Establishment of Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy

May 4, 2017

Summary

Creates a new office in the White House to help American workers and businesses by giving the President advice on trade and manufacturing policies.

What problem does this solve?

The President needed a dedicated team to focus on trade issues affecting American workers and manufacturers. This order creates the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy to advise the President and help strengthen the U.S. economy.

What does this order do?

New White House office created

Establishes the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy (OTMP) within the White House Office, led by a Director chosen by the President.

Defines mission to help U.S. workers

Sets the office's mission to serve American workers and manufacturers, grow the economy, lower the trade deficit, and strengthen the manufacturing base.

Advises the President on trade

Tasks the OTMP with advising the President on new strategies and promoting trade policies that match the President's goals.

Implements 'Buy American and Hire American' policies

Directs the office to help improve government hiring and buying policies, including those from Executive Order 13788 (Buy American and Hire American).

Who does this affect?

American workers
Domestic manufacturers

What is the real world impact?

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Centralizes trade policy advice

Creates a dedicated office within the White House to advise the President, ensuring trade policy aligns directly with the administration's specific goals for American workers and manufacturers.

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Promotes 'Buy American' policies

Reinforces the administration's focus on prioritizing domestic companies and workers by tasking the new office with helping to implement the 'Buy American and Hire American' executive order.

When does this start?

This order became effective when it was signed on April 29, 2017.