White House hits back at Amazon plan to show tariff price rises

The White House has hit back against a reported plan by Amazon to detail the price impact of Donald Trump's trade tariffs to its customers, calling it a "hostile" political act.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she had discussed the move with the president and claimed it represented "another reason why Americans should buy American".

Amazon has not confirmed the plan to itemise the cost of tariffs to US consumers.

The row is a sign of the mounting pressure facing the Trump administration over its new import taxes, which economists have warned will lead to higher prices for consumers and increase the chances of a recession.

At a press conference marking the president's 100 days in office, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the government's economic record and promised trade talks with many of America's biggest partners were under way.

However, he dodged questions about whether the US was in negotiations with China, the third largest source of imports to the US after the European Union and Mexico last year.

Trump has ramped up tariffs since re-entering office in January, measures he argues will boost manufacturing and raise tax revenue for the US.

Even after rolling back on his initial plans this month, his announcements have left many foreign imports facing new duties of at least 10%, while products from China are facing import taxes of at least 145%.

The measures have prompted a sharp drop in trade between the two countries, and has raised fears of supply shocks and product shortages from baby prams to umbrellas, in which China is major supplier.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos met with Trump after the election and has praised his push for de-regulation and lower taxes.

Amazon was among the many businesses to donate money to the president's inauguration and Mr Bezos was given a seat of honour at the event.

Amazon's plan to detail the tariff impact for customers was first reported by Punchbowl News on Tuesday, citing an anonymous source. The company has not responded to the BBC's request for comment.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to comment on the relationship between Trump and Bezos, but said she had spoken to Trump about the news.

"This is a hostile and political act by Amazon," she said. "Why didn't Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years?"

Some businesses are starting to detail the costs of the measures for customers, with Shein and Temu among the online platforms to already announce price hikes.

Merchants from China represent about half of the sellers on Amazon in the US, according to analysts.

Reporting contributed by Bernd Debussman