Amazon Prime Day, the mega retailer’s summer shopping event, is set for July 8-11 this year — doubling in size from two to four days. Exclusive to Prime members, it offers some of the best Amazon deals of the year, but looming price hikes due to tariffs could impact how much of a savings shoppers can expect.
Amazon launched Prime Day back in 2015, and savvy shoppers have eagerly anticipated this annual event ever since. But this year, the event could overlap with the resumption of President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs.” He announced the tariffs in April, quickly putting them on a 90-day pause. But the expiration date is July 9 — right in the middle of the Prime Day sales event.
Countries could face double-digit tariff hikes if they don’t reach an agreement by the deadline. Companies would likely pass through additional costs associated with tariffs to consumers — meaning we could pay more for everything, including electronics.
Most imported products for Prime Day will likely already be in the US and shouldn’t be subject to newly imposed tariffs, but there could be exceptions, according to Timothy Meyer, Richard Allen/Cravath distinguished professor in international business law, Duke University School of Law.
“If for some reason the goods have not already been imported, then they could be affected by any tariffs,” he said. “Sellers could not pass on the price of the tariffs after the consumer has purchased the goods, but it is possible that sellers might raise their prices during the sale.”
Our CNET Deals team will track all the best deals throughout the event so you can score the lowest prices. This will help you navigate the sale and stay ahead of any tariff-based price rises.
Read more: Don’t Wait: Score an Instant $200 Amazon Gift Card Ahead of Prime Day With This Card
Watch this: Should You Buy Now or Wait? Our Experts Weigh In on Tariffs
09:42
How could tariffs affect Prime Day deals?
Prices on everything, including appliances, are expected to rise as a result of Trump’s sweeping tariffs, which he originally announced on April 2. He quickly followed with a 90-day pause for most of the tariffs, leaving a 10% baseline tariff for goods imported from most countries. Trump recently announced a trade deal with China that put a total tariff of 55% in place — although 25% of that was put in place during his first term.
The administration has since said that it’s in the process of making deals with many countries to ease tariffs, but the deadline is quickly approaching and could impact some products during the Prime Day shopping event. If retailers pass along the full cost of the tariffs, it could mean we’ll be paying a lot more for products manufactured in other countries.
After launching the original Prime Day in 2015, the retailer has expanded the number of its sales events, including a Big Spring Sale in March and Prime Big Deal Days in October. Last year’s Prime Day sale took place July 16-17.
