Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Senate has confirmed William Kimmitt, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, to serve as the Undersecretary for International Trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The confirmation vote took place on Tuesday, with a 51-47 party-line decision.
In his new role, Kimmitt will lead the U.S. International Trade Administration, playing a critical part in shaping and overseeing U.S. trade policies. During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee in April, Kimmitt highlighted the importance of coordinating technology investments with international partners to manage tariff rates and maintain strategic trade relationships.
Several major trading partners have already agreed to tariff rates below those initially proposed, avoiding the planned increases set for August 1. Nonetheless, many countries remain in negotiations to prevent higher tariffs, which would surpass the existing 10% baseline on most imports.
Kimmitt’s nomination was initially put forth by former President Donald Trump in February. He brings extensive trade experience, having served as counselor to former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Although his prior nomination to the U.S. International Trade Commission was withdrawn early in the Biden administration, Kimmitt’s current confirmation marks a return to a pivotal trade leadership position.
