In the meantime, he said, "Hopefully, no other country will resort to protectionist actions."

The Senate trade bill, with the wallop of more than 60 co-sponsors, points to protectionist action this year.

Indeed, protectionist actions have already been taken on such products as steel, autos, textiles and microchips.

If the Japanese trade excess continues, new protectionist actions are likely.

Among other factors, this is due to protectionist actions by the developed countries that should be natural markets for the industry's output.

In addition, the gigantic reserves held by American trading partners are producing demands for protectionist action in Congress.

But sometimes, Canada's protectionist actions have brought it into conflict with the United States.

Canada's principal demand - and the hardest for the United States to meet - was the shield against future American protectionist actions.

Now Japan fears that the statistics could rekindle protectionist actions.

Now, many worry that the government will be loath to take protectionist action against countries it wants as allies in the fight against terrorism.