About Us – USTDA

Our Mission

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

Our Results

USTDA strategically facilitates export opportunities for U.S. companies and supports sustainable development in dynamic markets all around the world. In fiscal year 2020 alone, USTDA identified more than $1 billion in U.S. exports to emerging economies as a result of programming that facilitated early-stage infrastructure development. During the most recent 10-year evaluation period, USTDA identified $112 in exports for every $1 invested in its programming, a record return for the Agency. Since 1992, USTDA’s program has contributed to more than $74 billion in U.S. exports.

Our Tools

Farm Tractor in a field on a Maryland Farm at sunset

Training Grants

U.S. firms may face a competitive disadvantage from foreign competitors offering incentives that exceed tender requirements. U.S. companies may request that USTDA help level the playing field with a training grant to fund the cost of beneficial training for the project sponsor.

Construction industry concept - architects and engineers discussing work progress between concrete walls, scaffolds and cranes.

Project Preparation Assistance

USTDA funds feasibility studies, technical assistance and the comprehensive analyses that infrastructure projects need to move from concept to financing and implementation.

An image of a robotic arm in a lab or factory

Pilot Projects

USTDA tests U.S. equipment and technology in overseas settings to promote cutting-edge U.S. solutions and identify new development opportunities for scalability and replicability throughout emerging markets.

Company manager greeting with African American worker during a tour of his factory workers

Reverse Trade Missions

USTDA brings foreign project sponsors to the United States to observe the innovative design, manufacture and operation of American products and services to support their infrastructure development goals.