The buyer’s statement can best be described as slander. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Slander Defined:

Verbal Defamation:Slander involves making false and damaging statements about someone verbally. In this case, the buyer's verbal claim about Supplier X’s product quality fits this definition.

Damage to Reputation:The false statement about Supplier X’s product quality was intended to harm the supplier’s reputation, fulfilling the criteria for slander.

Why Not Other Options?

Extortion (A):Extortion involves obtaining something through force or threats, which is not applicable here.

Libel (C):Libel refers to written defamation, whereas the buyer’s statement was verbal.

Disparagement (D):Disparagement involves making false statements about the quality of a product or service. While similar, slander is the more specific term for verbal defamation.

References:

Legal definitions and distinctions between slander and libel (Black’s Law Dictionary).

Principles of ethical communication in supply chain management (Institute for Supply Management, Ethics in Supply Management).