Technical Information Jim Thomas (202) 606-7155 USDL-98-143 Bill Alterman (202) 606-7108 Transmission of this Media contact: Material is Embargoed Kathryn Hoyle (202) 606-5902 Until: 10:00 A.M. E.D.T. Internet Address: http://stats.bls.gov/ipphome.htm Wednesday, April 15, 1998 U.S. IMPORT AND EXPORT PRICE INDEXES -MARCH 1998- The U.S. Import Price Index fell 1.0 percent in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. The index decreased for the fifth consecutive month, as both petroleum and nonpetroleum import prices continued to decline. The U.S. Export Price Index, down 0.2 percent in March, fell for the fourth month in a row. 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 March -1.3 -8.7 -0.4 0.1 1.5 -0.1 April -1.1 -7.3 -0.5 0.0 -0.4 0.0 May 0.0 1.1 -0.1 -0.3 -1.2 0.0 June -0.1 -2.0 0.1 -0.1 -2.0 0.1 July -0.2 -1.3 -0.2 0.0 -1.1 0.0 August -0.1 2.3 -0.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 September -0.1 0.2 0.0 -0.3 -0.1 -0.3 October 0.2 5.6 -0.3 -0.4 -1.8 -0.2 November -0.4 -3.5 -0.2 0.0 0.7 -0.1 December -1.0 -6.8 r -0.4 -0.4 -0.8 -0.4 1998 January -1.3 r -9.9 r -0.6 -0.7 -2.7 -0.4 February -0.8 -6.2 r -0.4 r -0.3 r -1.5 -0.1 r March -1.0 -9.2 -0.2 -0.2 -0.6 -0.3 March 1996-97 -1.6 0.7 -2.1 -0.9 -6.1 -0.2 March 1997-98 -5.8 -32.2 -3.2 -2.7 -10.9 -1.7 r = revised to reflect late reports and corrections by respondents. Import Goods The March import price decline of 1.0 percent was similar to the average monthly decline over the previous three months. During the past 12 months, the import price index decreased 5.8 percent. The March decline again was led by a continued sharp drop in petroleum prices, down 9.2 percent. Petroleum prices have declined on average 7.1 percent per month since November 1997, and were down 32.2 percent for the year ended in March. Nonpetroleum import prices also fell in March, down 0.2 percent. This decrease continued a long-term downward trend for the index, which dropped 3.2 percent for the year ended in March and 2.1 percent over the March 1996-97 period. The index for prices of imported capital goods led the drop in nonpetroleum import prices. The index has declined consistently since the summer of 1995 and was down 0.5 percent in March and 6.7 percent over the past 12 months. The index for industrial supplies and materials excluding petroleum fell for the fourth consecutive month, down 0.2 percent in March, after dropping 0.9, 1.6, and 1.4 percent in each of the previous three months, respectively. Falling chemical prices continued to lead the decline. Import prices for consumer goods also fell last month, dropping 0.4 percent, due to a downturn in consumer nonmanufactured goods. Import prices for automotive vehicles, parts, and engines were unchanged for the third consecutive month. In contrast, the index for foods, feeds, and beverages posted an upturn in March, increasing 0.2 percent after falling 0.7 percent in February and 0.4 percent in January. Despite the increase the index was down 4.1 percent over the past 12 months. Export Goods Declines for both nonagricultural and agricultural prices contributed to the 0.2 percent decrease in overall export prices in March. Export prices have either declined or been unchanged in each of the last 12 months, and were down 2.7 percent for the year ended in March. The price index of agricultural exports fell 0.6 percent in March, after posting somewhat larger declines in the three previous months. For the March 1997-98 period, the index was down 10.9 percent. Prices of nonagricultural exports also fell in March, down 0.3 percent. The decline is the seventh consecutive drop in this index, which is down 1.7 percent over the past 12 months. The decrease in nonagricultural exports was led by a 0.9 percent drop in the index of nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials. Over the 12-month period ended in March, nonagricultural supplies and materials prices fell 3.8 percent. Capital goods export prices also fell in March, down 0.1 percent due primarily to declines in computer prices. For the year ended in March, the capital goods index was down 1.7 percent. Both of the other major finished goods areas, automotive vehicles and consumer goods, remained unchanged in March. Automotive vehicles prices have been unchanged in each of the last four months and were up 0.4 percent over the past year. The export index of consumer goods prices posted no change for the second consecutive month, and was up 0.8 percent for the year ended in March. Imports by Locality of Origin Prices for imports from Japan rose 0.2 percent in March. (See table 7.) The increase matched a similar rise in June 1997, and was only the second advance posted in this index since November 1995. For the year ended in March, the index was down 4.6 percent. In contrast, the index of imports from the Asian Newly Industrialized Countries continued a trend of falling prices,decreasing 0.8 percent in March. The index has declined 4.4 percent since October 1997, and was down 6.9 percent over the March 1997-98 period. Import prices from Canada and the European Union also fell in March, declining 0.5 and 0.3 percent, respectively. Over the past 12 months, import prices from Canada were down 3.6 percent and import prices from the EU fell 1.6 percent. The price index of imports from Latin America decreased 1.9 percent in March. The decrease followed declines of 0.6 percent in February and 2.5 percent in January. Import and Export Services The import air freight index decreased 7.0 percent from December to March. The decrease marked the third consecutive quarterly decline, as the index dropped 2.3 percent and 2.0 percent in the previous two quarters, respectively. In contrast, the export air freight index posted a 1.7 percent increase in March after declining in the previous three quarters. The import air passenger fares index decreased 1.0 percent during the first quarter of 1998, following declines of 6.5 percent in the fourth quarter and 1.5 percent in the third quarter of last year. Despite the downturn, the index was up 2.8 percent for the year. Export air passenger fares, however, increased 2.4 percent from December to March after decreasing in the previous two quarters. For the year ended in March the index rose 5.0 percent. The import ocean liner freight index declined for the eighth consecutive quarter, dropping 0.1 percent. Both the U.S. east coast and U.S. west coast indexes edged down last quarter. CONTENTS OF RELEASE This news release includes the following tables: Table 1 Import Price Indexes, by End Use.....page 4 Table 2 Export Price Indexes, by End Use.....page 5 Table 3 Import Price Indexes, by SITC.....pages 6-7 Table 4 Export Price Indexes, by SITC.....pages 8-9 Table 5 Import Price Indexes, by Harmonized System.....pages 10-11 Table 6 Export Price Indexes, by Harmonized System.....pages 12-13 Table 7 Import Price Indexes, by Locality of Origin.....page 14 Table 8 U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes for Services.....page 15 Table 9 U.S. International Price Indexes for Services.....page 16 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Import and Export Price Index data for April are scheduled for release on May 12 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT). Table 1 U.S. Import Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Goods, March 1997-March 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance March Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. END Description 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 USE February February March to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 March Dec. Jan. Feb. March 1/ 2/ 1998 1997 1998 1998 1998 ALL COMMODITIES 100.000 94.5 93.6 -5.8 -1.0 -1.3 -0.8 -1.0 ALL IMPORTS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM 92.986 94.9 94.7 -3.2 -0.4 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2 0 FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES 4.809 97.0 97.2 -4.1 0.2 -0.4 -0.7 0.2 00 Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages 3.396 94.0 94.2 -7.5 0.5 -0.4 -1.4 0.2 01 Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages) 1.413 104.7 105.1 5.0 -1.0 -0.2 0.8 0.4 1 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS 25.610 92.2 89.8 -13.2 -3.1 -4.1 -2.5 -2.6 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS EXCLUDING PETROLEUM 18.596 94.6 94.4 -4.1 -1.4 -1.6 -0.9 -0.2 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, DURABLE 9.839 95.8 95.8 -3.9 -0.6 -1.5 -0.4 0.0 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, NONDURABLE EXCLUDING PETROLEUM 8.757 93.3 92.8 -4.1 -2.2 -1.8 -1.5 -0.5 10 Fuels & lubricants 8.200 88.3 81.2 -29.0 -7.4 -8.9 -6.2 -8.0 100 Petroleum & petroleum products 7.015 84.9 77.1 -32.2 -6.8 -9.9 -6.2 -9.2 10000 Crude 5.371 81.9 73.5 -35.3 -8.4 -10.3 -7.2 -10.3 11 Paper & paper base stocks 1.808 80.3 80.3 0.6 -1.3 -2.2 -1.5 0.0 12 Materials associated with nondurable supplies & materials 5.974 92.1 91.7 -5.4 -0.5 -1.2 -0.6 -0.4 13 Selected building materials 2.115 104.7 104.6 -8.8 -0.6 -2.4 -0.3 -0.1 14 Unfinished metals associated with durable goods 4.560 93.8 94.0 -1.6 -0.9 -1.6 -0.2 0.2 15 Finished metals associated with durable goods 1.466 94.6 94.1 -3.2 0.2 -1.3 -0.5 -0.5 16 Nonmetals associated with durable goods 1.488 92.6 92.5 -4.3 0.0 -0.5 -1.2 -0.1 2 CAPITAL GOODS 28.422 87.6 87.2 -6.7 -0.4 -0.9 -0.7 -0.5 20 Electric & electrical generating equipment 3.415 95.7 95.7 -1.9 -0.6 -0.5 0.2 0.0 21 Nonelectrical machinery 23.252 84.9 84.5 -7.9 -0.6 -0.9 -0.9 -0.5 3 AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES 18.398 101.3 101.3 0.5 -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 4 CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING AUTOMOTIVES 22.761 99.1 98.7 -0.9 0.1 -0.2 0.1 -0.4 40 Nondurables, manufactured 11.257 100.9 100.9 0.4 0.2 0.0 -0.1 0.0 41 Durables, manufactured 10.316 96.6 96.4 -2.1 0.1 -0.3 -0.3 -0.2 42 Nonmanufactured consumer goods 1.189 105.8 98.1 -2.3 -0.7 -0.5 7.0 -7.3 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available 1995 trade values. 2 Data for December 1997, January and February 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, March 1997-March 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance March Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. END Description 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 USE February February March to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 March Dec. Jan. Feb. March 1/ 2/ 1998 1997 1998 1998 1998 ALL COMMODITIES 100.000 97.2 97.0 -2.7 -0.4 -0.7 -0.3 -0.2 AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES 10.071 94.2 93.6 -10.9 -0.8 -2.7 -1.5 -0.6 NONAGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES 89.928 97.6 97.3 -1.7 -0.4 -0.4 -0.1 -0.3 0 FOODS, FEEDS, & BEVERAGES 9.050 95.0 94.4 -11.0 -0.9 -2.3 -2.1 -0.6 00 Agricultural foods, feeds & beverages, excluding distilled beverages 8.376 96.2 95.3 -11.4 -0.7 -2.4 -1.4 -0.9 01 Nonagricultural foods (fish, distilled beverages) 0.674 83.8 86.3 -4.9 -1.7 -3.4 -7.8 3.0 1 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS 24.970 92.1 91.4 -4.1 -0.8 -1.5 -0.2 -0.8 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, DURABLE 9.648 92.3 92.0 -4.5 -1.2 -1.1 0.1 -0.3 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, NONDURABLE 15.321 91.9 91.0 -4.0 -0.6 -1.8 -0.5 -1.0 10 Agricultural industrial supplies & materials 1.695 87.1 87.9 -8.3 -1.4 -4.7 -1.4 0.9 NONAGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS 23.274 92.5 91.7 -3.8 -0.8 -1.2 -0.2 -0.9 11 Fuels & lubricants 2.380 106.2 103.4 -6.6 -0.5 -2.8 -0.8 -2.6 12 Nonagricultural supplies & materials excluding fuels & building materials 19.401 90.3 89.7 -3.0 -1.0 -1.1 -0.1 -0.7 13 Selected building materials 1.493 88.7 88.1 -9.3 0.0 -0.1 -0.6 -0.7 2 CAPITAL GOODS 44.174 98.8 98.7 -1.7 -0.4 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 20 Electric & electrical generating Equipment 4.453 101.1 101.3 0.8 0.0 -0.5 -0.6 0.2 21 Nonelectrical machinery 34.245 95.8 95.7 -2.6 -0.5 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 3 AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, PARTS & ENGINES 9.806 102.3 102.3 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4 CONSUMER GOODS, EXCLUDING AUTOMOTIVES 12.000 102.5 102.5 0.8 0.1 -0.2 0.0 0.0 40 Nondurables, manufactured 6.327 102.2 102.4 1.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.2 41 Durables, manufactured 5.095 101.6 101.4 0.0 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1 -0.2 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available 1995 trade values. 2 Data for December 1997, January and February 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, March 1997-March 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance March Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. SITC Description 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 Rev. 3 February February March to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 March Dec. Jan. Feb. March 1/ 2/ 1998 1997 1998 1998 1998 ALL COMMODITIES 100.000 94.5 93.6 -5.8 -1.0 -1.3 -0.8 -1.0 0 FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS 4.106 97.9 98.8 -2.9 0.2 -0.4 -1.3 0.9 01 Meat and meat preparations 0.359 101.3 101.2 -2.2 1.5 -2.8 0.0 -0.1 03 Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates and preparations thereof 1.082 106.4 107.2 7.5 -1.6 -0.2 0.9 0.8 05 Vegetables, fruit and nuts, fresh or dried 1.035 95.3 99.3 -10.6 -1.3 0.4 -7.4 4.2 07 Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof 0.701 97.1 94.0 -4.7 6.8 2.8 2.5 -3.2 3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100) 0.929 95.6 96.7 -3.1 -0.9 -2.4 -0.2 1.2 1 BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO 0.884 109.5 109.2 2.2 0.2 0.4 0.5 -0.3 11 Beverages 0.743 105.9 105.8 2.4 0.1 0.2 0.5 -0.1 2 CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS 3.034 95.1 91.1 -8.0 -0.5 -2.2 4.0 -4.2 23 Crude rubber (including synthetic and reclaimed) 0.225 65.5 63.5 -28.1 -2.9 -9.6 4.8 -3.1 24 Cork and wood 1.036 110.0 110.7 -12.3 -0.8 -3.0 0.3 0.6 25 Pulp and waste paper 0.370 64.5 64.2 -1.1 -0.7 -0.6 -5.6 -0.5 28 Metalliferous ores and metal scrap 0.631 100.0 100.5 -2.4 -0.2 -2.0 -0.3 0.5 29 Crude animal and vegetable materials, n.e.s. (9612=100) 0.421 158.2 110.0 4.6 2.1 1.5 45.7 -30.5 3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except fuels (9612=100) 0.350 94.5 94.1 -3.7 -0.1 -0.9 -0.7 -0.4 3 MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 7.866 87.6 80.2 -29.6 -7.6 -9.3 -6.5 -8.4 33 Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials 6.618 84.1 76.0 -32.8 -7.1 -10.3 -6.3 -9.6 34 Gas, natural and manufactured 1.120 117.4 114.7 -8.9 -10.9 -4.3 -8.0 -2.3 5 CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S. 5.610 93.8 93.2 -4.7 0.0 -1.1 -0.4 -0.6 51 Organic chemicals 1.579 92.4 91.1 -8.7 0.0 -1.7 -1.4 -1.4 52 Inorganic chemicals 0.662 94.0 94.6 -6.8 -1.7 -3.3 -0.1 0.6 53 Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials 0.291 94.7 95.1 -1.9 0.6 -1.7 -0.6 0.4 54 Medicinal and pharmaceutical products 0.933 95.8 95.8 -0.2 0.6 -0.4 -0.6 0.0 55 Essential oils; polishing and cleansing preps 0.327 96.3 96.0 -2.2 0.9 -1.3 0.1 -0.3 57 Plastics in primary forms 0.397 96.5 94.1 2.7 0.4 0.4 4.4 -2.5 58 Plastics in nonprimary forms 0.539 82.4 81.3 -5.6 -0.1 -0.4 -0.1 -1.3 59 Chemical materials and products, n.e.s. 0.664 101.4 101.8 -2.7 0.3 -0.2 -1.5 0.4 6 MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL 12.718 94.6 94.5 -1.6 -0.6 -0.9 -0.5 -0.1 62 Rubber manufactures, n.e.s. 0.739 95.2 95.2 -2.3 0.1 -0.3 0.0 0.0 63 Cork and wood manufactures other than furniture 0.549 94.4 93.0 -6.3 -1.8 -1.8 -3.0 -1.5 64 Paper, paperboard, and articles of paper pulp, paper or paper board 1.619 86.4 86.5 1.8 -1.3 -2.0 -0.3 0.1 65 Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles, n.e.s., and related product 1.429 97.8 97.8 -2.7 -0.9 -0.4 -1.1 0.0 66 Nonmetallic mineral manufactures, n.e.s. 2.170 100.7 100.6 -2.5 -0.5 -0.4 -0.6 -0.1 67 Iron and steel 2.095 95.8 94.9 -1.4 0.0 -0.3 -0.2 -0.9 68 Nonferrous metals 1.932 90.6 91.2 0.1 -1.4 -1.7 0.1 0.7 69 Manufactures of metals, n.e.s. 2.017 97.5 97.3 -2.2 0.2 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2 7 MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 47.463 93.3 93.1 -3.5 -0.3 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 71 Power generating machinery and equipment (9612=100) 3.099 99.8 99.9 0.4 -0.4 0.9 -0.1 0.1 72 Machinery specialized for particular industries 2.748 98.1 98.2 -1.5 0.1 -0.4 -0.6 0.1 73 Metalworking machinery 0.845 97.5 97.8 0.0 0.4 -0.5 -0.7 0.3 74 General industrial machinery and equip- ment, n.e.s. and machine parts, n.e.s 3.478 96.3 96.3 -2.2 0.0 -0.4 -0.6 0.0 75 Computer equipment and office machines 6.923 74.4 73.5 -12.9 0.1 -1.8 -1.3 -1.2 76 Telecommunications & sound recording & reproducing apparatus & equipment 4.614 91.0 90.9 -3.7 -0.2 -0.3 -0.4 -0.1 77 Electrical machinery and equipment 9.568 86.1 85.9 -5.4 -1.3 -0.5 -0.1 -0.2 78 Road vehicles 15.111 101.3 101.5 0.7 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 0.2 8 MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 17.893 99.3 99.2 -0.9 0.0 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1 81 Prefabricated buildings; plumbing, heat & lighting fixtures, n.e.s. 0.393 95.4 95.8 -0.2 0.2 -0.3 -0.6 0.4 82 Furniture and parts thereof 1.306 103.1 102.9 0.5 0.0 0.2 -0.2 -0.2 83 Travel goods, handbags and similar containers 0.518 100.8 99.5 -1.9 -0.3 0.9 -0.5 -1.3 84 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 6.034 103.0 102.8 1.1 0.0 0.2 0.0 -0.2 85 Footwear 1.828 101.1 100.7 -0.3 0.2 0.0 -0.1 -0.4 87 Professional, scientific and controlling instruments and apparatus, n.e.s. 1.617 95.5 95.1 -2.4 -0.1 -0.6 -0.2 -0.4 88 Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies and optical goods, n.e.s.; 1.357 92.1 91.8 -3.7 0.5 -0.9 -0.2 -0.3 89 Miscellaneous manufactured articles, n.e.s. 4.838 97.3 97.5 -2.3 -0.1 -0.3 -0.5 0.2 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available. 1995 trade values. 2 Data for December 1997, January and February 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, March 1997-March 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly ance March Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. SITC Description 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 Rev. 3 February February March to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 March Dec. Jan. Feb. March 1/ 2/ 1998 1997 1998 1998 1998 ALL COMMODITIES 100.000 97.2 97.0 -2.7 -0.4 -0.7 -0.3 -0.2 0 FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS 7.274 92.5 92.5 -10.5 -0.9 -1.9 -2.5 0.0 01 Meat and meat preparations 1.098 90.9 92.1 -4.5 -1.6 -3.4 -0.5 1.3 03 Fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates and preparations thereof 0.496 80.7 83.5 -6.3 -2.5 -3.8 -9.9 3.5 04 Cereals and cereal preparations 2.741 91.5 90.4 -13.8 -0.5 -5.8 2.9 -1.2 05 Vegetables, fruit and nuts, fresh or dried 1.273 88.6 91.6 -9.5 -1.5 8.5 -11.2 3.4 08 Feeding stuff for animals (not including unmilled cereals) 0.743 104.9 101.1 -19.3 -1.0 -4.9 -2.8 -3.6 09 Miscellaneous edible products and preparations 0.394 104.8 104.8 1.5 0.3 0.0 -0.1 0.0 3/ Other food and live animals (9612=100) 0.528 98.3 95.5 -7.2 0.8 1.5 -4.4 -2.8 1 BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO 1.509 100.2 100.0 -0.2 -0.3 -0.6 0.2 -0.2 12 Tobacco and tobacco manufactures 1.242 99.9 100.0 -0.1 -0.4 -0.7 0.2 0.1 2 CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUELS 5.571 85.1 84.1 -9.8 -1.2 -3.4 0.4 -1.2 21 Hides, skins and furskins, raw 0.275 83.3 90.1 -22.1 -1.0 -21.2 3.0 8.2 22 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 1.244 113.1 108.4 -18.6 -1.4 -4.9 2.1 -4.2 24 Cork and wood 0.899 85.4 84.1 -12.4 -0.2 0.5 -0.7 -1.5 25 Pulp and waste paper 0.755 64.8 65.1 11.1 -2.2 -4.2 1.2 0.5 26 Textile fibers and their waste 0.783 78.0 77.6 -8.9 -1.5 -2.2 -0.3 -0.5 27 Crude fertilizers and crude minerals 0.336 97.2 97.1 0.2 -0.4 0.1 -0.3 -0.1 28 Metalliferous ores and metal scrap 0.851 81.4 79.2 -11.7 -2.3 -2.1 -0.9 -2.7 3/ Other crude materials, inedible, except fuels (9612=100) 0.429 100.6 101.8 -0.8 -0.6 0.8 -1.4 1.2 3 MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 2.120 108.6 106.4 -4.5 0.7 -3.0 -0.7 -2.0 32 Coal, coke and briquettes 0.696 101.3 101.3 -0.9 -0.5 -0.3 0.3 0.0 33 Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials 1.260 114.2 110.5 -7.5 -0.9 -2.6 -1.5 -3.2 4 ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS, FATS AND WAXES 0.481 101.3 100.7 4.4 -0.3 -1.9 -3.1 -0.6 5 CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, N.E.S. 10.799 94.5 93.6 -3.3 -0.3 0.0 -0.4 -1.0 51 Organic chemicals 2.487 81.4 79.0 -8.2 -0.1 -1.8 -0.7 -2.9 52 Inorganic chemicals 0.878 103.4 103.6 4.3 0.0 3.4 0.8 0.2 53 Dyeing, tanning and coloring materials 0.499 102.1 102.1 -0.3 0.0 -0.5 -0.1 0.0 54 Medicinal and pharmaceutical products 1.241 101.6 102.4 1.5 0.0 1.0 -0.3 0.8 55 Essential oils; polishing and cleansing preps 0.756 102.0 101.5 -0.7 -0.2 -0.6 0.7 -0.5 56 Fertilizers (9612=100) 0.539 90.8 91.6 -4.8 0.2 -0.4 -3.2 0.9 57 Plastics in primary forms 1.821 92.5 91.8 -6.1 -0.5 -0.2 -0.4 -0.8 58 Plastics in nonprimary forms 0.842 100.0 99.7 1.0 0.2 1.4 -0.1 -0.3 59 Chemical materials and products, n.e.s. 1.737 101.6 99.9 -3.5 -1.1 0.0 -0.3 -1.7 6 MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL 9.817 98.5 98.3 0.8 -0.4 -0.4 0.4 -0.2 62 Rubber manufactures, n.e.s. 0.669 101.8 101.9 -0.8 0.0 -0.3 0.0 0.1 63 Cork and wood manufactures other than furniture 0.292 91.1 92.2 -0.5 0.9 -1.0 0.1 1.2 64 Paper, paperboard, and articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard 1.546 85.0 84.8 2.0 -0.1 -0.5 0.4 -0.2 65 Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles, n.e.s., and related product 1.426 103.4 103.6 1.9 0.2 0.5 -0.2 0.2 66 Nonmetallic mineral manufactures, n.e.s. 1.343 107.3 107.0 2.9 0.8 -0.4 0.6 -0.3 67 Iron and steel 1.105 102.1 100.4 -2.9 -0.5 -1.0 0.0 -1.7 68 Nonferrous metals 1.281 91.3 91.3 -0.4 -2.6 -1.6 2.0 0.0 69 Manufactures of metals, n.e.s. 2.003 105.1 105.0 1.7 -0.4 0.4 0.3 -0.1 7 MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 50.454 99.6 99.5 -1.0 -0.3 -0.2 0.0 -0.1 71 Power generating machinery and equipment 4.308 106.7 106.9 1.2 -0.1 0.6 -0.1 0.2 72 Machinery specialized for particular industries 4.728 105.1 105.0 1.3 0.4 -0.3 0.5 -0.1 73 Metalworking machinery 0.987 107.4 107.8 2.9 0.3 0.8 0.8 0.4 74 General industrial machinery and equip- ment, n.e.s. and machine parts, n.e.s 5.054 105.6 105.7 1.5 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1 75 Computer equipment and office machines 6.382 80.5 79.8 -8.0 -1.3 -1.0 -0.4 -0.9 76 Telecommunications & sound recording & reproducing apparatus & equipment 3.780 98.4 98.8 -1.1 -0.7 -0.1 -0.2 0.4 77 Electrical machinery and equipment 11.607 93.6 93.6 -3.2 -0.5 -0.4 -0.4 0.0 78 Road vehicles 9.130 102.0 102.0 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 8 MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 11.260 101.4 101.4 -0.1 0.0 -0.5 0.1 0.0 82 Furniture and parts thereof 0.641 104.3 104.1 1.5 0.0 0.1 0.4 -0.2 84 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 1.285 103.6 103.7 2.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 87 Professional, scientific and controlling instruments and apparatus, n.e.s. 3.729 103.7 103.6 -0.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 -0.1 88 Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies and optical goods, n.e.s. 0.906 94.1 95.5 -2.9 -0.2 -3.9 -0.1 1.5 89 Miscellaneous manufactured articles, n.e.s. 4.235 99.8 99.4 -0.7 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1 -0.4 3/ Other miscellaneous manufactured articles (9612=100) 0.463 102.1 102.0 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.7 -0.1 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available. 1995 trade values. 2 Data for December 1997, January and February 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, March 1997-March 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly Harmo- ance March Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. nized Description 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 System February February March to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 March Dec. Jan. Feb. March 1/ 2/ 1998 1997 1998 1998 1998 I LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS 1.629 102.8 103.6 4.0 -1.8 -0.3 0.5 0.8 02 Meat and edible meat offal 0.281 97.5 97.6 -1.3 0.2 -2.9 -0.2 0.1 03 Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates 0.958 107.7 107.7 7.4 -2.0 0.7 0.7 0.0 3/ Other live animals and animal products (9612=100) 0.390 97.9 101.2 0.5 -2.6 -0.8 0.2 3.4 II VEGETABLE PRODUCTS 1.643 92.7 90.4 -7.7 -0.1 -0.1 0.1 -2.5 07 Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers 0.265 95.5 111.8 -10.4 -0.7 -4.7 -21.9 17.1 08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons 0.447 96.5 95.9 -10.4 -2.8 2.5 0.6 -0.6 09 Coffee, tea, mate and spices 0.437 87.5 87.6 -2.3 3.1 1.2 -0.2 0.1 3/ Other vegetable products 0.494 110.6 91.9 -7.7 0.1 -0.2 17.9 -16.9 IV PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND TOBACCO 2.121 101.0 100.6 -0.2 -0.1 -0.6 -0.2 -0.4 20 Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants 0.273 88.4 87.3 -8.9 1.6 0.3 -1.0 -1.2 22 Beverages, spirits, and vinegar 0.772 104.5 104.1 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.4 -0.4 3/ Other prepared foodstuffs (9612=100) 1.076 99.8 99.6 1.4 -0.5 -1.3 -0.3 -0.2 V MINERAL PRODUCTS 8.529 88.7 81.8 -27.9 -7.3 -8.6 -6.1 -7.8 26 Ores, slag and ash 0.302 101.9 102.1 2.2 0.0 -0.5 0.0 0.2 27 Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous substances and mineral wax 7.990 87.9 80.6 -29.3 -7.8 -9.1 -6.4 -8.3 VI PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED INDUSTRIES 5.255 96.4 96.2 -4.7 0.1 -1.3 -0.8 -0.2 28 Inorganic chemicals 0.837 98.0 98.8 -6.4 -1.5 -3.3 -0.6 0.8 29 Organic chemicals 2.009 93.2 92.4 -6.9 0.1 -1.5 -1.0 -0.9 30 Pharmaceutical products 0.566 101.1 101.2 0.1 1.1 -0.4 -1.9 0.1 32 Tanning & dyeing extracts; dye & pigments; varnish & paints; putty 0.288 92.9 93.4 -2.5 0.8 -2.1 -0.9 0.5 37 Photographic or cinematographic goods 0.359 96.5 96.4 -2.5 -0.1 -1.2 -0.4 -0.1 38 Miscellaneous chemical products (9612=100) 0.421 96.5 96.1 -2.7 0.7 0.1 -2.1 -0.4 3/ Other products of the chemical or allied industries (9612=100) 0.775 96.2 96.5 -3.3 0.7 0.0 0.3 0.3 VII PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER AND ARTICLES THEREOF 2.828 90.2 89.2 -5.0 -0.3 -0.6 0.4 -1.1 39 Plastics and articles thereof 1.770 93.6 92.6 -2.4 -0.1 -0.1 0.3 -1.1 40 Rubber and articles thereof 1.058 85.3 84.1 -9.2 -0.8 -1.2 0.8 -1.4 VIII RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS, TRAVEL GOODS, ETC 1.031 102.7 102.0 -1.7 -0.2 0.3 -0.4 -0.7 42 Articles of leather; travel goods, bags, etc. of various materials 0.829 100.8 99.9 -1.5 -0.2 0.4 -0.4 -0.9 IX WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKET AND WICKER 1.635 102.9 103.0 -10.2 -0.8 -2.8 -0.4 0.1 X WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER AND ARTICLES THEREOF 2.372 83.0 83.3 0.7 -1.0 -1.4 -1.2 0.4 47 Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; waste paper/paperboard 0.371 65.1 64.8 -1.7 -0.4 -0.7 -5.7 -0.5 48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard 1.641 87.4 87.5 1.4 -1.4 -1.8 -0.2 0.1 49 Printed matter 0.360 98.9 101.4 0.5 0.3 -1.1 -0.4 2.5 XI TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES 7.103 101.3 101.2 0.2 -0.2 0.1 -0.4 -0.1 61 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted 2.111 101.9 101.9 1.1 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 62 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted 3.430 103.7 103.5 1.1 0.1 0.2 -0.3 -0.2 63 Made-up or worn textile articles and clothing; needlecraft sets; rags 0.340 93.8 93.5 -5.0 -3.9 -0.3 -0.6 -0.3 3/ Other textile & textile articles (9612=100) 1.222 98.8 98.6 -2.3 -0.2 -0.5 -1.3 -0.2 XII FOOTWEAR, HEADGEAR, UMBRELLAS, WHIPS, ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, ETC. 2.140 101.2 100.9 -0.1 0.1 0.0 -0.2 -0.3 64 Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles 1.843 100.9 100.4 -0.4 0.2 -0.1 -0.1 -0.5 3/ Other footwear, headgear, umbrellas, whips, art. flowers, etc. (9612=100) 0.297 101.5 101.8 1.6 -0.1 -0.6 0.0 0.3 XIII STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS,CERAMIC GLASS ETC. 1.163 100.8 101.1 -2.5 -0.3 -0.2 -0.8 0.3 69 Ceramic products 0.439 97.7 98.0 -3.7 0.2 0.0 -1.4 0.3 70 Glass and glassware 0.450 100.6 100.8 -2.9 -1.1 -0.2 -0.3 0.2 XIV PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS, IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS 2.232 97.0 99.0 1.6 -1.5 -0.7 1.1 2.1 XV BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL 5.890 92.3 91.5 -3.9 -0.1 -1.4 -0.5 -0.9 72 Iron and steel 1.804 95.0 94.0 -1.4 0.0 -0.2 -0.1 -1.1 73 Articles of iron or steel 1.315 96.1 95.1 -3.6 0.2 -0.6 -0.3 -1.0 74 Copper and articles thereof 0.409 73.4 71.9 -15.7 -2.8 -3.6 -1.1 -2.0 76 Aluminum and articles thereof 0.974 90.3 89.8 -3.8 0.4 -2.4 -1.4 -0.6 83 Miscellaneous articles of base metal 0.422 100.8 101.8 -0.8 0.9 -1.8 0.0 1.0 3/ Miscellaneous nonferrous metals and articles, including scrap (9612=100) 0.508 98.4 96.9 -7.4 -1.5 -4.2 -1.1 -1.5 XVI MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV IMAGE & SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC. 30.371 87.2 87.0 -6.9 -0.6 -0.9 -0.7 -0.2 84 Specialized machinery & computer equipment 15.836 87.7 87.4 -7.9 -0.2 -1.2 -0.9 -0.3 85 Electrical machinery and equip, sound and TV recorders & reproducers, parts 14.535 86.7 86.5 -5.7 -0.9 -0.5 -0.3 -0.2 XVII VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 16.374 101.4 101.5 0.5 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 87 Motor vehicles and their parts 15.465 101.1 101.2 0.5 -0.1 -0.2 0.0 0.1 XVIII OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL & MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES 3.618 92.9 92.7 -2.4 0.4 -0.5 -0.3 -0.2 90 Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments 3.087 92.8 92.5 -2.6 0.2 -0.5 -0.3 -0.3 91 Clocks and watches and parts thereof 0.387 94.0 93.3 -1.7 2.6 -0.3 0.3 -0.7 XX MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 3.817 99.4 99.3 -0.4 0.0 -0.2 -0.2 -0.1 94 Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings nes; 1.647 100.1 100.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 -0.2 0.0 95 Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof 1.878 99.9 99.7 -1.0 0.0 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2 96 Miscellaneous manufactured articles 0.292 93.1 93.2 -0.7 0.4 -0.7 -0.3 0.1 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available 1995 trade values. 2 Data for December 1997, January and February 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, March 1997-March 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Relative Import- Annual Monthly Harmo- ance March Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. nized Description 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 System February February March to to to to to 1998 1998 1998 March Dec. Jan. Feb. March 1/ 2/ 1998 1997 1998 1998 1998 I LIVE ANIMALS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS 1.789 88.5 89.8 -6.4 -0.9 -3.2 -4.1 1.5 02 Meat & edible meat offal 1.014 88.3 89.5 -5.1 -1.7 -3.9 0.0 1.4 03 Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates 0.430 76.8 80.5 -7.5 -0.9 -4.9 -12.2 4.8 3/ Other live animals and animal products (9612=100) 0.345 93.6 91.2 -8.9 1.5 1.1 -4.8 -2.6 II VEGETABLE PRODUCTS 5.179 95.8 95.0 -12.7 -0.7 -2.5 -0.6 -0.8 07 Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers 0.285 89.4 95.7 -3.7 -8.0 31.1 -29.3 7.0 08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons 0.670 90.4 90.8 -7.4 5.5 -0.5 -3.0 0.4 10 Cereals 2.514 90.5 89.2 -14.7 -0.5 -6.2 3.2 -1.4 12 Oilseeds and misc. grains, seeds, fruits, plants, straw and fodder 1.445 114.4 111.2 -15.0 -1.8 -3.8 1.6 -2.8 III ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FATS AND OILS 0.525 103.0 102.4 6.4 0.5 -1.9 -2.9 -0.6 IV PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, BEVERAGES, AND TOBACCO 3.444 99.6 99.1 -6.1 -0.2 -1.0 -0.8 -0.5 20 Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants 0.331 91.7 94.9 -13.3 1.1 2.4 -1.0 3.5 21 Miscellaneous edible preparations 0.367 105.9 105.9 1.7 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 22 Beverages, spirits, and vinegar 0.334 99.6 98.0 -1.9 -0.2 0.0 0.0 -1.6 23 Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feed 0.653 99.6 95.8 -21.9 -0.9 -4.9 -3.9 -3.8 24 Tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes 1.249 100.0 100.1 0.0 -0.4 -0.6 0.2 0.1 3/ Other prepared foods 0.511 101.9 102.1 1.9 0.0 -0.2 0.0 0.2 V MINERAL PRODUCTS 2.697 105.0 103.0 -5.7 -0.1 -2.3 -1.0 -1.9 27 Mineral fuels, oils and residuals, bituminous substances and mineral wax 2.171 109.5 107.1 -5.6 0.4 -2.8 -0.8 -2.2 VI PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED INDUSTRIES 8.720 94.7 93.9 -3.5 -0.4 -0.9 -0.3 -0.8 28 Inorganic chemicals 0.946 102.8 102.8 1.6 -0.2 -0.4 1.1 0.0 29 Organic chemicals 2.784 84.5 82.2 -8.1 -0.1 -2.0 -0.7 -2.7 30 Pharmaceutical products 0.913 103.2 104.7 4.0 0.0 2.8 0.0 1.5 31 Fertilizers (9612=100) 0.599 90.8 91.6 -4.8 0.2 -0.4 -3.2 0.9 32 Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes and pigments; paints & varnish; putty;ink 0.507 101.7 101.7 -0.5 -0.1 -0.5 -0.1 0.0 33 Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet 0.536 103.4 103.2 0.4 -0.3 -1.0 1.4 -0.2 34 Soap; lubricants; waxes, polishing or scouring products; candles, pastes 0.317 103.1 103.0 2.1 0.0 1.0 -1.0 -0.1 37 Photographic or cinematographic goods 0.392 86.4 87.0 -10.0 -0.4 -8.6 -0.2 0.7 38 Miscellaneous chemical products 1.503 100.4 99.1 -4.3 -1.5 -0.6 0.0 -1.3 VII PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER AND ARTICLES THEREOF 4.337 96.1 95.4 -3.3 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 -0.7 39 Plastics and articles thereof 3.439 95.6 94.7 -3.5 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 -0.9 40 Rubber and articles thereof 0.898 98.2 98.0 -2.9 -0.1 0.0 0.0 -0.2 VIII RAW HIDES, SKINS, LEATHER, FURSKINS, TRAVEL GOODS, ETC. 0.508 86.3 88.8 -15.4 -0.5 -11.7 -0.1 2.9 41 Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather 0.356 81.4 86.5 -16.1 -0.7 -15.9 0.0 6.3 IX WOOD, WOOD CHARCOAL, CORK, STRAW, BASKET AND WICKER 1.215 87.3 86.6 -9.7 0.0 0.1 -0.5 -0.8 X WOOD PULP, WASTE AND SCRAP PAPER, PAPER AND ARTICLES THEREOF 3.015 78.8 78.6 4.4 -0.5 -1.0 0.1 -0.3 47 Pulp wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; waste paper/paperboard 0.697 62.1 62.0 9.9 -2.0 -3.7 -1.0 -0.2 48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard 1.514 85.7 85.5 2.5 0.0 -0.2 0.4 -0.2 49 Printed material 0.804 107.3 107.3 3.8 0.3 -0.3 0.6 0.0 XI TEXTILE AND TEXTILE ARTICLES 3.242 92.7 92.7 -0.7 -0.2 -0.3 -0.2 0.0 52 Cotton, including yarns and woven fabrics thereof 0.673 77.6 77.5 -8.3 -1.4 -2.0 -0.6 -0.1 XIII STONE, PLASTER, CEMENT, ASBESTOS, CERAMIC, GLASS ETC. 0.862 104.0 104.0 0.9 -0.1 0.4 1.0 0.0 70 Glass and glassware 0.494 101.9 101.9 0.9 0.1 0.4 0.2 0.0 XIV PEARLS, STONES, PRECIOUS METALS, IMITATION JEWELRY, AND COINS 1.861 95.2 96.8 0.0 -3.1 -1.9 2.3 1.7 XV BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METALS 4.573 94.4 93.5 -3.0 -1.1 -0.8 0.2 -1.0 72 Iron and steel 0.942 90.0 88.1 -6.3 -1.2 -1.5 -0.4 -2.1 73 Articles of iron or steel 1.278 108.9 108.8 2.6 -0.4 0.6 0.3 -0.1 74 Copper and articles thereof 0.370 70.4 69.0 -21.2 -4.1 -4.7 -0.6 -2.0 76 Aluminum and articles thereof 0.889 88.9 87.5 -1.7 -1.4 -1.3 0.9 -1.6 82 Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof 0.417 103.9 104.1 0.5 0.2 0.7 -0.2 0.2 83 Miscellaneous articles of base metal 0.376 100.3 100.3 0.8 -1.4 -0.1 0.3 0.0 XVI MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, TV IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS, PARTS, ETC 36.785 95.7 95.5 -2.6 -0.4 -0.3 -0.1 -0.2 84 Specialized machinery & computer equipment 20.453 96.6 96.3 -2.1 -0.3 -0.4 0.1 -0.3 85 Electrical machinery and equip, sound & tv recorders & reproducers, parts 16.332 94.6 94.6 -3.0 -0.5 -0.3 -0.3 0.0 XVII VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT, VESSELS AND ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 13.814 105.0 105.1 1.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 87 Motor vehicles and their parts 9.557 102.1 102.1 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 XVIII OPTICAL, PHOTO, MEASURING, MEDICAL & MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; & TIMEPIECES 5.423 102.3 102.5 0.2 0.2 -0.1 0.2 0.2 XX MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 1.791 102.6 102.5 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.2 -0.1 94 Furniture; stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings nesoi; 0.883 104.5 104.3 1.5 -0.1 0.1 0.6 -0.2 95 Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof 0.735 100.7 100.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 -0.3 0.0 1 Relative importance figures are based on n.a. Not available 1995 trade values. 2 Data for December 1997, January and February 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, March 1997-March 1998 1995=100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Percentage of Annual Monthly US Imports March Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Description 1/ 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 1995 Feb. March to to to to to 1998 1998 March Dec. Jan. Feb. March 2/ 1998 1997 1998 1998 1998 3/ Developed Countries 55.6 95.5 95.5 -2.8 -0.4 -1.0 -0.5 0.0 Manufactured Goods 52.2 95.9 96.1 -1.6 -0.1 -0.7 -0.2 0.2 Nonmanufactured Goods 3.1 91.6 88.9 -20.3 -5.1 -6.4 -6.1 -2.9 3/ Developing Countries 42.7 96.2 94.6 -8.2 -1.7 -1.8 -1.0 -1.7 Manufactured Goods 35.4 96.2 95.6 -4.7 -0.6 -0.7 -0.5 -0.6 Nonmanufactured Goods 7.1 91.1 84.4 -24.5 -6.4 -7.3 -3.2 -7.4 Canada 18.9 96.6 96.1 -3.6 -1.1 -0.7 -1.1 -0.5 Manufactured Goods 16.5 97.4 97.2 -1.5 -0.2 0.0 -0.6 -0.2 Nonmanufactured Goods 2.2 93.7 91.6 -17.4 -7.1 -5.2 -6.1 -2.2 4/ European Union 17.0 100.3 100.0 -1.6 0.2 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3 Manufactured Goods 16.4 100.6 100.5 -0.5 0.2 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1 Nonmanufactured Goods 0.5 93.5 87.0 -29.7 -0.1 -10.7 -3.7 -7.0 5/ Latin America (9712=100) 14.1 96.9 95.1 n.a. n.a. -2.5 -0.6 -1.9 Manufactured Goods (9712=100) 10.4 98.2 97.6 n.a. n.a. -0.9 -0.9 -0.6 Nonmanufactured Goods (9712=100) 3.5 93.0 87.6 n.a. n.a. -7.0 0.0 -5.8 Japan 16.6 89.7 89.9 -4.6 -0.7 -1.1 -0.3 0.2 6/ Asian Newly Industrialized Countries 10.9 90.4 89.7 -6.9 -0.8 -1.2 -0.6 -0.8 1 Regions are not mutually exclusive. 2 Data for December 1997, January and February 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. March 1997-March 1998 1995 = 100, unless otherwise noted Index Percent Change Annual Quarterly Trade March March June Sept. Dec. Description (Mil. 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 of Dec. March to to to to to Dollars) 1997 1998 March June Sept. Dec. March 1998 1997 1997 1997 1998 IMPORT Air Freight 3188 86.6 80.5 -10.7 0.3 -2.0 -2.3 -7.0 Atlantic 1278 90.2 85.8 -5.9 -1.0 -4.3 4.4 -4.9 Pacific 1674 84.7 76.3 -15.7 1.4 -0.3 -7.4 -9.9 Air Passenger Fares 11127 104.3 103.3 2.8 12.6 -1.5 -6.5 -1.0 1/ Atlantic 4922 100.4 98.9 -1.4 20.8 0.7 -17.8 -1.5 1/ Pacific 2340 106.2 98.3 0.2 13.6 -9.8 5.7 -7.4 1/ Latin American / Caribbean 3021 105.2 106.9 1.7 1.0 -0.2 -0.7 1.6 1/ Crude Oil Tanker Freight 1346 95.6 n.a. n.a. 2.2 -9.7 3.9 n.a. Ocean Liner Freight 9868 93.5 93.4 -4.7 -0.9 -1.9 -1.9 -0.1 U.S. East Coast 4271 96.7 96.5 -4.0 0.1 -2.3 -1.6 -0.2 from Atlantic 1952 96.7 97.2 -3.2 -0.5 -1.6 -1.6 0.5 from Pacific 1774 94.8 94.8 -5.4 0.6 -3.8 -2.3 0.0 1/ U.S. West Coast 5596 90.6 90.5 -5.1 -1.6 -1.6 -1.9 -0.1 EXPORT Air Freight (9612 = 100) 2562 93.3 94.9 -3.7 -0.7 -1.2 -3.4 1.7 Air Passenger Fares 17272 92.1 94.3 5.0 14.7 -2.9 -7.9 2.4 1/ Atlantic 4120 101.4 101.7 3.1 11.3 -0.2 -7.4 0.3 1/ Pacific 10700 78.1 79.6 5.4 20.7 -5.2 -9.6 1.9 Latin American / Caribbean 1392 106.5 107.3 5.4 5.0 0.6 -0.9 0.8 Canadian 1006 147.0 166.1 7.2 1.3 0.3 -6.7 13.0 1 Detailed data available upon reque n.a. Not available. Table 9 U.S. International Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Categories of Services. March 1997-March 1998 1995 = 100 Index Percent Change Annual Quarterly Trade March March June Sept. Dec. Description (Mil. 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 of Dec. March to to to to to Dollars) 1997 1998 March June Sept. Dec. March 1998 1997 1997 1997 1998 Air Freight (Inbound) 5495 86.5 82.9 -7.4 0.4 -1.6 -2.3 -4.2 Atlantic 1880 89.6 85.4 -4.8 -0.9 -3.7 4.7 -4.7 Pacific 3151 84.9 81.3 -9.5 1.4 -0.1 -6.7 -4.2 Air Freight (Outbound) 5835 97.7 97.2 -2.6 -0.6 0.4 -1.9 -0.5 Atlantic 2080 101.1 101.0 1.1 -0.5 1.7 0.0 -0.1 Pacific 3222 96.3 95.5 -4.8 -0.3 -0.3 -3.4 -0.8 Air Passenger Fares (U.S. Carrier) 30673 99.5 99.3 2.3 15.4 -2.6 -8.9 -0.2 1/ Atlantic 8811 97.8 94.2 -3.4 21.3 0.6 -17.8 -3.7 1/ Pacific 15900 90.2 89.9 4.1 18.2 -6.1 -5.9 -0.3 1/ Latin American / Caribbean 4542 109.2 110.8 3.7 2.6 0.8 -1.2 1.5 Canadian 1367 154.1 173.6 11.5 3.5 0.6 -5.0 12.7 Air Passenger Fares (Foreign Carrier) 31694 99.7 97.7 -0.8 7.7 -1.4 -4.7 -2.0 1/ Atlantic 13572 100.5 98.8 1.8 13.5 1.3 -9.9 -1.7 1/ Pacific 12570 89.2 84.9 -8.0 4.4 -5.6 -2.0 -4.8 1/ Latin American / Caribbean 4224 104.8 105.3 0.8 0.3 -0.4 0.4 0.5 1/ Crude Oil Tanker Freight (Inbound) 1949 103.2 n.a. n.a. 0.8 -9.6 5.5 n.a. Ocean Liner Freight (Inbound) 12253 92.9 92.7 -5.0 -0.8 -2.0 -2.1 -0.2 U.S. East Coast 5410 95.7 95.4 -4.4 -0.2 -2.6 -1.3 -0.3 from Atlantic 2647 94.8 95.2 -4.2 -0.7 -2.7 -1.3 0.4 from Pacific 1874 93.1 93.1 -5.4 0.5 -3.7 -2.2 0.0 1/ U.S. West Coast 6844 90.2 90.2 -5.5 -1.4 -1.4 -2.8 0.0 1 Detailed data available upon reque 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. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for more detailed index and percent change tables, please fill out the form below and mail or fax it to the following address: Division of International Prices Bureau of Labor Statistics PSB Building, Rm. 3955 2 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E. Washington, DC 20212 Phone Number: (202) 606-7155 Fax Number: (202) 606-7179 IPP Order Form Please add my name to the mailing list for the following publications. 1. Monthly News Release ______ 2. Harmonized System Indexes ______ 3. SITC Indexes ______ 4. BEA End-Use Indexes ______ 5. Locality of Origin Indexes ------ 6. Services Indexes ------ Name______________________________________________ Address___________________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Phone Number ( ) ______________________