Amazon is facing fresh scrutiny after US regulators alleged the company pressured brands to raise prices on competing retail platforms, according to newly unredacted court documents.

California Attorney-General Rob Bonta (pictured below) has released detailed filings tied to a long-running antitrust lawsuit first launched in 2022.

The case accuses Amazon of using its market power to influence how products are priced not only on its own platform, but across competitors including Walmart and Target.

The newly disclosed material alleges Amazon contacted vendors directly, urging them to “fix” lower prices listed elsewhere. Suppliers were said to comply due to fears of penalties, such as losing prominent placement or the lucrative “buy box” on Amazon’s marketplace.

Examples cited include communications with brands like Levi’s and Hanes, where Amazon allegedly requested action to lift prices on rival sites. In one instance, a security camera maker reportedly raised its price on Walmart by around US$100 after being contacted by Amazon, later confirming the change had been made.

State officials claim the behaviour effectively creates a price floor across online retail, limiting competition and leading to higher costs for consumers. Bonta argues the company’s influence has impacted everyday goods ranging from clothing to household items.

The filings form part of a push for a preliminary injunction that would restrict Amazon from communicating with vendors about pricing on other platforms while the case proceeds. A trial is currently slated for 2027.

Amazon has rejected the allegations, labelling the case weak and arguing it consistently offers low prices. The company says the latest legal move is an attempt to distract from what it describes as a lack of new evidence.