Trump Urges Walmart to Accept Tariffs

(MENAFN) On Saturday, U.S. Leader Donald Trump sharply rebuked Walmart for alerting consumers about possible price hikes and attributing them to tariffs enacted during his time in office.

Trump dismissed the retailer's concerns, pointing out that Walmart generated “billions of dollars” in earnings over the past year—"far more than expected."

He encouraged the retail giant to take on the increased expenses itself rather than shifting the burden onto buyers.

Emphasizing his stance, Trump wrote on Truth Social that “Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, ‘EAT THE TARIFFS,’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING.” He concluded with a warning: “I’ll be watching, and so will your customers.”

The president’s criticism came after Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, during a Thursday earnings call, explained that the company is grappling with elevated import costs and is unable to "absorb all the pressure," suggesting prices could rise as a result.

McMillon highlighted that roughly one-third of Walmart's U.S. merchandise originates domestically.

However, the company remains significantly dependent on goods brought in from countries like China, Vietnam, India, Mexico, as well as Canada.

The controversy arose shortly after a breakthrough in trade negotiations between the U.S. and China in Geneva.

As part of the new deal, U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports dropped from 145 percent to 30 percent and China, in turn, lowered levies on American products from 125 percent to 10 percent, with the changes going into effect on May 14.

MENAFN18052025000045017167ID1109562449