The federal government can impose an embargo on countries that do not adhere to U.S. foreign policy. Because an embargo is detrimental to both the U.S. and a foreign country’s economy, it is rarely used. Instead, the government often imposes sanctions on foreign countries. These are specific restrictions that impact the economy of another country without completely halting all trade. For example, the U.S. government had a long-held trade embargo with Cuba. In September of 2015, the embargo was lifted, and sanctions were implemented. While trade between Cuba and the U.S. remains limited, the change in status allows certain exports to be sent to Cuba in order to help improve living conditions.
