Trump Singles Out Apple, Amazon: "I Will Remember Companies That Do Not Request Tariff Refunds"

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning on April 20 (local time) regarding the newly implemented tariff rebate measure, stating, "I will remember the companies that do not request rebates."

U.S. President Donald Trump is giving a speech at an NCAA-related event held at the White House on the 21st (local time). Photo by AFP Yonhap News

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In an interview with CNBC on April 21, President Trump referenced cases where major corporations such as Apple and Amazon had not applied for rebates, saying, "If they do not do so, I will remember them." He further commented on the tariff policy, explaining, "We are imposing [tariffs] in a different manner, but the end result will be the same. The final scale may become larger, although the process has become somewhat more complicated."

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began operating an online rebate system the previous day to return tariffs totaling approximately $166 billion (about 244 trillion won). Importers and customs brokers can apply for rebates through a dedicated portal. Around 330,000 importers are eligible, with a total of 53 million cases covered by the program.

In February, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration's imposition of reciprocal tariffs based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was an illegal act that infringed upon the authority of Congress. Immediately after the Supreme Court's decision, President Trump announced plans to impose tariffs under Trade Act Sections 122 and 301. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also stated on April 14 that it would be possible to restore tariffs at a similar level by early July.

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Under these circumstances, global logistics companies UPS and FedEx began the rebate application process on this day, according to CNBC. UPS is applying for rebates from CBP on behalf of its customers for imported cargo declared in the United States. It is expected to take up to three months for payments to be made. FedEx has also started filing rebate claims and stated that it will return the rebate funds to shippers and consumers.

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