International Trade Commission

The United States International Trade Commission, created by an act of Congress as the U.S. Tariff Commission in 1916, is an independent bipartisan commission that investigates matters of trade. The International Trade Commission conducts research and specialized studies of U.S. commercial and international trade policies and is charged with preparing reports analyzing international economics and foreign trade for the executive and congressional branches of government, other government agencies, and the public. International Trade Commission activities include
• determining whether U.S. industries are materially harmed by imports priced at less than fair value or by subsidization
• directing actions against unfair trade practices such as trademark, patent, or copyright infringement
• analyzing trade and tariff issues and monitoring import levels
• participating in the development of an international harmonized commodity code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, or Harmonized Tariff System)
• making recommendations to the U.S. president regarding domestic industry injury determinations
• advising the president whether agricultural imports conflict with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s pricesupport programs
The International Trade Commission also advises the president regarding the probable economic impacts of proposed trade agreements with foreign countries.
The commissioners of the International Trade Commission are appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate for nine-year terms. To increase its independence from the executive branch, no more than three commissioners may be from the same political party, and the International Trade Commission submits its budget directly to Congress, exempting it from review by the Office of Management and Budget.
Further reading
U.S. International Trade Commission website. Available on-line. URL: www.usitc.gov.