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Coronavirus

Amazon, Mercari remove overpriced masks, tissue from their sites

US retailer warns vendors not to use coronavirus spread to manipulate prices

Amazon Japan is removing overpriced masks and tissue paper from its site and suspending vendors who are profiteering from the coronavirus crisis. (Nikkei montage)

PALO ALTO, U.S./TOKYO -- Amazon and Mercari, a Japanese online retailer, are removing overpriced products such as tissue paper and surgical masks from their platforms to stop vendors profiteering from consumers' coronavirus fears.

"We are disappointed that bad actors are attempting to artificially raise prices on basic-need products during a global health crisis and, in line with our long-standing policy, have recently blocked or removed tens of thousands of offers," said Amazon Japan on Wednesday.

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