Amazon has no choice but to display tariffs on prices now
1 min read
Summary
An unsubstantiated report published by Punchbowl News stated that Amazon was going to start showing tariffs next to product prices, triggering a furious response from the White House that resulted in an immediate backdown by Amazon.
The episode has highlighted the hypocrisy of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who has campaigned for free markets through the Washington Post opinion section he personally revamped while simultaneously undermining those same markets by having his company bow to the bullying of the White House.
In a letter to readers, Bezos claimed that his wealth and business interests could be seen either as a web of conflicting interests or as a bulwark against intimidation, insisting that his principles and track record as owner of the Post bin favor of his own interests.
However, many are now calling on him to prove his principles by insisting that Amazon resist White House pressure and start showing tariffs next to prices to demonstrate his commitment to free markets.