Is Amazon showing tariff costs? How Shein and Temu are handling Trump’s changes

Several commerce changes made recently by President Donald Trump have affected how many Americans shop online. 

Amazon, Shein and Temu are some of the biggest retailers for American shoppers, and all are anticipating dealing with rising operating costs after Trump introduced tariffs and ended a customs exemption. 

Here’s what to know: 

Is Amazon showing tariff costs?

Short answer:

No, Amazon is not planning to display added tariff costs next to product prices on its site — despite a report that sparked speculation the e-commerce giant would soon show the new import charges.

Dig deeper:

Amazon’s Haul service — a recently launched, low-cost storefront — "considered the idea" of listing import charges on certain products, an Amazon spokesperson told FOX Television Stations in an email Tuesday. 

"This was never approved and is not going to happen," their statement continued.

The backstory:

Earlier that day, Punchbowl News had reported that Amazon planned to start showing how much of each product's cost derived from tariffs "right next to" its total listed price, citing an anonymous source familiar with the matter.

READ MORE: Amazon tariff price report addressed by White House: ‘Hostile and political’

White House response

The Trump administration was quick to criticize news of Amazon’s potential move. 

What they said:

At a briefing with reporters earlier in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Amazon of taking a "hostile and political act" — and further attacked the company by suggesting it had "partnered with a Chinese propaganda arm."

Dig deeper:

A source familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that the president also called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to complain about the reported plans Tuesday morning.

Trump’s tariffs

Big picture view:

Trump’s tariffs threaten to increase prices for both consumers and businesses. Economists warn these import taxes will hike prices for a range of goods consumers buy each day and lead to worse inflationary pressure.

Temu, Shein raise prices

The backstory:

Temu and Shein are massive e-commerce sites founded in China that compete in America with Amazon by offering products at ultra-low prices. 

Shein sells inexpensive clothes, cosmetics and accessories. Temu sells a wider array of products, including household items, humorous gifts and small electronics.

Both companies said earlier this month that their operating expenses have gone up "due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs."

By the numbers:

The 145% tariff Trump slapped on most products made in China, coupled with his decision to end a customs exemption that allows goods worth less than $800 to come into the U.S. duty-free, has dented the business models of the two platforms.

What we know:

As of April 25, Temu and Shein have begun making price adjustments on some products or at checkout for U.S. customers.

Temu now shows which products come from a local warehouse and don’t require import charges, and is adding import charges to other products that "cover all customs-related processes and costs." 

Shein says all of its tariff and import fees are included at checkout. 

READ MORE: Temu adds 'import charges' after Trump tariffs: What to know

What we don't know:

Neither company provided details about the price adjustments they were making, and an exact tariff cost or import charge was not listed per item.

Meanwhile:

Amazon made clear that Haul, its competitor to Temu and Shein, would not be listing import charges on products, but it was unclear if prices would increase. 

ConsumerAmazonTechnologyEconomyAmazonTariffsDonald J. Trump