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Amazon.com on Tuesday denied a report claiming it intended to reveal the cost of U.S. tariffs, imposed under former President Donald Trump, on its retail product listings—after the White House sharply criticized the story.
According to a company spokesperson, Amazon never planned to show tariff costs on its main retail platform. However, the spokesperson noted that the team behind Amazon’s budget-focused “Amazon Haul” store had explored the idea of displaying import fees on select items, though nothing had been implemented.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said she spoke with Trump about the original Punchbowl News report, describing his reaction as seeing the move as “a hostile and political act by Amazon.” The backlash initially sent Amazon shares down 2.2% in premarket trading, although the stock later recovered and was trading nearly flat.
During his presidency, Trump introduced sweeping tariffs on key trade partners, including China. As a result, tariff costs on Chinese imports have surged by 145% since he took office.
Leavitt also referenced a 2021 Reuters report that claimed Amazon had previously collaborated with a “Chinese propaganda arm.” The White House tweeted the Reuters link earlier on Tuesday as further criticism of the company.
“This is yet another reason why Americans should buy American,” Leavitt said, emphasizing the Trump administration’s push to strengthen domestic manufacturing and critical supply chains.
