USIA Digital Library
The Language of Trade
Contents
The Language of Trade - Introduction
Chronology of Major Developments Affecting U.S. Trade Policy
Acronyms Used in International Trade
Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y
The Language of Trade is a glossary of terms commonly used in international trade and trade negotiations. This edition of The Language of Trade was prepared for the U. S. Information Agency by Ambassador Michael B. Smith, President, SJS Advanced Strategies, Washington, D.C., and Merritt R. Blakeslee, of Steptoe & Johnson, Washington, D.C., with assistance from the U.S. Departments of Commerce, State and Treasury, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. (This edition is a completely revised and expanded version of an earlier glossary called The Language of Trade published by USIA.)
Ambassador Michael B. Smith entered the U.S. Foreign Service in December 1958. He served in various foreign posts until 1970 when he was assigned to the White House as chief of presidential correspondence. From 1975 to 1979, he was the chief textile negotiator of the United States. He was then named deputy U.S. trade representative (USTR) and first U.S. representative to GATT with the rank of ambassador, resident in Geneva. In 1983, he was recalled to Washington to become senior deputy USTR, again with the rank of ambassador. In October 1988, he retired as a career minister in the Foreign Service, entered the private sector and established SJS Advanced Strategies.
SJS Advanced Strategies is an international trade and investment consulting firm that assists domestic and foreign companies, governments and trade associations in monitoring and analyzing trade policy developments in the United States and other countries. The primary focus of SJS is helping companies gain access to international markets.
Merritt R. Blakeslee practices international law, including international trade law, with the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C. Mr. Blakeslee's practice has focused on trade sanctions, international claims for damages, trade litigation, law of the sea, and national treaty practice.
Steptoe & Johnson is one of the nation's leading trade law firms, representing both domestic and foreign clients in commercial and investment matters. A major part of Steptoe's international practice concerns advice and representation regarding trade policy issues and legislation before the executive branch and the Congress.
Editor: Jeanne S. Holden
Design: Barbara Morgan
Production: Sherry Hayman, Angie Campbell, Pat Gipple