import and export prices report

A monthly economic report prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that tracks import and export prices. These price statistics provide important information about the U.S. economy, since imports make up about 15 percent of the goods purchased in the United States. The report also gives an indication about pricing pressures affecting U.S. firms. If import prices are low, U.S. companies have to compete with lower prices, which reduces their profits. The data is useful for economists, but has less effect on the financial markets.