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  3. Trade and Economic Security

Trade and Economic Security

America’s economic prosperity, and the world’s, depend increasingly on the flow of goods and services, people and capital, and information and technology across our borders.

The systems that make these flows possible are targeted for exploitation by adversaries, including terrorists and criminals. DHS plays a role in identifying vulnerabilities to our nation’s economic security and collaborating to secure global systems.

Collaborating to Secure the Global Supply Chain

DHS works with international partners and the private sector to secure global systems of travel and trade in many ways – including by developing and helping implement global standards for aviation security and container security, and by sharing information with partners to help identify potential terrorists before they strike. At the same time, DHS safeguards privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

The National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security focuses on the worldwide network of transportation, postal, and shipping pathways, assets, and infrastructures, including communications and information infrastructures. It provides strategic guidance to departments and agencies within the U.S. government and identifies how we can build on cooperation with all stakeholders, including other governments and the private sector.

  • Disrupt Terrorist Financing

    Since 9/11, DHS has significantly expanded its ability to track and disrupt terrorist and criminal financing.

  • Fraud and Counterfeiting

    Document and benefit fraud pose a severe threat to national security and public safety. They create vulnerabilities that may enable terrorists, criminals and unlawful noncitizens to gain entry, solicit employment and ultimately remain in the United States.

  • Intellectual Property Rights

    Intellectual property rights theft is not a victimless crime. It threatens U.S. businesses, and robs hard-working Americans of their jobs, which negatively impacts the economy.  Counterfeit, adulterated and substandard goods can also pose public health and safety risks for consumers.

  • Trade Transparency

    Trade-based money laundering (TBML) is the process of disguising criminal proceeds through trade to legitimize their illicit origins.

Last Updated: 12/13/2022