A major setback of international trade is economic sanctions. Economic sanctions are actions taken by one country or a group of countries to restrict or limit trade with another country for political, economic or social reasons. Sanctions can take many forms such as a ban on imports and exports, restrictions on financial transactions, travel restrictions, and more. Sanctions can significantly harm the economy of the targeted country, as they limit the country's ability to participate in international trade and access goods and services from other countries. This can cause job losses, increased inflation, and a reduction in the standard of living for citizens of the targeted country.