The Department of Commerce promotes job creation and economic growth by ensuring fair and reciprocal trade, providing the data necessary to support commerce and constitutional democracy, and fostering innovation by setting standards and conducting foundational research and development.

Through our bureaus and 46,608 employees (as of January 31, 2018) located in all 50 states, every U.S. territory, and more than 86 countries, we provide U.S.-based companies and entrepreneurs invaluable tools through programs such as the Decennial Census, the National Weather Service, NOAA Fisheries, and the Foreign Commercial Service.

Among many other functions, the Department oversees ocean and coastal navigation, helps negotiate bilateral trade agreements, and enforces laws that ensure a level playing field for American businesses and workers.

The mission of the Department is to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity. The U.S. Department of Commerce has a broad mandate to advance economic growth and jobs and opportunities for the American people. It has cross cutting responsibilities in the areas of trade, technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, environmental stewardship and statistical research and analysis.

 

Strategic Goals

The Department has one overarching goal: Helping the American Economy Grow. Each of the Department's five strategic goals advances our mission and supports this goal:

• Accelerate American Leadership
• Enhance Job Creation
• Strengthen U.S. Economic and National Security
• Fulfill Constitutional Requirements and Support Economic Activity
• Deliver Customer-Centric Service Excellence