🎧 Audio
📖 Script
Canada has made a significant decision that could affect its economy. The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has agreed to reduce the 100% tariff on electric vehicles (EVs) from China. In exchange, China will lower the tariffs on agricultural products from Canada. This move sets Canada apart from the United States, which has maintained its tariffs on Chinese EVs.
This agreement comes at a time when electric vehicles are becoming more popular worldwide. Canada aims to increase the availability of these vehicles for its citizens. By reducing the tariffs, the Canadian government hopes to make Chinese EVs more affordable for Canadian consumers. This could encourage more people to switch from traditional gasoline-powered cars to electric ones, which are more environmentally friendly.
On the other hand, Canadian farmers are likely to benefit from this deal as well. With China lowering tariffs on Canadian farm products, Canadian agricultural exports could potentially increase. This is especially important for Canada, as agriculture is a significant part of its economy. The reduction in tariffs could make Canadian products more competitive in the Chinese market, leading to increased sales and profits for Canadian farmers.
However, this agreement also brings some challenges. The decision to lower tariffs on Chinese EVs may face criticism from those concerned about protecting domestic car manufacturers. Some people worry that cheaper Chinese cars could hurt local businesses. Despite these concerns, the government believes that the long-term benefits of this agreement outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Overall, this trade agreement between Canada and China is a strategic move that highlights the importance of international trade partnerships. It shows Canada’s willingness to engage with global markets to benefit its economy and citizens.
📝 Vocabulary
- tariff: a tax on imports or exports
例文: “The government decided to impose a tariff on imported steel.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- impose a tariff
- reduce a tariff
- tariff barriers
関税 - electric vehicle (EV): a car powered by electricity instead of gasoline
例文: “Electric vehicles are becoming more popular as concerns about the environment grow.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- electric vehicle market
- electric vehicle sales
- electric vehicle charging
電気自動車 - agriculture: the practice of farming, including growing crops and raising animals
例文: “Agriculture is an important part of the country’s economy.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- agriculture sector
- sustainable agriculture
- agriculture policy
農業 - competitive: able to compete successfully with others
例文: “The company needs to be more competitive to survive in the market.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- competitive advantage
- competitive market
- highly competitive
競争力のある - export: the act of sending goods to another country for sale
例文: “The country exports a large amount of its agricultural products.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- export goods
- increase exports
- export market
輸出
✏️ Grammar Point
Comparative Structure – “This could encourage more people to switch from traditional gasoline-powered cars to electric ones, which are more environmentally friendly.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
比較級は、商品やサービスを比較する際に役立ちます。特にビジネスの場面では、製品の優位性を示すためによく使われます。
📝 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: Canada has agreed to cut tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles while maintaining tariffs on Canadian farm products.
- What is one reason Canada decided to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles?
a) To support local car manufacturers
b) To increase the popularity of gasoline cars
c) To make electric vehicles more affordable
d) To increase tariffs on farm products - What could be a potential benefit for Canadian farmers from this agreement?
a) Reduced competition from local car manufacturers
b) Increased competitiveness in the Chinese market
c) Higher tariffs on Chinese goods
d) Less demand for agricultural exports
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- False
- c) To make electric vehicles more affordable
- b) Increased competitiveness in the Chinese market
📚 Reading Questions
- What agreement did Canada and China make regarding tariffs?
- Why might some people criticize Canada’s decision to reduce tariffs on Chinese EVs?
- What is the meaning of the word “competitive” in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- Canada agreed to reduce tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products.
- Some people might criticize the decision because it could hurt local car manufacturers.
- Competitive means “able to compete successfully with others.”
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
カナダは中国との貿易協定を通じて、電気自動車（EV）の関税を引き下げることを決定しました。これにより、中国からのEVがカナダ市場により安価で供給されることとなります。一方、中国はカナダ産農産物への関税を引き下げ、カナダの農業輸出が増加する可能性があります。これはカナダの農業セクターにとって重要な進展です。カナダ国内では、自動車製造業への影響を懸念する声もあるものの、政府は長期的な経済的利益を重視しています。この協定は、国際貿易におけるカナダの戦略的な動きを示しており、今後の両国間の経済関係に影響を与えると考えられます。
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/01/16/nx-s1-5679469/canada-cut-tariff-chinese-evs-canadian-farm-products
