Amazon shoppers, be on the lookout for a sudden price surge on everyday essentials. A recent analysis reveals that the online giant has quietly bumped up costs on a staggering 1,200 of its cheapest household goods, even as competitors like Walmart slash prices on similar items. This move raises questions about affordability in an already tight economic climate.
According to The Sun US, over the past few months, Amazon has increased prices by an average of 5.2% on low-cost household products, while Walmart has cut prices on comparable items by nearly 2% during the same period.
Back in January 2025, fears were swirling about potential tariff impacts from the Trump administration. In April 2025, Amazon publicly committed to keeping prices low despite these concerns. Yet, data shows a different story unfolding.
Between January 20, 2025, and July 2025, the Wall Street Journal, using data from Traject Data, examined around 2,500 Amazon products. Their findings? A clear 5.2% average price hike on 1,200 of the platform’s most affordable household items.
Specific products like pet ear rinse, cough drops, deodorant, protein shakes, chicken broth, tea, and eye drops all saw increases. Take a can of Campbell’s New England Clam Chowder: it jumped from $1.98 in January to $2.58 by July. That’s a hefty markup for a pantry staple.
Interestingly, imported goods and products of mixed origin on Amazon faced steeper hikes than U.S.-made items. Harvard economist Alberto Cavallo noted that across the retail sector, imported goods have risen by about 2% since March 2025. This trend hints at broader pressures from global trade policies.
One of the largest jumps in Amazon’s lowest-cost product prices hit on February 15, 2025. This came just days after a Trump administration order suggested tariffs would soon impact most trading partners. The timing raises eyebrows about whether policy uncertainty fueled the increases.
Amazon’s “everyday essentials” category, which bore many of these hikes, accounts for roughly 33% of products sold in the U.S. during Q1 2025. Meanwhile, the company lowered prices on pricier items, seemingly offsetting costs by targeting cheaper goods. This strategy might hit budget-conscious shoppers hardest.
Inflation ticked up in June 2025, adding to natural price swings alongside seasonal discounts and retail competition. But for consumers focused on frugality, these increases sting, especially when Amazon items were often out of stock at rival retailers, potentially skewing price comparisons.
Amazon has pushed back hard against the report’s findings. “This story is false and misleading,” a company spokesperson told The U.S. Sun. “This study is seriously flawed, cherry picking a mere 2,500 items out of the hundreds of millions we sell,” the spokesperson added.
“For the full set of 2,500 items investigated, we found the vast majority had no price change or a price decrease,” the spokesperson continued.
In stark contrast, Walmart dropped prices by nearly 2% on similar household goods over the same period. With an upcoming exclusive cheap TV deal, they’re positioning themselves as the go-to for cost-conscious buyers. This competitive edge couldn’t come at a better time.
Everyday items like coffee, tea, bananas, sneakers, furniture, and clothing—potentially affected by global tariffs—could see further price pressures. For now, though, Walmart offers a clearer path to savings. Savvy shoppers might want to compare prices before clicking “buy” on Amazon.
For investors and consumers alike, this price divergence signals opportunity. Consider reallocating spending to retailers offering better value, and keep an eye on tariff-related news that could impact costs. Building wealth means staying vigilant—don’t let quiet price hikes erode your purchasing power.