- Amazon’s plan to show customs duties on Amazon traits was not approved
- Trump allegedly called Bezos to complain about the change
- Karoline Leavitt tied Amazon to a Chinese propagandar arm
The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has planned Amazon’s plans to show customs costs on its import-focused Amazon Haul Understore and called it a “hostile and political action.”
According to Washington PostWith reference to two named sources familiar with the case, Trump had called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to complain about the reported change.
Amazon has since confirmed that it had “considered the idea of indicating import duties on certain products,” however “this was never approved and will not happen.” It is worth noting that this was also a consideration for Amazon Haul, therefore the most important Amazon store would have been unaffected.
Trump -Administration criticizes Amazon over his handling of customs rates
“He solved the problem very quickly. He did the right thing. Good guy,” Trump said. While Trump’s problem with Amazon appears to be settled, it did not prevent the president’s press secretary from tying Amazon to Chinese propaganda. The company “collaborated with a Chinese propaganda arm,” she said.
Chinese exports to the United States are facing 245% in tariffs, and Amazon Haul competitors such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress have started listing tariffs or incorporating them into prices.
As is currently the case, the United States is planning to remove its minimis exemption, which means packages below $ 800 coming from China/Hong Kong will also be affected by customs. Smartphones and computers are currently left exempt.
For consumers, Trump’s tariffs have seen companies such as Logitech and Nintendo raise prices, while TEMU has also begun to indicate Chinese sent goods as sold out for US buyers.
Amazon, now led by Andy Jassy, and not Jeff Bezos, reported a 11% income increase over the year last financial year. In his shareholder letter, Jassy noted that the US market experienced a growth of 10%.
