Prices of exported consumer goods higher in 2005

The prices of exported consumer goods increased 0.7 percent in 2005. This was the third consecutive annual advance, although it was less than the 1.3-percent rise in 2004.

[Chart data—TXT]

Prices for apparel, consumer nondurables, and household goods fluctuated throughout the year and closely followed the movement of the dollar against major foreign currencies. Recreational equipment prices, however, were stable during the first half of the year, then increased during the remaining 6 months due to higher raw materials costs, namely plastics, fiberglass, and resins.

Consumer electronics export prices, however, declined throughout the year, which prevented the aggregate from increasing more than it did. Prices declined for electronic products in this index because of competitive pressures in the market.

These data are from the International Price program. To learn more, see "Import prices rise in 2005 due to continued high energy prices," by Jeffrey Bogen, Monthly Labor Review, November 2006.