Consumers in China Weigh Options as Trade Frictions Simmer-VOA

1. As the United States and China haggle over market access, intellectual property rights and other complex trade issues, the simple question consumers in Beijng are wondering is what impact will the dispute have on the cost of goods and will they ultimately be left carrying the weight as prices rise.

haggle    vi. 讨价还价        intellectual property rights    n. 知识产权

2. Few at this local market were feeling the impact yet but with the likelihood of higher prices for imports such as nuts and fruit on the horizon, this vendor says he’s already weighing his options.

likelihood  n. 可能性        on the horizon    即将到来的

3. Chinese authorities    中国政府

4. She hopes the two sides will sit down and talk. If not consumers will end up footing the bill.

foot the bill      买单

5. China no longer lags behind and it can make whatever its people need.

lag behind      落后

6. sports apparel    运动服

7. be aware of        v. 清楚

8. gridlock      n. 僵局