去年起關稅戰火燒向全球,業績急衰的汽車業堪稱頭號受害者,期盼2月1日正式生效(enter into force)的歐日貿易協定帶來生機:汽車關稅將在8年內從10%降至0%。甚至有美國智庫大膽預測台、美也可能跟進簽訂策略性協議。

【歐日貿易協定淺談】

■ to enter into force 生效

A:Have you heard that EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement just entered into force on February 1st?

(你知道歐盟和日本簽訂的經濟夥伴協議2月1日就生效?)

B:This is an important milestone for these two zones, which cover one-third of the world's GDP.

(這可是重要里程碑,畢竟雙方貿易量占全球GDP高達1/3呢。)

■ to slap 原意呼巴掌,延伸懲罰

A:This trade pact is definitely in stark contrast with Brexit and U.S. protectionism.

(這項協定和英國脫歐、美國保護主義形成強烈對比。)

B: The U.S. has threatened to slap 25% tariffs on imported cars from the EU and other countries.

(美國威脅將對進口車祭出25%關稅。)

■ to abolish 廢除

A:Conversely, EU-Japan EPA will abolish customs duties on cars and other goods.

(反之,歐日協定卻將免除汽車和某些商品關稅。)

B:Indeed, it also paves the way for future free trade agreements.

(的確,它也幫未來的自由貿易協定鋪路。)

【延伸關鍵字】

1. to impose:課徵

2. to shield:保護;屏障

3. to ratify:通過(法案)

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