Trump's New 145% Tariffs on China and the U.S. English with the News

Learn English with Real News! In this lesson, we talk about rising tariffs between the United States and China—up to 145%! You’ll learn 21 important words, idioms, and phrasal verbs like “feeling the squeeze,” “hitting back,” and “virtually.” This lesson is perfect for intermediate English learners (A2–B1) and includes a reading passage and simple example s.
Improve your vocabulary and understand world events at the same time!
Perfect for students, English learners, and teachers.

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1.
Surcharge
: Extra money added to a price.
: The U.S. may add a surcharge to Chinese goods, making them more expensive.
2.
Standoffs
: A situation where two sides don’t agree and don’t move.
: There have been standoffs between the U.S. and China over trade for years.
3.
Global Superpowers
: Countries with a lot of power in the world, like the U.S. and China.
: When global superpowers fight, it can hurt the whole world economy.
4.
Backing down
: To stop fighting or arguing.
: China does not seem to be backing down in the trade talks.
5.
Hitting back / Fighting back
: To respond strongly to an attack or criticism.
: The U.S. is hitting back by raising tariffs on Chinese products.
6.
Steep


: Very high or sharp.
: The steep increase in tariffs could hurt businesses.
7.
Steep


: To let something soak in hot water.
: While watching the news, she steeped her tea and listened closely.
8.
Heating up
: Getting more intense or serious.
: The trade war between China and the U.S. is heating up.
9.
Staggering


: Very surprising or shocking.
: The U.S. may raise tariffs to a staggering 145%.
10.
Staggering


: Walking unsteadily like you’re going to fall.
: After hearing the bad news, the man was staggering down the street in shock.
11.
Optimistic
: Feeling hopeful that things will be good.
: Some leaders are still optimistic that the countries can make a deal.
12.
End up working out
: To finish in a good way.
: Even with problems now, the trade deal might end up working out.
13.
Defiant
: Refusing to listen or change.
: China stayed defiant, saying it would protect its economy.
14.
Isolate
: To keep something or someone separate.
: High tariffs may isolate China from global trade.

15.
Piling on
: Adding more and more pressure or criticism.
: The U.S. is piling on new tariffs to push China to make changes.
16.
Goods
: Products that people buy or sell.
: Tariffs are added to goods like phones, clothes, and cars.
17.
Estimates
: A guess based on information.
: Estimates say the tariffs could raise prices by 20% or more.
18.
Increase
: To go up.
: The cost of goods may increase if tariffs rise.
19.
Feeling the squeeze
: Having financial problems or pressure.
: Small businesses are feeling the squeeze from higher prices.
20.
Virtually
: Almost or nearly.
: Virtually all Chinese products might be taxed under the new plan.
Bonus:
21. Panda
: A black and white bear from China, often used as a symbol of China.
: Some headlines joked, “Don’t make the panda angry!” when China responded to tariffs.

Would you like a printable worksheet or reading passage that includes these words in context? I can also turn this into a slideshow or quiz for class or YouTube.
Absolutely! Here’s the 21st word added to the list:

22.
Maximum
: The highest possible amount.
: The U.S. may raise tariffs to the maximum level of 145% on some Chinese goods.