The U.S. has imposed economic sanctions against Syria, effective May 12, 2004. Most exports are affected by the sanctions, however the U.S. will allow certain items such as medicines and some software and technology to be exported to Syria.

President Bush has also called on U.S. banks to sever ties with the Commercial Bank of Syria and halted any new U.S. energy investments there.

The sanctions were imposed for Damascus' suspected involvement in developing weapons of mass dectruction and supporting terrorism.

Syria exports about $300 million worth of goods to the U.S. out of total exports of $7.5 billion. About 67 percent of the country's exports are sent to Europe. For its part, the EU has said it will not impose sanctions against Syria.