U.S. Trade Representatives

The Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (P.L. 87-794; Oct 11, 1962; 76 Stat. 878) authorized the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Special Representative for Trade Negotiations to represent the United States in international trade negotiations. Executive Order 11075 of January 15, 1963, placed the Special Representative in the Executive Office of the President. The Trade Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-618; Jan 3, 1975; 88 Stat. 1999) established an Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations in the Executive Office of the President. Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1979 changed the Special Representative’s title to U.S. Trade Representative and charged the Office of the Trade Representative with responsibility for setting and administering overall trade policy. The U.S. Trade Representative serves as chief representative of the United States in various international negotiations relating to trade, commodities, and certain investment issues. All incumbents have held the rank of Ambassador.