WASHINGTON—Arun Venkataraman, who previously served as the Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service at the International Trade Administration (ITA) from 2022-2025, has joined Covington in Washington.
Arun focuses his practice on international trade and supply chain matters, with a particular focus on tariff policy, including Section 232, Section 301, and IEEPA tariffs and bilateral trade and investment negotiations, as well as digital trade and AI, and the intersection of national security, economic security, and trade policy. He leverages his extensive experience in U.S. government and private practice to advise leading global companies and financial institutions facing an increasingly complex and uncertain international trade policy landscape.
“Arun is a recognized leader with extensive experience in tariff policy, digital trade, supply chain risk, market access for U.S. goods and services abroad, and is a resource for navigating the complex trade environment we face today,” said Shara Aranoff, chair of Covington’s International Trade Practice Group and co-chair of the Customs Practice. “His unique background in government and his strong reputation as an advocate for the business community will provide our clients with invaluable insights into U.S. policymaking, helping them develop successful short and long-term strategies in the current environment.”
During his distinguished tenure at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Arun led the federal government’s efforts to expand commercial opportunities for U.S. firms overseas and foreign firms in the United States, including by facilitating deals between U.S. and foreign companies, improving commercial policy environments, resolving barriers to trade and investment, and negotiating governmental agreements to promote commercial partnerships. He also served as Counselor to the Secretary of Commerce, advising the Secretary on all aspects of foreign economic policy within the Department.
Before joining the Biden Administration, Arun was Senior Director, Global Government Engagement, at Visa. He developed and executed engagement strategy, in advocacy before the U.S. and foreign governments, as well as with trade associations, international organizations, and other stakeholder groups on a range of international policy issues including digital economy, trade, tax, and sanctions.
Earlier in his career, Arun drove efforts across the Commerce Department to remove global trade and investment barriers and strengthen the global competitiveness of U.S. industry, including in such markets as China and India. He also previously served as Director for India at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and an attorney in the World Trade Organization.
“The breadth and depth of Covington’s international trade practice is impressive, and I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter of my career from such a remarkable platform,” said Arun. “I look forward to hitting the ground running and helping clients not just get by, but thrive in this increasingly challenging business environment.”
Arun earned his J.D. from Columbia Law School, an M.A. from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University.
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