Become an ITAC Advisor

Become an ITAC Advisor

Applications are open for the 2026 – 2030 charter term of the Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITACs). Submit application by April 2 for consideration of membership on the ITACs at the start of the charter term.

The Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative are seeking applications from qualified and interested individuals representing a wide range of industries to provide policy and technical advice, information, and recommendations regarding negotiation of trade agreements, the operation of existing trade agreements, and other U.S. trade policy matters.

The Secretary of Commerce and the Trade Representative intend to establish imminently a new four-year charter term for the following ITACs:

• ITAC 1: Aerospace and Defense Equipment
• ITAC 2: Automotive Equipment and Capital Goods
• ITAC 3: Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Health/Science Products and Services
• ITAC 4: Consumer Goods  
• ITAC 5: Critical Minerals and Nonferrous Metals
• ITAC 6: Digital Economy
• ITAC 7: Energy and Energy Services
• ITAC 8: Forest Products and Building Materials
• ITAC 9: Small Business
• ITAC 10: Services
• ITAC 11: Steel
• ITAC 12: Textiles and Clothing
• ITAC 13: Customs Matters and Trade Facilitation
• ITAC 14: Intellectual Property Rights
• ITAC 15: Standards and Technical Trade Barriers
• Committee of Chairs of the Industry Trade Advisory Committees 

Eligibility

To apply for membership, an applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. The applicant must be a United States citizen.
2. The applicant cannot be a full-time employee of a governmental agency or entity.
3. The applicant cannot be registered with the U.S. Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
4. The applicant must be able to obtain and maintain suitability for moderate risk public trust and be willing to sign and abide by the terms of a non-disclosure agreement to protect non-public information, including confidential, international trade information.
5. The applicant must represent either:
   1. A U.S. entity that is directly engaged in the import or export of goods or services or that provides services in direct support of the international trading activities of other entities; or
   2. A U.S. organization that trades internationally, represents members that trade internationally, or, consistent with the needs of an ITAC as determined by the Secretary of Commerce and the Trade Representative, represents members who have a demonstrated interest in international trade.

For eligibility purposes, a “U.S. entity” is a for-profit firm engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities that is incorporated in the United States (or is an unincorporated U.S. firm with its principal place of business in the United States) that is controlled by U.S. citizens or by other U.S. entities. An entity is not a U.S. entity if 50 percent plus one share of its stock (if a corporation, or a similar ownership interest of an unincorporated entity) is known to be controlled, directly or indirectly, by non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. entities.

For eligibility purposes, a “U.S. organization” is an organization, including a trade association, labor union or organization, and nongovernmental organization (NGO), established under the laws of the United States, that is controlled by U.S. citizens, by another U.S. organization (or organizations), or by a U.S. entity (or entities), as determined based on its board of directors (or comparable governing body), membership, and funding sources, as applicable. To qualify as a U.S. organization, more than 50 percent of the board of directors (or comparable governing body) and more than 50 percent of the membership of the organization to be represented must be U.S. citizens, U.S. organizations, or U.S. entities.

An applicant who will represent an entity or organization known to have 10 percent or greater non-U.S. ownership of its shares or equity, non-U.S. board members, non-U.S. membership, or non-U.S. funding sources, as applicable, must demonstrate that this non-U.S. interest does not constitute control and will not adversely affect his/her ability to serve as a trade advisor to the United States. 

Application Process

To be considered for ITAC membership, interested persons should complete an ITAC application.

After submission of the linked application form, applicants will receive an automated email requesting the applicant to directly submit relevant application documents. The Department of Commerce and/or the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative may also reach out to the applicant to request additional documentation. Applicants must monitor the email address and phone number provided via the application form to promptly respond to all requests for documentation to ensure the consideration of their application.

The following documents are required to be submitted in response to the automated email after the submission of the application form. Applicants who do not provide these documents will not be considered for membership.

Personal résumé or comprehensive biography indicating relevant international trade and industry expertise.

Sponsor letter on the sponsoring entity’s or organization’s letterhead containing a brief description of why the Secretary of Commerce and the Trade Representative should consider the applicant for membership. If the applicant is a consultant representing the sponsoring organization, specifically note that within the sponsor letter along with any relevant details regarding the nature of the consultancy.  

Recent annual report or profile of the sponsoring organization. If the sponsoring organization is an association or otherwise maintains a relevant membership or client list, include the membership or client list of the sponsoring organization to determine if the sponsoring organization represents foreign entities.

Any additional documentation as helpful or necessary for the Secretary of Commerce and the Trade Representative to consider the application. Such additional information will not be necessary for all applicants, but rather on a case-by-case basis for applicants who may have special considerations.

Selection Criteria

The Secretary of Commerce and the Trade Representative will consider applicants based on the following selection factors:

Ability to represent the sponsoring U.S. entity’s or U.S. organization’s and its subsector’s interests on trade matters;

Ability to carry out the objectives of the ITAC, including knowledge of the represented industry and of trade matters relevant to the work of the ITAC;

Ability to contribute to the development, implementation, and administration of the America First Trade Policy in advancing U.S. trade interests; and

Balancing of represented industry subsectors, points of view, geography, and entity or organization size to ensure the ITACs represent the breadth of U.S. trade policy interests.

Contact

Any questions regarding the application process or eligibility may be sent to ITAC@trade.gov.