---
title: "Department of Commerce — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The U.S. Department of Commerce promotes economic growth and trade. It's crucial for Model UN students and policy researchers studying U.S. governance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/department-of-commerce"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The U.
- S.
- What is the difference between the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)?
- Which Commerce bureau enforces export controls and maintains the Entity List?
- Why does Commerce conduct the census?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In May 2019, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security added Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei to its Entity List, requiring U.S. suppliers to obtain licenses before exporting—an enforcement of export-control authority for foreign-policy ends.

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