Following reports that the retail behemoth will explain the cost of trade tariffs to its customers, US President Donald Trump contacted Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.
Amazon claimed to have examined the effects on customers of Amazon Haul, a cheap website it introduced in the US last year to rival Shein and Temu.
However, it stated that the proposal had never been considered for its major platform and that it had made the decision to not proceed.
The strain the White House is under over its proposed import levies, which analysts predict will raise consumer costs and raise the likelihood of a recession, is evident in its determination to launch an offensive over the report.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she had spoken with the president about Amazon's alleged decision and contended that it was "another reason why Americans should buy American" during a press conference on Tuesday to commemorate the president's first 100 days in office.
"This is a hostile and political act by Amazon," she stated. "Why didn't Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years?"
Since taking office again in January, Trump has increased tariffs, which he claims would increase manufacturing and US tax income.
Trump's declarations have resulted in many international imports facing new levies of at least 10% and Chinese items suffering import taxes of at least 145%, even after he reversed some of his early intentions this month.
Trade between the two nations has drastically decreased as a result of the measures, which have also increased concerns about supply shocks and shortages of goods that China is a significant provider of, such as umbrellas and baby strollers.
Shein and Temu, which are well-known for their business strategies that ship straight from Chinese manufacturers to customers, are among the online platforms that have already announced price increases. Some companies are beginning to break down the costs of the measures for customers.
Analysts estimate that roughly half of Amazon sellers in the United States are Chinese merchants.
Punchbowl News, citing an unnamed source, was the first to report on Amazon's intention to explain the tariff impact for consumers on Tuesday.
Tim Doyle, an Amazon representative, acknowledged that the corporation had considered including import fees on some items for its Amazon Haul store when questioned about the allegations.
He told the BBC in a statement, "This was never approved and is not going to happen,"
According to a source with knowledge of the Amazon talks, the termination of the tax exemption for shipments from China valued under $800 served as the impetus for them.
According to the source, the White House's Tuesday complaints were not addressed by the decision to not draw attention to the increased expenses.
However, Trump claimed that the billionaire, who resigned as CEO in 2021, had "solved the problem" when questioned by reporters about his conversation with Mr. Bezos.
"Jeff Bezos was a kind person. He was excellent. He found a rapid solution to the issue. He made the correct decision. "He's a decent man," he declared.
Several companies contributed to the president's inauguration, including Amazon, and Mr. Bezos was granted a seat of honor.
The Washington Post's owner, Mr. Bezos, met with Trump following the election and has commended his efforts to reduce taxes and deregulation.
However, there has previously been tension in the relationship between the two men.
During his first administration, Trump frequently attacked Amazon and the Washington Post. In 2016, Mr. Bezos accused Trump of using language that "erodes our democracy around the edges" and once made a joke about sending him into space in a rocket.
Amazon sued the Pentagon in 2019, claiming that Trump's choice to "pursue his own personal and political ends" to hurt Mr. Bezos, "his perceived political enemy," was the reason it was not awarded a $10 billion contract.
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