21.   The new regulation reflects a hardened determination to crack down on the illegal auto imports, which have posed an increasingly ticklish political problem.

22.   U.S. and South Korean trade officials began two days of talks here today that will focus on U.S. concerns over Korean auto import policies.

23.   U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor said there are also plans to impose sanctions on Japanese auto imports.

24.   World Trade Organization Director General Renato Ruggiero said the U.S. assured the global trade body it will stand by a ruling on the dispute with Japan over auto imports.

25.   A conflict between Brazil and Argentina erupted last week when Brazil announced it would limit auto imports in an attempt to stem a burgeoning trade deficit.

26.   All auto import permits already issued will be honored, Werneck said.

27.   And he pointedly noted that Japan also had once restricted foreign auto imports in order to build up its domestic industry.

28.   Brazil and Indonesia both recently announced tariffs on auto imports, inspiring protests from Japan and other nations.

29.   Brazil on Wednesday enacted a new law easing its tariff and quota system for auto imports in response to complaints by Japan and the European Union.

30.   Brazil plans to limit auto imports through the end of the year to help curb its growing trade deficit.