The U.S. government is expected to exert an unprecedented level of pressure on North Korea following the regime's fifth nuclear test on Friday.

The United States is said to be sufficiently ready in legal terms to impose additional sanctions on Pyongyang at any time through the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act and various other administrative orders. 

Washington is, therefore, is anticipated to watch developments as they unfold and consider strengthening sanctions in phases. The U.S. is expected to urge UN members to faithfully implement UN Security Council resolutions sanctioning the North including 2270 which was adopted in March after the regime's fourth nuclear test.

The U.S. is also known to be seeking expanded sanctions based on the "trigger" clause which allows the Security Council to automatically take "further significant measures" when the North conducts more nuclear tests.

The U.S. could also expand its trade ban on North Korean coal to include civilian purposes or slap a total embargo on all North Korean minerals. It's also likely the U.S. will pressure China to ban oil exports to North Korea. 

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