US President Donald 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.
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Although Amazon CEO Andy Jassy didn’t attend the White House meeting, the e-commerce giant’s stock has rebounded more sharply than that of the brick-and-mortar retailers who 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.
How Trump Tariffs may hurt Amazon more than Walmart and other offline retailers
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 the e-tailer'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.
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In a related news, Pegatron, a major supplier to Apple and Tesla, cautions that Trump's tariff policies are creating confusion and potential shortages in the U.S. market. The fluctuating trade levies are disrupting global supply chains, forcing companies to rethink strategies. Prolonged tariffs could stifle innovation and increase consumer costs, impacting the tech sector.
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