There are three major types of U.S. Treasury securities: bills, notes, and BONDS. In financial markets they are referred to as T-bills, T-notes, and T-bonds. The U.S. Treasury sells these securities on a continuing basis to finance the public (national) debt.

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is the chief trade negotiator in America as well as the chief advisor on trade policy to the president of the United States. According to its website the office of USTR is, responsible for �developing and implementing trade policies which promote world growth and create new opportunities for American businesses, workers and agricultural products.�

The United States Customs Service oversees all import and export activity to ensure that international trade activity complies with U.S. laws and regulations. Most Americans� images of the Customs Service are the signs and questionnaires filled out when returning to the country from abroad, but the Customs Service has many other roles and responsibilities, which have changed over time.

All goods coming into the United States must �clear customs.� Many disputes in the customs area arise over the classification of imported goods�basically, what is it? While this may seem a simple question, sometimes it is not; the TARIFF-duty rate depends on classification, and a substantial amount of tariff may depend on the outcome.

The U.S. Commercial Service, an agency within the Department of Commerce, promotes exports of goods and SERVICES from the United States, particularly by small and medium-sized business. The service also acts to protect U.S. business interests abroad.

The U.S. Census Bureau generates and provides general statistical information about the U.S. population. The Census Bureau and census data are important sources of information for marketers and PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION. The need for a national census arose during the Constitutional Convention in 1789, when delegates agreed to use population as the basis for representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent federal agency that works to support ECONOMIC GROWTH and agricultural development, global health, and disaster assistance in developing areas of the world.

The United States�Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA, 1989) reduced and eliminated TARIFFs on PRODUCTs traded between the two countries, initiated a trade agreement on SERVICES, increased investor access in each country, and created new mechanisms for trade-dispute resolution.

See AUTO PACT.

The United Farm Workers (UFW) is a small but politically and socially active UNION representing agricultural workers in the western United States. The UFW attempts to increase farmworkers� salaries, benefits, housing, and working conditions.