The US has warned countries that are major exporters of telecommunications equipment that trade sanctions will be implemented if balancing imports of telephone equipment from the US are not stepped up. Countries have been told that if they fail to implement trade agreements that deregulate trade in telecommunications, retaliation would be likely within a year, although legislation allows for a two year delay period, should it appear talks are close to success. A report has been submitted to Congress that identifies South Korea and European Comunity nations as having prority status; and the New York Times reports that France, West Germany, Japan, Canada and South Korea on notice that they could be the first to face sanctions.