So Mr Moreno's latest wheeze involves responding to a vanishing current-account surplus with strict import controls, which will undermine growth.

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But it is unclear whether the sausages will be allowed into the UK, because of strict import controls on meat.

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Brazil, Russia and China have all recently tightened their import controls.

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Russia's new government looks set to restore widespread import controls.

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In the wheat market, Nissin Flour Milling, the industry leader, has been buying up smaller firms and is taking an axe to its cost base before import controls are dismantled.

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In cases where cultural patrimony is in jeopardy from pillage, Article 9 provides a possibility for more specific undertakings such as a call for import and export controls.

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The new restrictions range from higher tariffs to costly import licences and customs controls.

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Manufacturers also typically rely on the ability to import parts - something that may prove impossible for local companies so long as international capital controls stay in place and the banking system remains dysfunctional.

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Industry experts say there are signs that higher import taxes have encouraged smuggling, which hasn't been a problem since India lifted strict gold controls more than 20 years ago.

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