Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is an agency within the Executive Office of the President that is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy. The USTR also negotiates trade agreements, resolves disputes, and enforces trade laws.

The USTR has a number of offices and divisions, including:

• The Office of the General Counsel: Provides legal advice to the USTR on trade matters.
• The Office of Policy Development: Develops policy recommendations for the USTR.
• The Office of the Chief of Staff: Provides administrative support to the USTR.
• The Office of Public Affairs: Communicates the USTR’s work to the public.
• The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs: Office oversees trade policy related to agriculture.
• The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for China Affairs: Oversees trade policy related to China.

First time importers should become familiar with the USTR and any regulations or recommendations it may have for their chosen products or for the nation those products are being imported from.

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