ITA Completes Internal Reorganization
The International Trade Administration has completed its internal reorganization, according to a statement from the agency’s office of public affairs. The plan, approved by Congress in June (see 13061710), merges the ITA’s four divisions into three, as follows:
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- Global Markets - Combines the ITA’s country and regional experts, overseas and domestic field staff, and specific trade promotion programs. It includes the former Market Access and Compliance office, as well as the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service.
- Industry and Analysis - Brings together the ITA’s industry, trade, and economic experts to develop and execute international trade and investment policies and promotion strategies. It replaces the division formerly known as Manufacturing and Services.
- Enforcement and Compliance - Enforces U.S. trade laws and ensures compliance with trade agreements negotiated on behalf of U.S. industry. It replaces the division currently known as Import Administration, and includes the Office of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations.
The ITA's website now reflects the reorganization. Attempts to visit the Import Administration's webpage now redirect to www.trade.gov/enforcement.
The consolidation will improve ITA operations and service delivery, and will provide clearer points of contact for private sector clients, the statement said. It will also create a flexible organization structure, and foster an innovative culture that can adapt to a changing world, it said. “Just as companies must change and adapt to ensure they provide cost-effective, high-quality products and services that meet the demands of their clients, so too must government agencies adapt to continuously improve their performance and make the best use of scarce public funds,” said Under Secretary for International Trade Francisco Sánchez. “In this process, ITA’s objectives were to capitalize on our strengths and identify opportunities for innovation and to reduce inefficiencies and improve communication across the organization. I believe we accomplish this through our new organizational structure.” Sanchez announced his imminent resignation in September (see 13090506).