Amazon has begun reaching out to third-party sellers to assess how recent U.S. tariff changes under President Donald Trump’s administration are affecting their businesses.
According to an email reviewed by CNBC, Amazon’s seller relations team contacted some U.S.-based merchants last week. The message inquired about how the “current U.S. tariff situation” is influencing sellers’ sourcing strategies, pricing decisions, logistics operations, and plans to ship inventory to Amazon warehouses.
“As of April 2025, we’re still dealing with the repercussions of various tariff policies,” the email stated. “It’s important for us that you share your current experiences and strategies.”
Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The outreach was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and later covered by Modern Retail.
Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order introducing broad tariffs, before adjusting the plan to a uniform 10% tariff for all trade partners—excluding China, which remains subject to a 145% tariff. The China-specific levies include tariffs related to fentanyl-related enforcement measures implemented earlier this year. The shifts have contributed to recent volatility in financial markets.
The updated trade policy may have significant implications for Amazon’s third-party marketplace, which now accounts for roughly 60% of all products sold on the platform. Many of these sellers rely on goods sourced from China, raising concerns about increased costs.
Some sellers have indicated they will try to maintain current pricing in order to stay competitive, though some expressed concern that prolonged tariffs could pressure their business operations.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy addressed the issue in a recent CNBC interview, noting that sellers facing increased import costs may be forced to pass those expenses on to consumers.
“Depending on which country you’re in, you don’t necessarily have 50% extra margin to absorb costs like this,” Jassy said.
The company has also made adjustments to its own retail operations. Consultants told CNBC that Amazon recently canceled some direct import orders from Chinese vendors. In some cases, products were reportedly prepared for shipment when vendors were notified of the cancellations.
Amazon shares are down 18% year-to-date, while the Nasdaq Composite Index has declined 13% over the same period.
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