Trump Tariffs: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy makes a 'promise', says that I understand why, I mean ...

From Amazon to Japanese manufacturers, businesses worldwide are racing to adapt to the Trump administration’s rapid tariff increases, which are reshaping global trade dynamics. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, in a interview with CNBC recently, vowed to shield customers from soaring costs. “We’re doing everything we can to keep prices as low as possible,” Jassy said, acknowledging the strain tariffs place on businesses. “Depending on the country, you don’t have 50% extra margin to absorb these costs. Companies will likely pass them on to consumers."

After President Trump’s latest tariff announcements, Amazon quickly canceled orders from China and Southeast Asia—including beach chairs, scooters, and air conditioners—Bloomberg News reported. These products, purchased directly by Amazon for U.S. resale, were among the first casualties of the new trade policies.

Amazon’s third-party marketplace—responsible for 60% of its sales—features millions of sellers, many of whom depend on Chinese manufacturing. Andy Jassy predicted these merchants would raise prices to offset tariff costs. “I’m guessing sellers will pass that cost on to consumers,” he noted.
In his annual shareholder letter, Jassy revealed Amazon’s proactive steps to cushion the tariff blow, including strategic bulk inventory purchases and renegotiated supplier contracts. These efforts aim to stabilize prices amid rising costs.

Amazon has noticed early signs that shoppers are stocking up on products ahead of expected price hikes. “People haven’t stopped buying, and in some categories, we’re seeing customers purchasing in advance,” said CEO Andy Jassy. “But it’s tough to say whether this is just a short-term blip in the data or something more lasting.”