# United States Trade Representative (USTR)

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> The United States Trade Representative (USTR) is a Cabinet-level agency responsible for developing U.S.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) is a Cabinet-level agency responsible for developing U.S. international trade policy and leading trade negotiations on behalf of the federal government. The USTR negotiates trade agreements, initiates or defends WTO dispute settlement proceedings, and recommends the imposition of tariffs or safeguard measures against trading partners. For freight forwarders, importers, and exporters, USTR decisions carry direct operational consequences: tariff changes or new trade restrictions can alter duty costs, disrupt supply chains, or close off market access overnight. The USTR is distinct from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which enforces trade law at the border – the USTR operates at the policy and diplomatic level.

**Source:** [https://ustr.gov](https://ustr.gov)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | United States Trade Representative (USTR) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 110 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://ustr.gov |

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