Amazon has pushed back against a Wall Street Journal report claiming prices for low-cost essentials on its platform have risen since President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods. In a blog post, Amazon called the WSJ analysis “fundamentally flawed.”
The WSJ examined prices for 2,500 common products, including cough drops, antibacterial wipes, and chicken broth, finding an average 5% increase from Trump’s January 20 inauguration to July 1. Amazon argued the analysis ignored factors like sales promotions ending, citing items such as Dove deodorant and Yogi Tea bags that were discounted in January.
Amazon also noted its prices are dynamic and subject to frequent fluctuations, suggesting a one-time sample can be misleading. The company’s public rebuttal highlights its sensitivity to pricing issues amid potential political scrutiny.
Broader consumer data supports modest price increases. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in June that overall consumer prices rose 0.3% from the previous month and 2.7% year-over-year.
