Here’s a 300-character introduction for the article “Amazon sellers curb Prime Day discounts with tariffs taking bite”:

As the highly anticipated Prime Day approaches, a bittersweet reality sets in for Amazon sellers. Amidst the excitement of this annual shopping extravaganza, they find themselves grappling with the crippling effects of tariffs, which have forced them to curb the very discounts that make Prime Day so alluring to consumers. This delicate balance between profitability and customer satisfaction has left many sellers in a precarious position, navigating the challenges of a volatile economic landscape. Join us as we explore the untold stories of the Amazon sellers who must make tough choices to survive in this ever-evolving retail environment.

The Impact of Trade Wars on Amazon’s Prime Day

Tariffs Disrupt Prime Day Discounts

Dan Peskorse, whose Upstream Brands sells aluminum trays that make decorative ice cubes for the cocktail connoisseur, usually sells his products at cost on Amazon Prime Day to promote the brand. But with them subject to 50% tariffs, he’s not offering any discounts for the first time. “We’re just gonna see what happens this year,” said Peskorse, whose St. Louis-based company generates about $4 million in annual sales, mostly on Amazon. “There’s just no room in the budget for Prime Day discounts.”

Cautious Brands Limit Prime Day Offerings

Unilever Plc’s Blueair, which makes air purifiers and humidifiers, had to reduce the number of products it offers for sale during Prime Day this year because of tariffs. The sale is a good way to promote his products, including filters that cost as much as $300 and typically feature a Prime Day discount of about 30%. “We want to be cautious to see how this economy plays out for the rest of the year,” said CEO Andy Lu. “This Prime Day has so much meaning as an indicator for brand owners and operators.”

Shoppers Wary of Tariff Impacts

Consumers Closely Monitoring Prices

A survey of 1,000 U.S. shoppers conducted by Akeneo, a software company that serves online merchants, showed that 1 in 4 respondents planned to skip Prime Day because of tariffs, while 57% said they would more closely monitor prices.

Potential Shift in Spending Patterns

Economic indicators have so far portrayed a resilient U.S. consumer, but the long-term outlook could be muddied by short-term shopper savviness — such as buying automobiles before tariffs take effect. Consumption declined slightly in May, while consumer sentiment increased in June. Prime Day could help clarify the signals for the rest of the summer.

Prime Day as an Economic Indicator

Insights into Consumer Appetite

“Prime Day will provide an early indication on consumer appetite, especially in categories like apparel, electronics and TVs, where price drops are expected to be the deepest,” said Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Inc., which expects Amazon and other U.S. retailers to generate $23.8 billion in online sales during the four-day event.

Uncertainty Looms Large

President Trump rattled global markets in April when he announced “Liberation Day” tariffs on 180 countries and territories, including China. Levies of as much as 145% have since been reduced or delayed to give time for negotiations, but uncertainty lingers like a dark cloud. Trump restoked the unpredictability Monday with warnings to countries including Japan and South Korea that he would impose tariffs if trade deals weren’t reached by Aug. 1.

Conclusion

This year’s Prime Day promises to be a crucial test for both consumers and brands navigating the turbulent waters of the ongoing trade war. While some merchants are forced to forgo discounts due to tariff-induced cost increases, shoppers are becoming more cautious and selective in their spending. The event’s performance will provide valuable insights into the resilience of the U.S. consumer and the broader economic landscape. As we anxiously await the results, it’s clear that the ripple effects of trade policies continue to shape the retail landscape in unexpected ways.

Keywords

brand

English translation: brand
Example sentences:
– The company has a strong brand that is recognized worldwide.
– She chose to buy a product from a well-known brand that she trusts.
Detailed explanation: A brand is a name, term, design, symbol, or other feature that identifies a product or service and distinguishes it from those of other producers. A strong brand can build customer loyalty and trust.

appetite

English translation: appetite
Example sentences:
– After a long day, he had a healthy appetite and enjoyed a hearty meal.
– The delicious aroma of the food only increased her appetite.
Detailed explanation: Appetite refers to a desire or craving for food. It is the natural urge or instinct to eat. A good appetite indicates that a person is hungry and ready to enjoy a meal.

Spencer

English translation: Spencer
Example sentences:
– The Spencer family has a long history in the local community.
– She decided to wear a stylish Spencer jacket to the event.
Detailed explanation: Spencer is a surname that originated as a title for a person who was in charge of provisioning or spending in a household. It is also used as a given name, often for males.

reached

English translation: reached
Example sentences:
– After a long hike, they finally reached the top of the mountain.
– The company has reached a new milestone in its growth.
Detailed explanation: To reach means to arrive at or attain a destination, level, or state. It implies successfully completing a journey or achieving a goal.

decorative

English translation: decorative
Example sentences:
– The room was filled with beautiful, decorative vases and artwork.
– She used decorative pillows to add a touch of elegance to the living room.
Detailed explanation: Decorative refers to something that is designed to enhance the appearance or beauty of an object or space, rather than serving a practical function. Decorative items are used for aesthetic purposes to create a visually appealing environment.

Encouraging words for language learners:
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