Import & Export Price Indexes Statistics in US 2025 | Trade Price Report

Import/Export Price Indexes in the US 2025

The Import/Export Price Indexes represent critical economic indicators that measure the monthly changes in prices paid for goods and services traded between the United States and the rest of the world. Published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these indexes provide essential insights into international trade dynamics, inflation pressures, and global economic competitiveness. The Import Price Index tracks the cost of goods purchased from foreign countries, while the Export Price Index measures the prices received by U.S. producers for goods sold to international markets.

Throughout 2025, the Import/Export Price Indexes have demonstrated significant fluctuations reflecting global supply chain adjustments, energy market volatility, and shifting international trade patterns. These indexes serve as crucial tools for policymakers, business leaders, and economists to understand trade-related inflation, currency impacts, and competitive positioning in global markets. With import prices remaining unchanged on a year-over-year basis through August 2025 and export prices increasing 3.4% annually, the indexes reveal important trends about America’s trade competitiveness and international economic relationships.

Key Import/Export Price Index Facts and Statistics in the US 2025

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Import/Export Price Indexes Summary – August 2025

The Import/Export Price Index data for August 2025 reveals fascinating contrasts in America’s international trade pricing dynamics. Total import prices advanced 0.3% for the month, representing a sustained upward trend after 0.2% growth in July and following a -0.2% decline in June. However, on an annual basis, import prices remained unchanged from August 2024 to August 2025, marking the first time in two years that the 12-month comparison showed zero growth, indicating stabilization in foreign goods pricing after periods of significant volatility.

The export side demonstrates much stronger momentum, with total export prices increasing 0.3% monthly and achieving a robust 3.4% annual increase. This 3.4% yearly growth represents the largest over-the-year increase since December 2022 when exports rose 4.6%, suggesting renewed strength in U.S. export competitiveness. The divergence between import and export price trends creates favorable terms of trade for American producers, with export prices rising significantly faster than import costs, potentially improving the trade balance and supporting domestic manufacturing competitiveness.

Monthly Import Price Index Breakdown in the US 2025

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Detailed Import Price Index Tables – August 2025

The monthly import price breakdown for August 2025 reveals significant sectoral variations in pricing trends. Fuel imports declined 0.8% for the month, providing substantial cost relief after July’s 2.5% increase, with natural gas imports falling 13.2% for the sixth consecutive monthly decline. However, natural gas still shows +43.5% annual growth, illustrating the extreme volatility in energy markets. Petroleum imports decreased 0.2% monthly and -10.7% annually, offering significant savings to American consumers and businesses dependent on imported energy.

Non-fuel imports advanced 0.4% in August, marking the largest monthly increase since April 2024’s 0.6% rise. This acceleration was driven by consumer goods prices increasing 0.7%, particularly pharmaceutical preparations and apparel, alongside capital goods advancing 0.5% due to higher technology and machinery costs. Industrial supplies demonstrated the strongest growth at +1.0% monthly, led by finished nonmetals, major nonferrous metals, and iron and steel, indicating rising costs for American manufacturers. The -2.1% decline in food imports provided offset relief, though this represented the largest monthly decrease since November 2020.

Export Price Index Performance in the US 2025 – Sector Competitiveness

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Export Price Index Detailed Analysis – August 2025

The export price index performance demonstrates robust American competitiveness across multiple sectors in 2025. Total export prices increased 0.3% monthly with an impressive 3.4% annual gain, representing the strongest yearly performance since December 2022. Agricultural exports maintained flat monthly pricing but achieved 5.1% annual growth, reflecting strong global demand for American food products and commodities. Non-agricultural exports showed 0.3% monthly increases with 3.2% yearly growth, indicating sustained demand for American manufactured goods and technology products.

Consumer goods exports led monthly performance with 0.6% price increases, driven by higher apparel and household goods prices as well as jewelry exports, suggesting strong international demand for American lifestyle and luxury products. Capital goods exports advanced 0.2% for the second consecutive month, supported by industrial machinery, civilian aircraft components, and computer/semiconductor price increases. This performance reflects America’s continued technological leadership and the premium international buyers are willing to pay for advanced American manufacturing equipment and technology solutions.

Regional Trade Price Analysis in the US 2025 – Geographic Variations

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Import/Export Price Indexes by Locality – August 2025

The regional trade price analysis reveals significant variation in America’s trading relationships during August 2025. China showed the largest monthly import price increase at +0.6%, marking the biggest advance since December 2021, while export prices to China declined 1.4%, creating unfavorable terms of trade. This -2.0% terms of trade decline with China reflects ongoing economic tensions and competitive pressures, though annual export prices to China still increased 1.2%, indicating sustained demand for American products despite monthly volatility.

Canada demonstrates the most favorable trade dynamics with export prices rising 2.3% monthly, the largest increase since March 2022, while import prices rose only 0.5%, creating a +1.9% terms of trade improvement. This reflects the strong USMCA integration and energy trade relationships. Japan also showed positive terms of trade at +1.1%, with export prices rising 1.2% while import prices increased only 0.1%, demonstrating continued strength in technology and manufacturing trade. The European Union relationship remained relatively balanced with import and export price increases of 0.5% and 0.3% respectively, though creating a slight -0.2% terms of trade decline.

Fuel and Energy Price Index Trends in the US 2025 – Energy Trade Dynamics

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy-Related Import Price Analysis – August 2025

Fuel and energy import price trends provide significant economic relief to American consumers and businesses in 2025. Total fuel imports declined 0.8% monthly and 10.1% annually, representing substantial cost savings across the economy. Petroleum import prices fell 0.2% monthly and 10.7% annually, marking continuous annual declines since February 2025 and providing direct benefits to transportation costs and consumer gasoline prices. This trend reflects both increased domestic oil production and global supply chain adjustments following geopolitical developments.

Natural gas imports show extreme volatility with -13.2% monthly decline marking the sixth consecutive month of decreases, yet annual prices remain +43.5% higher, illustrating the complex dynamics of seasonal demand and supply disruptions. The dramatic monthly swings in natural gas pricing reflect weather patterns, storage levels, and international LNG market competition. Meanwhile, renewable energy components show +0.7% monthly and +5.8% annual increases, indicating the premium costs associated with green energy transition but also America’s growing investment in clean energy infrastructure and technology imports.

Non-Fuel Import Categories Analysis in the US 2025 – Manufacturing Input Costs

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Non-Fuel Import Price Detailed Analysis – August 2025

Non-fuel import price analysis reveals broad-based cost pressures across American manufacturing inputs during August 2025. Industrial supplies led price increases at +1.0% monthly, the largest gain since February 2025, driven by finished nonmetals, major nonferrous metals, and iron and steel. This trend directly impacts American manufacturers’ production costs and suggests potential price pressures flowing through to finished goods. Consumer goods imports rose 0.7%, the strongest advance since January 2024, led by pharmaceutical preparations and apparel, indicating higher costs for retailers and consumers.

Capital goods imports increased 0.5%, reflecting higher prices for computers, semiconductors, industrial machinery, and scientific equipment. This trend suggests increasing investment costs for American businesses seeking to upgrade technology and manufacturing capabilities. However, food imports provided significant relief with -2.1% monthly decline, the largest decrease since November 2020, driven by lower fruit, coffee, and cocoa prices. Metals and materials showed +1.2% increases, reflecting strong construction demand and infrastructure investment, though creating cost pressures for building and construction industries.

Export Competitiveness by Industry in the US 2025 – Sector Leadership

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Export Industry Analysis – August 2025

American export competitiveness demonstrates strong performance across high-value industries in 2025. Energy equipment leads annual price growth at +6.3%, reflecting global demand for American clean energy technology and infrastructure solutions as countries transition to renewable energy systems. Technology and semiconductors show +5.2% annual growth, indicating sustained premium pricing power for American innovation and advanced chip manufacturing capabilities amid global supply chain diversification efforts.

Agricultural products maintain 5.1% annual price growth despite flat monthly performance, demonstrating consistent global demand for American food products and quality premiums for U.S. agricultural exports. Aerospace maintains strong pricing with +4.1% annual growth, reflecting America’s continued dominance in commercial aviation and defense technology exports. Chemical and pharmaceutical exports show +3.8% growth, supported by research leadership and patent-protected innovations that command premium pricing in international markets. These trends indicate America’s competitive strength in high-technology, capital-intensive industries where innovation and quality justify premium pricing.

Import Price Volatility and Risk Analysis in the US 2025 – Market Stability

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Price Volatility Analysis and Risk Assessment – August 2025

Import price volatility analysis reveals energy imports as the highest risk category with extreme monthly swings ranging from -13.2% to +2.5% for natural gas alone. This volatility creates significant economic uncertainty for American businesses and consumers, though annual declines of -10.1% for fuel imports provide overall economic benefits. Food import volatility follows seasonal patterns with -2.1% monthly swings in August representing the largest decline since November 2020, demonstrating how weather, harvest cycles, and global agricultural conditions create price instability.

Technology components show moderate but significant volatility with supply chain concentration in Asia creating strategic vulnerabilities for American manufacturers. Raw materials demonstrate commodity cycle patterns with metals and industrial supplies showing +1.0-1.2% monthly increases, reflecting global economic growth patterns and infrastructure demand. The relatively low volatility in consumer products at +0.7% monthly increases suggests more stable supply chains and diversified sourcing strategies, though fashion and trend-driven categories continue to show seasonal and cyclical variations that impact retail pricing strategies.

Terms of Trade Analysis in the US 2025 – Competitive Balance

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Terms of Trade Index Analysis – August 2025

Terms of trade analysis reveals mixed competitive outcomes for American international commerce in August 2025. Canada provides the most favorable terms with +1.9% improvement, as U.S. export prices rose 2.3% while import prices increased only 0.5%, demonstrating the success of USMCA integration and energy trade advantages. Japan shows +1.1% favorable terms, reflecting American technology leadership and premium pricing power for advanced manufacturing exports versus Japanese imports.

China presents challenging terms with -2.0% deterioration, as Chinese import prices rose 0.6% (the largest monthly increase since December 2021) while U.S. export prices to China declined 1.4%. This reflects ongoing economic competition and strategic decoupling pressures, though annual trends still show +1.2% growth in export prices to China. European Union terms declined slightly by -0.2%, indicating competitive balance between advanced economies, while Mexico shows -0.2% terms decline, reflecting manufacturing integration dynamics where import cost increases slightly exceed export price gains.

Quarterly Import/Export Price Trends in the US 2025 – Seasonal Patterns

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Trade Price Analysis – 2025

Quarterly import/export price trends demonstrate improving American trade competitiveness throughout 2025. Import prices show remarkable stability with annual change of 0.0%, representing the first flat annual performance in two years and indicating successful supply chain normalization. Q1 showed modest import growth averaging +0.1% monthly, while Q2 experienced slight declines at -0.2% average monthly, and Q3 returned to modest increases at +0.1% monthly average.

Export price performance strengthens consistently with Q1 showing +0.7% average monthly growth, moderating to +0.3% in Q2 and Q3, but maintaining steady upward momentum throughout the year. The 3.4% annual export price increase represents significant competitive improvement and suggests sustained international demand for American products. Q4 projections indicate acceleration to +0.4% monthly average for exports and +0.2% for imports, driven by holiday seasonality and year-end business activity. The diverging trends between stable import costs and rising export prices create favorable terms of trade that enhance American economic competitiveness.

Service Trade Price Analysis in the US 2025 – Transportation and Logistics

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, International Service Price Indexes – August 2025

Service trade price analysis shows dramatic adjustments in transportation sectors during August 2025. Import air passenger fares declined 8.3% following July’s 14.3% drop, representing significant cost relief for international travelers as airlines adjust capacity and competitive pressures intensify. Export air passenger fares fell 7.1%, the largest monthly decrease since February 2025’s 13.0% decline, indicating aggressive pricing strategies to rebuild international travel demand.

Air freight services show smaller but consistent declines with import prices down 0.5% monthly and export prices dropping 2.7%, the largest monthly decline since December 2024’s 5.0% decrease. However, annual export air freight prices still increased 2.3%, indicating underlying demand strength despite monthly volatility. The transportation service price adjustments reflect post-pandemic normalization, fuel cost declines, and competitive capacity additions as the industry adapts to changing travel and shipping patterns. These trends suggest continuing service sector normalization and improved cost competitiveness for American businesses and consumers.

Import Price Index Country-Specific Analysis in the US 2025 – Bilateral Trade Dynamics

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Import Prices by Country of Origin – August 2025

Country-specific import price analysis reveals China leading monthly increases at +0.6%, the largest advance since December 2021, though annual prices remain -3.1% lower, indicating complex competitive dynamics amid ongoing trade tensions and supply chain adjustments. Canadian imports rose 0.5% monthly with +2.8% annual increases, primarily driven by energy products and USMCA trade integration benefits. The consistent growth in Canadian import prices reflects strong bilateral economic ties and energy security cooperation.

Mexico shows moderate 0.3% monthly increases with +1.9% annual growth, demonstrating stable manufacturing integration under USMCA frameworks. Japanese import prices rose minimally at +0.1% monthly but show +1.4% annual increases, reflecting high-value technology trade and quality premium products. European partners show varied patterns, with Germany at +0.4% monthly and UK at +0.3% monthly, both indicating continued strong trade relationships despite global economic uncertainties. Emerging markets like India and Vietnam show stronger price increases at +0.4% and +0.5% monthly respectively, reflecting growing trade relationships and supply chain diversification strategies.

Export Destination Price Analysis in the US 2025 – Market Positioning

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Export Prices by Destination – August 2025

Export destination analysis shows Canada as the strongest performer with +2.3% monthly price increases, the largest advance since March 2022, and +4.7% annual growth, demonstrating exceptional pricing power in the integrated North American market. Japanese exports rose 1.2% monthly with +3.1% annual increases, indicating sustained demand for American technology and advanced manufacturing products. The strong performance in both Canada and Japan reflects strategic partnerships and America’s competitive advantages in high-value sectors.

China presents mixed signals with -1.4% monthly decline but +1.2% annual growth, reflecting ongoing trade tensions and market access challenges despite underlying demand for American products. European Union exports show steady 0.3% monthly growth with +2.9% annual increases, indicating stable demand for American quality products and brand recognition advantages. Emerging markets demonstrate strong potential with India showing +0.8% monthly and +4.1% annual growth, South Korea at +0.6% monthly and +3.4% annual, suggesting growing international demand for American innovation and technology solutions.

Commodity-Specific Import Price Trends in the US 2025 – Material Costs

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Commodity Import Price Analysis – August 2025

Commodity-specific import analysis shows dramatic energy price variations dominating cost structures in August 2025. Crude oil imports declined 0.1% monthly but achieved -11.2% annual savings, providing substantial cost relief across transportation and manufacturing sectors. Natural gas demonstrates extreme volatility with -13.2% monthly decline despite +43.5% annual increases, creating planning challenges for energy-intensive industries but immediate cost benefits for August consumption.

Industrial metals show broad price increases with iron and steel leading at +1.2% monthly and +3.8% annual growth, directly impacting construction and manufacturing costs. Copper rose 0.9% monthly and +2.4% annually, driven by electric vehicle demand and renewable energy infrastructure requirements. Aluminum increased 0.7% monthly with +1.8% annual growth, affecting automotive and aerospace production costs. Agricultural commodities provided -2.1% monthly relief, though annual performance varies significantly by product, with global food security concerns supporting long-term price sustainability despite seasonal harvest impacts.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.