As former White House aide Michael Froman begins his new job as U.S. trade representative, he faces a full agenda, including two major multilateral trade negotiations that will have an impact on U.S. construction-equipment makers and companies in a wide range of other industries.

Froman, who was sworn in as U.S. trade representative (USTR) on June 21, had been assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs. The Senate confirmed him two days earlier, by a strong 93-4 vote.