New Taxes on World Trade

世界貿易新稅收

Jun 4, 2026, 21:52
AustraliaFinance

Introduction

The US and China are putting new taxes on goods from other countries. This makes trade difficult in Asia and North America.

美國和中國正對來自其他國家的貨品徵收新稅，這使得亞洲和北美的貿易變得困難。

Main Body

The US wants to put taxes on 60 countries. They say this is to stop bad work conditions. New Zealand is worried. Their wine and lamb will cost more money.

美國希望對 60 個國家徵稅。他們表示這是為了阻止惡劣的工作環境。紐西蘭感到擔憂，因為他們的葡萄酒和羔羊肉將會變得更貴。

In Canada, metal taxes make heaters and air conditioners expensive. Prices went up by 20% to 30%. Now, regular people must pay more money for these things.

在加拿大，金屬稅使得暖氣機和冷氣機價格昂貴。價格上漲了 20% 到 30%。現在一般民眾必須花更多錢購買這些產品。

Australia and China have a mixed relationship. China now buys some animal products from Australia again. But China also has a limit on beef. If Australia sells too much beef, the tax will be very high.

澳洲與中國的關係較為複雜。中國目前重新購買部分澳洲的動物產品。但中國對牛肉設有上限。如果澳洲銷售過多牛肉，稅率將會非常高。

Conclusion

World trade is not stable. Countries use taxes to fight. This makes things expensive for people.

世界貿易並不穩定。各國利用稅收進行鬥爭，這使得商品對民眾而言變得昂貴。

Vocabulary Learning

💰 The 'Cost' Pattern

In this text, we see how to talk about money and prices. For an A2 learner, the most useful pattern here is how to describe things becoming more expensive.

1. Simple Phrases for Money

  • Cost more money → The price goes up.
  • Pay more money → You give more cash for the item.
  • Expensive → It costs a lot.

2. The 'Price Up' Logic Look at how the text connects a cause to a price change:

Taxes →\text{→} Higher Prices →\text{→} People pay more

3. Real-world Examples from the Text

  • Wine and lamb →\text{→} will cost more money.
  • Heaters →\text{→} are expensive.
  • Prices →\text{→} went up by 20%.

Quick Tip: Instead of saying "The price is increasing," just say "It costs more" or "It is expensive." This is the most natural way to speak at a beginner level.

Vocabulary Learning

taxes (n.)
fees that people must pay to the government
Example:The government announced new taxes on imported goods.
goods (n.)
things that can be bought or sold
Example:She bought fresh goods at the market.
trade (n.)
the exchange of goods or services
Example:International trade helps countries share products.
countries (n.)
a nation with its own government
Example:Many countries cooperate on environmental issues.
work (n.)
activity that involves effort to achieve a result
Example:He enjoys his work as a teacher.
conditions (n.)
the state of something
Example:The working conditions were improved.
wine (n.)
a drink made from fermented grapes
Example:They served a glass of wine at dinner.
lamb (n.)
young sheep used for meat
Example:The lamb was roasted to perfection.
cost (n.)
the amount of money needed to buy something
Example:The cost of the book was low.
money (n.)
currency used for buying goods
Example:She saved money for a vacation.
heaters (n.)
devices that produce heat
Example:The heaters were turned on during winter.
air conditioners (n.)
machines that cool air
Example:The office has air conditioners for comfort.
expensive (adj.)
costing a lot of money
Example:The dress was expensive.
prices (n.)
the amount of money for goods
Example:Prices rose after the tax increase.
regular (adj.)
ordinary or usual
Example:Regular people can find this affordable.
people (n.)
human beings
Example:People gather in the square.
relationship (n.)
connection between two things
Example:They maintain a good relationship.
buys (v.)
purchases
Example:She buys groceries every week.
products (n.)
items made for sale
Example:The store sells many products.
limit (v.)
to restrict
Example:The law limits the use of plastic.
beef (n.)
meat from cattle
Example:Beef is a popular dish.
sells (v.)
to trade goods
Example:The shop sells fresh produce.
high (adj.)
great in amount or degree
Example:The price is high.
world (n.)
the earth and its people
Example:The world is diverse.
stable (adj.)
steady and not changing
Example:The economy is stable.
fight (v.)
to struggle against
Example:They fight for justice.
Practice A2 words in a crossword→