The White House responded critically to reports about Amazon's plan to show the impact of tariffs on product prices, with President Trump later stating that Jeff Bezos swiftly resolved the issue. The article covers the context of the reported tariff labeling, key reactions from the White House and Amazon, and related remarks from Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy.
Amazon's Denial of Tariff Price Labeling
Amazon has denied reports that it would show the impact of tariffs on prices of products on its e-commerce platform. A spokesperson clarified that the idea to list import charges on certain products was considered only by the Amazon Haul store team, but was never approved.
Trump's Personal Call to Jeff Bezos
President Trump personally contacted Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to express his concerns about the tariff labeling report. Following their interaction, Trump praised Bezos for quickly resolving the matter and called him a 'good guy.'
White House's Reaction and Criticism
Before Amazon's official statement, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the move to display tariff costs as 'a hostile and political act.' She questioned why Amazon did not act similarly during the Biden administration's period of high inflation and accused the company of partnering with a Chinese propaganda arm.
Amazon CEO on Tariffs and Consumer Prices
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy commented on tariffs in a recent interview, emphasizing that the company aims to keep prices as low as possible for its customers. He also noted that the company maintains ongoing dialogues with the administration regarding concerns impacting consumers and enterprises.
Broader Context: Tariffs and Amazon's Business
The debate over tariff costs comes amidst broader concerns over President Trump's trade policies, inflation, and regulatory changes affecting Amazon and its merchants. Some Amazon sellers have reportedly planned to reduce participation in upcoming sales events due to tariff uncertainties. Additionally, Bezos has had a complex relationship with Trump, balancing past criticisms with involvement in the presidential inauguration.