Businesses across the United States are finally seeing billions of dollars in unexpected windfalls land in their accounts, as the government begins refunding tariffs that courts have now ruled were illegally imposed under US President Donald Trump. The repayments are reigniting political battles over Trump's trade agenda, even as importers start clawing back money they paid years ago.
The controversy stems from tariffs Trump introduced under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a law traditionally used during national emergencies. In February 2026,the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3that Trump exceeded his authority by using the law to impose broad import duties on dozens of trading partners.
The ruling triggereda massive refund processinvolving an estimated USD $166 billion in tariffs paid by more than 330,000 importers across roughly 53 million shipments.
Now, businesses are finally beginning to see money returned.
According to new court filings and government updates, US Customs and Border Protection has already processedmore than USD $35 billion in refunds, including interest payments, with additional reimbursements expected in the coming months.
The Trump administration previously announced that the first wave of refunds would begin rolling out around 11 May through a newly created system known as CAPE – the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries portal. The automated system was designed to help businesses reclaim tariffs more efficiently after the Supreme Court decision created enormous legal and logistical challenges for the government.
Several major companies havealready confirmed receiving partial repayments. Toy maker Basic Fun said it had recovered about USD $400,000 of the USD $7.4 million it claimed, while heavy-truck manufacturer Oshkosh also acknowledged receiving refunds.
Small businesses have likewise begun applying for reimbursements, thoughmany say the process has not been easy. Owners reported technical issues accessing the government's refund portal and long waits for assistance from Customs officials.
'It was very difficult,' Dahlia Rizk, owner of children's outerwear company Buckle Me Baby, said after attempting to reclaim roughly USD $66,000 in tariff payments.
The refund controversy has also fuelled speculation online thatordinary Americans could receive direct 'tariff rebate' chequessimilar to COVID-era stimulus payments. However, current refund programmes apply primarily to businesses and importers that directly paid the tariffs rather than individual consumers.
Source: International Business Times UK
