The goal of creating a single agency for the promotion of U.S. trade is twofold: cost savings and further stimulation of exports, reducing paperwork and facilitating access to support services for businesses. This proposal is part of President Obama’s National Export Initiative, a plan to double U.S. exports in 5 years from 2009 to 2014. So far in the period from November 2009 to November 2011, exports have increased only about 28%, from $140 billion to $180 billion

The agencies that are proposed to be merged are:
- The US Trade Representative, (USTR) with a staff of 227 professionals negotiates trade agreements and represents U.S. interests in multilateral international trade organizations
- The US Small Business Administration, which guarantees loans to small businesses, including three programs specifically for international trade-related businesses
- The US Export-Import Bank a credit agency for U.S. exports that provides guarantees and insurance for purchases of goods and services from the United States
- The Overseas Private Investment Corp.(OPIC), which is the U.S. Government’s development finance institution. It helps U.S. businesses gain a foothold in emerging markets by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds
-The Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), which provides export assistance for U.S. companies entering emerging markets by funding project planning activities such as feasibility studies, pilot projects, conferences and reverse trade missions
- The Commerce Department: The U.S. Department of Commerce has several agencies that assist SMEs in international trade. The International Trade Administration (ITA), a large part of the Department of Commerce, is the overall agency that will be included in the proposed merger. The ITA promotes U.S. trade and investment and is responsible for enforcement of U.S. trade laws and agreements.

It has four divisions:
• U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service - Promotes U.S. exports, particularly by small and medium-sized enterprises, and provides commercial diplomacy support for U.S. business interests around the world
• Manufacturing and Services - Strengthens U.S. competitiveness abroad by helping shape industry-specific trade policy
• Market Access and Compliance - Assists U.S. companies and helps create trade opportunities through the removal of market access barriers
• Import Administration - Enforces U.S. trade laws and agreements to prevent unfairly traded imports and to safeguard the competitive strength of U.S. businesses

For information about other countries in the world:
• The mini portals of FITA
• The mini portals of GlobalTrade.net