what does 'embargo city states' actually do?

[Sherlock]

It says you 'can't trade with them'. Well you don't 'trade' with them.

Does this mean they don't give you resources when you are their ally?

 

[Chum]

It says you 'can't trade with them'. Well you don't 'trade' with them.

Does this mean they don't give you resources when you are their ally?

It means trade routes.

 

[joncnunn]

It just cancels everyone's trade routes with them.

It's primary purpose is to deny a Freedom induced diplomatic victory.

Another good that's its used for is to eliminate Germany's extra hammers.

And you can also cripple an AI's economy if it's already been embargoed by embargoing the city states.

 

[Chum]

And you can also cripple an AI's economy if it's already been embargoed by embargoing the city states.

Which would be important if it meant anything. But since most Civs run such ridiculously huge deficits already, it kinda doesn't matter.