Tariff refunds will be slow

U.S. Customs says the first tariff refunds can start moving on April 20, but importers should now expect to wait 60 to 90 days after filing. (cbp.gov; supplychaindive.com) The agency is building a new claims system called Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries inside its Automated Commercial Environment portal, and Phase 1 opens April 20 for importers of record and authorized customs brokers. Customs had earlier told the Court of International Trade it expected many refunds in about 45 days, but its public guidance now says 60 to 90 days. (cbp.gov; thompsonhinesmartrade.com; supplychaindive.com) The first batch is narrow. Customs says Phase 1 covers certain unliquidated entries, entries liquidated within the previous 80 days, entries marked suspended, extended, or under review, plus warehouse entries and warehouse withdrawals. (chrobinson.com; supplychaindive.com) That leaves a large share of companies waiting for later phases, especially importers with finally liquidated entries or more complicated filings. One court filing said Phase 1 would cover about 63% of entries that paid or deposited tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. (politico.com; thompsonhinesmartrade.com) The refunds stem from court-ordered unwinding of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the emergency law the Trump administration used for broad import duties. Politico reported Customs’ system is meant for claims tied to more than $160 billion in invalidated tariffs. (cbp.gov; politico.com) Customs is also changing how the money goes out. Refunds are electronic only as of February 6, 2026, and the agency says payments can be held if an importer has not set up bank details in the Automated Commercial Environment portal; in that case, no interest accrues while the refund is on hold. (chrobinson.com) The delay lands as tariff policy is already reshaping physical trade flows. In Quebec, the U.S. share of aluminum exports fell to 78% in the second quarter of 2025 from 95% in the first quarter, while Europe’s share rose to 18% from 0.2%, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data reported by Bloomberg. (ttnews.com) One major smelter, Aluminerie Alouette, said its Europe-bound share rose to 57% from 4% over the same period. S&P Global reported in February 2026 that Canadian metal was still arriving in Europe even as U.S. Midwest premiums hit record highs and U.S. warehouse stocks fell to roughly 150,000 to 175,000 metric tons. (ttnews.com; spglobal.com) For importers, the immediate deadline is April 20. For many of them, the more important date will be 60 to 90 days after Customs accepts a filing — and longer if the agency flags a compliance issue. (cbp.gov; supplychaindive.com)