B2 – Upper Intermediate
There were talks that Amazon would display the costs of the US tariffs on its products on their website.
However, Amazon has denied this and said that they never considered listing tariffs on their main retail website, but did on their low-cost Amazon Haul Store. They considered the idea, but it was never approved and implemented in the end.
Watch this video about Amazon and US tariffs.
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define “on-shoring”. “It’s another reason why we are on-shoring critical supply chains here at home to shore up our own critical supply chain and boost our own manufacturing here.” Use this word in a sentence.
- What does “duty” mean here, “This month, Trump signed an executive order that closes a trade loophole that has allowed low-value packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the United States free of duties.”? Use this word in a sentence.
- What does “to trade near flat” mean? “The comments by the White House sent Amazon shares down more than 2% in pre-market trading, but they rebounded and were trading near flat by midday.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- How is Amazon affected by the growing political and trade tensions between the US and China?
- Amazon decided not to display the costs of tariffs on products on its website. What is your opinion on this?
- Do you agree or disagree that “Amazon should be more transparent about tariff costs.” What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
- The White House accused Amazon of a hostile political act. Share your insights on this.
- What are your thoughts on low-value packages from China and Hong Kong entering the United States not duty free anymore? What impact could this have on China and Hong Kong and on the US?