On April 29, a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos sparked a wider debate on price transparency. Trump criticized Amazon's consideration of labeling tariff-related costs on product pages, calling it a 'hostile and political act.' Amazon later clarified that the plan had only been discussed for its budget platform, Haul, and was never rolled out.
CGTN's street interviews in New York revealed a clear trend: most Americans support showing tariff fees upfront. From teachers to bankers, voices across professions echoed a demand for clarity on how trade policies impact everyday prices.
'Tariffs should be displayed just like sales tax,' says Kateleen Mcdougal, a New York teacher. 'The public needs to see exactly where their money goes. Hiding these costs misleads consumers.'
Banker Tim Wallace adds, 'Companies indicating extra tariff charges would make pricing more transparent and help us make informed choices.'
As global trade tensions continue to shape markets, consumer pressure is mounting for retailers and policymakers to break down hidden fees. For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads watching from around the world, this is more than a U.S. story – it's a signal that transparency in pricing could become a universal demand.
Reference(s):
Tariffs in the eyes of Americans: Government hiding tariff costs
cgtn.com
