April 29, 2025​

The White House has criticized Amazon following reports suggesting the e-commerce giant planned to display U.S. tariffs on product prices, labeling the move as a “hostile and political act.” Amazon has denied these claims, stating that its main retail platform never considered such a feature.​Reuters

The controversy began after a Punchbowl News report indicated Amazon intended to disclose the impact of U.S. tariffs on its website. In response, Amazon clarified that while its low-cost Amazon Haul team had discussed the idea of listing import charges on select items, there were no plans to implement this on the main retail site.​

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed former President Donald Trump’s view, describing the reported move as a “hostile and political act by Amazon.” She also referenced a 2021 Reuters report alleging Amazon’s collaboration with a “Chinese propaganda arm,” suggesting this as further justification for Americans to support domestic manufacturing and critical supply chains.​

The news initially led to a 2.2% drop in Amazon’s stock during premarket trading, though shares later stabilized. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between major tech companies and the Trump administration over trade policies and transparency.​

Source: Reuters