Amazon to Add Visible Tariff Fees on Discount Haul Items Under $20
Amazon is considering adding visible tariff surcharges to products under $20 sold through its discount marketplace, Amazon Haul. This potential change would not affect the main Amazon.com storefront but could impact how shoppers see prices on bargain items.
The company confirmed to CNBC that while nothing has been implemented yet, the Amazon Haul team is exploring displaying import charges on certain products. This move comes in response to former President Donald Trump's recent tariffs on Chinese goods.
The White House criticized the decision, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calling it a "hostile and political act" and questioning Amazon's timing in relation to previous inflation concerns.
Impact on Shoppers:
- Potential additional tariff fees on items under $20
- More transparent cost breakdown at checkout
- Possible effect on bargain hunting experience
- May primarily affect budget-conscious consumers
Competitive Context:
- Move highlights competition with Temu and Shein
- These platforms currently use import rule loopholes
- De minimis rule exempts packages under $800 from certain tariffs
- Amazon aims for transparency while highlighting "real costs"
Current Status:
- No final decision has been made
- No charges implemented yet on any Amazon platforms
- Amazon surveying third-party sellers about tariff impacts
- Some sellers already adjusting prices and inventory
The change could signal a shift toward greater transparency in online shopping costs, though it may also face consumer resistance. While limited to Amazon Haul for now, this policy could influence broader e-commerce pricing practices.
