Tag: business and business english

China New Rules on EU Brandy

B1 – Intermediate 

China is going to take some temporary anti-dumping actions on importing EU brandy. This comes as a result of EU voting to put tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) from China. This new measure will definitely impact famous French brands of brandy such as Hennessy and Remy Martin.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about China’s new rules on EU brandy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-has-new-rules-on-eu-brandy-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “anti-dumping” mean? “China has introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU, especially affecting famous French brands like Hennessy and Remy Martin.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “measure” mean here, “China has introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU, especially affecting famous French brands like Hennessy and Remy Martin.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “trade tension” mean? “These actions are seen as part of growing trade tensions between China and the EU, particularly targeting France, which has supported the new EV tariffs.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal opinion about this move by China?
  2. Do you think this will have a big effect on EU brandy industry? Share your insight.
  3. What is your opinion on EU voting to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs? What impact do you think this will have on the growing China and the EU’s trade tensions? 
  4. Share your opinion about EU-China trade tensions.
  5. Give another example of anti-dumping that you know of.

Musk Firms X and xAI Sue Apple and OpenAI Over AI Competition

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Elon Musk’s firms X and xAI has filed a lawsuit claiming that the Apple-OpenAI deal has no valid business reason to be exclusive.

According to the filing, this exclusive arrangement blocks threats from potential competitors, which allegedly violates competition laws.

Read the article about X and xAI filing a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI over AI competition.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly6xjg9nnyo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to join forces” mean? “Two Elon Musk-backed businesses have officially sued Apple and OpenAI, accusing them of joining forces illegally to block threats from potential competitors.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to make good on something” mean?  “The filing makes good on a threat Musk had lobbed against the two tech giants earlier this month, when he alleged that Apple favoured OpenAI in its app store rankings.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is the meaning of “to foreclose competition”. “The Apple-OpenAI arrangement has foreclosed competition among generative AI chatbots, deprived competing generative AI chatbots of scale, and reduced quality and innovation.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this lawsuit? 
  2. What are your thoughts on Apple and OpenAI’s exclusive deal? Do you think it is a form of monopoly? Explain.
  3. Share your thoughts on OpenAI’s statement regarding the lawsuit, “The filing was consistent with Mr Musk’s ongoing pattern of harassment.”
  4. Talk in details about another anti-monopoly lawsuit you know of.
  5. Share your thoughts on Apple’s talks with Google over using Gemini chatbot to help power Siri, Apple’s voice assistant.

Chinese Baby Companies Have Problems

B1 – Intermediate 

From 1980 to 2015, China used to have the one-child policy. Even when they allowed couples to have up to three children in 2021, many couples still decide to delay having children, have less kids, or even not have children at all.

As a direct result, the population is declining. At present, some Chinese companies that produce children’s products have to continue thinking of ways to diversify their product lines as the birth rate in their country continue to go down which only means a smaller and smaller market for their products.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about companies that produce children’s products having problems due to declining birth rates in China.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/chinese-baby-companies-have-problems-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “margin” mean here, “Market analyst Shaun Rein warns that companies in the baby industry will face declining margins, bad revenues, and falling stock prices.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “margin”.
  2. What does “stock” mean here, “Market analyst Shaun Rein warns that companies in the baby industry will face declining margins, bad revenues, and falling stock prices.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “stock”.
  3. What does “reluctant” mean? “While the limit has been raised to three children in 2021, couples are still reluctant to have babies.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion about children products companies’ problems in China?
  2. What solutions do you think companies can come up with to deal with this problem?
  3. How has your company diversified its products/services over the years?

Matcha in Short Supply

B1 – Intermediate 

As matcha became a popular favorite all around the world, the demand for the tea has also increased a lot in the recent years.

However, due to high temperatures, there have been lower harvests of the matcha tea in Japan where most of it is grown and the global matcha supply comes from.

And because of this, the price of matcha also had to be increased.

Read the article about the problem with short supply of matcha and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250728-matcha-shortage-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “niche product” mean? “Matcha was once a niche product.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “out of stock” mean?  “The tea store Tealife said demand increased ten-fold. It is always out of stock.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “pluck” mean? “Last year’s summer was so scorching that it damaged the bushes, so we couldn’t pluck as many leaves.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is matcha popular in your country? Why do you think that is?
  2. Do you like matcha? Why or why not? 
  3. How can the short supply of matcha affect the businesses that use this tea?
  4. What are the impacts of rising temperature on agriculture in your country?
  5. How does the “Matcha mania” affect Japan’s traditional tea ceremonies? 

Airline Pays Staff Bonus for Spotting Oversized Bags

B1 – Intermediate 

In an attempt to solve the problem with passengers’ oversized carry-on suitcases, the Irish budget airline Ryanair plans to give its staff a bonus they call “gate bag bonus”. Essentially, it is an incentive that the airline employees receive for intercepting bags that are bigger than what is stipulated in the airline’s bag policies.

Read the article about Ryanair’s “gate bag bonus” for its staff and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250724-oversized-luggage-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “budget airline”? “The budget airline Ryanair has a plan for the problem of oversized luggage.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “spot” mean here, “The airline will increase the bonus it pays to staff for spotting bags that are too big. Staff currently get a “gate bag bonus” of $1.75 a passenger.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “cap” mean here, “This is capped at about $95 a month. Ryanair’s CEO wants to remove this cap.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the “gate bag bonus” from a business standpoint? 
  2. How about as a passenger?
  3. Why do you think airlines like Ryanair want the problem of oversized luggage to disappear?
  4. “Passengers must pay a fee of up to $88 for oversized bags.” Is this reasonable? Share your opinion.
  5. Have you ever had problems with excess baggage or problems with your suitcases before or after a flight? Talk about your experience.
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “Ryanair’s CEO said stricter rules were necessary, even though most people follow the rules.” 

Big Beautiful Bill

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How much do American CEOs make compared to their employees in a year? The reasonable answer would be twenty times, fifty times, or maybe even a hundred times. In truth, these big CEOs can make a thousand times what their employees earn in a year. And worse, this gap will only widen with the advent of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the floor” mean in this context, “All these companies are super profitable. Wouldn’t it make sense for them to just have enough staff scheduled on the floor?” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What is a “corporate raider”? “Danny Lovito plays a corporate raider who is trying to convince the shareholders of a small New England cable company to sell him their shares so that they can cash out when he liquidates the company.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to turn the bull loose” mean? “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why does the Big Beautiful Bill reduce the taxes of powerful companies?
  2. What is your opinion on the “Big Beautiful Bill”? Do you think it will worsen or improve the gap between the rich and the working classes?
  3. Do you think that the current systems that allow companies to earn big profits should be reformed? If so, why?
  4. If you were given the opportunity, how would you try to fix the money gap between the working and the CEOs of these big companies?

Nvidia First to Reach Four Trillion in Market Value

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nvidia just made history, it’s now the first company ever worth $4 trillion. Known for making super-powerful computer chips, Nvidia is a big reason why artificial intelligence (AI) is growing so fast. Its technology powers tools like chatbots, smart cars, and massive data centers.

Let’s read the article to learn more about how Nvidia rose from a gaming chipmaker to the world’s most valuable company.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/09/nvidia-first-company-4-trillion

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “volley” mean here, “Nvidia has rebounded about 74% from its April lows, when global markets were jolted by Donald Trump’s tariff volley.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the word “unabated“. “Nvidia achieved a $1tn market value for the first time back in June 2023 and the surge continued unabated with its market value – the total value of its shares – more than tripling in about a year, faster than Apple and Microsoft, the only other US firms with a market value of more than $3tn.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does the term “poster child” mean? ““The poster children for the AI revolution are led by Nvidia and Microsoft as both are foundational pieces of building on the biggest tech trend we have seen in our 25 years covering tech stocks on the Street.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you make of Nvidia becoming one of the most valuable companies in history?
  2. Where is Nvidia’s stratospheric rise attributed to?
  3. If you had some spare money lying around, which tech giants would you invest in? Why?
  4. How has AI reshaped the landscape of companies in your field?
  5. Which businesses are scaling quickly within your country’s market?

Pop Mart Turned Collectible Dolls into an Empire

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Pop Mart, a Chinese collectibles company, has surged in popularity by turning mystery into a business model. Its blind box toys—where buyers don’t know what figure they’ll get—drive most of its revenue and have sparked a global craze. Exclusive collaborations with artists like Kasing Lung (creator of Labubu) have helped the brand expand rapidly, with overseas sales tripling in 2024 and plans to nearly double its U.S. store count by 2025.

The model’s surprise-and-collect appeal draws comparisons to gambling, prompting new regulations in Asia. In response, Pop Mart is diversifying into plush toys, accessories, and digital content to sustain growth.

Watch the video to learn how Pop Mart blends art, scarcity, and retail strategy to build a booming global collectibles empire.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “splurge” mean? “When you decide to splurge on a Pop Mart blind box, which could cost around 20 to $30, you don’t go in totally blind.” Give two (2) synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “lean into” mean? “Pop Mart didn’t invent blind box packaging. But it is successfully leaning into what customers like about it.” Give a similar expression and use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to double one’s footprint” mean? “The company plans to open more than 20 stores in the US by the end of 2025, nearly doubling its footprint in the country.” Give a similar expression and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever bought something just for the surprise or emotional thrill, like a blind box or loot crate? What drew you to it?
  2. Why do you think people are so willing to spend money on collectibles they don’t necessarily need?
  3. Do you think the appeal of mystery in products like blind boxes enhances the experience—or encourages impulsive spending?
  4. How do you feel about the comparison between blind box shopping and gambling? Where would you draw the ethical line?
  5. Do you think this kind of trend-driven consumerism can last, or will people eventually lose interest as the novelty fades?
  6. How would you personally balance collecting for fun versus spending wisely in today’s economic climate?

The Battle to Own 7-Eleven in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate

7‑Eleven in Japan is different from a typical convenience store. It serves fresh, high-quality meals like bento boxes, fruit smoothies, and onigiris. It also offers services like package delivery and banking, thanks to an advanced supply chain system. Other countries haven’t managed to copy this model, which is why 7‑Eleven remains especially popular in Japan.

To learn more about what makes 7‑Eleven in Japan unique, and why a big takeover bid from Circle K’s parent company matters, watch the full video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to struggle to replicate” mean? “Unlike in the US … 7‑Eleven perfected its model in Japan, it struggled to replicate it overseas.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to make a bid to do something” mean? “Circle K operator Couche‑Tard making a bid to take over rival and 7‑Eleven owner Seven & I (Holdings).” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “revamp” mean? “In the US, 7-11 has been revamping their stores, introducing new products, improving the food quality, as well as improving the supply chain.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes 7‑Eleven in Japan different from convenience stores in your country?
  2. Why do you think 7‑Eleven’s model worked so well in Japan?
  3. How does a good supply chain help stores offer fresh food every day?
  4. What do you think will happen if Couche-Tard successfully buys 7‑Eleven’s parent company Seven & I?
  5. Would you return to a store if it offered fresh meals and services like package delivery? Why or why not?

Disney Cuts Hundreds of Jobs

B1 – Intermediate 

Disney is a company that is very famous all over the world. Aside from the theme parks in different countries, they also own other companies including Pixar, Marvel Studios, ESPN, National Geographic, and ABC News. 

The Walt Disney Company needs to fire hundreds of their employees worldwide. Disney’s is cutting jobs in order to reduce their costs by $7.5 billion annually.

They have already laid off more than 8,000 workers since 2023.

Read the article about Disney’s job cuts.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2506/250605-disney-job-cuts.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to cut jobs” mean? “The Walt Disney Company is cutting hundreds of jobs.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does “at a rapid pace” mean? “As our industry transforms at a rapid pace, we continue to evaluate ways to efficiently manage our businesses, while fuelling the…creativity and innovation that consumers value  and expect from Disney.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does “household name” mean? “ It owns the animation companies Pixar and Marvel Studios, as well as household names like ESPN, National Geographic, and ABC News.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “Disney”?
  2. Share your reaction and opinion about this news.
  3. What do you think is the indication of Disney doing a lot of job cuts?
  4. The CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, said the cuts would keep the company healthy. What is your opinion on this?
  5. Have you ever experienced job cuts in the companies that you’ve worked for? Share something about that situation.