The White House has responded robustly to Amazon's alleged plan to inform customers about the price effects of President Donald Trump's trade tariffs, labeling it a "hostile" political maneuver.
Amazon had informed the Washington Post of its consideration to itemize costs for users of Amazon Haul, a budget-friendly platform launched last year to rival Shein and Temu. However, Amazon refuted claims that such a strategy was under consideration for its main e-commerce site.
According to Breitbart, the White House's aggressive stance highlights the mounting pressure it faces due to new import taxes, which experts warn could lead to increased consumer prices and heighten recession risks.
During a press briefing marking the President's 100 days in office, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated she had discussed Amazon's reported actions with the president, asserting it as "another reason why Americans should buy American." She remarked, "This is a hostile and political act by Amazon," questioning why the company did not take similar actions when "the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years."
Since resuming office in January, Trump has intensified tariffs, arguing they will enhance manufacturing and boost U.S. tax revenue. Despite scaling back some initial plans, many foreign imports now face new duties of at least 10%, with Chinese products encountering import taxes of at least 145%. These measures have led to a significant decline in trade between the U.S. and China, sparking concerns over supply disruptions and shortages of goods such as baby prams and umbrellas, for which China is a key supplier.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the administration's economic policies, assuring that trade discussions with major partners are ongoing, though he avoided addressing whether negotiations with China, the third-largest U.S. import source, are underway. Meanwhile, some businesses, including Shein and Temu, have begun detailing tariff-related costs to customers. Analysts note that Chinese merchants constitute about half of Amazon's U.S. sellers.
Amazon's intention to disclose tariff impacts was initially reported by Punchbowl News, citing an anonymous source. The company has yet to comment on the matter to the BBC. Despite Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's past praise for Trump's deregulation and tax reduction efforts, the relationship between the two has been fraught.
Trump has previously criticized Amazon and the Washington Post, while Bezos has accused Trump of rhetoric that "erodes our democracy around the edges." In 2019, Amazon sued the Pentagon, alleging a $10 billion contract was denied due to Trump's alleged personal vendetta against Bezos, whom he viewed as a political adversary.
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