When trade policies shift, conversations become more complicated—especially when working with Chinese partners and suppliers. Import costs change, contracts need to be reviewed, and strategic alignment becomes essential.
In these moments, having the right Chinese vocabulary isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Today, I will equip you with practical phrases and expressions to confidently handle tariff-related discussions. These are the words that business professionals actually use, from negotiating price adjustments to expressing concern over policy changes.
1. Master Key Tariff Vocabulary: Talk Like a Local
Let’s get straight to the point — understanding the right tariff-related terminology will help you speak confidently in any business situation. Here are the must-know terms to kick-start your conversations:
关税 (guānshuì) – tariff
Guānshuì tígāo le, wǒmen de chéngběn yě zēngjiā le.
关税提高了，我们的成本也增加了。
Tariffs have increased, and so have our costs.
进口关税 (jìnkǒu guānshuì) – import tariff
Xīn de jìnkǒu guānshuì zhèngcè yǐjīng shēngxiào.
新的进口关税政策已经生效。
The new import tariff policy is now in effect.
出口关税 (chūkǒu guānshuì) – export tariff
Chūkǒu guānshuì de biànhuà yǐngxiǎng le wǒmen de fāhuò shíjiān.
出口关税的变化影响了我们的发货时间。
Changes in export tariffs have affected our delivery schedule.
关税壁垒 (guānshuì bìlěi) – tariff barrier
Wǒmen zhèngzài xúnzhǎo tūpò guānshuì bìlěi de cèlüè.
我们正在寻找突破关税壁垒的策略。
We are looking for strategies to overcome tariff barriers.
2. Explaining the Impact: Build Trust with Clear Communication
Understanding tariffs is one thing, but explaining the impact on your business clearly is another. Here are phrases to help you build trust with your Chinese counterparts:
生产成本 (shēngchǎn chéngběn) – production cost
Guānshuì shàngtiáo hòu, wǒmen de shēngchǎn chéngběn shàngshēng le 15%.
关税上调后，我们的生产成本上升了15%。
After the tariff increase, our production costs rose by 15%.
价格调整 (jiàgé tiáozhěng) – price adjustment
Wǒmen kěnéng xūyào jìnxíng jiàgé tiáozhěng yǐ bǎochí lìrùn lǜ.
我们可能需要进行价格调整以保持利润率。
We may need to adjust prices to maintain profit margins.
供应链 (gōngyìng liàn) – supply chain
Wèile jiǎnshǎo guānshuì chéngběn, wǒmen zhèngzài chóngxīn pínggū gōngyìng liàn.
为了减少关税成本，我们正在重新评估供应链。
We are reevaluating the supply chain to reduce tariff costs.
3. Negotiation Strategies: Speak Smart and Close Deals
Negotiating isn’t just about discussing numbers — it’s about building a rapport and offering solutions. These phrases will help you negotiate effectively and come to agreements that benefit both sides:
互利的协议 (hùlì de xiéyì) – mutually beneficial agreement
Wǒmen xīwàng dáchéng yī gè hùlì de xiéyì.
我们希望达成一个互利的协议。
We hope to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
当前的政策影响 (dāngqián de zhèngcè yǐngxiǎng) – current policy impact
Dāngqián de guānshuì zhèngcè duì wǒmen de lìrùn zàochéng le yālì.
当前的关税政策对我们的利润造成了压力。
The current tariff policy has put pressure on our profit margins.
理解我们的处境 (lǐjiě wǒmen de chǔjìng) – understand our situation
Xīwàng guì gōngsī nénggòu lǐjiě wǒmen de chǔjìng, gòngtóng xúnzhǎo jiějué fāng’àn.
希望贵公司能够理解我们的处境，共同寻找解决方案。
We hope your company can understand our situation and work together to find a solution.
4. Effective Communication in Emails and Meetings
When it comes to formal communication, the right phrases can make a world of difference in renegotiating terms and resolving issues. Here are key sentences for emails and meetings:
Yóuyú guānshuì shàngtiáo, wǒmen xīwàng chóngxīn shāngtǎo jiàgé tiáokuǎn.
由于关税上调，我们希望重新商讨价格条款。
Due to the tariff increase, we’d like to renegotiate the pricing terms.
Qǐngwèn guì gōngsī shìfǒu yuànyì gòngtóng chéngdān bùfèn guānshuì chéngběn?
请问贵公司是否愿意共同承担部分关税成本？
Would your company be open to sharing part of the tariff cost?
Wǒmen zhèngzài yánjiū rúhé jiǎnshǎo guānshuì dàilái de fùmiàn yǐngxiǎng.
我们正在研究如何减少关税带来的负面影响。
We are studying ways to reduce the negative impact of the tariffs.
5. Speak Business Chinese with Confidence: Tailored Lessons for You
Mastering Business Chinese isn’t just about memorizing phrases — it’s about applying them in real-world situations. Whether you’re negotiating prices, managing supply chain disruptions, or addressing tariff-related challenges, speaking the right Chinese at the right time can help you build rapport, reduce misunderstandings, and reach mutually beneficial solutions.
At eChineseLearning, we specialize in 1-on-1 Business Chinese lessons tailored to your specific industry and goals. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, our experienced teachers will customize your lessons to fit your needs and current proficiency level.
Ready to speak smarter in your next business conversation with Chinese partners? Sign up for a free trial lesson today and take the first step toward mastering Business Chinese!
Quiz: Business Chinese Test: Match the English Terms to Their Chinese Equivalents
1. Tariff
2. Customs Declaration
3. Raise Tariffs
4. Lower Tariffs
A. 提高关税 (Tígāo guānshuì)
B. 报关 (Bàoguān)
C. 关税 (Guānshuì)
D. 降低关税 (Jiàngdī guānshuì)
Feel free to leave your answers in the comments below!
Answer:
1. Tariff → C. 关税 (Guānshuì)
2. Customs Declaration → B. 报关 (Bàoguān)
3. Raise Tariffs → A. 提高关税 (Tígāo guānshuì)
4. Lower Tariffs → D. 降低关税 (Jiàngdī guānshuì)