Legal Definitions - International Trade Administration

The International TradeAdministration (ITA) is a unit within the U.S. Department of Commerce that is responsible for promoting global trade and strengthening the international trade and investment position of the United States. The agency was established in 1980 and operates through three offices:

• The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Import Services
• The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance
• The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Trade Development

The ITA works to create opportunities for American businesses to export their goods and services to other countries, while also ensuring that foreign companies comply with U.S. trade laws. By doing so, the ITA helps to support job creation and economic growth in the United States.

For example, the ITA might work with a U.S. company that produces agricultural equipment to help them find new markets overseas. They might also investigate a foreign company that is suspected of dumping cheap steel into the U.S. market, which could harm American steel producers.