Welcome to the U.S. International Trade Commission. We’re an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency that fulfills a range of trade-related mandates. We provide high-quality, leading-edge analysis of international trade issues to the President and the Congress. The Commission is a highly regarded forum for the adjudication of intellectual property and trade disputes.
Investigate and make determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights; provide independent analysis and information on tariffs, trade and competitiveness; and maintain the U.S. tariff schedule.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) pursues its mission in three areas of U.S. international trade:
- adjudication,
- research and analysis, and
- maintaining the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
The Commission investigates and makes determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights; provides independent analysis and information on tariffs, trade and competitiveness; and maintains the U.S. tariff schedule.
The USITC is headed by six Commissioners. They are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
To support its mission, the USITC maintains a professional staff of trade and nomenclature analysts, investigators, financial analysts, statisticians, attorneys, economists, information technology specialists, and administrative support personnel.
In 2016, the Commission entered its second century. We will continue to provide high-quality, leading-edge analysis of international trade issues to the President and the Congress, and to remain a highly regarded forum for the adjudication of intellectual property and trade disputes.
The U. S. International Trade Commission entered its second century in 2016. Learn about USITC history and the dynamic context of its operating environment.
- Two Centuries of Tariffs: The Background and Emergence of the United States International Trade Commission
- The legislation that founded Tariff Commission (later, USITC) was signed September 8, 1916. See the original document, H.R. 16763, or read the text.
- A Centennial History of the United States International Trade Commission
- The book that marks the first 100 years of the USITC, 1916¬—2016
- Ceremonial documents from the U.S. President and Members of Congress
- The 2016 centennial conference and celebration at the USITC
Learn more about the history of the USITC:
Two Centuries of Tariffs - The Background and Emergence of the United States International Trade Commission