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U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes News Release

Technical information:					      		  	  USDL-08-1804 
     (202) 691-7101								  Transmission of this
Media contact:								          material is embargoed
     (202) 691-5902								  until 8:30 A.M. EST
Internet address:   http://www.bls.gov/mxp					  Thursday, December 11, 2008


                                   U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES
                                             - NOVEMBER 2008 -

   The U.S. Import Price Index fell for the fourth consecutive month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today, decreasing 6.7 percent in November as falling prices for 
both petroleum and nonpetroleum imports contributed to the decline.  Export prices declined 3.2 percent 
in November, the fourth consecutive monthly decrease.

                             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

2007

November

3.2 12.4 0.7 0.9 1.4 0.9

December

-0.2 -1.8 0.4 0.5 2.6 0.3

2008

January

1.5 4.2 0.7 1.2 4.8 0.8

February

0.2 -1.3 0.6 0.9 4.6 0.6

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

(r)-3.1 (r)-9.8 -0.4 -1.6 -9.6 -0.7

September

(r)-3.5 (r)-11.2 -0.9 -0.8 0.1 -0.9

October

(r)-5.4 (r)-19.8 -0.9 (r)-2.0 (r)-8.4 (r)-1.3

November

-6.7 -25.8 -1.8 -3.2 -7.0 -2.9

Nov. 2006 to 2007

12.0 56.7 3.1 6.2 23.0 4.7

Nov. 2007 to 2008

-4.4 -29.0 2.4 -0.2 -2.8 0.0

Footnotes
(r) Revised

Import Goods
   
   Import prices fell 6.7 percent in November after decreases of 5.4 percent, 3.5 percent, and 3.1 
percent in October, September, and August, respectively.  The November decline was the largest one-
month drop since the index was first published monthly in December 1988 and the 17.4 percent decrease 
over the past four months was the largest four-month decline since the index was first published in 
September 1982.  Import prices decreased 4.4 percent for the year ended in November; in contrast, prices 
for imports increased 21.4 percent from July 2007 to July 2008.  The four-month decline in import prices 
was largely driven by falling petroleum prices, which decreased 25.8 percent in November after 
declining 19.8 percent, 11.2 percent, and 9.8 percent, respectively, in October, September, and August.  
The November drop in petroleum prices was the largest monthly decline since the index was first 
published monthly in December 1988 and the 52.3 percent decrease over the past four months was the 
largest four-month decline since the index was first published in June 1982.  For the November 2007-
2008 period, petroleum prices fell 29.0 percent.                
   
   The price index for nonpetroleum imports fell 1.8 percent in November, the largest decrease 
since the index was first published monthly in December 1988.  Despite the recent declines, the index 
increased 2.4 percent over the past year.  The November decrease was led by a 5.2 percent decline in 
prices for nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials, the largest one-month drop for that index since 
a 5.3 percent decrease in April 2003.  Lower prices for metals drove the November decline in 
nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials prices.  Falling prices for foods, feeds, and beverages, 
down 5.0 percent, also contributed to the decrease in nonpetroleum prices.  

   Finished goods prices decreased as well.  The price indexes for capital goods, automotive 
vehicles, and consumer goods fell 0.4 percent, 0.6 percent, and 0.3 percent, respectively, in November, 
paralleling the recent appreciation of the dollar.
 
Export Goods 

   Export prices fell 3.2 percent in November, the largest one-month decline since the index was 
first published monthly in December 1988.  The decrease followed drops of 2.0 percent, 0.8 percent, and 
1.6 percent in October, September, and August, respectively.  The 7.4 percent decrease over the past four 
months was the largest four-month decline since the index was first published in September 1983.  As a 
result of the recent downward trend, export prices fell 0.2 percent over the past 12 months.  The price 
index for agricultural exports fell 7.0 percent in November and 23.0 percent over the past four months, 
the largest four-month drop since the index was first published in March 1985.  The November drop was 
led by falling prices for meat, corn, soybeans, and wheat.  Agricultural prices, which had risen 39.7 
percent from July 2007 to July 2008, fell 2.8 percent for the year ended in November.  
   
   Nonagricultural prices fell for the fourth consecutive month, declining 2.9 percent in November 
following decreases of 1.3 percent, 0.9 percent, and 0.7 percent, respectively, in October, September, and 
August.  The November decline was the largest one-month drop for the index since first being published 
monthly in December 1988 and was led by an 8.2 percent drop in prices for nonagricultural industrial 
supplies and materials.  That decline was driven by lower prices for fuels, chemicals, and metals.  The 
price index for nonagricultural exports was unchanged over the past year.
   
   The major finished goods price indexes also decreased in November.  Prices for consumer goods, 
capital goods, and automotive vehicles fell 0.9 percent, 0.2 percent, and 0.1 percent, respectively.  

Imports by Locality of Origin 
	
   The sharp decline in fuel prices continued to impact import prices from Canada, Mexico, Latin 
America, the Asia Near East, and the European Union.  Prices for imports from Canada fell 8.3 percent 
for the month and 1.8 percent over the past 12 months.  The price indexes for imports from Mexico and 
Latin America declined 5.0 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively, in November, and 2.6 percent and 7.1 
percent, respectively, over the past year.  Prices for imports from Asia Near East decreased 19.7 percent 
this month and 23.7 percent for the year ended in November.  The price index for imports from the 
European Union fell 3.1 percent in November and, despite recent declines, increased 2.1 percent over the 
past 12 months.
    
   The price index for imports from China declined for the second consecutive month, falling 0.6 
percent in November, the largest decline since the index was first published in December 2003.  Despite 
the recent downturn, the index rose 3.5 percent for the year ended in November.    
   
   In contrast, import prices from Japan rose 0.3 percent in November following a 0.4 percent 
increase the previous month.  The index advanced 1.9 percent for the November 2007-2008 period.    
   
Import and Export Services

   Import air passenger fares fell for the third time in the past four months, decreasing 5.0 percent in 
November.  The November decline was led by a 7.0 percent drop in European fares.  Export air 
passenger fares declined for the third consecutive month, falling 4.5 percent in November after 
decreasing 3.8 percent and 11.0 percent in October and September, respectively.  The 18.2 percent 
decline over the past three months was the largest three-month drop since the index was first published 
in September 1986.  For the year ended in November, however, import air passenger fares rose 22.9 
percent while export air passenger fares advanced 4.0 percent.

   Prices for import air freight decreased for the fourth consecutive month, falling 4.6 percent in 
November.  Despite the recent declines, the index increased 5.4 percent over the past 12 months.  A 12.3 
percent drop in European air freight prices in November led the overall decline.  The price index for 
export air freight fell 1.6 percent in November and 4.7 percent over the past three months; however, the 
index advanced 12.9 percent over the past year.   	
   
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 December are scheduled for release on January 14 at 
8:30 A.M. (EST)

Table 1. U.S. import price indexes and percent changes for selected categories of goods: November 2007 to November 2008 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Oct.
2008(1)
Index Percent change
Oct.
2008
Nov.
2008
Annual Monthly
Nov.
2007
to
Nov.
2008
July
2008
to
Aug.
2008
Aug.
2008
to
Sept.
2008
Sept.
2008
to
Oct.
2008
Oct.
2008
to
Nov.
2008

All commodities

  100.000 130.6 121.9 -4.4 -3.1 -3.5 -5.4 -6.7

All imports excluding petroleum

  79.731 113.1 111.1 2.4 -0.4 -0.9 -0.9 -1.8

All imports excluding fuels (Dec. 2001=100)

  77.820 116.0 113.9 2.6 0.2 -0.4 -0.8 -1.8

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

4.564 146.0 138.7 4.0 0.5 -1.6 -1.4 -5.0

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

3.541 162.4 152.9 3.9 0.2 -1.8 -1.5 -5.8

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

1.023 108.9 106.7 4.1 1.6 -1.2 -0.6 -2.0

Industrial supplies & materials

1

38.383 217.8 182.8 -14.1 -6.9 -7.9 -12.7 -16.1

Industrial supplies & materials excluding petroleum

  18.115 162.4 154.0 5.1 -2.4 -3.0 -3.1 -5.2

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

  16.204 174.1 164.2 6.3 0.2 -1.3 -3.2 -5.7

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  10.437 162.5 151.5 2.0 -0.3 -2.7 -4.5 -6.8

Industrial supplies & materials nondurable excluding petroleum

  5.767 161.3 156.4 9.4 -5.1 -3.3 -1.3 -3.0

Fuels & lubricants

10

22.180 282.7 215.9 -26.8 -10.4 -11.5 -18.6 -23.6

Petroleum & petroleum products

100

20.270 298.9 221.8 -29.0 -9.8 -11.2 -19.8 -25.8

Crude

10000

14.807 306.2 232.2 -26.9 -9.7 -13.0 -20.6 -24.2

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

101

1.659 185.1 183.2 1.1 -19.1 -16.4 -3.1 -1.0

Gas-natural

10110

1.473 176.6 174.5 -0.8 -20.7 -18.6 -3.8 -1.2

Paper & paper base stocks

11

0.755 116.2 115.1 6.6 0.7 0.1 -3.0 -0.9

Materials associated with nondurable supplies & materials

12

5.083 161.7 155.2 16.1 1.4 1.7 -0.4 -4.0

Selected building materials

13

1.814 120.6 119.1 3.0 0.7 0.5 -1.7 -1.2

Unfinished metals related to durable goods

14

4.900 237.5 209.5 -2.5 -1.1 -5.1 -7.4 -11.8

Finished metals related to durable goods

15

2.026 156.0 147.6 7.4 0.2 -1.4 -2.5 -5.4

Nonmetals related to durable goods

16

1.626 110.8 110.6 7.1 1.0 -0.4 -0.5 -0.2

Capital goods

2

21.135 93.2 92.8 0.8 0.0 0.0 -0.2 -0.4

Electric generating equipment

20

2.736 112.1 111.4 3.6 0.3 -0.2 -0.6 -0.6

Nonelectrical machinery

21

16.764 88.2 87.7 0.0 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.6

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

22

1.635 118.3 118.7 3.6 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

13.155 108.3 107.7 1.4 0.2 -0.1 0.1 -0.6

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

22.762 105.2 104.9 2.4 0.1 -0.1 0.1 -0.3

Nondurables, manufactured

40

10.497 108.2 108.1 2.7 0.2 -0.2 0.0 -0.1

Durables, manufactured

41

11.147 102.0 101.7 2.5 0.0 0.1 0.2 -0.3

Nonmanufactured consumer goods

42

1.118 105.9 103.2 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.7 -2.5

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2006 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: November 2007 to November 2008 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description End
Use
Relative
import-
ance
Oct.
2008(1)
Index Percent change
Oct.
2008
Nov.
2008
Annual Monthly
Nov.
2007
to
Nov.
2008
July
2008
to
Aug.
2008
Aug.
2008
to
Sept.
2008
Sept.
2008
to
Oct.
2008
Oct.
2008
to
Nov.
2008

All commodities

  100.000 122.4 118.5 -0.2 -1.6 -0.8 -2.0 -3.2

Agricultural commodities

  9.196 172.4 160.4 -2.8 -9.6 0.1 -8.4 -7.0

Nonagricultural commodities

  90.803 118.8 115.4 0.0 -0.7 -0.9 -1.3 -2.9

Foods, feeds, & beverages

0

8.375 174.4 164.4 -0.9 -10.4 0.3 -8.3 -5.7

Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages

00

7.694 178.1 166.8 -1.8 -11.1 0.5 -9.0 -6.3

Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)

01

0.681 143.4 145.6 9.4 -0.9 -1.4 -0.1 1.5

Industrial supplies & materials

1

30.465 162.0 148.6 -3.4 -2.1 -2.7 -4.3 -8.3

Industrial supplies & materials, durable

  11.228 159.9 149.5 -6.2 0.0 -4.7 -4.3 -6.5

Industrial supplies & materials, nondurable

  19.235 164.1 148.9 -1.6 -3.4 -1.6 -4.3 -9.3

Agricultural industrial supplies & materials

10

1.502 148.5 133.5 -7.9 -1.2 -2.1 -5.7 -10.1

Nonagricultural industrial supplies & materials

  28.963 163.0 149.7 -3.2 -2.2 -2.7 -4.2 -8.2

Fuels & lubricants

11

4.861 240.1 200.1 -10.9 -11.7 -3.0 -10.3 -16.7

Nonagricultural supplies & materials excluding fuels & building materials

12

23.060 155.7 145.2 -1.8 0.1 -2.8 -3.1 -6.7

Selected building materials

13

1.042 116.6 116.1 2.0 0.6 0.2 1.0 -0.4

Capital goods

2

39.289 101.8 101.6 1.3 0.0 0.0 -0.1 -0.2

Electrical generating equipment

20

3.753 109.7 109.2 1.9 -0.1 0.3 0.2 -0.5

Nonelectrical machinery

21

27.634 93.7 93.5 0.1 0.1 -0.1 -0.3 -0.2

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

22

7.902 131.1 131.0 5.2 0.1 0.1 0.3 -0.1

Automotive vehicles, parts & engines

3

9.737 108.2 108.1 1.5 0.1 0.1 0.3 -0.1

Consumer goods, excluding automotives

4

12.133 109.8 108.8 1.9 0.5 0.3 0.5 -0.9

Nondurables, manufactured

40

5.567 108.7 106.6 -1.3 -0.2 -0.5 -0.3 -1.9

Durables, manufactured

41

5.558 110.0 109.9 5.3 1.1 1.4 1.2 -0.1

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2006 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: November 2007 to November 2008 December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Oct.
2008(1)
Index Percent change
Oct.
2008
Nov.
2008
Annual Monthly
Nov.
2007
to
Nov.
2008
July
2008
to
Aug.
2008
Aug.
2008
to
Sept.
2008
Sept.
2008
to
Oct.
2008
Oct.
2008
to
Nov.
2008

Nonmanufactured articles

  19.001 139.7 110.3 -22.7 -9.5 -12.2 -17.8 -21.0

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

1.676 134.3 124.8 4.5 1.6 -2.4 -4.0 -7.1

Crop production

111

1.176 135.7 128.8 4.7 1.4 -1.8 -5.4 -5.1

Mining

21

17.325 140.1 108.7 -24.9 -10.3 -12.9 -18.9 -22.4

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

212

0.413 129.8 128.0 22.4 1.9 2.0 0.8 -1.4

Manufactured articles

  80.397 112.2 108.8 0.6 -0.8 -0.7 -1.8 -3.0

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

9.818 109.3 107.5 1.8 0.1 -0.6 -0.2 -1.6

Food manufacturing

311

2.508 128.2 120.3 3.9 0.2 -1.7 -1.1 -6.2

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.810 106.1 105.7 1.7 0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.4

Textile mills

313

0.442 113.1 111.8 3.3 0.5 -0.6 -0.5 -1.1

Textile product mills

314

0.739 102.2 102.3 1.8 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.1

Apparel manufacturing

315

3.891 102.0 102.0 -0.1 0.1 -0.4 0.1 0.0

Leather and allied product manufacturing

316

1.429 106.3 106.1 2.9 0.1 -0.1 0.4 -0.2

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

18.345 125.4 115.6 -1.4 -3.0 -0.8 -5.0 -7.8

Wood product manufacturing

321

1.113 95.5 93.7 0.9 1.1 0.7 -4.3 -1.9

Paper manufacturing

322

1.283 112.3 111.4 8.6 1.1 0.1 -1.7 -0.8

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

4.401 137.2 98.7 -30.7 -11.3 -4.9 -17.1 -28.1

Chemical manufacturing

325

8.589 129.8 127.4 11.6 0.9 1.2 -0.1 -1.8

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

1.707 113.6 113.2 7.4 0.5 0.4 -0.5 -0.4

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

1.155 118.8 119.1 9.1 -0.5 0.1 2.7 0.3

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

52.234 108.6 106.8 1.0 -0.1 -0.7 -0.8 -1.7

Primary metal manufacturing

331

5.759 164.0 146.2 -1.9 -1.4 -4.5 -6.8 -10.9

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.674 121.9 120.9 8.8 0.2 -0.1 0.0 -0.8

Machinery manufacturing

333

6.631 111.1 110.5 3.9 0.0 0.1 -0.3 -0.5

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

13.448 91.9 91.5 -3.3 -0.2 -0.3 -0.2 -0.4

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

3.749 114.6 113.9 5.2 0.1 0.3 0.4 -0.6

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

13.906 105.2 104.7 1.7 0.3 -0.2 0.1 -0.5

Furniture and related product manufacturing

337

1.494 111.3 110.4 7.9 0.2 0.1 -0.2 -0.8

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

4.574 111.0 110.4 2.2 -0.1 -0.3 0.0 -0.5

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2006 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: November 2007 to November 2008 December 2005=100, unless otherwise noted
Description NAICS Relative
import-
ance
Oct.
2008(1)
Index Percent change
Oct.
2008
Nov.
2008
Annual Monthly
Nov.
2007
to
Nov.
2008
July
2008
to
Aug.
2008
Aug.
2008
to
Sept.
2008
Sept.
2008
to
Oct.
2008
Oct.
2008
to
Nov.
2008

Nonmanufactured articles

  6.243 131.6 124.1 -7.8 -13.3 -0.8 -10.7 -5.7

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

4.975 147.7 138.8 -7.8 -14.8 0.2 -12.3 -6.0

Crop production

111

4.632 152.5 142.7 -8.3 -15.5 0.3 -13.0 -6.4

Mining

21

1.268 95.9 91.6 -7.7 -6.8 -5.0 -3.5 -4.5

Mining (except oil and gas)

212

0.847 96.0 92.6 -7.5 1.4 -2.6 -3.0 -3.5

Manufactured articles

  91.418 111.9 109.1 1.5 -0.5 -0.6 -1.1 -2.5

Manufactured goods, part 1

31

6.981 124.2 120.6 6.3 -0.2 -0.6 -1.5 -2.9

Food manufacturing

311

4.630 140.0 134.2 9.0 -0.2 -1.0 -2.1 -4.1

Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing

312

0.486 104.0 104.0 0.4 -0.8 -1.2 -0.4 0.0

Apparel manufacturing

315

0.470 101.3 101.3 0.8 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.0

Manufactured goods, part 2

32

23.638 123.5 114.8 0.1 -2.3 -1.0 -2.8 -7.0

Wood product manufacturing

321

0.524 112.6 111.4 0.9 0.4 0.3 0.1 -1.1

Paper manufacturing

322

1.958 116.5 115.3 3.1 0.2 0.2 0.0 -1.0

Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

324

3.326 156.5 123.8 -16.1 -13.5 -3.2 -13.1 -20.9

Chemical manufacturing

325

14.682 122.3 114.6 2.2 0.2 -1.0 -1.5 -6.3

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

326

2.221 112.3 111.5 5.2 0.5 0.8 0.4 -0.7

Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

327

0.832 111.4 112.1 5.1 0.3 0.8 1.2 0.6

Manufactured goods, part 3

33

60.799 106.6 105.9 1.5 0.1 -0.4 -0.4 -0.7

Primary metal manufacturing

331

4.536 137.6 126.3 -1.7 0.1 -6.4 -5.2 -8.2

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

332

2.777 119.4 119.1 5.6 0.8 -0.3 0.8 -0.3

Machinery manufacturing

333

12.135 111.4 111.4 4.8 0.5 0.1 0.5 0.0

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

334

16.239 93.6 93.2 -3.1 -0.4 -0.2 -0.8 -0.4

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

335

3.627 107.5 107.1 1.4 0.1 0.2 0.0 -0.4

Transportation equipment manufacturing

336

16.569 107.7 107.9 2.8 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.2

Miscellaneous manufacturing

339

4.574 112.1 111.9 6.6 1.3 1.3 1.4 -0.2

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2006 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: November 2007 to November 2008 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Oct.
2008(1)
Index Percent change
Oct.
2008
Nov.
2008
Annual Monthly
Nov.
2007
to
Nov.
2008
July
2008
to
Aug.
2008
Aug.
2008
to
Sept.
2008
Sept.
2008
to
Oct.
2008
Oct.
2008
to
Nov.
2008

Live animals; animal products

I

1.135 138.7 130.0 4.6 3.4 -3.5 -2.9 -6.3

Meat and edible meat offal

02

0.271 169.7 157.1 6.1 2.7 -1.8 -2.1 -7.4

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.552 105.1 102.1 3.5 2.3 -2.3 -1.5 -2.9

Vegetable products

II

1.360 157.5 150.2 5.0 1.4 -1.1 -3.1 -4.6

Edible vegetables, roots, and tubers

07

0.379 240.2 237.5 21.5 2.7 -1.4 10.8 -1.1

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

0.407 109.0 102.7 -0.2 6.2 1.5 -6.6 -5.8

Coffee, tea, mate and spices

09

0.236 153.7 147.3 -1.5 -0.8 -1.0 -9.9 -4.2

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco

IV

2.181 137.3 134.3 5.3 0.1 -1.4 -2.3 -2.2

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

19

0.180 109.0 103.3 - 0.7 -1.8 -2.9 -5.2

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

20

0.234 139.1 134.0 1.1 -0.7 -0.3 -0.5 -3.7

Beverages, spirits, and vinegar

22

0.778 115.1 114.7 2.7 0.1 -2.2 -1.9 -0.3

Mineral products

V

22.040 281.4 217.9 -24.9 -10.3 -11.3 -18.2 -22.6

Salt; sulfur; earths and stone; plaster materials, lime & cement (Dec.2007=100)

25

0.209 103.1 102.4 - 0.2 -0.3 0.0 -0.7

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

27

21.411 280.7 215.6 -26.0 -10.5 -11.6 -18.6 -23.2

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

7.818 144.8 139.8 10.0 1.2 1.9 -0.3 -3.5

Inorganic chemicals

28

1.121 293.1 284.5 37.7 5.0 7.2 -0.5 -2.9

Organic chemicals

29

2.484 134.1 124.8 -1.3 0.7 0.1 -0.3 -6.9

Pharmaceutical products

30

2.252 113.5 113.1 3.3 0.3 -0.6 -0.1 -0.4

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

32

0.162 105.6 105.1 2.7 0.7 2.2 -3.6 -0.5

Essential oils and resinoids (Dec. 2001=100)

33

0.405 125.1 122.5 7.6 0.5 -1.5 0.7 -2.1

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

0.408 100.2 99.1 -0.1 0.9 -1.7 -0.5 -1.1

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

2.966 138.1 133.6 6.7 0.9 0.1 0.1 -3.3

Plastics and articles thereof

39

1.948 134.7 131.5 7.5 1.1 0.1 -0.3 -2.4

Rubber and articles thereof

40

1.018 144.8 137.8 5.2 0.6 0.1 0.8 -4.8

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

VIII

0.580 114.0 114.2 3.8 0.1 -0.4 1.0 0.2

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

42

0.533 114.6 114.8 3.9 0.0 -0.4 1.1 0.2

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

IX

1.149 116.7 114.5 0.6 1.2 0.7 -4.5 -1.9

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

1.428 115.7 114.9 7.2 1.1 0.0 -1.6 -0.7

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

48

1.010 114.4 114.0 12.8 1.8 -0.2 0.4 -0.3

Printed matter

49

0.251 119.3 119.3 1.4 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.0

Textile and textile articles

XI

4.925 103.9 103.7 0.8 0.4 -0.2 -0.1 -0.2

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted

61

1.773 100.5 100.5 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 0.0

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted

62

1.939 102.6 102.7 0.0 0.2 -0.4 0.3 0.1

Made-up or worn textile articles

63

0.501 95.8 95.7 3.1 0.1 0.5 -0.2 -0.1

Headgear, umbrellas, artifical flowers, etc.

XII

1.185 106.4 106.2 3.7 0.1 -0.2 0.2 -0.2

Footwear and parts of such articles

64

0.994 105.4 105.2 2.8 0.1 -0.1 0.1 -0.2

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

XIII

0.996 123.2 123.4 9.0 -0.7 -0.2 3.6 0.2

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

68

0.370 119.6 119.5 13.6 -0.2 0.2 3.3 -0.1

Ceramic products

69

0.322 132.8 132.9 9.8 -1.8 -0.2 7.9 0.1

Glass and glassware

70

0.305 115.8 116.4 3.2 0.1 -0.7 0.0 0.5

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

XIV

2.533 139.3 130.5 -6.8 -2.0 -7.6 -2.2 -6.3

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

7.219 194.4 178.2 3.5 0.0 -2.0 -4.8 -8.3

Iron and steel

72

2.339 280.7 258.5 24.6 -1.0 -1.0 -9.0 -7.9

Articles of iron or steel

73

1.865 165.5 162.4 22.2 0.7 -0.1 -0.7 -1.9

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.770 280.1 214.0 -32.0 1.4 -6.3 -8.0 -23.6

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.962 143.7 126.4 -9.1 1.2 -4.1 -5.4 -12.0

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

82

0.364 117.0 116.4 4.9 0.4 0.2 0.4 -0.5

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.454 132.2 132.2 4.7 0.3 0.2 1.0 0.0

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

XVI

23.583 88.5 88.2 -0.2 0.0 -0.1 -0.2 -0.3

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

12.111 88.7 88.1 -1.0 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2 -0.7

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

85

11.472 88.4 88.3 0.5 0.2 0.0 -0.1 -0.1

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

12.115 109.7 109.0 1.3 0.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.6

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

11.227 108.8 108.1 1.2 0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.6

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

88

0.798 112.5 112.7 2.3 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2

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

XVIII

2.816 101.5 101.3 1.7 0.0 -0.1 0.0 -0.2

Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments

90

2.520 99.4 99.3 1.5 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.1

Clocks and watches and parts thereof

91

0.223 122.6 120.8 3.1 0.2 -0.4 0.8 -1.5

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

3.714 107.5 107.3 5.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 -0.2

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

94

2.165 113.2 112.7 6.8 0.1 0.1 0.1 -0.4

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

1.352 99.7 99.9 3.1 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

96

0.197 112.5 112.2 4.5 0.3 -0.2 -0.4 -0.3

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2006 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: November 2007 to November 2008 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Harmo-
nized
system
Relative
import-
ance
Oct.
2008(1)
Index Percent change
Oct.
2008
Nov.
2008
Annual Monthly
Nov.
2007
to
Nov.
2008
July
2008
to
Aug.
2008
Aug.
2008
to
Sept.
2008
Sept.
2008
to
Oct.
2008
Oct.
2008
to
Nov.
2008

Live animals; animal products

I

1.711 177.8 157.7 2.3 1.6 -0.4 -1.3 -11.3

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

02

0.929 147.6 124.0 -0.6 3.5 -1.6 -2.6 -16.0

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

03

0.431 148.5 145.9 10.8 -0.5 -1.0 0.5 -1.8

Vegetable products

II

4.742 198.2 187.5 -3.5 -15.4 1.1 -11.6 -5.4

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons

08

0.633 111.9 109.8 -13.1 2.3 -3.9 -6.1 -1.9

Cereals

10

2.030 227.5 203.8 -7.4 -23.7 8.6 -15.0 -10.4

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

12

1.392 203.0 194.9 -0.1 -16.5 -4.4 -15.7 -4.0

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages,and tobacco

IV

2.353 133.4 132.8 3.9 -1.7 0.4 -2.5 -0.4

Miscellaneous edible preparations

21

0.450 122.1 121.4 3.8 0.2 0.2 1.0 -0.6

Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feed

23

0.537 178.6 176.1 1.7 -8.3 1.9 -11.8 -1.4

Mineral products

V

4.939 291.3 250.3 -8.0 -11.4 -3.4 -10.2 -14.1

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

27

4.377 287.1 244.5 -7.4 -12.6 -3.4 -11.1 -14.8

Products of the chemical or allied industries

VI

11.994 144.2 135.6 2.0 -0.7 -0.9 -1.4 -6.0

Inorganic chemicals

28

1.317 211.8 209.4 25.1 1.6 2.0 0.9 -1.1

Organic chemicals

29

3.697 160.4 133.6 -9.5 -2.1 -2.1 -3.2 -16.7

Pharmaceutical products

30

2.519 116.9 113.9 -1.9 -0.8 -0.7 -0.5 -2.6

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

32

0.540 115.1 113.5 -2.8 1.7 -0.3 -0.3 -1.4

Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery cosmetic or toilet preparations

33

0.670 122.2 119.6 1.2 1.6 -0.8 -0.6 -2.1

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

34

0.419 122.3 121.5 8.5 1.2 1.2 -0.4 -0.7

Miscellaneous chemical products

38

1.694 130.5 130.9 8.7 0.4 0.2 0.5 0.3

Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

VII

5.639 148.8 142.8 6.3 1.8 -0.3 0.0 -4.0

Plastics and articles thereof

39

4.497 141.8 136.2 4.6 1.7 -0.6 -0.4 -3.9

Rubber and articles thereof

40

1.142 180.3 172.6 14.0 1.9 1.3 1.5 -4.3

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

VIII

0.387 113.3 111.0 -5.9 -0.5 -0.9 -1.6 -2.0

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

IX

0.641 112.0 110.0 -1.0 0.3 -0.4 -0.2 -1.8

Woodpulp, recovered paper, and paper products

X

2.521 116.3 107.6 -6.0 0.1 -0.3 -1.4 -7.5

Woodpulp and recovered paper

47

0.672 121.9 91.8 -25.1 0.0 -0.6 -6.3 -24.7

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

48

1.337 114.8 114.4 4.4 0.3 0.3 0.9 -0.3

Printed material

49

0.512 117.3 113.1 -6.8 -0.3 -1.3 -0.1 -3.6

Textile and textile articles

XI

2.222 107.3 104.5 -0.9 -0.1 -0.4 -1.9 -2.6

Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof

52

0.658 102.7 95.0 -8.4 -1.1 -2.0 -7.1 -7.5

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

XIII

0.812 113.5 113.5 2.4 0.3 0.4 1.0 0.0

Glass and glassware

70

0.431 99.5 99.5 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.0

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

XIV

3.834 174.9 165.7 -2.5 2.0 -6.2 -1.7 -5.3

Base metals and articles of base metals

XV

5.589 165.7 154.1 -5.0 -0.4 -3.5 -6.0 -7.0

Iron and steel

72

1.395 205.4 185.2 -4.6 -0.9 -6.9 -11.3 -9.8

Articles of iron or steel

73

1.472 159.3 159.1 7.9 1.6 -0.6 -0.7 -0.1

Copper and articles thereof

74

0.613 226.2 180.1 -24.9 -1.3 -3.6 -9.3 -20.4

Aluminum and articles thereof

76

0.855 126.1 108.8 -22.0 -1.5 -7.0 -9.0 -13.7

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

82

0.394 121.8 121.8 5.4 0.1 0.1 1.2 0.0

Miscellaneous articles of base metal

83

0.371 130.6 129.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.0 -1.1

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

XVI

30.458 94.9 94.8 0.3 0.0 0.0 -0.3 -0.1

Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

84

17.073 104.3 104.3 1.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0

Electrical machinery and equipment and parts and accessories thereof

85

13.385 84.6 84.5 -0.9 -0.2 0.0 -0.8 -0.1

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment

XVII

14.134 117.7 117.8 2.7 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.1

Motor vehicles and their parts

87

8.326 107.7 107.7 1.6 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.0

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

XVIII

6.075 106.9 106.0 1.0 0.2 -0.4 0.0 -0.8

Miscellaneous manufactured articles

XX

1.439 108.8 108.3 2.0 0.0 0.2 0.2 -0.5

Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;

94

0.770 117.8 117.4 3.0 0.2 0.5 0.3 -0.3

Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof

95

0.521 95.1 95.1 2.7 -0.3 0.2 0.7 0.0

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures are based on 2006 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: November 2007 to November 2008 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Percent
of
U.S.
imports(1)
Index Percent change
Oct.
2008
Nov.
2008
Annual Monthly
Nov.
2007
to
Nov.
2008
July
2008
to
Aug.
2008
Aug.
2008
to
Sept.
2008
Sept.
2008
to
Oct.
2008
Oct.
2008
to
Nov.
2008

Industrialized Countries(2)

42.888 130.9 123.7 -0.3 -1.6 -3.2 -3.1 -5.5

Nonmanufactured articles

4.201 240.6 201.0 -11.3 -9.8 -13.9 -13.8 -16.5

Manufactured articles

38.251 122.5 117.6 1.1 -0.1 -1.1 -1.4 -4.0

Other Countries(3)

57.112 129.9 120.4 -5.9 -3.4 -3.9 -6.5 -7.3

Nonmanufactured articles

12.058 277.6 216.1 -23.6 -9.1 -11.2 -17.7 -22.2

Manufactured articles

44.837 108.9 106.4 0.4 -0.6 -0.6 -2.1 -2.3

Canada

16.032 153.8 141.0 -1.8 -2.9 -5.1 -3.9 -8.3

Nonmanufactured articles

3.711 237.9 199.2 -11.3 -10.5 -14.4 -13.0 -16.3

Manufactured articles

12.028 138.5 131.0 1.8 0.9 -0.6 -0.1 -5.4

European Union(4)

17.355 129.8 125.8 2.1 -0.7 -1.3 -1.4 -3.1

Nonmanufactured articles

0.249 262.7 215.9 -23.6 -9.4 -12.4 -22.8 -17.8

Manufactured articles

16.987 127.1 123.4 2.5 -0.5 -1.2 -0.9 -2.9

France (Dec. 2003=100)

1.844 120.7 118.6 7.4 0.7 -0.4 0.0 -1.7

Germany (Dec. 2003=100)

4.732 110.9 109.1 0.4 -0.2 -1.1 -0.9 -1.6

United Kingdom (Dec. 2003=100)

2.684 128.9 120.8 -3.1 -3.2 -4.2 -3.7 -6.3

Latin America(5)

18.032 164.8 151.1 -7.1 -4.5 -5.3 -8.8 -8.3

Nonmanufactured articles

5.151 286.6 230.3 -21.2 -9.7 -10.4 -17.7 -19.6

Manufactured articles

12.786 139.2 135.7 0.4 -0.9 -2.0 -3.6 -2.5

Mexico (Dec. 2003=100)

10.710 140.2 133.2 -2.6 -2.5 -2.7 -6.6 -5.0

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

33.822 102.3 101.7 1.8 0.1 -1.1 -0.2 -0.6

China (Dec. 2003=100)

15.926 103.6 103.0 3.5 0.2 0.0 -0.2 -0.6

Japan

8.032 95.4 95.7 1.9 0.0 -0.5 0.4 0.3

Asian NICs(7)

5.887 92.5 92.0 2.7 1.7 -0.7 -0.8 -0.5

ASEAN (Dec. 2003=100)(8)

6.041 100.0 98.6 0.3 -1.0 -1.2 -1.5 -1.4

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

3.928 222.9 178.9 -23.7 -7.6 -9.1 -16.0 -19.7

Footnotes
(1) Percentage of trade figures are based on 2006 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: November 2007 to November 2008 2000=100, unless otherwise noted
Description Relative
import-
ance
Oct.
2008(1)
Index Percent change
Oct.
2008
Nov.
2008
Annual Monthly
Nov.
2007
to
Nov.
2008
July
2008
to
Aug.
2008
Aug.
2008
to
Sept.
2008
Sept.
2008
to
Oct.
2008
Oct.
2008
to
Nov.
2008

Air Freight

Import Air Freight

100.000 152.6 145.6 5.4 -0.2 -3.2 -2.9 -4.6

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

28.795 160.0 140.4 -1.7 1.6 -7.7 -5.2 -12.3

Asia

59.663 126.9 125.8 6.3 -1.7 -0.6 -1.4 -0.9

Export Air Freight

100.000 141.6 139.4 12.9 2.2 -1.4 -1.9 -1.6

Europe (Dec. 2006=100)

42.870 134.4 130.0 18.6 2.3 -1.6 -3.9 -3.3

Inbound Air Freight

100.000 148.3 143.2 6.8 0.2 -2.5 -2.2 -3.4

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

30.920 155.3 141.3 1.8 1.5 -6.0 -4.0 -9.0

Asia

56.269 122.5 122.0 8.2 -1.0 -0.2 -1.1 -0.4

Outbound Air Freight

100.000 142.8 139.1 15.0 0.3 -1.7 -2.9 -2.6

Europe (Dec. 2003=100)

41.657 162.6 158.9 15.5 1.5 -2.3 -3.4 -2.3

Asia

40.777 127.7 123.9 14.7 -1.0 -1.1 -3.0 -3.0

Air Passenger Fares

Import Air Passenger Fares

100.000 165.9 157.6 22.9 -3.0 -6.9 2.9 -5.0

Europe

46.223 176.1 163.7 33.9 -1.7 -10.1 4.1 -7.0

Asia

23.661 136.3 138.3 20.2 -5.7 -7.8 0.9 1.5

Latin America/Caribbean

10.723 129.7 129.4 1.9 -1.0 -13.0 -3.3 -0.2

Export Air Passenger Fares

100.000 165.3 157.9 4.0 6.0 -11.0 -3.8 -4.5

Europe

30.427 202.5 191.7 8.7 -0.4 -10.9 -4.4 -5.3

Asia

35.059 140.4 139.4 17.2 19.7 -14.9 -3.9 -0.7

Latin America/Caribbean

20.081 166.9 159.7 -6.8 4.4 -8.3 -1.2 -4.3

Footnotes
(1) Relative importance figures for Air Passenger Fares Indexes are based on 2006 trade values, while the relative importance figures for the Air Freight Indexes are based on 2005 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 
"Publications and Other Documentation."

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: December 11, 2008