In 2004, the Department of Commerce created the
Manufacturing and Services (MAS) unit within the
International Trade Administration to address industry and
congressional concerns about U.S. competitiveness in the
global economy. Over the past four years, MAS has tackled
obstacles facing U.S. industry using vital research and analysis
to help shape and implement trade policy and identify the
impact of regulations on U.S. competitiveness.
As the rate of globalization and integration accelerates, the world landscape becomes
ever more complex. The challenge is for governments to encourage, rather than impede,
opportunities for businesses and their workers so they can improve their futures and thus
the future of the country. MAS meets this challenge by establishing a direct partnership
in the Federal Government to help U.S. manufacturing and service providers navigate this
landscape. The following report provides a brief overview of the work MAS has undertaken
to improve U.S. industry’s competitiveness in a global economy.
(November 2008)
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