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.

�‍� Want me to be your private tutor? https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/8e554316

� OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/join

� Get 15% off GROUND NEWS https://check.ground.news/AmericanEnglishBrent

�� �� ��‍� Want a Hair Transplant? Check out https://cabhealth.com/
Get 10% off a hair transplant Code Brent10145% Tariff China Says U.S. a Joke
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.