🎧 Audio
📖 Script
In recent news, countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Pakistan have begun to enjoy reduced tariff rates from the United States. This development is part of negotiations led by former President Donald Trump. These countries have shown a willingness to accept his interventions and peacekeeping efforts in their regions, leading to what many see as beneficial trade deals.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, and they can significantly affect the economy of a country. By reducing these tariffs, the U.S. makes it cheaper for these countries to export their goods to the American market. This can lead to increased trade, economic growth, and improved relations between the countries involved.
The pattern observed is that countries which have stopped fighting or have shown a commitment to peace are being rewarded with lower tariffs by the U.S. administration. This strategy seems to encourage stability and cooperation in regions that have historically faced conflict.
For example, Thailand and Cambodia have been working towards resolving long-standing issues, and their efforts have been recognized through these economic incentives. Pakistan, too, has been part of this trend, showing that diplomatic engagement can lead to tangible economic benefits.
These negotiations highlight the importance of international relations and the role that economic measures can play in promoting peace. By leveraging tariff reductions, the U.S. aims to create a more stable and cooperative international environment. This approach not only benefits the countries receiving the reduced tariffs but also helps the U.S. by fostering allies and stable regions which are less likely to harbor conflicts that could have global impacts.
The trend of using economic tools like tariffs to influence international behavior is a significant aspect of modern diplomacy. As countries continue to engage in global trade, understanding these dynamics becomes increasingly important for governments and businesses alike.
📝 Vocabulary
- tariff: a tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports
例文: “The government decided to increase the tariff on imported vehicles.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- reduce tariffs
- impose tariffs
- tariff barriers
関税 - negotiation: discussion aimed at reaching an agreement
例文: “The negotiation between the two companies lasted several weeks.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- enter negotiations
- negotiation skills
- successful negotiation
交渉 - intervention: involvement in a situation to alter the outcome
例文: “The UN’s intervention helped to maintain peace in the region.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- military intervention
- government intervention
- intervene directly
介入 - stability: the state of being stable; not likely to change
例文: “Economic stability is crucial for the country’s growth.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- political stability
- financial stability
- ensure stability
安定 - diplomacy: the profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations
例文: “Diplomacy is important in maintaining peaceful international relations.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- international diplomacy
- diplomatic relations
- skillful diplomacy
外交
✏️ Grammar Point
Present Perfect Tense – “Countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Pakistan have begun to enjoy reduced tariff rates from the United States.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
現在完了形は、過去から現在に至るまでの経験や変化を述べるときに使われます。
📝 使用例文
“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘We have seen a significant increase in sales since the new product was launched.’”
❓ Listening Questions
- True/False: The U.S. is increasing tariffs for countries that stop fighting.
- MCQ: Which countries are mentioned as receiving reduced tariff rates?
a) Thailand, Cambodia, and Pakistan
b) Japan, China, and India
c) Brazil, Argentina, and Peru
d) Germany, France, and Italy - MCQ: What is the purpose of reducing tariffs according to the script?
a) To punish countries
b) To promote peace and cooperation
c) To increase U.S. imports
d) To decrease global trade
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- False
- a) Thailand, Cambodia, and Pakistan
- b) To promote peace and cooperation
📚 Reading Questions
- What countries are receiving reduced tariff rates from the U.S.?
- Why do you think the U.S. is reducing tariffs for these countries?
- What is the meaning of “intervention” in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- Thailand, Cambodia, and Pakistan
- The U.S. is reducing tariffs to encourage peace and cooperation.
- Involvement in a situation to alter the outcome
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
最近のニュースでは、タイ、カンボジア、パキスタンなどの国々がアメリカから関税率の引き下げを受けています。これは、ドナルド・トランプ元大統領が主導した交渉の一環です。これらの国々は、地域の平和維持に向けた彼の介入を受け入れる意欲を示し、その結果として有利な貿易取引を享受しています。関税の引き下げは、これらの国々がアメリカ市場に輸出する際のコストを削減し、貿易の促進や経済成長、さらに関係国間の関係改善に繋がります。国際関係における経済的手段の使用は、現代の外交における重要な要素となっています。
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-08/trump-leveraging-peacekeeping-tariff-deals-asia/105618294
