Government

What does the do?

The Department of Commerce (DOC) is an executive branch agency responsible for supporting economic growth within the US. Its functions include promoting job creation, sustainable business development, and ensuring economic competitiveness. It was established in 1903. 

Data updated January 23, 2025
In FY 2024,

$14.8B

was spent by the Dept. of Commerce
In FY 2024,

0.2%

of federal spending was by the Dept. of Commerce

How much does the US Department of Commerce spend?

The Department of Commerce spent $14.8 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This was 0.2% of the $6.8 trillion in overall federal spending. The department ranked twenty-second among federal agencies in total spending.

The Department of Commerce accounted for 0.2% of all federal spending in FY 2024.

Share of DOC net spending compared to the top ten highest spending agencies in FY 2024

Federal spending may shift over time due to population growth, changes in policy and programs, and emerging problems to address. Adjusting for inflation, the Department of Commerce’s federal spending has increased from $12.2 billion in 1980 to $14.8 billion in 2024.

The Department of Commerce’s federal spending in FY 2024 was higher than in FY 1980.

Yearly federal net spending by DOC, adjusted for inflation (2024 dollars), FYs 1980–2024

Since 1980, the Department of Commerce's spending has increased 21.9%, while overall spending has increased 193.7%.
The department’s spending grew less than overall spending, which means that the department’s share of the federal budget decreased. In 2024, the Department of Commerce accounted for 0.2% of all federal spending. That’s equivalent to 2014 and 0.3 percentage points lower than in 1980.
Major legislation, internal or global economic conditions, and acute events like the COVID-19 pandemic can affect spending year to year. For example, the federal budget fluctuated during the pandemic, rising from $5.3 trillion (in 2023 dollars) in 2019 to $7.7 trillion in 2020 and $7.8 trillion in 2021.

The Department of Commerce’s share of federal spending in FY 2024 was lower than in FY 1980.

Percentage of federal budget dedicated to DOC, FYs 1980–2024

Most federal spending can be categorized as direct or indirect. Direct spending refers to money the federal government spends on budget items such as federal programs, employee salaries, and debt interest. Indirect spending refers to federal transfers to state and local governments.
In FY 2024, the Department of Commerce transferred 13.1% of its total spending to states and local governments.
The chart below outlines all DOC spending.

How did the Department of Commerce spend its budget in 2024?

Federal government net spending isolated to DOC, FY 2024

Federal agencies often contain divisions including bureaus, offices, and subagencies. In FY 2024, the Department of Commerce divisions with the highest expenditures were the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Census Bureau.

The Department of Commerce's highest-spending division is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

DOC net spending by division, FY 2024

Who leads the Department of Commerce?

The DOC is headed by the secretary of Commerce, who is nominated by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and then sworn into office. They are one of the 15 cabinet members who serve at the president’s discretion. This appointed position typically ends when the appointee resigns, is replaced, or when a new president assumes office and appoints their own cabinet, though some may serve temporarily during transitions between administrations.

Learn about a different government agency.

Methodology

USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.

Page sources

USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.

  • Office of Management and Budget and US Department of the Treasury

    Budget of the US Government and Monthly Treasury Statement

    Office of Management and Budget and US Department of the Treasury logo