Shoppers May Soon See Extra Charges on Discount Deals

Amazon is stirring controversy with a move that could change the way you shop – at least on its bargain-heavy “Haul” section.

The company confirmed on Tuesday that it’s considering adding visible tariff surcharges to ultra-low-cost products under $20 sold through Amazon Haul, its discount marketplace competing with Chinese giants like Temu and Shein. While the main Amazon.com storefront will not display any tariff fees for now, Haul shoppers could soon see separate import charges tacked onto their purchases.

An Amazon spokesperson told CNBC:

“The team that runs our ultra-low-cost Amazon Haul store has considered listing import charges on certain products. This was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

The move immediately caught political fire. The White House called Amazon’s potential surcharge display a “hostile and political act,” questioning why Amazon didn’t take similar action when inflation was soaring under previous policies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t mince words, saying,

“Why didn’t Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years?”

Why Is Amazon Considering Tariff Labels Now?

The backdrop is Trump’s new tariff wave. Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump introduced a series of tariffs targeting Chinese goods, raising concerns across the retail supply chain. Companies like Amazon, which rely heavily on imported goods to drive price competitiveness, are now forced to rethink how they absorb or pass on these additional costs.

In response, Amazon has reportedly started surveying its third-party sellers to assess how the tariffs are affecting product sourcing, logistics, and advertising budgets. Some sellers have already hiked prices, cut back on marketing spend, and reduced inventory orders to cope with the higher import costs.

What It Means for Shoppers

If Amazon implements this policy on Haul, shoppers browsing $5 earbuds or $15 dresses could suddenly see an extra few dollars in tariff fees at checkout – or even as part of the product price breakdown. While it might make costs more transparent, it could also dampen the appeal of bargain hunting on Amazon’s platform.

If the tariff display spreads beyond Haul to the main Amazon site in the future, the impact could be even bigger, particularly on budget shoppers who rely on cheap imports for everyday items.

Amazon’s Competitive Pressure

Amazon’s move also highlights the growing competitive threat from discount players like Temu and Shein. These platforms leverage loopholes in U.S. import rules – like the de minimis rule, which exempts packages under $800 from certain tariffs – allowing them to undercut U.S. retailers on price.

By displaying tariff surcharges, Amazon could be trying to stay transparent while also subtly nudging consumers to recognize the “real cost” of imported ultra-cheap goods.

What’s Next?

For now, no final decision has been made. Amazon stressed that nothing has been officially rolled out on any of its properties yet. However, the conversation around tariff transparency, fair competition, and consumer trust is heating up fast – and Amazon may have no choice but to adapt its strategy regarding tariffs if political scrutiny and economic pressures keep rising.

Stay tuned, because if tariffs start popping up during checkout, it might be the start of a new era of online shopping transparency – or a new wave of consumer backlash.

Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.