Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms

Objective

The Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program helps import-impacted U.S. firms develop and implement projects to regain global competitiveness, expand markets, strengthen operations, increase profitability, thereby increasing U.S. jobs. Key portions of the statutory authorization of EDA’s TAAF program expired on June 30, 2022. As of July 1, 2022, EDA was unable to accept new petitions from firms for certification of eligibility for trade adjustment assistance (“petitions”) through the TAAF program. Current Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers will utilize previously awarded funds to serve existing clients until such funding is exhausted.

Who Can Apply

• Nonprofit Organization
• Other
• U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia)

Section 253 of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. § 2343(b)) provides that grants may be awarded to "intermediary organizations (including Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers)" to provide assistance to trade-injured firms. For an industry association or other organizations to be eligible for industry assistance under section 265 of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. § 2355(a)), the applicant must submit evidence demonstrating that the industry faces import competition and includes a substantial number of Trade Act-certified firms or worker groups. Current funding is limited to the existing Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers.

Who Benefits

• Small Business Person
• For-Profit Organization
• Nonprofit Organization

Only firms certified by EDA on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce are eligible for assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program. The principal benefit is cost-shared technical assistance: the TAAF program pays up to one-half of the cost of assistance by private-sector consultants and contractors for operational improvements at certified firms. There are no direct cash grants or awards to firms.

Assistance Types

• Cooperative Agreement

Program Contact

taac@eda.gov
206.300.7466