Prices of China-made goods on Amazon are rising faster than overall inflation—and American consumers are starting to feel the pinch.
A new analysis by data firm DataWeave, done for Reuters, looked at 1,400+ products made in China and sold on Amazon. It found that prices for these goods went up by 2.6% between January and mid-June. That’s more than double the 1% rise in core goods inflation reported by U.S. government data through May.
This means one thing: tariffs are no longer just a political debate—they’re hitting your wallet.
Amazon Prices Go Up—And It’s Not Just Seasonal
DataWeave’s report is clear. From April to June, prices jumped fast—especially in Home & Furniture (up 3.5%) and Electronics (up 3.1%).
Some examples are hard to ignore:
- Hamilton Beach electric kettle: ₹4,000 ($49.99) to ₹5,850 ($73.21)
- GreenPan frying pan: doubled from ₹1,700 to ₹2,700+
That’s not a small bump. These are products used daily in homes and offices, and China-made goods are the backbone of many of them.
Why This Matters to You
If you buy electronics, cookware, or school supplies on Amazon, chances are you’re already paying more. And it’s not random.
China exported over $438 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in 2024. When tariffs hit those imports, sellers often pass the cost to buyers. According to DataWeave CEO Karthik Bettadapura, “Even modest duties can translate quickly when margins are thin.”
In simple terms: You pay more because businesses can’t afford not to charge more.
What Amazon Says (and Doesn’t Say)
Amazon claims prices haven’t changed “appreciably.” But the numbers tell a different story. Of the 1,407 items tracked:
- 475 got more expensive
- 633 stayed the same
- Only 299 got cheaper
Clearly, the shift began in May, just when new tariffs kicked in.
The Bigger Picture
This may be just the beginning. If the trade tensions continue, China-made goods could get even more expensive. And while Amazon is global, it’s also where 62% of products come from third-party sellers—many of whom rely on China for inventory.
So next time your Amazon cart total looks high? Blame tariffs, not delivery fees.
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