Amazon Emails Seller Struggles Amid Trump Tariff Turmoil

In a rare move, Amazon has begun reaching out directly to its third-party sellers, asking how their businesses are holding up under President Trump’s sweeping new tariff rules. Emails from the company’s seller relations team reveal Amazon’s interest in understanding how sourcing, pricing, and shipping strategies have shifted since the latest tariffs took effect in April 2025. With China facing a steep 145% levy and others subject to a universal 10%, sellers say their margins are under pressure. Some are keeping prices steady—for now—but warn that the added costs could soon force them to raise prices or shut down altogether.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy acknowledged the squeeze last week, suggesting that price hikes may be inevitable. Meanwhile, Amazon has already begun canceling direct import orders from Chinese vendors. The fallout has left products stranded at ports and sellers scrambling for answers. With Amazon’s stock down 18% this year and seller uncertainty rising, the e-commerce giant’s hands-off approach to third-party logistics might be entering a new, more involved chapter.
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