Foreign Service Outreach

What do Foreign Service Officers (Commercial Officers) do at the U.S. Department of Commerce?

Commercial Officers carry out a wide variety of critical functions and work with a broad spectrum of government and private sector organizations to articulate, develop and refine United States commercial policy, promote U.S. exports, and protect U.S. commercial interests abroad. Key to the successful execution of a Commercial Officer’s duties is the ability to cultivate personal and professional contacts to be used in influencing foreign trade policies to benefit and protect United States commercial interests. Serving a substantial portion of their careers at overseas diplomatic missions (usually in embassies, consulates or trade centers), Foreign Service Officers enjoy access to people and places beyond the experience of most United States Government employees.