This paper analyzes the determinants of inter-industry variation in levels of multilateral intra-industry trade for a sample of thirty-six U.S. processed food and beverage industries in 1987, previous studies of intra-industry trade having focussed on industry characteristics in the manufacturing sectors. The results of the analysis indicate that IIT variation across these industries is positively related to U.S. total trade, similarity of tariff barriers, and economies of scope, but negatively related to industry concentration.