The DOC operates through about 12 departments. These include the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Industry and Security, Economic Development Administration, Economics and Statistics Administration, International Trade Administration, Minority Business Development Agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Technical Information Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, US Census Bureau, and US Patent and Trademark Office.

Geographic Reach

The agency has its field offices located in all 50 US states and territories and in more than 86 countries worldwide.

Strategy

The DOC's strategy for improving the economy involves partnering with business communities and industries to build products within the country, increase our exports, and support operations in the fields of advanced manufacturing. The agency is partnering with other industries around the world to attract investment in the US and to create jobs.

In 2014, the DOC partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank to make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses throughout the Western Hemisphere to enter new markets and grow, by promoting opportunities available to US firms.

That year, the agency teamed up with Aspen Institute Workforce Strategies Initiative for a new program to strengthen regional economies by equipping American workers for jobs in demand today and in the future.

In 2014, the DOC also partnered with eBay Inc. to promote US trade and investment expansion.

Company Background

The forerunner of the DOC was established in 1903 as the Department of Commerce and Labor. It was renamed as the Department of Commerce by President William H. Taft in 1913.