An analysis of Amazon listings shows that U.S. prices for China-made goods have surged faster than core inflation, signaling the direct impact of tariffs on American consumers.
At a Glance
- Between January and mid-June 2025, median prices on 1,407 China-made items rose 2.6%, exceeding the 1% increase in core goods CPI.
- Products like school and office supplies, electronics, cookware, and furniture saw the steepest jumps.
- The price surge accelerated notably in May and June.
- About one-third of items tracked went up in price, while nearly half remained stable.
- Retailers like Walmart and Macy’s are already passing tariff costs to shoppers.
Inflation 2.6% vs. CPI 1%
According to a Reuters analysis, Amazon prices on China-origin goods rose a median 2.6% between January and mid-June, compared with just 1% for core goods inflation. The spike coincides with new U.S. tariffs—up to 50% on steel and aluminum and 25% on cars and batteries—imposed as part of a broader trade confrontation with Beijing.
Electronics, Furniture Hit Hardest
The most affected categories were electronics (up 3.1%) and home & furniture (up 3.5%) since early May. One electric kettle jumped from $49.99 to $73.21, and the price of GreenPan frying pans more than doubled. Of the 1,407 China-made products tracked, 475 increased in price, 633 stayed flat, and 299 declined slightly.
The data, sourced from e-commerce analytics firm DataWeave, illustrates how quickly tariffs ripple through online platforms that rely heavily on Chinese imports.
Retailers, Margins, and Consumer Blowback
Many retailers are struggling to absorb costs. As DataWeave CEO Karthik Bettadapura explained, “even modest duties can translate quickly… we’re seeing the first broad-based price step-up.” Companies like Walmart and Macy’s have acknowledged passing on increased prices to consumers, while Amazon maintains that overall price trends remain within normal ranges.
The limited price flexibility for many low-margin goods, especially in electronics and homeware, means more hikes are likely if tariffs persist.
Tariffs Set to Push Inflation Higher
Tariffs imposed by the Biden administration—now extended and expanded under Trump—are as high as 50% on some key industrial inputs. Economists warn this will feed consumer inflation even as the Fed maintains elevated interest rates. While some sellers stockpiled inventory earlier in the year to delay price changes, those buffers are now running out.
With a second wave of tariff-related inflation looming, American households face higher costs on essentials just as purchasing power stagnates. The next CPI report may reveal whether this Amazon price surge is a leading indicator—or just the beginning.
