What is the Department of Commerce?

The Department of Commerce is the federal department responsible for promoting business, trade, economic growth, and scientific and technological development. Created in 1903 as the Department of Commerce and Labor, it was split into two separate departments in 1913, with the Department of Labor becoming its own Cabinet department. The Department of Commerce is headquartered in the Herbert C. Hoover Building in Washington, D.C., named after the former Commerce Secretary who later became President.

The Commerce Department operates a number of important agencies that affect every American. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the constitutionally required decennial census of the U.S. population, which determines congressional apportionment and federal funding distribution. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates the National Weather Service, which provides weather forecasts and warnings for the entire country, and oversees ocean and fisheries policy. The Bureau of Economic Analysis produces the official economic statistics including gross domestic product (GDP) and personal income. The Bureau of Industry and Security regulates exports of sensitive technology and dual-use goods. The Patent and Trademark Office grants patents and registers trademarks. The National Institute of Standards and Technology develops measurement standards and technology research. The International Trade Administration promotes U.S. exports and enforces trade laws against unfair foreign practices. The Minority Business Development Agency supports minority-owned businesses. The Economic Development Administration provides grants to economically distressed communities.

The Department of Commerce plays a central role in international trade negotiations and trade enforcement, working closely with the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Trade disputes with major partners such as China, the European Union, and Mexico often involve Commerce Department investigations and decisions. The Secretary of Commerce serves as a key economic advisor to the President and represents American business interests both domestically and abroad. Recent Secretaries include Wilbur Ross, Gina Raimondo, and Howard Lutnick.