trade tensions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trade tensions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe conflicts or disputes between countries regarding trade policies, tariffs, or other economic issues. Example: "The ongoing trade tensions between the two nations have led to increased tariffs on imported goods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trade tensions have eased.

The Economist

Discusses trade tensions bet. the U.S. & Japan.

The New Yorker

But the decision could inflame trade tensions.

The New York Times

But several representatives voiced fears of trade tensions.

The New York Times

Opponents insist that significant tariffs would increase international trade tensions.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, trade tensions between the two sides are flaring anew.

The New York Times

Despite trade tensions, American exports to China are booming.

The New York Times

This could heighten trade tensions with the United States.

The New York Times

Will the arrest of a Huawei executive inflame trade tensions?

The New York Times

Case studies include US-Japan security relations, US-China trade tensions, and North Korean denuclearization.

Stanford University

However, within that big lesson is a smaller one, that devaluations cause trade tensions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing trade tensions, specify the countries or regions involved to provide context and clarity. For example, "trade tensions between the US and China".

Common error

Don't assume that all trade tensions are solely about tariffs. They often involve complex issues such as intellectual property, currency manipulation, and regulatory barriers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trade tensions" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, commonly describing conflicts or disputes between countries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trade tensions" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively describes strained economic relationships between countries. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase also appears in academic and formal business contexts. While primarily functioning to describe conflict, its usage implies a neutral tone suitable for objective reporting and analysis. When using this phrase, specifying the involved parties enhances clarity. Alternatives include "trade disputes" and "economic friction", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trade disputes

Focuses on the legal or argumentative aspect of trade disagreements.

trade conflicts

Emphasizes the confrontational nature of trade disagreements.

tariff wars

Highlights the use of tariffs as weapons in trade disagreements.

economic friction

Broadly describes strain in economic relationships.

international trade disagreements

A more formal and descriptive way to refer to trade tensions.

trade imbalances

Focuses on disparities in trade flows that can lead to tension.

protectionist measures

Highlights specific government actions that create tension.

trade war escalation

Indicates a worsening of existing trade conflicts.

strained trade relations

Describes the state of trade relationships that are experiencing difficulties.

contentious trade negotiations

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential conflict in trade discussions.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "trade tensions"?

You can use alternatives like "trade disputes", "trade conflicts", or "economic friction" depending on the specific context.

How do "trade tensions" affect the global economy?

"Trade tensions" can lead to increased tariffs, reduced trade volumes, and uncertainty in financial markets, which can slow down global economic growth. They can also disrupt supply chains and increase costs for consumers.

What causes "trade tensions" between countries?

"Trade tensions" can arise from various factors, including disagreements over trade policies, accusations of unfair trade practices, protectionist measures, and geopolitical rivalries. Currency manipulation and intellectual property theft can also contribute.

How can countries resolve "trade tensions"?

Countries can resolve "trade tensions" through negotiations, bilateral agreements, and multilateral frameworks like the World Trade Organization (WTO). Addressing underlying issues such as market access, intellectual property protection, and regulatory harmonization is crucial.