WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Walmart (WMT.N) should "eat the tariffs" instead of blaming duties imposed on imported goods for the retailer's increase prices.

His comments were in response to the world's largest retailer saying this week that it would have to start raising prices later this month due to high cost of tariffs.

"Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain. Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

"Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, 'EAT THE TARIFFS,' and not charge valued customers ANYTHING."

A representative of Walmart could not be reached immediately for comment.