Washington (EFE) .- The president of the United States, Donald Trump, said Tuesday that the owner of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, is a “good guy” that “did the right thing” after the online trade giant denied an alleged plan to reflect the effect of tariffs imposed by the White House in the price of its products.
«Jeff Bezos is very kind. Fantastic. He solved the problem very fast. He did the right thing. A good guy, ”said the president to journalists before leaving for Mischigan, where he will commemorate the first 100 days of his second term.
Trump thus settled an apparent ‘impasse’ in the close relationship with Bezos, who occupied a privileged seat in the investiture act of the president in January, along with other great technological entrepreneurs, such as Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg.
The fleeting mess with Amazon for Trump’s tariffs
Hours before, the White House spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, had loaded against Amazon and her plan to make public costs added by the taxes, which she described as “a hostile and political act,” and questioned why he did not do the same during the administration of the Democrat Joe Biden (2021-2025).
Shortly after, a Amazon spokesman assured the CNBC chain that the plan to raise prices as a consequence of the tariff war was never approved and will not happen.
Trump and Bezos have strengthened their relationship in recent months.
Trump Praises Bezos After Tariff Display Dispute: an Expert Analysis
Time.news: Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re diving into the recent interactions between President Trump and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos concerning the potential display of tariff costs on Amazon products. Joining us to dissect this situation is Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in international trade and e-commerce. Dr. Sharma, thanks for being with us.
Dr. Sharma: It’s my pleasure to be here.
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, recent reports indicate that President Trump publicly praised Jeff Bezos after Amazon seemingly scrapped a plan to show tariff costs next to product prices. What’s your initial reaction to this growth?
Dr.Sharma: Well, it’s a complex situation with several layers. Firstly, the public acknowledgment from President Trump signals a potential easing of tensions between the governance and Amazon.[1] The core issue revolves around transparency regarding tariffs and how these costs are ultimately borne by consumers.
Time.news: The story suggests a bit of a back-and-forth, with the White House initially criticizing Amazon’s alleged plan to display tariff costs. How does this internal disagreement impact the message the government is sending regarding trade policies?
Dr. Sharma: Quite a lot. The mixed messaging creates uncertainty. On one hand, there’s a push for transparency in pricing. On the other,resistance to explicitly showing tariff burdens. This can be perceived as an attempt to control the narrative around trade policies and potentially shield consumers from the direct impact of tariffs on everyday goods. [2]
Time.news: Why would Amazon even consider displaying the costs of tariffs next to product prices? What potential benefits or drawbacks are there for the company?
Dr.Sharma: From Amazon’s outlook, displaying tariff costs could serve several purposes. It could foster transparency. It may also deflect blame for higher prices onto the government’s trade policies. The potential downside is that highlighting these costs might discourage consumers from purchasing certain items, impacting Amazon’s sales. There’s also a risk of further escalating tensions with the administration.
Time.news: Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokeswoman, described Amazon’s alleged plan as a “hostile and political act.” Is this characterization justified?
Dr. Sharma: “hostile” is certainly a strong word. While displaying tariff costs could be interpreted as a challenge to the administration’s trade policies, it could also be framed as simply providing consumers with more information. The “political act” label reveals the sensitivity surrounding tariffs and the desire to manage public perception.
Time.news: The article mentions that Trump and Bezos have “strengthened their relationship in recent months.” How might this influence future policy decisions or regulations affecting the e-commerce giant?
Dr. Sharma: A closer relationship could potentially lead to more open dialog and collaboration between Amazon and the government. This could mean Amazon has a stronger voice regarding policies that affect its operations, such as tariffs, regulations, and even infrastructure development. However, it is also significant to bear in mind that the relationship is not static and can change based on various political and business considerations. [3]
Time.news: What does this entire episode suggest about the power dynamics between large tech companies and the U.S. government, especially concerning trade and tariffs?
Dr. sharma: It highlights the significant influence large tech companies like Amazon wield. Their decisions about pricing and information display can have a profound impact on consumer behavior and public opinion. The government, in turn, seeks to shape and influence these decisions through incentives, regulations, and, sometimes, public pressure.
Time.news: Shifting gears slightly, what practical advice would you give to consumers and small businesses navigating this complex landscape of tariffs and international trade?
Dr. Sharma: For consumers, be aware of the potential impact of tariffs on the prices of imported goods. Compare prices across different platforms and consider purchasing domestic alternatives when possible. For small businesses involved in international trade, it’s crucial to:
Diversify your supply chains to mitigate the impact of tariffs from specific countries.
Explore strategies for absorbing tariff costs where possible, without significantly impacting your competitiveness.
Stay informed about changes in trade policies and regulations through reliable sources like government websites and industry associations.
Seek expert advice from trade consultants to navigate these complexities.
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for your insightful analysis. This has been incredibly helpful in understanding the nuances of this situation.
dr. Sharma: My pleasure.
