"Trade sanctions" can be referred to with a variety of similar terms such as economic sanctions, commercial restrictions, import/export embargoes, and market restrictions. These actions are often taken by countries or international organizations to limit or forbid certain trade activities with another country or group of countries. Other alternatives for "trade sanctions" can include boycotts, blockades, and trade barriers, which are all used to affect trade and economic relations. These measures are typically implemented as a response to political, security, or human rights issues with the targeted country, and can have significant impacts on global commerce and geopolitical relationships.