Table of Contents

Understanding the Role of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

By

Nathan Reiff

Updated January 20, 2026

Fact checked by

Timothy Li

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) — Investopedia / Candra Huff

Key Takeaways

The U.S. Trade Representative advises the president and Congress on trade policies.
Formed in 1962, the USTR develops international trade agreements.
The office works to open global markets for American goods and services.
More than 200 trade specialists work at the USTR, covering a range of sectors.

What Is the U.S. Trade Representative?

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is a Cabinet-level individual/agency within the Executive Office of the President that develops and coordinates U.S. international trade policies. The USTR advises the president and members of Congress on trade issues and decisions. The USTR office negotiates agreements with open markets around the world. It was formed in 1962 and has offices in Brussels, Geneva, and Washington, D.C.

Key Functions and Responsibilities of the U.S. Trade Representative

One of the stated goals of American trade policy, according to the USTR, is to open markets around the world by engaging in trade agreements with other countries. The USTR develops and negotiates for these agreements, as well as for commodity and direct investment policies. The office of the USTR has many areas of expertise, including:

Negotiating international commodity agreements and others affecting U.S. imports
Supporting bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade and investment
Expanding market access for American goods and services
Overseeing complaints against foreign unfair trade practices, import relief, and more
Intellectual property protection as it relates to trade
Issues with the World Trade Organization (WTO)

The USTR has historically served as vice chairman of the board of directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC) and serves on the board of the Millennium Challenge Corp. and as a member of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies.

The Trade Policy Review Group (TPRG) and the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) are two additional trade groups that the USTR oversees. These two groups are composed of 19 federal agencies and nearly 100 subcommittees and task forces responsible for niche areas of trade.

In addition to advising and partnering with the president, the USTR partners with Congress to provide detailed briefings to committees on agriculture, banking and financial services, and more. Members of Congress are also formally appointed as official congressional advisors on trade policy, working together with the office of the USTR.

Who is the current U.S. Trade Representative?

As of March 18, 2021, the current U.S. Trade Representative is Katherine Tai. Previous confirmed USTRs to serve include Robert Lighthizer, Michael Froman, Ron Kirk, Susan Schwab, and Rob Portman.

What is the job of the U.S. Trade Representative?

The U.S. Trade Representative develops and coordinates U.S. international trade policies, negotiates, and advises the president and Congress.

How many trade representatives are there?

In the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) are more than 200 trade specialists with expertise in various areas of the world, sectors, and industries. That includes agriculture, environment, government procurement, labor, manufacturing, small business, textiles, and trade organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The Bottom Line

The U.S. Trade Representative is a key advisor to the President and negotiator for U.S. trade policies. The USTR office was established in 1962 and is part of the the Executive Office of the President. Duties include negotiating trade agreements, expanding market access for U.S. goods and services, and dealing with unfair trade practices. The office has around 200 trade specialists and collaborates with Congress on trade policy.

Article Sources

Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. “Mission of the USTR.”
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Archive. “History of the United States Trade Representative.”
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. “About Us.”

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