As an example, agricultural negotiations often reflect cultural as well as economic intricacies. Exporting U.S. rice to Japan and Korea, for example, is difficult because these countries have internal subsidies that protect their local industries thus making imports very expensive, if admissible at all. On   multilateral  issues, diplomats need to understand how their counterparts think and express their unique and differing beliefs, needs, fears, and intentions. 

To be successful, diplomats must listen carefully to what their counterparts say and find points of agreement which may overcome those of disagreement. And they need to enter discussions with a clear goal and strategy of what can be exchanged to reach agreement. In negotiating, diplomats often use rewards—such as the promise of new trade, an arms sale, or shipments of food—to encourage an agreement. When diplomatic interests collide and a deadlock ensues, negotiators might threaten  sanctions—such as restricting trade or travel, halting financial assistance, or an  embargo—to persuade the other parties to accept an agreement.