Commerce at a Glance: April 30, 2022

The Latest News

Deputy Secretary Graves Meets with Governor Pierluisi, Highlights Commerce Department’s Economic Development and Digital Equity Programs in Puerto Rico

As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to Puerto Rico, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves visited the island from April 21-22. This visit represents the latest in a series of high-level U.S. government officials travelling to the island, focusing on supporting Puerto Rico’s long-term recovery and resilience — an important priority for President Biden.

Treasury Announces Plans to Deploy $300 Million in Technical Assistance to Underserved Entrepreneurs and Very Small Businesses through the State Small Business Credit Initiative

The $300 million of technical assistance includes $100 million for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency to provide technical assistance to underserved entrepreneurs seeking greater access to capital, including venture capital financing.

Department of Commerce Applauds Historic Signing of Declaration for the Future of Internet

The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Biden-Harris Administration joined 60 global partners in launching The Declaration for the Future of the Internet, recommitting to the vision of the global Internet as a platform for openness and innovation, while promoting and protecting human rights.

“The goal of reliable, interoperable, and secure internet worldwide is central to the work we are doing at the Department of Commerce. As we carry out President Biden’s ambitious goal to connect every single American to high-speed internet, this declaration reaffirms our commitment to advancing a positive vision for the internet and digital technologies, while ensuring that all people are able to reap these benefits,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

Secretary Raimondo Establishes Commerce Climate Council, Directs Department to Integrate Climate Considerations into Policies, Strategic Planning, and Programs

Recently, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced a Department Administrative Order (DAO), directing the Department to integrate climate considerations into its policies, strategic planning, and programs. This historic DAO also establishes the Department of Commerce Climate Council to coordinate and oversee the implementation of this DAO, as well as provide specific recommendations to the Secretary on addressing the climate crisis.

BIS Takes Enforcement Action Against Russian Cargo Airline Operating in Violation of U.S. Export Controls

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod issued an order temporarily denying all export privileges for the Russian cargo aircraft carrier Aviastar due to ongoing violations of the comprehensive export controls imposed on Russia by the Commerce Department. Headquartered in Moscow, Aviastar provides a variety of cargo services to Russia.

Commerce Department Identifies First Belarusian and More Russian Aircraft Exported to Belarus and Russia in Apparent Violation of U.S. Export Controls

The U.S. Commerce Department, through its Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), publicly identified 10 additional aircraft in likely violation of U.S. export controls, including the first seven Belarusian owned/operated commercial aircraft identified since restrictions on Belarus were tightened via regulation effective on April 8, 2022. BIS is also updating the tail numbers of 32 planes already on the list to account for the planes’ purported re-registration in Russia. BIS has also authorized two planes to leave Russia and they will be removed from the list.

U.S. Department of Commerce Releases Equity Action Plan

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) released its Equity Action Plan for ensuring its programming and policies reach a larger and more diverse audience. The plan acknowledges that inclusive growth is good economics and it works to incorporate equity into every stream of work at the Commerce Department. Earlier this year, the Department updated its mission statement to better highlight its efforts to create economic growth and opportunity ‘for all communities’. .

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Around Commerce

World Intellectual Property Day: Spotlight on Young Entrepreneurs

On April 26, inventors, creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, and intellectual property (IP) experts alike come together to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day.

National Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 1-7, 2022. Be ready for hurricane season. Today you can determine your personal hurricane risk, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies.

Journeys of Innovation: There's a Better Way of Doing That

With 49 patents, Beulah Louise Henry was one of the most prolific inventors of the 20th century. Her typewriters, toys, sewing machines, and women’s apparel made Henry a famous and beloved figure across the country..

NIST Launches Prize Challenge to Improve Unmanned Aircraft in Indoor Search and Rescue Scenarios

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology is launching a new prize competition series to advance the use of unmanned aircraft systems by first responders for indoor search and rescue operations.

Commerce by the Numbers

Personal Income and Outlays, March 2022
Personal income increased $107.2 billion, or 0.5 percent at a monthly rate, while consumer spending increased $185.0 billion, or 1.1 percent, in March. The increase in personal income primarily reflected an increase in compensation.

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National Archives Releases 1950 Census Records

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) today released 1950 Census records. America Counts asked NARA staff to discuss the significance of the release and how it will benefit the public.

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E-Commerce Sales Surged During the Pandemic

Has the pandemic changed the way you shop? Do you now routinely have your groceries delivered or opt for curbside pickup? You’re not alone. Consumer behaviors have changed in many ways since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. More began working from home and avoiding indoor venues, including shopping malls and restaurants.

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NOAA Showcases New Mapping Tool for Marine Species

NOAA Fisheries is launching a new tool to better track the location and movement of marine fish in U.S. waters. The Distribution Mapping and Analysis Portal reveals that the ranges of many marine species are shifting, expanding and contracting in response to changing ocean conditions.

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