Office of Energy, Infrastructure, and Machinery (OEIM)

The Office of Energy, Infrastructure, and Machinery (OEIM) works to assist U.S. companies through a range of Trade Development initiatives. The Office continually tracks markets for U.S. goods and services in its industry sectors and strives to promote these industries' products via numerous different forums (such as through trade shows and U.S. embassy posts around the world). OEIM Trade Specialists work directly with industry to help determine industry trade priorities, to locate possible barriers for trade, and to alert industry of future trade opportunities. OEIM, furthermore, works to ensure a level field of competition for U.S. businesses by acting as a conduit between industry and other government agencies and through its assistance of U.S. government advocacy. The Divisions of OEIM are organized around its three industry areas:

The Energy Division monitors overseas trade and investment opportunities and informs U.S. industry of these opportunities; advocates on behalf of U.S. energy firms; monitors trade policy issues and develops appropriate, interagency strategies to remove foreign trade barriers; offers trade promotion services and extensive export counseling; and provides policy support for other units within the U.S. Government.

The Infrastructure Division helps U.S. firms compete for contracts to study, plan, design, construct and equip major foreign infrastructure and industrial projects overseas. The Division works with architectural, engineering and construction companies and with manufacturers of major components for infrastructure projects. Its Project Managers provide U.S. firms with information on project opportunities in the transportation, power, water, commercial and industrial infrastructure sectors. They support individual companies competing for projects, working closely with the other U.S. government agencies, including the Trade Development Administration and Eximbank along with America's diplomatic and consular posts worldwide.

The Industrial Machinery Division assists U.S. businesses in the export of production machinery and general components. Its analysts provide input on trade policy through their development of industry sector analysis and forecasts, and are actively involved in the Department's trade promotion programs. The Division's coverage includes the machinery used in the food processing, packaging, agricultural, material handling, metalworking, welding, printing, pulp and paper, and textile. The Division is also responsible for the bearing, pump, industrial fastener, screw machine product, tool, pipe fitting, gear, gasket and industrial valve industries. To further its goal of aiding U.S. businesses competing abroad, the Division's trade specialists work closely with other Commerce offices, other government agencies, industry trade associations and individual companies in developing and expanding export markets.