Amazon is raising the cost of a Prime subscription across Europe by up to 43% a year.
Starting Sept. 15, new and existing members (when they renew) will pay significantly more to enjoy Prime benefits such as one-day delivery and Prime Video streaming.
As Reuters reports, the level of price increase depends on where you live, with quite a wide variation from country-to-country. The price change breaks down as follows:
- UK: £79 to £95 ($114.24) - 20% increase
- Germany: €69 to €89.90 ($91.84) - 30% increase
- Italy: €36 to €49.90 ($50.98) - 39% increase
- Spain: €36 to €49.90 ($50.98) - 39% increase
- France: €49 to €69.90 ($71.41) - 43% increase
Amazon defended the price increases, stating they are necessary due to "increased inflation and operating costs," but also pointed to faster deliveries and more streaming content being offered as factors. "We will keep working to ensure Prime offers exceptional value for its members," the company said.
US Prime subscribers saw the price increase back in February, when Amazon bumped the annual membership from $119 to $139; monthly patrons saw a $2 increase to $14.99. An expansion in Prime benefits, as well as the need to pay rising wages and higher transportation costs were cited as reasons at the time. There are ways to avoid paying $139 for membership, though.
Amazon last updated its membership costs in 2018, boosting the annual price from $99 to $119, while monthly fees increased from $10.99 to $12.99.
Following the global pandemic—which helped push Amazon's operating profits to a record high—the firm has entered cost-cutting mode. Last week, it paused construction on six new office buildings in Tennessee and Washington, and reduced the amount of space it intends to lease in New York City.