Technical Information: Jim Thomas (202) 606-7155 USDL-99-13 Bill Alterman (202) 606-7108 Transmission of This Media contact: Material is Embargoed Kathryn Hoyle (202) 606-5902 Until: 10:00 A.M. E.S.T. Internet Address: http://stats.bls.gov/ipphome.htm Friday, January 15, 1999 U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES -DECEMBER 1998- The U.S. Import Price Index decreased 0.7 percent in December, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. The decline followed a 0.5 percent decrease the previous month and was again attributable to a large decline in petroleum prices. Prices for nonpetroleum imports were unchanged in December. Export prices edged down 0.1 percent in December, after increasing 0.2 in November. Percent changes in import and export price indexes by End Use category - not seasonally adjusted - IMPORTS EXPORTS Month Non- Agri- Nonagri- All Petroleum petroleum All cultural cultural Imports Imports Imports Exports Exports Exports 1997 December -1.0 -6.8 -0.4 -0.4 -0.8 -0.4 1998 January -1.3 -10.0 -0.6 -0.7 -2.7 -0.4 February -0.9 -6.5 -0.4 -0.3 -1.5 -0.2 March -0.8 -9.0 -0.3 -0.3 -0.5 -0.3 April -0.3 0.4 -0.3 -0.4 -1.6 -0.2 May -0.1 0.5 -0.2 0.1 1.0 -0.1 June -0.6 -4.4 -0.4 -0.5 0.0 -0.5 July -0.9 -5.4 -0.4 -0.3 0.3 -0.4 August -0.4 -0.6 -0.4 -0.5 -4.1 -0.1 September 0.2 6.4 -0.2 -0.5 -2.9 -0.2 r October 0.2 2.0 r 0.1 -0.1 0.1 -0.1 r November -0.5 r -9.9 r 0.1 0.2 r 1.7 r 0.0 r December -0.7 -11.9 0.0 -0.1 0.7 -0.2 December 1996-97 -5.2 -25.5 -2.8 -1.1 -3.0 -1.0 December 1997-98 -6.1 -40.0 -3.1 -3.5 -9.3 -2.8 r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents. Over the past year, import prices fell 6.1 percent after falling 5.2 percent in the December 1996-97 period. The annual decrease was the largest recorded for the import price index since publication of the series began in 1983. The decline in export prices, down 3.5 percent for the year ended in December, was more than double the declines of 1.1 percent and 1.2 percent recorded in the two previous 12-month periods ended in December 1997 and December 1996 respectively. The annual decrease for the December 1997-98 period also was the largest recorded for the export price index since publication of the series began in 1984. Import Goods After decreasing 9.9 percent in November, petroleum prices fell 11.9 percent in December, the largest monthly decline for the index since February 1991. Petroleum prices were at the lowest level since publication of the index began in 1983. Over the past year, petroleum prices fell 40.0 percent following a 25.5 percent decline over the December 1996-1997 period. In contrast, the index for nonpetroleum import prices was unchanged in December after posting 0.1 percent increases in each of the previous two months. For the year this index fell 3.1 percent, compared with a 2.8 percent decrease in 1997. Nonpetroleum import prices were unchanged, on average, in December as gains recorded for the price indexes of motor vehicles and of foods, feeds, and beverages were offset by declining prices for consumer goods and for industrial supplies and materials excluding petroleum. The index for foods, feeds, and beverages rose 1.4 percent last month after decreasing 1.3 percent in November. Despite recording increases in three of the past four months, the index was down 1.7 percent for the year ended in December. The index for automotive vehicles parts and engines rose for the third consecutive month, up 0.1 percent in December after gaining 0.4 percent and 0.2 percent in November and October, respectively. Over the past year, however, the index was unchanged. In contrast, the indexes for capital goods, consumer goods, and industrial supplies and materials excluding petroleum, which have trended downward over the past three years, were either unchanged or declined in December. The price index for capital goods was unchanged last month after increasing in November, the first upturn in 16 months. For the year ended in December, the index dropped 4.8 percent. After increasing 0.1 percent in November, prices fell last month for both industrial supplies and materials excluding petroleum, down 0.4 percent, and consumer goods, down 0.2 percent. Over the past 12 months, these indexes fell 6.6 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively. Export Goods Prices for overall U.S. exports resumed a three-year downward trend in December, as declines for nonagricultural prices more than offset an increase in agricultural prices. The decline in export prices was the sixth in the past seven months. Agricultural prices rose 0.7 percent in December following a 1.7 percent increase in November, as prices continued to move higher for grains and oilseeds. Despite the recent upturn, however, agricultural prices fell 9.3 percent for the year ended in December and have decreased on an annual basis in each of the last three years. In contrast, after recording no change in November, the index for nonagricultural export prices resumed a downward trend, falling 0.2 percent in December. Over the past year and a half, monthly prices for nonagricultural exports have, on average, either decreased or posted no change. Prices for nonagricultural exports were down 2.8 percent for the year ended in December, compared with a 1.0 percent decrease in the prior year. The indexes for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials, automotive vehicles, and consumer goods each fell in December after increasing or posting no change in November. Prices for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials fell 0.3 percent in December and 6.7 percent over the past 12 months, marking the third consecutive annual decline. The index for automotive vehicles, parts, and engines dipped 0.1 percent in December, the first decrease since February 1998. The index increased 0.5 percent for the year ended in December. Prices for consumer goods excluding automotives fell 0.2 percent in December and 0.8 percent over the past 12 months. The index for capital goods, which has not posted an increase since August 1997, was unchanged in December. For the year, the index decreased 1.9 percent after falling 1.6 percent over the December 1996-97 period. Summary of December-to-December percent changes 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 All merchandise imports 2.6 7.4 -4.2 0.2 -1.0 5.3 2.6 1.5 -5.2 -6.1 Excluding petroleum -0.2 3.1 0.2 0.8 1.4 3.9 2.2 -1.7 -2.8 -3.1 Petroleum 32.6 48.7 -33.0 -6.0 -21.7 20.3 6.0 33.8 -25.5 -40.0 All merchandise exports 0.6 2.1 -0.6 0.7 1.1 3.7 3.4 -1.2 -1.1 -3.5 Excluding agricultural 1.3 3.4 1.1 0.9 0.1 4.4 1.6 -0.3 -1.0 -2.8 Agricultural -3.7 -4.8 1.7 -0.5 8.3 -0.2 17.4 -6.9 -3.0 -9.3 Imports by Locality of Origin The price index for imports from Japan rose for two consecutive months for the first time since mid-1995, increasing a modest 0.1 percent in December after gaining 1.3 percent in November. Despite the recent gains, prices from Japan fell 3.0 percent over the past year. Prices of imports from the Asian Newly Industrialized Countries were unchanged on average in December. This index had decreased, however, over each of the previous 15 months and was down 8.2 percent for the year ended in December. In December the import price indexes for Canada and Latin America decreased for the second consecutive month after both increased 0.4 percent in October. Import prices from Latin America were down 1.7 percent in December and 9.9 percent over the past 12 months. Canadian import prices decreased 0.8 percent last month and 3.5 percent for the year. In addition, the index for imports from the European Union also was down last month, falling 0.7 percent, the first decline in this index since July. Over the past 12 months, the index was down 0.7 percent. Import and Export Services The import air freight index increased 8.0 percent from September to December after a third quarter decrease of 1.5 percent. For the year ended in December, the index edged up 0.1 percent. The export air freight index also was up over the past three months, increasing 1.2 percent for the second consecutive quarter. Over the past 12 months, this index rose 3.6 percent. The import air passenger index dropped 6.8 percent from September to December. For the year ended in December, however, the index gained 0.8 percent as gains posted in the second and third quarters countered the recent decline. In contrast, export air passenger fares continued to increase, rising 2.7 percent in the fourth quarter. Over the past year, this index rose 6.4 percent. The import ocean liner freight index decreased 0.6 percent over the past three months after increasing in the previous two quarters. The index rose 7.6 percent over the past 12 months. CONTENTS OF RELEASE This news release includes the following tables: Table 1 Import Price Indexes, by End Use.....page 5 Table 2 Export Price Indexes, by End Use.....page 6 Table 3 Import Price Indexes, by SITC.....pages 7-8 Table 4 Export Price Indexes, by SITC.....pages 9-10 Table 5 Import Price Indexes, by Harmonized System.....pages 11-12 Table 6 Export Price Indexes, by Harmonized System.....pages 13-14 Table 7 Import Price Indexes, by Locality of Origin.....page 15 Table 8 U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes for Services.....page 16 Table 9 U.S. International Price Indexes for Services.....page 17 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Import and Export Price Index data for January are scheduled for release on February 17, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. (EST). Table 1 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods, December 1997-December 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance Dec. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. END Description 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998 USE NovemberNovember December to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 Dec. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 1/ 2/ 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 ALL COMMODITIES.............................. 100.000 91.3 90.7 -6.1 0.2 0.2 -0.5 -0.7 ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM.............. 94.161 92.9 92.9 -3.1 -0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 0 FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES................... 4.875 95.1 96.4 -1.7 1.5 1.0 -1.3 1.4 00 Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages.......... 3.426 91.7 94.1 -1.7 2.1 1.4 -1.4 2.6 01 Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)............................. 1.449 103.8 102.3 -1.7 -0.1 0.4 -1.3 -1.4 1 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS............. 24.358 84.8 82.1 -16.7 1.2 0.2 -2.5 -3.2 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM................. 18.518 91.1 90.7 -6.6 -0.4 -0.5 0.1 -0.4 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, DURABLE............................. 9.701 91.3 91.2 -6.7 -0.8 -1.0 -0.4 -0.1 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM...... 8.818 90.8 90.1 -6.5 -0.3 0.1 0.7 -0.8 10 Fuels & lubricants......................... 7.044 73.3 66.2 -35.9 5.4 1.8 -7.9 -9.7 100 Petroleum & petroleum products............ 5.840 68.3 60.2 -40.0 6.4 2.0 -9.9 -11.9 1000 Crude................................... 4.439 65.4 56.3 -42.8 9.1 2.2 -12.2 -13.9 11 Paper & paper base stocks.................. 1.847 79.3 78.3 -6.0 -0.2 0.2 -1.1 -1.3 12 Materials associated with nondurable supplies & materials................... 5.982 89.2 88.4 -5.8 -0.3 0.1 0.7 -0.9 13 Selected building materials................ 2.129 101.9 102.8 -4.5 0.2 -3.3 0.9 0.9 14 Unfinished metals associated with durable goods.......................... 4.397 87.4 87.0 -8.9 -1.3 -0.3 -1.4 -0.5 15 Finished metals associated with durable goods.................................. 1.488 92.8 92.2 -4.4 0.3 -0.3 -0.1 -0.6 16 Nonmetals associated with durable goods.... 1.471 88.6 88.5 -6.1 -0.9 -0.4 0.1 -0.1 2 CAPITAL GOODS............................... 28.421 84.7 84.7 -4.8 -0.5 -0.1 0.4 0.0 20 Electric & electrical generating equipment.............................. 3.454 93.6 93.7 -2.4 -1.6 0.3 0.8 0.1 21 Nonelectrical machinery.................... 23.140 81.7 81.7 -5.5 -0.4 -0.1 0.2 0.0 3 AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........ 19.018 101.2 101.3 0.0 -0.1 0.2 0.4 0.1 4 CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING AUTOMOTIVES............................ 23.329 98.2 98.0 -1.2 -0.1 0.3 0.1 -0.2 40 Nondurables, manufactured.................. 11.673 101.2 100.9 -0.1 0.0 0.3 0.1 -0.3 41 Durables, manufactured..................... 10.531 95.3 95.0 -2.3 -0.2 0.3 0.3 -0.3 42 Nonmanufactured consumer goods............. 1.125 96.7 97.6 -1.8 0.5 0.1 -1.0 0.9 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available 1995 trade values. 2 Data for September, October and November 1998 have been revised to reflect the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents. All data are subject to revision in each of the three months after original publication. NOTE: Published categories may include price data not shown separately Table 2 U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods, December 1997-December 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance Dec. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. END Description 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998 USE NovemberNovember December to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 Dec. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 1/ 2/ 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 ALL COMMODITIES.............................. 100.000 94.9 94.8 -3.5 -0.5 -0.1 0.2 -0.1 AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES..................... 9.714 88.6 89.2 -9.3 -2.9 0.1 1.7 0.7 NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.................. 90.287 95.6 95.4 -2.8 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 0 FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES................... 8.850 90.6 91.2 -8.2 -3.1 0.6 2.3 0.7 00 Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages.......... 8.061 90.3 91.0 -9.0 -3.2 0.5 2.6 0.8 01 Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages)............................. 0.789 95.8 94.9 0.9 -2.2 1.3 -0.3 -0.9 1 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS............. 24.304 87.4 87.2 -6.9 -1.0 -0.6 -0.1 -0.2 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, DURABLE............................. 9.533 89.0 88.5 -5.0 -1.0 -0.2 0.0 -0.6 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, NONDURABLE.......................... 14.771 86.5 86.3 -8.3 -1.0 -0.8 -0.1 -0.2 10 Agricultural industrial supplies & materials.............................. 1.653 82.9 82.7 -10.8 -1.8 -1.6 -2.0 -0.2 NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS............................ 22.652 87.8 87.5 -6.7 -1.0 -0.5 0.0 -0.3 11 Fuels & lubricants......................... 2.149 93.5 92.4 -16.2 -1.2 1.1 -0.4 -1.2 12 Nonagricultural supplies & materials excluding fuels & building materials... 19.010 86.3 86.1 -5.8 -1.0 -0.7 0.1 -0.2 13 Selected building materials................ 1.493 86.5 86.8 -2.8 -0.2 0.0 -0.3 0.3 2 CAPITAL GOODS............................... 44.477 97.0 97.0 -1.9 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 20 Electric & electrical generating Equipment.............................. 4.502 99.7 99.6 -2.5 -0.1 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1 21 Nonelectrical machinery.................... 34.299 93.7 93.6 -2.4 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 3 AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES........ 10.112 102.9 102.8 0.5 0.0 0.4 0.1 -0.1 4 CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING AUTOMOTIVES............................ 12.257 102.1 101.9 -0.8 0.1 0.1 0.0 -0.2 40 Nondurables, manufactured.................. 6.488 102.3 101.8 -0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1 -0.5 41 Durables, manufactured..................... 5.184 100.8 100.7 -1.3 0.0 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available 1995 trade values. 2 Data for September, October and November 1998 have been revised to reflect the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents. All data are subject to revision in each of the three months after original publication. NOTE: Published categories may include price data not shown separately Table 3 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods, December 1997-December 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance Dec. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. SITC Description 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998 Rev. 3 NovemberNovember December to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 Dec. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 1/ 2/ 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 ALL COMMODITIES.............................. 100.000 91.3 90.7 -6.1 0.2 0.2 -0.5 -0.7 0 FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS....................... 4.153 95.8 97.0 -2.6 1.7 1.6 -1.2 1.3 01 Meat and meat preparations................. 0.348 94.8 91.8 -11.9 -0.6 -1.7 -0.7 -3.2 03 Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates and preparations thereof................ 1.076 102.3 100.2 -5.1 -0.2 0.5 -1.8 -2.1 05 Vegetables, fruit and nuts, fresh or dried.......................... 1.227 109.3 117.3 14.4 8.8 6.9 -4.2 7.3 07 Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof.................... 0.557 74.6 75.0 -18.6 -2.5 -4.5 0.9 0.5 3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100)....... 0.945 94.1 93.3 -5.0 -1.1 1.2 1.8 -0.9 1 BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO....................... 0.917 109.7 109.9 1.2 0.0 0.2 -0.2 0.2 11 Beverages.................................. 0.773 106.4 106.7 1.4 0.1 0.2 -0.2 0.3 2 CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS..... 2.744 83.2 84.3 -9.8 0.0 -2.0 -1.0 1.3 23 Crude rubber (including synthetic and reclaimed).............................. 0.194 54.6 51.0 -26.2 0.0 1.9 -0.4 -6.6 24 Cork and wood.............................. 1.005 103.2 107.0 -5.4 0.7 -4.5 0.7 3.7 25 Pulp and waste paper....................... 0.344 58.0 57.8 -15.9 -2.7 -2.8 -1.9 -0.3 28 Metalliferous ores and metal scrap......... 0.606 92.8 92.8 -9.3 -1.4 0.3 -0.4 0.0 29 Crude animal and vegetable materials, n.e.s. (9612=100)....................... 0.267 96.9 102.4 -4.3 4.3 -1.3 -6.6 5.7 3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except fuels (9612=100).......................... 0.328 85.5 85.5 -11.0 -0.1 -0.3 -1.4 0.0 3 MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS................................ 6.733 72.5 65.4 -36.7 5.6 1.7 -8.0 -9.8 33 Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials....................... 5.516 67.8 59.6 -40.5 6.8 2.2 -10.3 -12.1 34 Gas, natural and manufactured.............. 1.086 110.1 110.8 -16.9 -0.4 -0.6 4.1 0.6 5 CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S....... 5.725 92.5 91.7 -3.7 -0.3 0.2 0.5 -0.9 51 Organic chemicals.......................... 1.622 91.7 90.9 -4.6 -0.2 -0.5 1.0 -0.9 52 Inorganic chemicals........................ 0.692 95.0 91.1 -6.4 -0.7 0.7 0.4 -4.1 53 Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials..... 0.310 97.7 96.8 -0.1 0.0 1.6 1.5 -0.9 54 Medicinal and pharmaceutical products...... 0.975 96.8 96.6 -0.2 -0.3 1.1 1.3 -0.2 55 Essential oils; polishing and cleansing preps................................... 0.335 95.3 95.2 -2.4 0.4 1.3 0.3 -0.1 57 Plastics in primary forms.................. 0.386 90.9 91.1 -1.0 0.4 -0.9 0.1 0.2 58 Plastics in nonprimary forms............... 0.500 73.9 74.1 -10.5 -1.9 -0.3 0.0 0.3 59 Chemical materials and products, n.e.s..... 0.673 99.3 99.1 -3.9 0.3 -1.5 0.2 -0.2 6 MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL.............................. 12.839 92.4 91.6 -4.6 -0.4 0.0 -0.3 -0.9 62 Rubber manufactures, n.e.s................. 0.760 94.7 94.4 -1.2 0.1 0.0 0.4 -0.3 63 Cork and wood manufactures other than furniture............................... 0.585 97.2 95.2 -3.9 -1.2 -1.0 2.5 -2.1 64 Paper, paperboard, and articles of paper pulp, paper or paper board........ 1.678 86.6 85.4 -3.5 0.1 0.5 -0.9 -1.4 65 Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles, n.e.s., and related prod...... 1.461 96.7 96.5 -2.8 -0.1 -0.2 0.2 -0.2 66 Nonmetallic mineral manufactures, n.e.s................................... 2.244 100.7 100.6 -1.1 -0.3 0.4 0.2 -0.1 67 Iron and steel............................. 2.005 88.6 87.4 -9.2 -0.8 -0.7 -1.0 -1.4 68 Nonferrous metals.......................... 1.850 83.8 83.1 -9.8 -1.8 -0.5 -2.4 -0.8 69 Manufactures of metals, n.e.s.............. 2.081 97.3 96.6 -1.9 0.4 0.2 0.5 -0.7 7 MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT........... 48.079 91.3 91.4 -2.8 -0.3 0.1 0.3 0.1 71 Power generating machinery and equipment (9612=100).................... 3.146 98.0 98.2 -0.8 -0.1 0.2 0.6 0.2 72 Machinery specialized for particular industries.............................. 2.861 98.8 98.4 -0.7 -0.4 1.1 1.0 -0.4 73 Metalworking machinery..................... 0.878 98.0 97.6 -1.1 0.1 0.8 0.6 -0.4 74 General industrial machinery, equipment, & machine parts, n.e.s....... 3.688 98.7 98.4 1.1 0.1 1.2 0.9 -0.3 75 Computer equipment and office machines..... 6.421 66.7 66.9 -12.9 -0.9 -2.2 -0.7 0.3 76 Telecommunications & sound recording & reproducing apparatus & equipment..... 4.637 88.4 88.2 -3.8 -0.1 -0.6 0.0 -0.2 77 Electrical machinery and equipment......... 9.703 84.5 84.5 -2.4 -0.7 0.6 1.0 0.0 78 Road vehicles.............................. 15.633 101.4 101.5 0.0 -0.1 0.3 0.4 0.1 8 MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES......... 18.351 98.5 98.2 -1.5 0.0 0.1 0.1 -0.3 81 Prefabricated buildings; plumbing, heat & lighting fixtures, n.e.s.............. 0.406 95.1 94.0 -2.4 0.1 -0.8 0.4 -1.2 82 Furniture and parts thereof................ 1.312 100.2 100.3 -2.7 -0.2 -0.1 0.2 0.1 83 Travel goods, handbags and similar containers.............................. 0.534 100.4 101.2 0.8 0.1 0.6 -0.3 0.8 84 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories............................. 6.227 102.7 102.0 -0.8 0.2 -0.1 -0.1 -0.7 85 Footwear................................... 1.891 101.1 101.0 -0.2 0.0 0.4 -0.2 -0.1 87 Professional, scientific and controlling instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........ 1.670 95.3 95.0 -1.3 -0.2 0.6 0.2 -0.3 88 Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.;..... 1.391 91.3 91.1 -2.1 -0.6 0.7 0.7 -0.2 89 Miscellaneous manufactured articles, n.e.s................................... 4.919 95.6 95.6 -2.5 -0.3 0.2 0.2 0.0 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available. 1995 trade values. 2 Data for September, October and November 1998 have been revised to reflect the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents. All data are subject to revision in each of the three months after original publication. 3 Product categories included in this group have been modified due to concordance or coverage limitations. NOTE: Published categories may include price data not shown separately Table 4 U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods, December 1997-December 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance Dec. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. SITC Description 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998 Rev. 3 NovemberNovember December to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 Dec. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 1/ 2/ 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 ALL COMMODITIES.............................. 100.000 94.9 94.8 -3.5 -0.5 -0.1 0.2 -0.1 0 FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS....................... 7.187 89.2 89.6 -7.3 -3.2 1.2 1.7 0.4 01 Meat and meat preparations................. 1.123 90.7 89.9 -5.0 -2.1 -2.6 -3.3 -0.9 03 Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates and preparations thereof................ 0.608 96.5 95.7 2.8 -1.2 1.1 -0.5 -0.8 04 Cereals and cereal preparations............ 2.397 78.1 78.9 -16.4 -6.3 4.6 6.4 1.0 05 Vegetables, fruit and nuts, fresh or dried.......................... 1.460 99.2 100.1 8.8 -2.9 0.2 -0.2 0.9 08 Feeding stuff for animals (not including unmilled cereals)............. 0.649 89.4 92.2 -18.8 -2.2 -2.5 3.6 3.1 09 Miscellaneous edible products and preparations............................ 0.411 106.7 106.8 1.8 1.2 0.4 0.0 0.1 3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100)....... 0.539 97.8 96.5 -4.7 0.5 2.6 -1.0 -1.3 1 BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO....................... 1.552 100.5 100.7 0.1 -0.1 0.3 0.5 0.2 12 Tobacco and tobacco manufactures........... 1.279 100.4 100.4 0.0 -0.1 0.4 0.6 0.0 2 CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS..... 5.087 75.8 76.2 -13.2 -2.5 -3.0 0.3 0.5 21 Hides, skins and furskins, raw............. 0.271 80.1 85.7 -16.5 -0.5 -3.1 -1.0 7.0 22 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits............ 1.052 93.3 95.6 -17.9 -3.7 -4.2 6.1 2.5 24 Cork and wood.............................. 0.879 81.5 81.5 -4.8 -0.2 0.4 -1.2 0.0 25 Pulp and waste paper....................... 0.689 57.6 57.7 -13.6 -2.8 -5.7 -2.5 0.2 26 Textile fibers and their waste............. 0.735 71.4 70.6 -11.8 -0.8 -3.4 -3.1 -1.1 27 Crude fertilizers and crude minerals....... 0.336 95.1 95.1 -2.4 0.0 -1.9 0.0 0.0 28 Metalliferous ores and metal scrap......... 0.726 67.8 67.4 -19.7 -4.0 -3.2 0.4 -0.6 3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except fuels (9612=100).......................... 0.400 91.6 90.5 -10.6 -7.1 -1.5 0.9 -1.2 3 MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS................................ 1.884 94.1 93.4 -17.2 -1.4 1.0 -0.2 -0.7 32 Coal, coke and briquettes.................. 0.699 99.3 99.3 -2.0 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 0.0 33 Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials....................... 1.054 93.3 92.0 -22.7 -2.3 2.9 -0.1 -1.4 4 ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS, FATS AND WAXES.................................... 0.500 102.9 99.7 -6.4 -0.7 0.1 0.1 -3.1 5 CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S....... 10.710 91.4 91.4 -3.7 -0.3 -0.3 -0.1 0.0 51 Organic chemicals.......................... 2.315 73.9 74.3 -11.0 -1.1 -1.3 -0.3 0.5 52 Inorganic chemicals........................ 0.900 103.5 103.4 4.2 -0.2 -0.5 0.8 -0.1 53 Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials..... 0.500 99.9 99.7 -2.9 0.3 0.2 0.1 -0.2 54 Medicinal and pharmaceutical products...... 1.265 101.0 100.8 -0.1 0.0 -0.6 0.0 -0.2 55 Essential oils; polishing and cleansing preps................................... 0.772 101.7 101.6 -0.3 1.3 0.1 -1.1 -0.1 56 Fertilizers (9612=100)..................... 0.590 97.0 95.9 1.8 -0.1 -0.1 -0.8 -1.1 57 Plastics in primary forms.................. 1.765 87.4 87.4 -6.1 -0.3 -0.5 0.2 0.0 58 Plastics in nonprimary forms............... 0.831 96.3 96.3 -2.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.8 0.0 59 Chemical materials and products, n.e.s..... 1.772 101.1 101.2 -0.7 -0.4 0.5 0.6 0.1 6 MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL.............................. 9.873 96.7 96.4 -2.1 -0.5 -0.2 0.1 -0.3 62 Rubber manufactures, n.e.s................. 0.715 106.1 106.0 3.8 -0.3 1.9 1.7 -0.1 63 Cork and wood manufactures other than furniture............................... 0.308 93.6 94.9 3.3 -0.2 -0.9 1.8 1.4 64 Paper, paperboard, and articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard......... 1.522 81.7 81.1 -4.7 -1.1 -0.2 0.7 -0.7 65 Textile yarn, fabrics, and made-up articles, n.e.s................. 1.416 100.3 100.8 -2.2 -0.6 -1.0 0.0 0.5 66 Nonmetallic mineral manufactures, n.e.s................................... 1.375 107.2 107.3 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.1 67 Iron and steel............................. 1.082 97.6 97.0 -5.9 -0.3 -1.8 -0.4 -0.6 68 Nonferrous metals.......................... 1.227 85.4 84.0 -7.7 -1.4 0.2 -0.4 -1.6 69 Manufactures of metals, n.e.s.............. 2.081 106.5 106.4 1.9 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 7 MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT........... 50.986 98.2 98.2 -1.6 -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 71 Power generating machinery and equipment............................... 4.468 108.0 108.0 1.7 0.2 0.0 0.9 0.0 72 Machinery specialized for particular industries.............................. 4.861 105.5 105.2 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 -0.3 73 Metalworking machinery..................... 1.025 108.7 108.9 3.0 -0.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 74 General industrial machinery, equipment, & parts, n.e.s............... 5.220 106.4 106.4 0.9 -0.1 0.1 -0.1 0.0 75 Computer equipment and office machines..... 6.051 74.5 74.3 -8.9 -0.8 -0.4 0.0 -0.3 76 Telecommunications & sound recording & reproducing apparatus & equipment..... 3.838 97.5 97.6 -1.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.6 0.1 77 Electrical machinery and equipment......... 11.523 90.7 90.7 -3.9 0.1 -0.1 -0.4 0.0 78 Road vehicles.............................. 9.381 102.2 102.1 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.0 -0.1 8 MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES......... 11.473 100.8 100.6 -1.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 -0.2 82 Furniture and parts thereof................ 0.656 104.2 104.2 0.4 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 84 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories............................. 1.304 102.5 100.5 -2.9 0.1 0.0 0.0 -2.0 87 Professional, scientific and controlling instruments and apparatus, n.e.s........ 3.835 104.0 104.1 0.6 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 88 Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies and optical goods, n.e.s....... 0.933 94.5 94.4 -3.7 -0.3 1.0 1.2 -0.1 89 Miscellaneous manufactured articles, n.e.s................................... 4.271 98.3 98.2 -2.0 0.0 0.1 -0.1 -0.1 3/ Other miscellaneous manufactured articles (9612=100)....................... 0.475 102.1 102.3 0.9 -0.3 -0.2 0.0 0.2 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available. 1995 trade values. 2 Data for September, October and November 1998 have been revised to reflect the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents. All data are subject to revision in each of the three months after original publication. 3 Product categories included in this group have been modified due to concordance or coverage limitations. NOTE: Published categories may include price data not shown separately Table 5 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods, December 1997-December 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly Harmo- ance Dec. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. nized Description 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998 System NovemberNovember December to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 Dec. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 1/ 2/ 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 I LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS............... 1.627 99.3 97.4 -5.1 0.3 0.3 -0.4 -1.9 02 Meat and edible meat offal................... 0.284 95.3 92.6 -8.0 0.4 -1.8 1.1 -2.8 03 Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and........... other aquatic invertebrates............... 0.950 103.2 101.7 -4.2 0.4 0.9 -2.4 -1.5 3/ Other live animals and animal................ products (9612=100)....................... 0.394 95.5 93.3 -5.3 0.2 0.4 3.1 -2.3 II VEGETABLE PRODUCTS.......................... 1.635 89.3 94.0 1.4 5.2 3.4 -4.5 5.3 07 Edible vegetables and certain roots and...... tubers.................................... 0.379 132.0 164.3 28.1 23.8 20.5 -18.4 24.5 08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus........ fruit or melons........................... 0.491 102.5 99.3 6.1 2.0 -1.4 3.5 -3.1 09 Coffee, tea, mate and spices................. 0.376 72.9 72.3 -16.6 -3.1 -3.9 1.8 -0.8 3/ Other vegetable products..................... 0.389 84.2 86.9 -7.6 2.7 -0.1 -3.8 3.2 IV PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND......... TOBACCO................................... 2.166 99.8 100.4 -1.4 0.2 -0.4 -0.4 0.6 20 Preparations of vegetables, fruit,........... nuts, or other parts of plants............ 0.285 89.4 92.1 3.5 -1.0 0.9 0.9 3.0 22 Beverages, spirits, and vinegar.............. 0.803 105.1 104.9 0.8 0.4 -0.8 1.0 -0.2 3/ Other prepared foodstuffs (9612=100)......... 1.078 96.7 97.3 -4.0 0.4 -0.6 -1.6 0.6 V MINERAL PRODUCTS............................ 7.397 74.4 67.8 -34.4 4.9 1.6 -7.3 -8.9 26 Ores, slag and ash........................... 0.311 101.6 101.6 -0.8 -0.1 -0.1 0.1 0.0 27 Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,........... bituminous substances and mineral wax..... 6.850 72.9 65.9 -36.2 5.4 1.8 -7.8 -9.6 VI PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED.......... INDUSTRIES................................ 5.403 95.8 95.1 -3.5 -0.4 0.4 0.4 -0.7 28 Inorganic chemicals.......................... 0.861 97.5 94.9 -7.0 -0.9 0.9 0.1 -2.7 29 Organic chemicals............................ 2.054 92.2 91.6 -4.1 -0.5 0.2 0.5 -0.7 30 Pharmaceutical products...................... 0.602 104.0 103.6 0.1 -0.4 1.8 1.6 -0.4 32 Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye &............. pigments; varnish & paints; putty......... 0.308 95.9 95.0 -0.7 0.0 1.6 1.5 -0.9 37 Photographic or cinematographic goods........ 0.366 95.1 95.1 -3.1 -0.3 -0.6 0.0 0.0 38 Miscellaneous chemical products.............. (9612=100)................................ 0.414 91.9 92.3 -6.3 -0.3 -2.8 0.3 0.4 3/ Other products of the chemical or............ allied industries (9612=100).............. 0.799 95.9 95.6 -0.3 -0.3 1.5 -0.4 -0.3 VII PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER....... AND ARTICLES THEREOF...................... 2.782 85.9 85.5 -5.3 -0.3 -0.1 0.2 -0.5 39 Plastics and articles thereof................ 1.738 88.8 89.1 -4.6 -0.8 -0.1 0.0 0.3 40 Rubber and articles thereof.................. 1.044 81.4 80.2 -6.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 -1.5 VIII RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,........ TRAVEL GOODS, ETC......................... 1.068 102.9 102.6 -0.2 -0.1 0.6 0.4 -0.3 42 Articles of leather; travel goods, bags,..... etc. of various materials................. 0.895 100.7 100.7 -0.1 -0.2 0.6 0.0 0.0 IX WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKET.... AND WICKER................................ 1.628 99.1 100.7 -5.3 0.2 -4.0 1.0 1.6 X WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER..... AND ARTICLES THEREOF...................... 2.415 81.7 81.0 -4.9 -0.1 -0.2 -0.7 -0.9 47 Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic........ material; waste paper/paperboard.......... 0.342 58.2 58.1 -16.4 -2.7 -3.6 -1.9 -0.2 48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper...... pulp, paper or paperboard................. 1.698 87.5 86.3 -3.3 0.3 0.1 -0.7 -1.4 49 Printed matter............................... 0.374 99.4 99.8 -0.6 0.5 0.8 0.5 0.4 XI TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................ 7.294 100.6 100.2 -1.4 0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.4 61 Articles of apparel and clothing............. accessories, knitted or crocheted......... 2.167 101.2 100.0 -1.5 0.0 -0.2 0.0 -1.2 62 Articles of apparel and clothing............. accessories, not knitted or crocheted..... 3.551 103.8 103.8 0.0 0.3 -0.1 -0.2 0.0 63 Made-up or worn textile articles and......... clothing; needlecraft sets; rags.......... 0.352 94.0 93.4 -1.4 -0.4 0.2 0.8 -0.6 3/ Other textile & textile...................... articles (9612=100)....................... 1.225 95.7 95.4 -5.2 0.0 0.0 -0.2 -0.3 XII FOOTWEAR, HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS, WHIPS,....... ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC................... 2.217 101.4 101.3 -0.1 0.1 0.4 -0.2 -0.1 64 Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts........ of such articles.......................... 1.904 100.9 100.7 -0.4 0.0 0.5 -0.1 -0.2 3/ Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas,......... whips, art. flowers, etc. (9612=100)...... 0.313 103.2 103.2 1.1 0.0 0.3 -0.2 0.0 XIII STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,CERAMIC.... GLASS ETC................................. 1.207 101.2 101.0 -0.8 -0.2 0.5 0.3 -0.2 69 Ceramic products............................. 0.455 97.9 97.6 -1.5 -0.1 0.3 0.1 -0.3 70 Glass and glassware.......................... 0.464 100.4 100.3 -0.8 -0.5 0.5 0.6 -0.1 XIV PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,............ IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............. 2.342 98.5 98.4 1.9 -0.8 0.1 0.3 -0.1 XV BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL...... 5.680 86.1 85.2 -9.5 -0.8 -0.2 -1.1 -1.0 72 Iron and steel............................... 1.707 86.9 86.4 -9.3 -1.3 -0.9 -1.1 -0.6 73 Articles of iron or steel.................... 1.325 93.7 93.1 -4.0 0.2 0.0 -0.3 -0.6 74 Copper and articles thereof.................. 0.406 70.4 69.6 -9.6 -0.3 0.3 -1.7 -1.1 76 Aluminum and articles thereof................ 0.916 82.1 81.3 -13.4 -0.7 0.7 -1.0 -1.0 83 Miscellaneous articles of base metal......... 0.438 101.1 100.5 -2.0 0.7 -0.1 1.0 -0.6 3/ Miscellaneous nonferrous metals and.......... articles, including scrap (9612=100)...... 0.412 77.2 72.6 -30.1 -5.7 -2.0 -6.7 -6.0 XVI MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV......... IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC....... 30.326 84.2 84.3 -4.9 -0.5 -0.1 0.2 0.1 84 Specialized machinery & computer............. equipment................................. 15.707 84.1 84.2 -6.0 -0.4 -0.5 0.1 0.1 85 Electrical machinery and equip, sound........ and TV recorders & reproducers, parts..... 14.619 84.3 84.3 -3.5 -0.5 0.2 0.4 0.0 XVII VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND............. ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT............ 16.944 101.5 101.6 0.1 -0.1 0.3 0.4 0.1 87 Motor vehicles and their parts............... 16.003 101.2 101.3 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.1 XVII OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &........ MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES......... 3.707 92.1 91.9 -1.9 -0.2 0.5 0.1 -0.2 90 Optical, photographic, measuring and......... medical instruments....................... 3.156 91.7 91.5 -2.2 -0.2 0.5 0.0 -0.2 91 Clocks and watches and parts thereof......... 0.404 94.9 94.1 0.1 -1.0 1.5 0.2 -0.8 XX MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES......... 3.889 98.0 97.9 -1.9 -0.2 0.2 0.5 -0.1 94 Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps........ and lighting fittings nes;................ 1.677 98.6 98.5 -1.8 -0.1 0.2 0.7 -0.1 95 Toys, games and sports equipment; parts...... and accessories thereof................... 1.902 97.9 97.9 -2.4 -0.4 0.1 0.2 0.0 96 Miscellaneous manufactured articles.......... 0.310 95.6 95.0 1.0 0.0 0.4 2.0 -0.6 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available 1995 trade values. 2 Data for September, October and November 1998 have been revised to reflect the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents. All data are subject to revision in each of the three months after original publication. 3 Product categories included in this group have been modified due to concordance or coverage limitations. NOTE: Published categories may include price data not shown separately Table 6 U.S. Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods, December 1997-December 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly Harmo- ance Dec. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. nized Description 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998 System NovemberNovember December to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 Dec. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 1/ 2/ 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 I LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS............... 1.912 92.1 90.8 -4.8 -3.5 0.1 -1.8 -1.4 02 Meat & edible meat offal..................... 1.031 87.3 86.2 -6.2 -2.3 -3.0 -3.4 -1.3 03 Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and........... other aquatic invertebrates............... 0.526 91.4 90.3 -1.8 -3.9 1.9 0.1 -1.2 3/ Other live animals and animal................ products (9612=100)....................... 0.355 93.9 92.1 -5.2 -6.9 8.2 -0.2 -1.9 II VEGETABLE PRODUCTS.......................... 4.751 85.5 86.5 -12.5 -4.6 1.4 4.5 1.2 07 Edible vegetables and certain roots and...... tubers.................................... 0.322 98.1 102.1 5.8 -7.5 1.6 -1.3 4.1 08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus........ fruit or melons........................... 0.761 99.9 99.1 5.8 -0.3 1.0 -1.6 -0.8 10 Cereals...................................... 2.170 75.9 76.8 -17.9 -6.9 5.2 7.1 1.2 12 Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds,............ fruits, plants, straw and fodder.......... 1.247 96.0 98.2 -16.1 -3.5 -4.2 6.2 2.3 III ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FATS AND OILS........... 0.545 104.0 100.9 -6.7 -0.5 -0.1 0.3 -3.0 IV PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND......... TOBACCO................................... 3.463 97.4 99.0 -2.4 -0.5 0.2 0.5 1.6 20 Preparations of vegetables, fruit,........... nuts, or other parts of plants............ 0.357 96.3 102.3 13.2 -0.8 0.8 0.3 6.2 21 Miscellaneous edible preparations............ 0.382 107.3 107.4 1.4 1.1 0.5 0.0 0.1 22 Beverages, spirits, and vinegar.............. 0.340 98.9 100.3 0.7 0.0 0.0 -0.2 1.4 23 Residues and waste from the food............. industries; prepared animal feed.......... 0.580 86.1 90.0 -17.4 -3.4 -0.1 2.0 4.5 24 Tobacco and manufactured tobacco............. substitutes............................... 1.291 100.5 100.5 0.1 -0.1 0.4 0.7 0.0 3/ Other prepared foods......................... 0.514 99.6 99.9 -2.2 0.2 -0.2 -0.5 0.3 V MINERAL PRODUCTS............................ 2.433 92.2 91.6 -15.7 -1.6 -0.1 0.0 -0.7 27 Mineral fuels, oils and residuals,........... bituminous substances and mineral wax..... 1.932 94.8 94.1 -17.2 -1.4 1.0 -0.1 -0.7 VI PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED.......... INDUSTRIES................................ 8.746 92.4 92.4 -3.6 -0.3 -0.3 0.2 0.0 28 Inorganic chemicals.......................... 0.967 102.2 102.2 0.1 -0.4 -1.0 1.3 0.0 29 Organic chemicals............................ 2.614 77.2 77.4 -10.8 -0.9 -1.4 -0.1 0.3 30 Pharmaceutical products...................... 0.939 103.2 103.2 2.8 0.1 -0.9 0.0 0.0 31 Fertilizers (9612=100)....................... 0.658 97.0 95.9 1.8 -0.1 -0.1 -0.8 -1.1 32 Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes and......... pigments; paints & varnish; putty;ink..... 0.514 100.2 99.8 -2.4 0.2 0.3 0.2 -0.4 33 Essential oils and resinoids;................ perfumery, cosmetic or toilet............. 0.553 103.7 103.7 0.7 0.7 0.1 -0.3 0.0 34 Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or........ scouring products; candles, pastes........ 0.328 103.7 103.7 0.6 2.0 0.3 -1.3 0.0 37 Photographic or cinematographic goods........ 0.406 87.0 86.9 -8.3 -1.0 2.4 2.7 -0.1 38 Miscellaneous chemical products.............. 1.543 100.3 100.4 -0.6 -0.6 0.7 0.9 0.1 VII PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER....... AND ARTICLES THEREOF...................... 4.256 91.8 91.7 -4.7 -0.2 0.0 0.3 -0.1 39 Plastics and articles thereof................ 3.313 89.6 89.6 -6.4 -0.3 -0.2 0.0 0.0 40 Rubber and articles thereof.................. 0.943 100.4 100.0 1.8 -0.2 0.9 1.6 -0.4 VIII RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS,........ TRAVEL GOODS, ETC......................... 0.500 82.7 86.1 -12.0 0.0 -2.4 -1.2 4.1 41 Raw hides and skins (other than.............. furskins) and leather..................... 0.345 76.6 81.0 -16.3 0.0 -3.5 -1.8 5.7 IX WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW,........... BASKET AND WICKER......................... 1.210 84.6 84.9 -3.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.6 0.4 X WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER..... AND ARTICLES THEREOF...................... 2.977 75.7 75.3 -5.3 -1.2 -1.2 0.1 -0.5 47 Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic........ material; waste paper/paperboard.......... 0.641 55.6 55.5 -14.7 -3.4 -5.3 -1.9 -0.2 48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper...... pulp, paper or paperboard................. 1.496 82.4 81.5 -4.8 -1.0 -0.2 1.2 -1.1 49 Printed material............................. 0.841 109.2 109.2 2.1 0.3 0.6 0.0 0.0 XI TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES................ 3.200 89.1 88.4 -5.2 -0.3 -1.2 -0.7 -0.8 52 Cotton, including yarns and woven............ fabrics thereof........................... 0.651 73.0 72.3 -9.3 -1.3 -3.6 -3.3 -1.0 XIII STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,........... CERAMIC, GLASS ETC........................ 0.883 103.7 103.7 1.1 -0.2 0.5 0.0 0.0 70 Glass and glassware.......................... 0.512 102.8 102.8 1.5 0.1 1.0 -0.1 0.0 XIV PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS,............ IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS.............. 1.871 93.2 93.1 -1.9 -2.9 0.5 1.3 -0.1 XV BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS..... 4.482 90.1 89.5 -5.8 -0.7 -0.7 -0.1 -0.7 72 Iron and steel............................... 0.853 79.3 78.4 -14.6 -2.7 -1.7 0.1 -1.1 73 Articles of iron or steel.................... 1.322 109.6 109.6 1.5 0.0 -0.9 -0.2 0.0 74 Copper and articles thereof.................. 0.359 66.4 65.1 -12.4 -1.6 0.3 -0.2 -2.0 76 Aluminum and articles thereof................ 0.829 80.7 79.9 -10.5 -0.1 0.7 -0.9 -1.0 82 Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and....... forks, of base metal; parts thereof....... 0.422 102.3 102.7 -0.7 0.0 -0.4 0.0 0.4 83 Miscellaneous articles of base metal......... 0.388 100.8 100.8 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 XVI MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV......... IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC..... 36.887 93.4 93.2 -3.0 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.2 84 Specialized machinery & computer............. equipment................................. 20.618 94.7 94.6 -2.4 -0.2 -0.1 0.2 -0.1 85 Electrical machinery and equip, sound........ & tv recorders & reproducers, parts....... 16.269 91.7 91.6 -3.8 0.0 -0.1 -0.4 -0.1 XVII VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND............. ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT............ 14.254 105.5 105.6 0.7 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 87 Motor vehicles and their parts............... 9.849 102.4 102.2 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.0 -0.2 XVII OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL &........ MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES......... 5.569 102.2 102.3 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.1 XX MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES......... 1.835 102.2 102.2 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 -0.2 0.0 94 Furniture; stuffed furnishings;.............. lamps and lighting fittings nesoi;........ 0.904 104.2 104.2 0.4 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 0.0 95 Toys, games and sports equipment; parts...... and accessories thereof................... 0.754 100.5 100.5 -0.5 0.0 0.0 -0.4 0.0 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available 1995 trade values. 2 Data for September, October and November 1998 have been revised to reflect the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents. All data are subject to revision in each of the three months after original publication. 3 Product categories included in this group have been modified due to concordance or coverage limitations. NOTE: Published categories may include price data not shown separately Table 7 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes by Locality of Origin, December 1997-December 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Percentage of Annual Monthly US Imports Dec. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Description 1/ 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998 1995 Nov. Dec. to to to to to 1998 1998 Dec. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2/ 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 3/ Developed Countries.......................... 55.6 95.1 94.7 -2.4 -0.1 0.4 0.5 -0.4 Manufactured Goods......................... 52.2 95.8 95.6 -1.2 -0.2 0.3 0.6 -0.2 Nonmanufactured Goods...................... 3.1 88.1 83.9 -19.5 2.1 3.2 -2.0 -4.8 3/ Developing Countries......................... 42.7 90.4 89.1 -10.0 0.4 -0.1 -1.3 -1.4 Manufactured Goods......................... 35.4 92.5 92.3 -5.2 -0.5 -0.4 -0.1 -0.2 Nonmanufactured Goods...................... 7.1 75.8 69.2 -31.8 6.2 2.6 -8.0 -8.7 Canada....................................... 18.9 95.8 95.0 -3.5 -0.3 0.4 -0.2 -0.8 Manufactured Goods......................... 16.5 97.0 96.4 -1.6 -0.4 0.0 0.0 -0.6 Nonmanufactured Goods...................... 2.2 91.1 88.5 -16.0 1.5 4.1 -2.4 -2.9 4/ European Union............................... 17.0 101.2 100.5 -0.7 0.1 0.9 0.5 -0.7 Manufactured Goods......................... 16.4 102.0 101.5 0.5 0.1 0.9 0.6 -0.5 Nonmanufactured Goods...................... 0.5 81.6 74.4 -31.6 -0.7 1.8 -1.7 -8.8 5/ Latin America (9712=100).................... 14.1 91.7 90.1 -9.9 1.1 0.4 -2.0 -1.7 Manufactured Goods (9712=100)............. 10.4 96.7 96.4 -3.6 -0.5 0.3 -0.1 -0.3 Nonmanufactured Goods (9712=100)........... 3.5 77.5 71.7 -28.3 6.9 1.1 -8.7 -7.5 Japan........................................ 16.6 88.2 88.3 -3.0 -0.5 -0.1 1.3 0.1 6/ Asian Newly Industrialized Countries......... 10.9 84.5 84.5 -8.2 -0.8 -0.4 -0.4 0.0 1 Regions are not mutually exclusive. 2 Data for September, October and November 1998 have been revised to reflect the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents. 3 Defined according to the Standard Census Definition. 4 Includes EU 15 countries. 5 Includes Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. 6 Includes Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. Table 8 U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Services. December 1997-December 1998 1995 = 100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Annual Quarterly Trade Dec. Dec. March June Sept. Description (Mil. 1997 1997 1998 1998 1998 of Sept. Dec. to to to to to Dollars) 1998 1998 Dec. March June Sept. Dec. 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 IMPORT Air Freight 3188 80.3 86.7 0.1 -7.0 1.2 -1.5 8.0 Atlantic 1278 87.4 91.7 1.7 -4.9 2.3 -0.5 4.9 Pacific 1674 74.9 83.8 -1.1 -9.9 0.5 -2.3 11.9 Air Passenger Fares 11127 112.8 105.1 0.8 -1.0 9.0 0.2 -6.8 1/ Atlantic 4922 119.2 98.1 -2.3 -1.5 18.6 1.6 -17.7 1/ Pacific 2340 99.0 104.7 -1.4 -7.4 7.7 -6.5 5.8 1/ Latin American / Caribbean 3021 109.3 109.0 3.6 1.6 -0.6 2.8 -0.3 1/ Crude Oil Tanker Freight 1346 78.4 n.a. n.a. -0.1 -14.6 -3.9 n.a. Ocean Liner Freight 9868 101.2 100.6 7.6 -0.1 7.9 0.4 -0.6 U.S. East Coast 4271 100.3 99.0 2.4 -0.2 2.8 1.1 -1.3 from Atlantic 1952 97.4 97.4 0.7 0.5 -0.5 0.7 0.0 from Pacific 1774 103.1 103.3 9.0 0.0 6.8 1.9 0.2 1/ U.S. West Coast 5596 101.3 101.2 11.7 -0.1 12.2 -0.2 -0.1 EXPORT Air Freight (9612 = 100) 2562 95.6 96.7 3.6 1.7 -0.4 1.2 1.2 Air Passenger Fares 17272 95.4 98.0 6.4 2.4 0.8 0.3 2.7 1/ Atlantic 4120 115.2 109.0 7.5 0.3 8.8 4.1 -5.4 1/ Pacific 10700 76.4 82.0 5.0 1.9 -2.4 -1.7 7.3 Latin American / Caribbean 1392 113.2 113.1 6.2 0.8 1.6 3.9 -0.1 Canadian 1006 154.9 166.0 12.9 13.0 -3.6 -3.3 7.2 1 Detailed data available upon request. n.a. Not available. Table 9 U.S. International Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Services. December 1997-December 1998 1995 = 100 Index Percent Change Annual Quarterly Trade Dec. Dec. March June Sept. Description (Mil. 1997 1997 1998 1998 1998 of Sept. Dec. to to to to to Dollars) 1998 1998 Dec. March June Sept. Dec. 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 Air Freight (Inbound) 5495 81.8 87.4 1.0 -4.2 0.6 -1.9 6.8 Atlantic 1880 88.0 91.6 2.2 -4.7 3.5 -0.5 4.1 Pacific 3151 77.9 85.5 0.7 -4.2 -1.2 -3.0 9.8 Air Freight (Outbound) 5835 95.8 95.2 -2.6 -0.5 -1.2 -0.2 -0.6 Atlantic 2080 103.3 104.1 3.0 -0.1 1.2 1.1 0.8 Pacific 3222 91.4 89.7 -6.9 -0.8 -3.2 -1.1 -1.9 Air Passenger Fares (U.S. Carrier) 30673 107.3 103.1 3.6 -0.2 8.6 -0.5 -3.9 1/ Atlantic 8811 120.4 98.0 0.2 -3.7 24.0 3.1 -18.6 1/ Pacific 15900 89.5 93.4 3.5 -0.3 4.1 -4.4 4.4 1/ Latin American / Caribbean 4542 117.2 116.7 6.9 1.5 0.7 5.0 -0.4 Canadian 1367 162.6 171.9 11.6 12.7 -3.3 -3.2 5.7 Air Passenger Fares (Foreign Carrier) 31694 104.0 101.1 1.4 -2.1 4.9 1.6 -2.8 1/ Atlantic 13572 117.9 102.9 2.4 -1.7 13.3 5.4 -12.7 1/ Pacific 12570 79.7 87.9 -1.5 -5.0 -2.2 -3.7 10.3 1/ Latin American / Caribbean 4224 107.7 107.9 3.0 0.5 -0.2 2.5 0.2 1/ Crude Oil Tanker Freight (Inbound) 1949 82.9 n.a. n.a. 0.3 -15.6 -5.1 n.a. Ocean Liner Freight (Inbound) 12253 105.0 104.2 12.2 0.1 11.0 1.7 -0.8 U.S. East Coast 5410 98.4 96.7 1.0 -0.3 2.2 0.9 -1.7 from Atlantic 2647 95.4 95.4 0.6 0.4 -0.4 0.6 0.0 from Pacific 1874 100.6 100.7 8.2 0.0 6.1 1.8 0.1 1/ U.S. West Coast 6844 109.7 109.6 21.5 0.4 18.4 2.2 -0.1 1 Detailed data available upon request. n.a. Not available. TECHNICAL NOTE Import and Export Merchandise and Services Price Indexes -- All indexes use a modified Laspeyres formula and are weighted with 1995 trade weights. The merchandise price indexes are published using three classifications: the Harmonized System (HS), the Bureau of Economic Analysis End Use System, and the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) system, Rev. 3. Price indexes for internationally traded services are presented using two definitions: Balance of Payments (which represents transactions between U.S. and foreign residents) and International (which represents all transactions with U.S. importers or exporters, regardless of nationality). Published series use a base year of 1995=100 where possible. Net transaction price data are collected every month for over 20,000 products from over 6,000 companies and secondary sources. Indexes are not seasonally adjusted. More detailed index series and additional information may be obtained from the Division of International Prices, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2 Massachusetts Avenue N.E., PSB 3955, Washington, DC 20212 or (202) 606-7155. Import Price Indexes -- Products have been classified by the 1995 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 1995 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. Import Indexes by Locality of Origin -- Prices used in these indexes are a subset of the data collected for the Import Price Indexes. Prior to January 1993, nonmanufactured goods were defined as SITC 0-4 and manufactured goods were defined as SITC 5-8. Beginning with January 1993, the indexes are defined by locality of origin using a nomenclature based upon the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC-based). Nonmanufactured goods are defined as SIC 0-1, and manufactured goods are defined as SIC 2-3. The indexes use 1995 weights and a base of 1995=100. Import, Export, and International Services Indexes -- Indexes are calculated on a quarterly basis. The figures for services indexes will not sum up to the aggregate dollar value because not all categories are shown in the tables. Revenue figures for air passenger indexes exclude frequent flyer tickets and those sold by consolidators. Indexes for crude oil tanker freight are calculated from data collected by the U. S. Department of Energy and the publication of these indexes is lagged one quarter. Revision policy -- Data are revised for the previous three months to reflect the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents. Uses of the Data -- The primary use of the indexes is to deflate trade statistics. For merchandise trade, the End Use classification system is the structure used by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the construction of the foreign trade sector of the National Income and Product Accounts. Indexes published using the Harmonized System and the Standard International Trade Classification, Rev. 3, both international structures, are useful for general market analysis. For trade in international services, Balance of Payments indexes are used for deflating National Accounts data, while International indexes are more appropriate for market analysis. Merchandise and services indexes also can be used to study U.S. competitiveness and price elasticities, and the merchandise import indexes by country or region of origin are useful for terms of trade analysis. The import and export news release contains monthly price indexes at the two-digit level of detail. 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