Amazon abandoned plans to include tariff fees on products sold on its ultra-affordable Haul platform, following the White House's characterization of the idea as "hostile."
Amazon's discount platform, Amazon Haul, was under consideration to display tariff charges due to import costs. But after a stir caused by the idea, Amazon confirmed that no such changes would be made. The notion of adding tariff costs to products received backlash, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeling it a "hostile and political act."
President Donald Trump also voiced his concerns, reportedly calling Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to discuss the matter. The idea of showing tariff costs to consumers was initially floated to make consumers aware of the added costs on goods imported from China, given the increase in tariffs on these items.
However, this idea didn't sit well with the White House. The controversy arises as online retailers, such as Amazon and others like Temu, face consumers grappling with higher prices due to these tariffs. Despite the turmoil, Amazon reassured customers that they had no plans to list tariff costs on their main e-commerce portal.
Online retailers heavily reliant on Chinese imports, such as Temu, have already started adding import fees to their products. The saga comes as Amazon's relationship with the administration shows signs of improvement. Bezos attended Trump's inauguration, and Amazon's video platform has even licensed a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump.
- The economy's outlook, particularly in relation to finance and business, is being influenced by the ongoing debate about tariffs on imported goods, as Amazon's discount platform, Amazon Haul, initially considered displaying tariff charges.
- The policy-and-legislation surrounding tariffs has sparked a general-news topic, with Amazon's plan to display tariff costs on products receiving significant pushback, including comments from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and President Donald Trump.
- As a result of the pushback, Amazon has confirmed it has no plans to list tariff costs on their main e-commerce portal, but online retailers like Temu have already started adding import fees to their products.
- The controversy stems from consumers grappling with higher prices due to tariffs on goods imported from China, and the notion of showing these costs has been labeled a "hostile and political act" by the White House.
- The politics surrounding tariffs and import costs are beginning to impact the relationship between online retailers and the administration, with Amazon's relationship showing signs of improvement following Bezos' attendance at Trump's inauguration and the licensing of a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump on Amazon's video platform.
- The future of Amazon's stance on tariff costs remains uncertain, but for now, consumers can expect to continue shopping on the platform without tariff charges being displayed.
