It could then impose sanctions against American exports like computers, software or aircraft.

The commission's work (despite the "international" in its title, it's a Federal agency) is governed by laws against unfair foreign exports.

The value of imports came to US$486,400 million, as against exports worth $232,500 million.

British economic weaknesses also clearly required some discriminatory action against American exports.

The move starts a process than could lead to trade sanctions against Japanese exports to the United States.

They also say the bill would provoke retaliation against American exports and hurt consumers by raising prices.

Those sanctions included millions of dollars in tariffs against certain Japanese exports, including power tools and laptop computers.

They also said the bill would provoke retaliation against American exports, hurt consumers and violate international obligations.

One should, therefore, not only take action against illegal exports, but also against legal ones.

What defence mechanisms and safeguards are there against aggressive exports?