U.S. Department of Commerce

The U.S. Department of Commerce is dedicated to promoting job creation, economic growth, and improved living standards for Americans through collaboration with businesses, universities, and communities. The department's responsibilities encompass trade, technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, environmental stewardship, and statistical research. It aims to enhance the international economic position of the United States by facilitating global trade and expanding markets for U.S. goods and services. The department advocates for business policies that foster innovation and competitiveness, enabling companies to thrive domestically and abroad. Additionally, it manages the nation's resources to support environmental and economic health, while also safeguarding public safety and marine life through weather monitoring and resource preservation. Important functions include conducting the decennial census, which underpins American democracy and secures intellectual property rights. The department is led by the Secretary of Commerce and operates with a significant budget and a workforce of nearly 47,000 employees. Established in 1903, the U.S. Department of Commerce is headquartered in Washington, D.C.