A trade embargo is a government-imposed restriction that prohibits trade with a specific country or group of countries. This measure is often used to exert political pressure, promote human rights, or respond to aggressive actions. By limiting imports and exports, a trade embargo aims to impact the targeted nation's economy and influence its behavior. Trade embargoes can affect various goods, including food, technology, and military equipment. Countries like the United States have implemented embargoes against nations such as Cuba and North Korea to address concerns over their policies and actions. These restrictions can lead to economic hardship for the affected nations and may also impact global markets.