英語ニュース教材：Yes, Trump’s tariffs are raising billions — but at a steep economic cost（Intermediate レベル）

🎧 Audio

📖 Script

The tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump have significantly raised money for the U.S. federal government, bringing in tens of billions of dollars. However, these tariffs are not without their downsides. They have caused an economic ripple effect that affects many people and industries. Consumers, for instance, are feeling the impact as the prices of goods imported from other countries have increased. This is because tariffs are essentially taxes on imports, and these costs are often passed on to consumers.

Moreover, businesses in the U.S. are expressing frustration. Many companies rely on materials and products from abroad to manufacture their goods. With the added tariffs, the cost of these materials has risen, making it more expensive for businesses to create their products. This is particularly challenging for smaller businesses that may not have the financial flexibility to absorb these additional costs.

Interestingly, the tariffs were initially intended to protect U.S. factories by making imported goods more expensive compared to those made domestically. The goal was to encourage consumers and companies to buy American-made products. However, this strategy has not worked as planned. Many factories are struggling because they also depend on imported materials to produce their goods. As a result, instead of benefiting, these factories are facing higher production costs, which can lead to reduced competitiveness in the market.

The overall economic impact of these tariffs is complex. While they generate significant revenue for the government, they also contribute to inflation, making everyday goods more expensive. This situation puts pressure on consumers and businesses alike. As the debate continues about the effectiveness of tariffs, it remains clear that their economic cost is a significant issue that needs addressing.

📝 Vocabulary

• tariff: a tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports
  例文: “The government imposed a new tariff on imported electronics.”
  Collocations／日本語の意味を見る

  • impose tariffs
  • reduce tariffs
  • tariff rates

  関税
• consumer: a person who purchases goods and services for personal use
  例文: “Consumers are looking for more affordable options due to rising prices.”
  Collocations／日本語の意味を見る

  • consumer demand
  • consumer goods
  • consumer rights

  消費者
• import: to bring goods or services into a country from abroad for sale
  例文: “The company decided to import raw materials from overseas.”
  Collocations／日本語の意味を見る

  • import goods
  • import tariffs
  • import market

  輸入する
• revenue: income, especially when of an organization and of a substantial nature
  例文: “The new policy is expected to increase the government’s revenue.”
  Collocations／日本語の意味を見る

  • revenue growth
  • revenue stream
  • generate revenue

  収入、収益
• inflation: a general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money
  例文: “Inflation has caused the cost of living to increase.”
  Collocations／日本語の意味を見る

  • inflation rate
  • high inflation
  • inflation pressure

  インフレーション

✏️ Grammar Point

Present Perfect Tense – “The tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump have significantly raised money for the U.S. federal government.”

文法の日本語補足を見る

この文法は、過去の出来事が現在に影響を与えていることを示す

💡 使用場面

（ビジネスの状況で、過去の出来事が現在の状況にどのように影響しているかを説明する際に使用する）

📝 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

1. True/False: The tariffs have only positive effects on the U.S. economy.
2. MCQ: What is one negative effect of tariffs on consumers?
   a) Lower prices
   b) Increased prices
   c) More job opportunities
   d) Better quality goods
3. MCQ: Why are some factories struggling despite the tariffs?
   a) They have too many workers
   b) They rely on imported materials
   c) They have excess revenue
   d) They are not taxed enough

🔑 Listening Answersを見る

1. False
2. b) Increased prices
3. b) They rely on imported materials

📚 Reading Questions

1. What are the two main effects of tariffs on the U.S. economy mentioned in the text?
2. Why do you think tariffs are intended to protect U.S. factories?
3. What does the word “inflation” mean in this context?

🔑 Reading Answersを見る

1. They raise money for the government and increase costs for consumers and businesses.
2. To make imported goods more expensive, encouraging buying American-made products.
3. A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.

🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説

トランプ元大統領が導入した関税は、米国政府に数十億ドルの収入をもたらしました。しかし、これらの関税は消費者やビジネスに影響を与え、価格の上昇を引き起こし、インフレーションを促進しています。特に、関税は工場を保護する目的で導入されましたが、逆に生産コストを上昇させ、多くの工場にとって競争力の低下を招いています。今後、関税政策の見直しが求められるでしょう。

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/11/05/nx-s1-5596488/tariffs-trump-economy-inflation