International trade primarily supports the development of international economic and trade relations between states and contributes to their economic growth. Free market relations are key prerequisites of well functioning international trade. The membership of the Slovak Republic in to the European Union has influenced changes in the rules of international trade in Slovakia. Slovak businesses expanding to international markets had to accommodate these changes. The system of international trade makes the introduction of measures restraining trade possible. This scientific article analyses economic measures applied by the European Union against a Slovak business entity producing steel components. The article also outlines the economic measures (state aid) applied to support export that is also reflected positively in the foreign trade balance. In granting state aid, the optimal balance between free market and honest trade is one of the decisive factor. Although the Slovak Republic is not among the big exporters, Slovak pro-export policies are implemented via a system of open and equitable competition.