英語学習

英語ニュース教材：US agrees deal to slash Swiss tariffs to 15% after golden charm offensive（Intermediate レベル）

 

Contents

🎧 Audio

📖 Script

The United States and Switzerland have recently reached a significant agreement that will impact both countries economically. This new deal involves reducing tariffs and increasing investments. Previously, the tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump were as high as 39%. Now, these tariffs will be reduced to 15%. This change aims to encourage trade between the two nations by making it cheaper and easier for businesses to exchange goods and services.

In return for reducing tariffs, Switzerland has committed to investing $200 billion in the United States. This substantial investment is expected to flow into various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Such investments are anticipated to create new jobs and boost economic growth in the U.S., fostering a stronger bilateral relationship.

The reduction in tariffs is a part of a broader strategy known as a “charm offensive.” This strategy involves diplomatic efforts to improve international relations and generate positive economic outcomes. By making trade more accessible and profitable, both countries hope to benefit from increased business activities and a more robust economic partnership.

This agreement is particularly relevant in today’s global economy, where countries are seeking to strengthen alliances and improve their economic standing. For Switzerland, investing in the U.S. represents an opportunity to gain a foothold in one of the world’s largest markets. For the U.S., attracting foreign investment is crucial for maintaining its competitive edge and fostering innovation.

Overall, this deal exemplifies how international cooperation and strategic economic decisions can lead to mutual benefits. Both countries are looking forward to the positive impacts this agreement will bring, including job creation, economic growth, and enhanced relations.

📝 Vocabulary

  • tariff: a tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports
    例文: “The government decided to reduce tariffs on imported goods.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • impose a tariff
    • reduce a tariff
    • trade tariff
    関税
  • invest: to put money into something to gain a profit
    例文: “She decided to invest in renewable energy projects.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • invest money
    • invest in stocks
    • invest for the future
    投資する
  • bilateral: involving two parties, typically countries
    例文: “The two countries signed a bilateral agreement.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • bilateral agreement
    • bilateral trade
    • bilateral relations
    二国間の
  • infrastructure: the basic physical systems of a business or nation
    例文: “Improving infrastructure can boost economic growth.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • infrastructure development
    • public infrastructure
    • infrastructure investment
    インフラ、基盤構造
  • charm offensive: a campaign of flattery, friendliness, and cajolement designed to achieve the support or agreement of others
    例文: “The country launched a charm offensive to improve international relations.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • launch a charm offensive
    • diplomatic charm offensive
    • political charm offensive
    魅力作戦

✏️ Grammar Point

Future Perfect Tense – “This substantial investment is expected to flow into various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy.”

文法の日本語補足を見る
未来のある時点までに完了していることを表す

💡 使用場面

未来のある時点までに完了していることを説明したいときに使います。ビジネスでは、プロジェクトの完了予定を話す際に使われます。

📝 使用例文

“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘We will have completed the project by the end of the year.’”

❓ Listening Questions

  1. True/False: The new agreement between the U.S. and Switzerland will increase tariffs to 39%.
  2. MCQ: What is the purpose of Switzerland’s $200 billion investment in the U.S.?
    a) To decrease tariffs further
    b) To boost the U.S. economy
    c) To influence U.S. politics
    d) To gain military support
  3. MCQ: Which sectors are likely to benefit from Switzerland’s investment in the U.S.?
    a) Healthcare, education, and tourism
    b) Technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy
    c) Agriculture, finance, and retail
    d) Entertainment, sports, and media
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
  1. False
  2. b) To boost the U.S. economy
  3. b) Technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy

📚 Reading Questions

  1. What are the new tariff rates between the U.S. and Switzerland?
  2. Why is the agreement referred to as a charm offensive?
  3. What does the word “bilateral” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
  1. 15%
  2. It involves diplomatic efforts to improve relations and economic outcomes.
  3. Involving two parties, typically countries

🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説

米国とスイスは、関税を39%から15%に引き下げ、スイスが米国に2000億ドルを投資するという新しい経済協定を結びました。この合意は、両国間の貿易を促進し、経済成長を期待しています。スイスの投資は、特に技術、インフラ、再生可能エネルギー分野に注がれる予定で、米国の雇用創出や経済発展に寄与する見込みです。国際的な経済関係が重要視される中、今回の合意は両国にとって戦略的な意味を持ちます。今後もこのような国際協力が進むことで、経済の安定と成長が期待されます。

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8zkrplpdyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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