U.S. processes $166–$175bn refunds
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Monday began taking claims for tariff refunds after the Supreme Court voided Trump-era duties imposed last year. - CBS News reported the government could owe importers up to $175 billion, while businesses described portal glitches, account problems and long waits. - The refunds stem from the court’s February 20 ruling against tariffs imposed under emergency-powers law. (cbsnews.com)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection began accepting tariff-refund claims Monday after the Supreme Court struck down a large set of Trump administration import duties. (cbsnews.com) CBS News reported the federal government could owe businesses between about $166 billion and $175 billion. The claims portal opened April 20 for companies seeking money back on tariffs the court said were unlawful. (cbsnews.com 1) (cbsnews.com 2) The tariffs at issue were imposed last year under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. The Supreme Court ruled on February 20 that many of those duties were illegal. (cbsnews.com) (businessinsider.com) Businesses said the refund process started with problems. CBS News reported glitches in the new portal, and Busy Baby co-founder Beth Benike said she spent more than four hours on hold with Customs and Border Protection trying to fix an account issue. (cbsnews.com 1) (cbsnews.com 2) Dame Products co-founder Alexandra Fine told Business Insider that her company added a tariff surcharge last year, reimbursed customers in 2026, and is now pursuing its own refund through the Customs portal. (businessinsider.com) Large shipping companies are also working through the pass-through question. Business Insider reported that FedEx, United Parcel Service and DHL said they are pursuing refunds and plan to repay customers for fees those customers originally paid. (businessinsider.com) The first phase of refunds is limited. Business Insider reported it covers imports whose entries were finalized starting January 30, while broader claims may depend on later guidance and court proceedings. (businessinsider.com 1) (businessinsider.com 2) The delays carry a cost for the government too. CBS News reported last month that postponing refunds could add roughly $700 million a month in interest owed to businesses. (cbsnews.com) The immediate fight is no longer whether the tariffs survive. It is whether Customs can return tens of billions of dollars quickly enough to companies that have already started paying customers back. (cbsnews.com) (businessinsider.com)
