Amazon adjusts policy, no longer displaying tariff costs on imported goods following White House criticism
Going Bare on Amazon Haul: The Byte-Sized Secrets
Here's the scoop on that Amazon Haul section you've been eyeing for cheap finds, but have been questioning if it's too good to be true. Well, buckle up, it's not! Confirmations state that this part of Amazon, listing goodies under $20, never intended to reveal the hidden tariff costs in its plans, debunking earlier reports.
Those whizzes managing Amazon Haul had mulled over the idea of outing import fees on some goods, but the notion remained unapproved and unimplemented, clarified Amazon spokesperson, Tim Doyle, setting the record straight after Punchbowl News' initial report.
Previously, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had a huddle with Trump discussing the report suggesting Amazon would break down tariff contributions in the overall cost of merchandise.
Leavitt voiced her displeasure, "This is just another smack in the face from Amazon. Why didn't Amazon do this when the Biden administration ramped up inflation to skyrocketing levels in four decades?" she quipped to reporters.
Trump has been notoriously aggressive with trade tariffs, slapping them onto US trading partners like China, seeing tariff costs soar by a staggering 145% since he took office in January.
Automakers and others anticipated new tariffs would significantly hike the prices of consumer goods.
Amazon set up shop with Amazon Haul in November, providing a platform for shoppers to snag $5 handbags and $10 sweaters from China-based sellers, but with lengthier shipping times.
However, Trump signed an executive order in February closing a trade loophole called "de minimis," affecting low-value packages from China and Hong Kong entering the US free of duties, a move that could impact prices on the site starting May 2.
On a different note, Leavitt also referred to a 2021 report by Reuters, alleging Amazon associated with a Chinese propaganda agency. "This just shows another reason why folks should back local businesses," Leavitt declared, echoing the Trump Administration's attempts to bolster critical supply chains and rev up domestic manufacturing.
Amazon, in 2021, assured compliance with all legal regulations worldwide, stating that China is no exception to these standards.
In premarket trading, Amazon shares slipped 2.2%, but later bounced back and traded relatively steady.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and Reuters)
Check it Out:Amazon Haul, the discount store launched by Amazon to compete with the likes of Temu and Shein, had briefly considered the prospect of showing import fees on certain items due to modifications in tariff policies. Nonetheless, this idea was never green-lit and won't be enacted[3][4][5]. For now, Amazon, including its Haul section, isn't planning to display additional tariff costs beside product prices across its site.
- The idea of Amazon Haul displaying import fees on some goods was contemplated but ultimately not approved and implemented, as clarified by Amazon spokesperson Tim Doyle.
- In a huddle with Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed her discontent about Amazon not disclosing tariff costs when the Biden administration was ramping up inflation.
- The general-news report suggesting Amazon would break down tariff contributions in the overall cost of merchandise was previously discussed by Leavitt and Trump.
- Despite earlier speculations, Amazon, including its Haul section, is not planning to display additional tariff costs beside product prices across its site.
