Amazon Denies Plans to Display Tariff Costs on Product Pages Amid Backlash from Trump Administration
Amazon is pushing back on reports that it planned to display tariff-related charges alongside product prices on its platform—an idea that quickly sparked political controversy and a direct response from former President Donald Trump.
In a statement on Tuesday, Amazon spokesperson Tim Doyle clarified that while the company’s Amazon Haul team had floated the concept of listing import charges for certain low-cost goods, the proposal never moved forward.
“The team that runs our ultra low-cost Amazon Haul store considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products,” Doyle said. “This was never approved and is not going to happen.”
The denial came in response to a report from Punchbowl News, which initially claimed that Amazon would begin tagging tariffs onto product prices. That report triggered a wave of political criticism and, according to CNN’s Alayna Treene, even prompted a personal phone call from Trump to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
During a Tuesday press briefing, Trump addressed the situation, saying, “Jeff Bezos is very nice. Terrific. He solved the problem very quickly. He did the right thing. Good guy.”
But before Amazon’s official response, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had already taken a combative stance, calling the reported move “a hostile and political act.”
Leavitt continued her criticism later in the day, questioning Amazon’s motives by asking why the company hadn’t taken similar steps during the Biden administration’s inflationary period.
“Why didn’t Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years?” she said, adding, “As Reuters recently reported, Amazon has partnered with a Chinese propaganda arm.”
Although Leavitt did not cite a specific source for that claim, a 2021 Reuters article had reported that Amazon worked with Chinese state-affiliated organizations to offer certain publications on its U.S. site.
The controversy comes as Amazon faces increased scrutiny over global trade and its relationship with Chinese suppliers. The company is also navigating new economic pressures related to U.S. tariffs and geopolitical tensions.
Earlier this month, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy spoke to CNBC about the company’s pricing strategy amid these challenges. “We’re going to try and do everything we can to keep prices as low as possible for customers,” he said.
When asked about communications with the Trump administration, Jassy acknowledged ongoing dialogue: “We talk to the administration all the time. We share with them different issues that we think matter to consumers and enterprises—including tariffs.”
Amazon’s efforts to reassure both customers and lawmakers may have helped calm the markets. After dipping earlier in the trading session, Amazon’s stock closed down just 0.17%, at $187.39. In after-hours trading, shares slipped further to $186.38, down 0.54%.
Meanwhile, concerns over tariffs are already having ripple effects. According to a Reuters report released Monday, some Amazon third-party sellers are considering scaling back participation in the upcoming Prime Day due to uncertainty over potential cost increases tied to import fees.
Leavitt, in her briefing, tied the larger conversation back to the administration’s push for domestic manufacturing.
“This is another reason why Americans should buy American,” she said. “It’s another reason why we’re onshoring critical supply chains and investing in U.S. manufacturing.”
The tariff debate—and Amazon’s role within it—is shaping up to be a focal point in broader discussions around trade, inflation, and economic nationalism as the 2025 political and retail landscapes continue to evolve.
🛒 Amazon Denies Tariff Display Plan After Political Backlash
🔹 What Happened:
- Amazon denied reports it would show tariffs next to product prices.
- The idea was considered by the Amazon Haul team but never approved.
- Spokesperson: “This is not going to happen.”
🔹 Trump Administration Response:
- 💬 Trump personally called Jeff Bezos after the report.
- Called Bezos a “terrific guy” for quickly addressing the issue.
- ⚠️ Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the idea:
- “A hostile and political act”
- Criticized Amazon for not acting during Biden-era inflation.
🔹 Political Accusations:
- Leavitt referenced a 2021 Reuters report suggesting Amazon had ties to a Chinese propaganda arm.
- 🧾 No new evidence cited, but claim revived political concerns over global influence.
🔹 Amazon’s Clarification:
- 🛍️ CEO Andy Jassy on CNBC:
- “We’ll do everything we can to keep prices low.”
- Confirmed ongoing talks with the Trump administration about tariffs and consumer issues.
🔹 Stock Market Reaction:
- 📉 Amazon (AMZN) closed down 0.17% at $187.39
- 📉 After-hours: dropped to $186.38, down 0.54%
🔹 Prime Day Impact:
- Some sellers may scale back involvement due to tariff uncertainty, per Reuters.
🔹 Bigger Picture:
- 🏭 Leavitt: “Americans should buy American.”
- 🇺🇸 Push for onshoring supply chains and reviving U.S. manufacturing continues.