US agencies and trade: a complex system --- The US provides an interesting and peculiar case indeed. A large number of governmental agencies including the Department of Commerce, Department os State, Department of homeland security (ex.customs and border control) play a role in different aspects of trade policy. Until the early 1960s, the Department of State was responsible for conducting trade and investment diplomacy, but this changed with the creation of the USTR, which is responsible for developing and coordinating US international trade, direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. USTR has the leading responsibility for all negotiations under the auspices of the WTO, but it is assisted by other agencies, such as the Department of State division for trade policy and negotiations. At the same time, the Department of Commerce has trade professionals located in embassies and consulates working on the promotion of American Businesses.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu