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Amazon internal emails allege tactics drove up rivals’ prices
The Guardian reports California authorities claim Amazon pressured suppliers after flagging low prices on rival sites as threats to its profitability.
Internal emails reviewed by The Guardian, along with court claims, allege Amazon used behind-the-scenes tactics that pushed prices higher across other retailers’ websites, affecting competitors including Walmart and Target.
The reporting describes examples including a table lamp price increase on Walmart from $24.99 to $39, an air fryer at Newegg rising from $84.99 to $149.99, and an electric ice-cream maker that became unavailable at Best Buy before more than tripling in price at Amazon to $59.99.
According to the outlet, California authorities allege the price changes and product disappearances were not simply supply and demand but results of pressure by Amazon on suppliers to raise prices at other retailers.
Amazon denies price-fixing claims and says it works to lower costs for consumers, The Guardian reports, while detailing allegations that Amazon flagged low rival prices and reduced or threatened to reduce suppliers’ sales on Amazon.com and also sought compensation after matching lower retail prices.