🎧 Audio
📖 Script
The United States has announced new tariffs on 407 products, specifically focusing on steel and aluminum. These tariffs, which are additional taxes on imports, will take effect immediately. The main goal of these tariffs is to protect American industries from foreign competition. By making imported goods more expensive, the U.S. government hopes that American companies will have a better chance to sell their products.
The decision to implement these tariffs has sparked various reactions. Some industry leaders support the move, believing it will boost local production and create jobs. They argue that cheaper foreign products have hurt American businesses and workers. By raising the cost of imported goods, local manufacturers may become more competitive.
However, there are also concerns about potential negative consequences. Critics argue that these tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers. When the cost of imported materials like steel and aluminum increases, companies may pass these costs onto customers. This could result in more expensive products, from cars to household appliances. Furthermore, other countries might retaliate by imposing their own tariffs on American goods, leading to a trade war.
The international response to these new tariffs is also important. Other countries may view these tariffs as a protectionist move, potentially straining trade relations. For example, countries that export a lot of steel and aluminum to the U.S. may feel targeted and could take action to protect their interests.
Overall, while the intention of these tariffs is to support American businesses, the outcome remains uncertain. The move could benefit some sectors while negatively impacting others. The global market will be watching closely to see how these changes affect international trade dynamics.
📝 Vocabulary
- tariff: a tax on imports or exports
例文: “The government imposed a tariff on imported goods to protect local industries.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- import tariff
- export tariff
- tariff rate
関税 - industry: a group of businesses that produce similar products or services
例文: “The automotive industry is crucial to the country’s economy.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- manufacturing industry
- technology industry
- service industry
産業 - import: to bring goods into a country 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 costs
- import license
輸入 - competition: the activity or condition of striving to gain or win something by defeating others
例文: “Competition in the tech market is fierce.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- intense competition
- face competition
- market competition
競争 - retaliate: to make an attack or assault in return for a similar attack
例文: “The country decided to retaliate by imposing its own tariffs.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- retaliate against
- retaliate with
- retaliate by
報復する
✏️ Grammar Point
Future Tense with “will” – “These tariffs will take effect immediately.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
未来の出来事や予定について話すときに使います。ビジネスや日常会話で使われることが多いです。
📝 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: The new tariffs will affect 407 products, focusing on steel and aluminum.
- MCQ: What is the main goal of these new tariffs?
a) To lower the prices of foreign goods
b) To protect American industries
c) To increase imports from other countries
d) To improve international relations - MCQ: What is a potential negative effect of the tariffs?
a) Decreased production of local goods
b) Increase in jobs in foreign countries
c) Higher prices for consumers
d) More imports from other countries
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- True
- b) To protect American industries
- c) Higher prices for consumers
📚 Reading Questions
- What is the primary focus of the new U.S. tariffs?
- Why might other countries retaliate against these tariffs?
- What does the word “retaliate” mean in the context of the passage?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- Steel and aluminum
- Because they might feel targeted and want to protect their own interests.
- To make an attack or assault in return for a similar attack.
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
アメリカは、新たに407の製品に対する関税を発表しました。これは、主に鉄鋼とアルミニウムに焦点を当てています。この関税の目的は、アメリカの産業を外国の競争から守ることです。関税がかかることで輸入品が高くなり、アメリカの企業が自国製品を売るチャンスが増えると考えられています。しかし、消費者価格の上昇や貿易戦争の懸念もあります。特に、鉄鋼やアルミニウムを多く輸出している国々は、これを保護主義的な動きと見なし、対抗措置を取る可能性があります。結果として、国際貿易関係に影響を与える可能性があります。
