Amazon has denied plans to display added tariff costs alongside product prices, refuting a report that triggered a sharp backlash from the White House. The Trump administration’s fiery condemnation appears to have stemmed from a misunderstanding of internal discussions at Amazon, which never resulted in a final decision.
According to Amazon spokesperson Tim Doyle, only the company’s Haul service briefly “considered the idea” of listing import charges on select items, but the concept “was never approved and is not going to happen.” This directly contradicts an earlier Punchbowl News report, citing an anonymous source, that Amazon intended to show tariff-derived costs next to the listed price.
The report drew immediate criticism from the Trump administration. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Amazon of a “hostile and political act” and suggested a partnership with “a Chinese propaganda arm.”
An anonymous source also told The Associated Press that President Trump personally called Jeff Bezos to complain. However, Trump later softened his tone, stating Bezos was “terrific” and “did the right thing.” This incident highlights the strained relationship between the Trump administration and the corporate world amid ongoing tariff wars.
Experts like Tulane University’s Professor Rob Lalka suggest the White House’s strong reaction indicates concern about companies potentially directing customer frustration towards the tariffs. These tariffs and retaliatory measures threaten to increase consumer and business prices, raising inflation concerns.
While Amazon won’t detail tariffs, rivals Temu and Shein have already cited rising tariff costs for recent price hikes. Lalka notes that companies routinely itemize added costs, suggesting Amazon’s internal consideration wasn’t unprecedented.
