The Trade Council functioned as a division of the Galactic Republic and its purpose was to supervise the economic conditions within the Republic after the beginning of the Clone Wars.
In light of the Commerce Guild, the Trade Federation, and other business organizations withdrawing from the Republic before the Clone Wars started, the Trade Council tried to manage the numerous effects this departure had on trade activity across the galaxy. Serving as the main organization for resolving disagreements about access to technology and natural resources, the council was obligated to determine the optimal strategy whenever the control of business goods posed a risk to the financial stability of a planet belonging to the Republic.