Amazon denies plans to show tariff costs on product listings, following backlash from the Trump White House over a misinterpreted internal discussion.
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| Amazon confirms it won’t list import tariffs on its site after White House backlash, clarifying a misunderstood internal idea involving its budget Haul storefront. Image: Amazon/ CH |
WASHINGTON, USA — April 30, 2025:
Amazon has publicly confirmed that it is not planning to break out and display tariff costs alongside product prices on its website, quelling speculation and political tensions that flared after a media report suggested otherwise. The clarification came after the Trump administration sharply criticized the e-commerce giant for what it described as a “hostile and political act.”
The confusion began when Punchbowl News reported that Amazon was preparing to show how much of each product's cost was due to tariffs, quoting an anonymous source familiar with internal deliberations. The story quickly escalated, prompting an aggressive response from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who accused Amazon of aligning with foreign interests and politicizing trade policy. She went so far as to allege the company was collaborating with “a Chinese propaganda arm.”
However, Amazon spokesperson Tim Doyle swiftly clarified that the idea was merely an internal concept under limited discussion for its low-cost Haul storefront, and that “this was never approved and is not going to happen.” Doyle emphasized that no broader plan had been finalized, and Amazon does not intend to list tariffs on any product pages.
President Trump, who reportedly called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos personally on Tuesday morning, appeared satisfied with the company's statement. “Jeff Bezos was very nice. He was terrific,” Trump told reporters later that day. “He solved a problem very quickly and he did the right thing. He’s a good guy.”
Despite the conciliatory tone, the episode reflects deeper tensions between the administration and major corporations navigating the unpredictable landscape of international tariffs. Trump’s escalating trade wars — especially with China — have led to rising costs across industries, prompting some companies to adjust pricing or transparently pass tariff burdens on to consumers.
Competitors such as Temu and Shein have already taken steps in that direction. Earlier this month, both companies announced price increases linked to rising operating costs from tariffs. Temu now explicitly lists import charges on many items, and Shein includes a banner assuring customers that tariffs are factored into product prices, with no extra fees at delivery.
Rob Lalka, a business professor at Tulane University, said Amazon’s brief internal consideration and the strong political reaction it triggered highlight the high stakes surrounding trade policies. “Companies are always communicating something when they present pricing structures,” he said. “Even when tariff charges aren’t visible, their impact is still felt.”
While Amazon maintains it has no plans to alter how it displays pricing, the controversy shows how tariffs are becoming a central and increasingly visible issue in U.S. retail and politics. As import duties continue to influence costs for businesses and consumers alike, companies must balance transparency, competitive pricing, and political sensitivities in equal measure.