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 Joke1. 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.