White House has accused Amazon of a “hostile” act after the online retailer supposedly was going to display surcharges linked to US tariffs on its American website, directly tying price increases to President Donald Trump’s trade war with China.
It was alleged that Amazon would show customers how much tariffs have added to individual product prices, with the extra cost listed beside the total amount.
This follows Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese imports and Beijing’s retaliatory 125% tariffs on US goods, escalating the trade war between the two countries.
“This is a hostile and political act by Amazon,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, claiming the company did not similarly highlight inflation during former president Joe Biden’s administration.
Leavitt added that Trump, who spoke with her by phone, condemned Amazon’s alleged decision and urged Americans to “buy American.”
Amazon considered adding a similar feature to its bargain off-shoot, Amazon Haul, which squares off against Chinese retailer Temu.
Temu ships goods straight to buyers and now lists “import charges” to cover new tariffs that wiped out a break on low-priced items.
“Teams kick around ideas all the time,” Amazon spokesman Ty Rogers said.
Rogers pointed out the surcharge display was never meant for Amazon’s main site, saying, “It was never approved and it won’t happen.”
The backlash comes as economic tensions between the US and China continue.
Trump’s administration claims China sought dialogue to resolve the trade war, but Beijing denies this.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued the tariffs are “unsustainable for China,” insisting the responsibility to deescalate the trade war lies with Beijing.
There are reports of sellers withdrawing from Amazon's Prime Day event in July due to rising costs of Chinese goods.
Chinese retailers Shein and Temu recently added hefty surcharges, with Temu listing a 145% “import charge” per item at checkout.
Amazon has tried to mend ties with Trump since his November election win, including producing a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump.
Leavitt dismissed these efforts, calling the alleged tariff disclosure “political.”
The dispute underscores concerns that US consumers, not China, bear the brunt of tariff costs.
When asked if Amazon’s move proved this, Leavitt did not answer the question and restated Trump’s pro-tariff stance.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who owns the Washington Post, has joined tech leaders in engaging Trump post-election.
However, this situation highlights the ongoing divide between the Trump administration and corporate America over trade policies.
As tariffs reshape global supply chains, retailers are increasingly signalling the financial toll on everyday shoppers.
