🎧 Audio
📖 Script
China has achieved a significant economic milestone by reaching a trade surplus of $1 trillion for the first time. This means that China is selling more goods and services to other countries than it is buying from them. Despite a noticeable decrease in exports to the United States due to tariffs imposed by President Trump, China has successfully found new markets worldwide. These tariffs are additional taxes on goods imported into the U.S., intended to make Chinese products more expensive and less attractive to American buyers.
The reduction in exports to the U.S. could have been a setback, but China has adapted by diversifying its trade partners. This strategy has allowed China to maintain and even grow its trade surplus. Countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa have increased their purchases of Chinese products, which include electronics, clothing, and machinery. As a result, China’s economy continues to thrive despite challenges from one of its largest trading partners.
China’s ability to find new customers highlights its strong manufacturing sector and its capacity to produce goods that are in high demand globally. It also reflects the country’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with other regions. By expanding its trade network, China reduces its dependency on any single country, which can be beneficial in navigating global economic uncertainties.
This economic achievement is not just about numbers; it reflects a shift in global trade dynamics. As China continues to grow its influence, other countries may need to reconsider their trade policies and relationships. For consumers, this might mean access to a wider variety of products at competitive prices. However, it could also lead to increased competition for local businesses in other countries.
In summary, China’s $1 trillion trade surplus marks a significant point in its economic journey. It demonstrates the country’s resilience and adaptability in the face of international trade challenges. As global trade continues to evolve, China’s role is likely to remain prominent, influencing economic strategies worldwide.
📝 Vocabulary
- surplus: the amount by which something, especially money or goods, is more than needed
例文: “The company reported a surplus in its annual budget.”
Collocations/日本語の意味を見る
- budget surplus
- trade surplus
- surplus goods
余剰 - tariff: a tax imposed by a government on imports or exports
例文: “The tariff made imported goods more expensive.”
Collocations/日本語の意味を見る
- impose tariffs
- tariff barriers
- high tariffs
関税 - export: to send goods to another country for sale
例文: “The company exports cars to many European countries.”
Collocations/日本語の意味を見る
- export market
- export goods
- export license
輸出 - diversify: to increase the variety of products or services
例文: “The company plans to diversify its product range.”
Collocations/日本語の意味を見る
- diversify investments
- diversify portfolio
- diversify products
多様化する - strategy: a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim
例文: “The company’s strategy focuses on innovation and quality.”
Collocations/日本語の意味を見る
- business strategy
- strategic planning
- marketing strategy
戦略
✏️ Grammar Point
Present Perfect Tense – “China has achieved a significant economic milestone by reaching a trade surplus of $1 trillion for the first time.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
過去から現在までの出来事を表現したいときに使用。ビジネスシーンでは、達成した目標について話す際に用いることができます。
📝 使用例文
“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘If we cut costs now, we can increase our profit margin next quarter.’”
❓ Listening Questions
- True/False: China has reduced its trade surplus due to tariffs imposed by the U.S.
- MCQ: Which sector has helped China maintain its trade surplus?
a) Agriculture
b) Manufacturing
c) Tourism
d) Technology - MCQ: What has China done in response to decreased exports to the U.S.?
a) Reduced production
b) Increased imports
c) Diversified its trade partners
d) Lowered prices
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- False
- b) Manufacturing
- c) Diversified its trade partners
📚 Reading Questions
- What has allowed China to maintain its trade surplus despite decreased exports to the U.S.?
- Why might other countries need to reconsider their trade policies according to the script?
- What is the meaning of “diversifying” in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- By diversifying its trade partners and finding new markets.
- Because China’s growing influence could change global trade dynamics.
- Increasing the variety of products or services.
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
中国は初めて1兆ドルの貿易黒字を達成しました。これは、他国への輸出が輸入を上回ったことを意味します。アメリカへの輸出はトランプ大統領による関税で減少しましたが、中国は他の市場を開拓することでこの逆風を乗り越えました。アジア、ヨーロッパ、アフリカの国々が中国製品の購入を増やしており、中国経済は堅調に推移しています。国内外の経済状況が変化する中、中国のこうした動きは、他国の貿易政策にも影響を与える可能性があります。今後も中国の経済的影響力は続き、国際貿易の動向に大きな影響を与えるでしょう。
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/12/08/nx-s1-5637270/china-trade-surplus-tariffs
