Amazon Sellers Protest Buy Box Policies as Tariff Pressures Mount

Amazon sellers argue restrictive pricing rules hinder their ability to adapt to rising costs from U.S.-China tariffs, while the company confirms higher consumer prices are likely.

• Amazon sellers have launched a petition demanding changes to the buy box algorithm, which they say limits their ability to adjust prices in response to increased tariffs on Chinese goods.
• The buy box, a key feature for driving sales, prioritizes low prices, leaving sellers unable to raise prices without risking visibility and sales.
• Amazon CEO Andy Jassy acknowledged that sellers will likely pass tariff-induced costs to consumers, citing limited profit margins as a constraint.
• Some sellers are removing products from Amazon listings altogether, as selling at a loss becomes unsustainable under current pricing pressures.
• Amazon has implemented strategic inventory purchases to help maintain lower prices for customers, while Chinese sellers are also planning price increases for U.S. shoppers due to tariff impacts.

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