Amazon.com IncSenate probe into Chinese influence on third-party marketplace could lead to tighter oversight or penalties.

Amazon shares dropped about 4% in a single session after Bloomberg reported that Senate investigators are examining allegations of Chinese influence over the company's third-party marketplace. Republican staff on the Senate Small Business Committee believe some Amazon employees in China may have improperly accepted payments to reverse account suspensions and help third-party sellers navigate marketplace policies. The inquiry remains a fact-finding investigation rather than an enforcement action, but investors worry it could lead to tighter oversight or financial penalties. The probe arrives just days before Amazon reports second-quarter earnings on July 30, with Wall Street expecting roughly $198 billion in revenue and approximately $1.82 billion in earnings per share. Despite the regulatory overhang, Amazon's business continues to perform well, with AWS growing 28% year-over-year in the first quarter and the company planning roughly $200 billion in capital expenditures in 2026 to expand AI infrastructure.
Amazon.com IncSenate probe into Chinese influence on third-party marketplace could lead to tighter oversight or penalties.
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