Lesson Plan

• Describe the purpose and main types of international trade agreements.
• Explain key features (tariffs, NTBs, rules of origin, IPR, dispute‑settlement) and how they influence business decisions.
• Analyse the positive and negative impacts of trade agreements on market access, cost structure, supply chains and strategic planning.
• Apply a step‑by‑step response process to evaluate and adapt to a new trade agreement.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout summarising trade‑agreement features and impact table
• Case‑study worksheets (e.g., USMCA scenario)
• Printed diagram of impact flow
• Laptops/Tablets with internet access for quick research

Begin with a brief news clip about a recent renegotiation of a major trade deal to capture interest. Ask students what they already know about tariffs and why countries negotiate agreements. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify key features of trade agreements and predict how these features affect business strategy.

1. Do‑Now (5') – Students list three ways tariffs can affect a business; share answers.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Define international trade agreements and differentiate bilateral, regional, and multilateral forms; show diagram.
3. Feature walk‑through (12') – Use the handout to explore key features (tariffs, NTBs, rules of origin, IPR, dispute‑settlement) with quick Q&A checks.
4. Impact analysis activity (15') – In pairs, examine the provided impact table; each pair identifies two positive and two negative effects for a chosen impact area and records findings.
5. Case‑study application (15') – Groups work through a USMCA scenario, applying the 7‑step business response process; teacher circulates to prompt reasoning.
6. Whole‑class debrief (8') – Groups present their strategic recommendations; class discusses common themes.
7. Formative check (5') – Quick exit ticket: “One way a new trade agreement could change your company’s pricing strategy.”

Summarise how trade agreements shape market access, costs, and strategic planning, linking back to the success criteria. Collect exit tickets and highlight a strong response. For homework, assign a brief report where students choose a current trade agreement and outline a recommended response plan for a local business.