News and reports from the Department of Commerce.

Last week, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Deputy Secretary Don Graves delivered opening remarks at the Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) second annual AANHPI Business Summit. They reiterated the Biden Administration’s commitment to an equitable and prosperous future for Asian American (AA) and Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (NHPI) workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has been ranked among the top five best places to work in the federal government for the 12th consecutive year, according to the 2023 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings. The rankings were released by The Partnership for Public Service and Boston Consulting Group in collaboration with The Washington Post.

President Biden is taking action to safeguard American workers and businesses from China's unfair trade practices, which threaten key sectors crucial for America's economic future and national security. These practices include issues related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. Additionally, China's strategy of flooding global markets with artificially low-priced exports has raised concerns. In response, President Biden has instructed his Trade Representative to raise tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on $18 billion worth of imports...

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo issued a statement on President Biden's decision to direct the United States Trade Representative to increase tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on $18 billion worth of imports from China. The move is aimed at protecting American workers and businesses.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has announced the roster of global executives, business leaders, and senior U.S. government representatives who will participate in the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit. The event is scheduled to take place from June 23-26 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) with Polar Semiconductor, in which the U.S. Department of Commerce may provide up to $120 million in federal incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act. This proposed funding is expected to spur investment from private and state sources to expand Polar's manufacturing facility and introduce new technology capabilities in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves addressed the National Association of District Export Councils’ Annual Export Conference on May 13, 2024. He expressed his gratitude to Jonathan, Vice-Chair Anne Burkett, and their team for organizing the event. He also acknowledged the significant role played by the District Export Councils (DECs) in promoting understanding of exporting value and providing essential support to local trade ecosystems.

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in collaboration with several other bureaus within the department, has begun implementing a significant Internet routing security measure. This initiative is aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across the department and fulfills a key priority from the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo held a meeting with His Excellency Mohamed bin Hassan Alsuwaidi, the Minister of Investment of the United Arab Emirates, yesterday. The focus of their discussion was on shared investment priorities and potential avenues to expand commercial and investment ties between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant funding opportunity for the establishment of a CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute focused on digital twins for the semiconductor industry. The initiative, with an anticipated funding of up to $285 million, aims to advance research and development in semiconductor manufacturing processes by leveraging digital twin technology.Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo highlighted the importance of investing in America's understanding and utilization of digital twin technology, stating, "Digital twin technology can help to...

NOAA broke ground on a new Marine Operations Center facility in Newport, Rhode Island, with funding from President Biden's Investing in America Agenda. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Naval Station Newport, where the future home of the NOAA Marine Operations Center-Atlantic will be located.U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo expressed gratitude for the transformative investments being made, stating, "President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda made it possible for NOAA to construct this new facility and make advances in critical climate and ocean...

The U.S. Department of Commerce has launched the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, a set of best practices aimed at increasing the participation of women and economically disadvantaged individuals in the construction workforce. As part of this initiative, Intel Corporation and Micron Technology have made voluntary commitments to the Framework.U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of increasing the number of women in construction, stating, "If we are going to meet the national and economic security imperatives of the CHIPS Program, we are...

May 1, 2024Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the significance of international trade in fostering economic growth and resilience, as the Biden-Harris Administration marked the commencement of World Trade Month.“International trade is essential to our nation’s economic growth and helps Americans build more resilient businesses and communities,” said Secretary Raimondo.During the month-long celebration of World Trade Month, the Commerce Department is set to underscore and reinforce the administration's dedication to enhancing economic...

The Department of Commerce announced that in Fiscal Year 2023, more than half of its federal contract dollars were awarded to small businesses, totaling $2.8 billion. Additionally, over 25% of contract dollars were directed to Small Disadvantaged Businesses, amounting to $1.4 billion. This achievement led to the Department of Commerce receiving an “A+” rating from the Small Business Administration for its small business contracting efforts, marking the 8th consecutive year of such recognition."Small businesses power America’s economy and are a crucial driver of employment...