Trump Tariffs: How CEOs of Walmart, Target and Home Depot may have just done a HUGE favour to Jeff Bezos' Amazon

US President Trump's sudden shift away from harsh tariff threats on Chinese imports may have inadvertently benefited Amazon more than the retailers who actually lobbied for the change, according to market analysts. After a Monday (April 21) meeting with CEOs from Walmart, Target, and Home Depot, as reported by Axios, Trump significantly softened his rhetoric on both Chinese tariffs and Federal Reserve policy. The retail executives reportedly warned the President that his 145% tariffs on Chinese goods would lead to higher prices and empty store shelves within weeks, potentially devastating consumer confidence ahead of the holiday shopping season.
While Amazon CEO Andy Jassy wasn't present at the White House meeting, the e-commerce giant has seen its stock rebound more dramatically than the brick-and-mortar retailers who actually delivered the message. This disparity reflects Amazon's greater vulnerability to the proposed tariffs, as it relies heavily on third-party sellers who import directly from China and set their own prices on the platform.

Market analysts note that Amazon faced multiple challenges under the tariff plan that Walmart could better withstand. Amazon's marketplace model means price increases would likely appear faster on its platform than at competitors with more centralized purchasing power. Additionally, its $56 billion advertising business - primarily funded by merchants promoting their products - would likely suffer as sellers cut marketing budgets to absorb tariff costs.
Walmart's stronger positioning in groceries - which are largely sourced domestically or from Latin America rather than China - provided it with a buffer that Amazon's Whole Foods division couldn't match. In any economic downturn triggered by tariffs, budget-conscious consumers would likely favor Walmart's value pricing over Amazon's options.
Trump’s apparent reversal, marked by indications of imminent trade talks with China, has calmed markets for now, with Amazon shareholders appearing particularly relieved by the unexpected intervention from its retail rivals.