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Import/Export Price Indexes
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Import/Export Price Indexes (MXP) Methodology
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Bureau of Labor Statistics Handbook of Methods
The BLS Handbook of Methods presents detailed explanations of how the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) obtains and prepares the economic data it publishes. BLS statistics are used for many purposes, and sometimes data well suited to one purpose may have limitations for another. This publication aims to provide users of BLS data with the most current information necessary to evaluate the suitability of the statistics for their needs. Information, a program overview, concepts, data sources, design, calculation, presentation, and history are located in the BLS Handbook of Methods.
Additional information is available in the Addendum and Technical Note.
Explanation of Import and Export Price Index Series Codes
The series codes for the following classification systems are shown below.
|
Classification System |
Series Code |
|---|---|
|
BEA End Use |
|
|
Import |
R |
|
Export |
Q |
|
NAICS |
|
|
Import |
Z |
|
Export |
Y |
|
Harmonized |
|
|
Import |
P |
|
Export |
D |
Comparing MXP to other BLS Price and Spending Programs:
View the OPLC Program Comparison Table
This table describes the main characteristics of the price and spending measures produced by BLS: the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), Import and Export Price Indexes (MXP), and the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE). This table is intended to provide users a basic understanding of what the surveys measure and the primary uses of the measures.
Variance Statistics
In order to help users assess the precision of the U.S. import and export price index series, BLS provides variance estimates for these figures. Previously, the data were only calculated for the all-import and all-export series. Beginning in 2019, the published variance estimates became available at a more detailed level.
Reports:
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2022
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2021
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2020
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2019
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2018
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2017 (PDF)
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2016 (PDF)
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2015 (PDF)
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2014 (PDF)
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2013 (PDF)
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2012 (PDF)
- Variance Estimates for Changes in the Import and Export Price Indexes, January–December 2011 (PDF)
How MXP Measures Price Changes for Select Goods and Services:
- Air Freight (PDF)
- Air Passenger Fares (PDF)
- Base and Precious Metals and Diamonds (PDF)
- Crude Oil, Gasoline, and Fuel Oil (PDF)
- Grains (PDF)
- View Fact Sheets for Discontinued Data Series
Methodology Reports
- The Pharmaceutical Industry: An Overview of CPI, PPI, and IPP Methodology (2011) (PDF)
Supplemental Materials
Last Modified Date: July 20, 2023