What is USTR? What are their powers?

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is a government agency responsible for developing and recommending international trade policy to the US president.

The USTR directly negotiate with foreign governments to create trade agreements, to resolve trade disputes, and to participate in global trade policy organizations.

The US Trade Act gives the USTR broad authority to investigate and respond to a foreign country’s action. These actions include unfair or discriminatory practices as well as policies negatively affect US commerce.

The USTR publishes few major annual reports. Such as

• National Trade Estimate Report
• The Special 301 Report – identifies trade barriers to United States companies and products