.1 -0.5

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

1.214 119.1 119.4 6.7 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.3

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

57.349 104.1 104.2 -5.0 -0.3 -0.5 0.1 0.1

Primary metal manufacturing

331

4.052 119.7 119.7 -33.5 -0.8 -2.4 -0.6 0.0

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.951 116.3 116.4 -1.3 -0.6 -1.0 -0.5 0.1

Machinery manufacturing

333

7.208 111.1 110.9 0.1 -0.1 -0.3 0.1 -0.2

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

15.972 89.1 89.2 -4.7 -0.3 -0.6 0.1 0.1

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

4.245 112.9 113.1 0.7 -0.4 0.0 0.0 0.2

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

15.782 104.9 105.2 0.6 -0.1 -0.1 0.1 0.3

Furniture and related product manufacturing

337

1.672 110.3 110.0 0.5 0.1 0.2 -0.2 -0.3

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

5.466 110.5 111.0 0.5 -0.6 -0.2 0.5 0.5

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: May 2008 to May 2009 December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Apr.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Apr.
2009
May
2009
Annual Monthly
May
2008
to
May
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009
Mar.
2009
to
Apr.
2009
Apr.
2009
to
May
2009

Nonmanufactured articles

  6.114 118.8 123.1 -21.4 -3.1 -5.5 6.1 3.6

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

4.855 138.4 144.4 -18.0 -3.5 -6.6 7.3 4.3

Crop production

111

4.496 142.3 149.3 -18.8 -3.8 -7.0 8.0 4.9

Mining

21

1.259 75.5 76.2 -32.6 -1.6 -1.2 1.6 0.9

Mining (except oil and gas)

212

0.984 88.6 87.0 -13.0 -0.4 3.0 2.1 -1.8

Manufactured articles

  92.260 107.2 107.4 -4.2 -0.2 -0.4 0.2 0.2

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

6.483 116.5 117.9 -4.5 0.2 -0.3 -0.3 1.2

Food manufacturing

311

4.313 129.3 131.7 -5.5 0.2 -0.2 -0.2 1.9

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.518 105.4 105.8 -0.8 0.6 1.2 0.0 0.4

Apparel manufacturing

315

0.396 102.5 102.5 1.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.0

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

21.598 107.4 107.8 -13.3 -1.2 -1.6 0.8 0.4

Wood product manufacturing

321

0.462 106.0 101.3 -9.6 -0.6 -1.0 -1.0 -4.4

Paper manufacturing

322

1.937 111.5 109.9 -4.6 -0.2 -0.4 -0.4 -1.4

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

2.034 90.4 92.4 -49.2 -7.8 -8.7 12.0 2.2

Chemical manufacturing

325

14.071 109.9 110.4 -8.1 -0.4 -0.9 -0.5 0.5

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

2.217 108.6 108.7 0.5 -1.2 -0.5 0.5 0.1

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

0.877 113.2 113.2 4.3 -0.5 0.2 0.4 0.0

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

64.179 106.0 106.1 -0.6 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1

Primary metal manufacturing

331

4.232 120.0 119.3 -21.0 -0.5 2.1 -1.4 -0.6

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.869 120.8 120.8 4.7 0.2 -1.0 0.1 0.0

Machinery manufacturing

333

12.863 111.6 111.8 2.3 0.0 0.0 -0.2 0.2

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

16.749 93.5 93.6 -1.9 0.5 -0.2 0.4 0.1

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

3.647 106.6 106.5 -0.1 -0.5 0.1 0.5 -0.1

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

18.519 109.9 110.2 3.3 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.3

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

4.953 108.8 109.0 2.3 -0.1 0.1 -2.1 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 5. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: May 2008 to May 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Apr.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Apr.
2009
May
2009
Annual Monthly
May
2008
to
May
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009
Mar.
2009
to
Apr.
2009
Apr.
2009
to
May
2009

Live animals; animal products

I

1.156 126.0 126.6 -9.2 -1.4 2.2 -0.3 0.5

Meat and edible meat offal

02

0.254 144.8 148.5 -7.0 -1.0 -0.8 0.3 2.6

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.581 98.8 98.2 -5.8 -1.7 2.1 -1.7 -0.6

Vegetable products

II

1.583 166.2 163.4 4.1 -6.8 -4.1 8.3 -1.7

Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers

07

0.516 336.4 316.5 52.0 -25.6 5.4 23.9 -5.9

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

0.444 101.1 103.8 -2.9 -2.3 -5.0 -2.8 2.7

Coffee, tea, mate and spices

09

0.258 146.8 153.1 -8.0 -1.0 -6.3 5.5 4.3

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco

IV

2.373 133.4 133.6 -2.8 -0.4 -0.4 -0.3 0.1

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

19

0.248 105.7 106.7 -0.4 -0.9 0.3 -0.6 0.9

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

20

0.290 124.0 124.0 -12.7 -0.5 -2.6 -3.0 0.0

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar

22

0.983 115.7 115.8 -1.9 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.1

Mineral products

V

15.479 177.3 189.9 -50.5 2.6 7.5 7.0 7.1

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

27

15.076 173.8 186.5 -51.7 2.7 7.7 7.2 7.3

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

8.035 129.2 132.2 -4.0 -0.3 -0.8 -0.5 2.3

Inorganic chemicals

28

0.742 197.3 252.3 -0.2 -2.1 1.3 3.2 27.9

Organic chemicals

29

2.509 121.9 121.7 -7.4 0.5 0.3 0.5 -0.2

Pharmaceutical products

30

2.846 113.0 113.0 -1.1 0.3 -2.1 0.0 0.0

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

32

0.179 103.9 103.7 -0.9 -0.1 -1.0 -0.2 -0.2

Essential oils and resinoids (Dec. 2001=100)

33

0.435 117.0 117.1 -6.1 -1.1 -1.7 -1.4 0.1

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

0.451 90.9 90.6 -10.5 -2.1 -0.9 -1.7 -0.3

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

3.038 126.1 125.7 -4.8 -1.3 -0.4 -0.4 -0.3

Plastics and articles thereof

39

1.975 123.6 122.7 -5.1 -1.5 -0.5 0.0 -0.7

Rubber and articles thereof

40

1.063 131.1 131.5 -4.3 -1.0 -0.3 -1.0 0.3

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

VIII

0.657 113.6 114.0 1.7 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2 0.4

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

42

0.610 114.5 115.0 2.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.2 0.4

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

IX

1.035 109.3 108.2 -5.3 -1.1 -0.5 -0.6 -1.0

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

1.523 109.1 108.8 -5.6 -0.8 -1.4 -1.1 -0.3

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

48

1.071 109.4 108.8 -2.1 -0.9 -1.8 -1.4 -0.5

Printed matter

49

0.299 119.7 119.9 1.2 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.2

Textile and textile articles

XI

5.541 102.8 102.6 -1.0 0.1 -0.1 -0.3 -0.2

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted

61

2.095 99.8 99.6 -0.9 0.0 0.0 -0.2 -0.2

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted

62

2.138 103.8 103.4 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 -0.4

Made-up or worn textile articles

63

0.566 90.3 90.3 -6.0 -0.2 -1.3 -0.2 0.0

Headgear, umbrellas, artifical flowers, etc.

XII

1.347 108.0 107.8 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.2

Footwear and parts of such articles

64

1.138 107.4 107.1 2.3 0.0 0.0 0.1 -0.3

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

XIII

1.083 124.2 124.6 8.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3

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

68

0.405 118.0 117.3 9.6 -0.2 0.0 -0.9 -0.6

Ceramic products

69

0.335 135.7 137.7 10.2 1.1 0.8 0.5 1.5

Glass and glassware

70

0.343 118.1 118.4 4.4 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.3

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

XIV

2.669 135.6 136.2 -12.4 0.2 1.7 0.8 0.4

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.678 150.3 151.0 -24.8 -1.3 -2.9 -0.5 0.5

Iron and steel

72

1.280 183.6 173.7 -39.2 -2.6 -6.1 -4.3 -5.4

Articles of iron or steel

73

1.942 145.3 144.0 -6.7 -1.6 -2.8 -1.0 -0.9

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.495 198.7 224.0 -32.9 3.0 1.6 9.2 12.7

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.688 100.7 104.9 -33.6 -4.8 -2.4 0.0 4.2

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

82

0.416 118.0 118.2 3.4 -0.3 -0.3 -0.3 0.2

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.500 130.2 130.3 1.6 -1.0 -0.1 -0.2 0.1

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

XVI

27.238 86.7 86.9 -2.5 -0.3 -0.5 0.1 0.2

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

13.696 87.7 87.8 -2.0 -0.1 -0.5 0.1 0.1

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

85

13.542 85.9 86.0 -2.9 -0.5 -0.5 0.2 0.1

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

13.492 109.5 109.7 0.5 0.0 -0.2 0.3 0.2

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

12.245 108.4 108.7 0.3 0.0 -0.2 0.3 0.3

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

88

1.138 115.8 115.8 3.8 -0.3 0.1 0.2 0.0

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

XVIII

3.364 101.6 101.6 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0

Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments

90

3.022 99.4 99.4 -0.1 0.1 -0.1 0.1 0.0

Clocks and watches and parts thereof

91

0.261 122.9 123.1 1.3 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.2

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

4.481 107.9 107.8 1.7 0.0 0.1 0.0 -0.1

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

94

2.452 112.9 112.7 1.2 0.1 0.2 -0.3 -0.2

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

1.804 100.7 100.7 2.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

96

0.225 115.7 115.7 4.0 -0.3 -0.5 3.6 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 6. U.S. export price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: May 2008 to May 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Apr.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Apr.
2009
May
2009
Annual Monthly
May
2008
to
May
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009
Mar.
2009
to
Apr.
2009
Apr.
2009
to
May
2009

Live animals; animal products

I

1.533 156.4 155.5 -8.6 -0.8 -0.3 0.8 -0.6

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

02

0.778 122.9 123.4 -13.1 -0.1 1.4 0.1 0.4

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.415 149.6 146.2 -1.9 -2.3 -2.4 3.4 -2.3

Vegetable products

II

4.675 186.4 194.2 -16.8 -3.6 -5.3 6.8 4.2

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

0.580 101.2 99.8 -18.3 -1.5 -3.7 1.2 -1.4

Cereals

10

2.040 202.7 205.4 -29.7 -6.6 -5.2 8.6 1.3

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

12

1.410 200.7 220.5 -7.5 -1.6 -7.5 9.3 9.9

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages,and tobacco

IV

2.468 135.6 137.8 2.1 1.0 -0.7 0.5 1.6

Miscellaneous edible preparations

21

0.374 118.7 118.9 -1.2 0.1 0.0 -0.8 0.2

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

22

0.283 99.8 100.5 - -0.1 -0.2 -0.6 0.7

Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feed

23

0.505 184.7 198.4 0.4 3.9 -5.7 3.5 7.4

Mineral products

V

3.429 181.6 184.0 -45.0 -6.8 -6.2 7.4 1.3

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

27

2.924 174.1 176.7 -46.9 -7.6 -8.0 8.4 1.5

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

11.823 135.0 135.9 -4.8 0.1 -0.4 -0.2 0.7

Inorganic chemicals

28

1.328 197.7 197.0 4.0 -0.8 -0.8 -2.3 -0.4

Organic chemicals

29

3.246 134.8 137.6 -14.6 1.5 1.7 0.6 2.1

Pharmaceutical products

30

2.692 114.7 115.6 -3.5 1.4 -3.0 0.3 0.8

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

32

0.539 111.9 112.3 -1.8 0.4 0.4 -1.8 0.4

Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery cosmetic or toilet preparations

33

0.728 121.8 123.9 1.6 -5.1 -0.3 0.2 1.7

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

34

0.411 113.4 113.9 -3.2 -1.4 -0.9 -1.7 0.4

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

1.804 129.6 128.4 2.6 -1.7 -0.4 0.0 -0.9

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

5.241 128.7 128.8 -7.7 -0.9 -1.9 -1.2 0.1

Plastics and articles thereof

39

4.249 123.6 123.8 -8.4 -0.7 -2.1 -0.2 0.2

Rubber and articles thereof

40

0.992 150.9 150.3 -5.5 -1.9 -0.9 -5.4 -0.4

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

VIII

0.264 77.4 75.9 -35.5 0.4 -4.3 -4.0 -1.9

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

IX

0.581 103.6 101.2 -10.0 -0.1 -1.9 -0.8 -2.3

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

2.388 106.3 106.0 -9.4 0.8 -0.4 0.0 -0.3

Woodpulp and recovered paper

47

0.499 89.7 89.6 -29.4 1.7 1.1 1.0 -0.1

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

48

1.356 112.5 111.8 -0.4 0.6 -0.5 -0.4 -0.6

Printed material

49

0.533 114.4 115.0 -5.0 0.1 -1.0 0.0 0.5

Textile and textile articles

XI

1.971 101.0 102.7 -4.6 -1.4 -1.1 -0.3 1.7

Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof

52

0.532 89.1 94.4 -13.2 -1.5 -5.5 3.5 5.9

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

XIII

0.852 115.7 115.9 4.4 0.3 0.0 -0.4 0.2

Glass and glassware

70

0.453 100.3 100.6 1.0 0.0 -0.1 -0.2 0.3

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

XIV

3.794 168.1 166.1 -10.8 2.6 3.6 -3.6 -1.2

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.011 141.3 144.4 -19.7 -0.4 -1.5 -0.6 2.2

Iron and steel

72

1.259 156.1 152.4 -35.6 -0.5 -3.2 -5.5 -2.4

Articles of iron or steel

73

1.531 164.0 163.9 7.7 -0.7 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.388 140.4 179.0 -33.0 2.3 0.5 16.6 27.5

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.656 93.9 100.3 -35.2 -0.8 -0.4 -1.9 6.8

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

82

0.408 121.9 121.9 2.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.337 119.4 119.3 -7.6 0.8 -7.6 -0.2 -0.1

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

XVI

31.708 95.2 95.1 0.0 0.2 -0.1 0.2 -0.1

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

18.228 104.9 105.0 1.2 0.1 -0.1 0.0 0.1

Electrical machinery and equipment and parts and accessories thereof

85

13.480 84.7 84.5 -1.2 0.4 -0.1 0.6 -0.2

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

16.019 119.9 120.3 3.4 0.1 0.3 0.6 0.3

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

9.211 107.5 107.7 0.9 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 0.2

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

XVIII

6.303 106.7 107.5 0.5 0.0 -0.1 -0.2 0.7

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

1.588 106.8 106.8 -1.8 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.0

Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;

94

0.777 116.4 116.4 -0.5 -0.1 0.6 0.2 0.0

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

0.687 92.7 92.7 -2.5 0.0 0.1 -0.4 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 7. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes by locality of origin: May 2008 to May 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Percent
of
U.S.
imports(1)
Index Percent change
Apr.
2009
May
2009
Annual Monthly
May
2008
to
May
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009
Mar.
2009
to
Apr.
2009
Apr.
2009
to
May
2009

Industrialized Countries(2)

42.434 116.7 117.2 -14.5 -0.5 -0.3 -0.6 0.4

Nonmanufactured articles

4.390 146.7 153.4 -52.7 -3.6 1.6 2.3 4.6

Manufactured articles

37.621 113.8 113.9 -7.4 -0.3 -0.3 -0.9 0.1

Other Countries(3)

57.566 112.3 114.0 -19.8 0.1 1.1 1.7 1.5

Nonmanufactured articles

12.442 181.7 194.8 -47.2 0.5 8.2 8.9 7.2

Manufactured articles

44.910 102.0 102.2 -7.4 0.0 -0.2 0.3 0.2

Canada

15.963 123.0 124.8 -24.5 -2.1 -0.5 -1.0 1.5

Nonmanufactured articles

3.979 140.6 146.6 -54.5 -4.5 1.7 1.0 4.3

Manufactured articles

11.678 120.7 121.4 -10.1 -1.6 -1.0 -1.5 0.6

European Union(4)

17.447 123.5 123.5 -7.0 -0.2 -0.4 -0.1 0.0

Nonmanufactured articles

0.222 195.5 206.3 -47.0 -15.5 0.4 3.8 5.5

Manufactured articles

17.133 121.4 121.3 -6.0 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1 -0.1

France (Dec. 2003=100)

1.954 120.0 120.0 1.0 -0.8 0.3 0.6 0.0

Germany (Dec. 2003=100)

4.735 108.3 108.2 -4.3 -0.1 -0.7 -0.1 -0.1

United Kingdom (Dec. 2003=100)

2.660 118.5 118.8 -15.7 -0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3

Latin America(5)

17.808 136.6 140.1 -24.7 -1.3 0.2 3.2 2.6

Nonmanufactured articles

5.160 209.1 222.5 -40.8 -3.0 5.3 10.5 6.4

Manufactured articles

12.547 122.6 123.9 -14.1 -0.8 -1.6 0.6 1.1

Mexico (Dec. 2003=100)

10.785 128.2 130.9 -12.5 -1.6 -0.7 2.7 2.1

Nonmanufactured articles (Dec. 2008=100)

1.947 113.6 120.7 - -6.4 7.1 15.2 6.3

Manufactured articles (Dec. 2008=100)

8.788 95.9 96.9 - -0.5 -2.4 0.4 1.0

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

33.590 99.1 99.1 -3.1 -0.5 -0.4 -0.2 0.0

China (Dec. 2003=100)

16.852 100.4 100.3 -1.9 -0.5 -0.6 -0.5 -0.1

Japan

7.488 96.2 96.2 1.4 0.2 -0.1 -0.1 0.0

Asian NICs(7)

5.647 84.9 84.7 -6.9 -0.7 -0.8 -0.7 -0.2

ASEAN (Dec. 2003=100)(8)

5.729 95.6 95.7 -6.5 -0.6 -0.1 0.3 0.1

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

3.992 161.4 171.5 -41.7 1.1 15.1 6.2 6.3

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: May 2008 to May 2009 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Relative
import-
ance
Apr.
2009(1)
Index Percent change
Apr.
2009
May
2009
Annual Monthly
May
2008
to
May
2009
Jan.
2009
to
Feb.
2009
Feb.
2009
to
Mar.
2009
Mar.
2009
to
Apr.
2009
Apr.
2009
to
May
2009

Air Freight

Import Air Freight

100.000 130.8 132.0 -16.1 -1.1 -2.1 -1.6 0.9

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

21.888 121.4 122.9 -29.2 -2.3 -3.5 -2.6 1.2

Asia

69.341 116.8 117.3 -9.1 -0.1 -1.7 -1.4 0.4

Export Air Freight

100.000 122.5 118.8 -13.5 -3.0 -2.3 -1.3 -3.0

Europe (Dec. 2006=100)

37.355 113.3 108.1 -17.4 -4.5 -2.9 -1.6 -4.6

Inbound Air Freight

100.000 125.3 125.5 -16.4 -1.9 -2.9 -1.8 0.2

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

24.105 117.8 118.7 -26.9 -2.2 -4.4 -3.0 0.8

Asia

64.163 110.6 110.9 -9.6 -2.1 -1.9 -1.6 0.3

Outbound Air Freight

100.000 115.4 114.1 -16.8 -2.4 -2.4 -3.3 -1.1

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

40.317 134.0 132.1 -15.5 -2.7 -1.7 -4.8 -1.4

Asia

40.573 103.7 103.6 -15.5 -0.4 -2.5 -1.3 -0.1

Air Passenger Fares

Import Air Passenger Fares

100.000 133.1 130.3 -10.1 -4.6 -4.7 -1.3 -2.1

Europe

41.772 132.9 124.9 -14.9 -5.7 -7.8 -1.3 -6.0

Asia

28.741 122.8 127.5 3.1 -4.6 -4.1 -0.2 3.8

Latin America/Caribbean

12.337 120.6 112.9 -20.2 -3.9 -3.0 2.0 -6.4

Export Air Passenger Fares

100.000 138.5 135.2 -14.6 -10.6 -3.9 -2.3 -2.4

Europe

29.214 153.9 150.6 -22.1 -9.9 -7.1 0.1 -2.1

Asia

35.534 123.7 127.8 -4.3 -13.9 0.2 -3.6 3.3

Latin America/Caribbean

22.003 152.1 132.8 -17.4 -10.2 -7.6 1.6 -12.7

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


                                          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: June 12, 2009