The Trump administration has begun processing refunds for billions of dollars in tariffs that the US Supreme Court struck down in February. In what is to be the biggest repayment programme in history, companies can apply online for money they were charged under the so-called Liberation Day tariffs - plus interest - to be returned. The US Court of International Trade in March ordered customs officials to refund more than $160 billion (£121 billion), putting roughly 330,000 importers in a position to potentially win back some money. However, some individual consumers, who were indirectly affected by the tariffs through higher prices, are not expected to be compensated.
The refunds relate to levies charged by US President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Judge Richard Eaton wrote in March, All importers of record whose entries were subject to IEEPA duties are entitled to the benefit from the high court's ruling. As of early April, over 56,000 importers had completed the necessary steps to apply for refunds online when the portal opened, with their claims worth $127 billion (£943 million). The portal, known as the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (Cape), went live on Monday, built to efficiently process refunds in a single sum rather than item by item.
Customs and Border Protection indicated that successful applicants could expect refunds, as well as any applicable interest, to be paid within 60 to 90 days. A significant issue, however, surrounds individual shoppers who faced increased prices due to Trump's tariffs and have no means to claim compensation. One pathway for consumer compensation could involve businesses distributing any funds recouped from Customs and Border Protection to those affected, but few companies have announced such plans.
Individuals have started filing class-action lawsuits against companies like Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica, FedEx, and Costco, arguing that refunds should be passed down to consumers who endured higher prices due to tariffs. Costco CEO Ron Vachris stated plans to pass on any tariff refunds to customers through lower prices and better values. Meanwhile, officials from the Trump administration have expressed little expectation for direct consumer benefits from the refund process, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noting that it is unlikely that the American people will see much from these refunds.}
The refunds relate to levies charged by US President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Judge Richard Eaton wrote in March, All importers of record whose entries were subject to IEEPA duties are entitled to the benefit from the high court's ruling. As of early April, over 56,000 importers had completed the necessary steps to apply for refunds online when the portal opened, with their claims worth $127 billion (£943 million). The portal, known as the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (Cape), went live on Monday, built to efficiently process refunds in a single sum rather than item by item.
Customs and Border Protection indicated that successful applicants could expect refunds, as well as any applicable interest, to be paid within 60 to 90 days. A significant issue, however, surrounds individual shoppers who faced increased prices due to Trump's tariffs and have no means to claim compensation. One pathway for consumer compensation could involve businesses distributing any funds recouped from Customs and Border Protection to those affected, but few companies have announced such plans.
Individuals have started filing class-action lawsuits against companies like Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica, FedEx, and Costco, arguing that refunds should be passed down to consumers who endured higher prices due to tariffs. Costco CEO Ron Vachris stated plans to pass on any tariff refunds to customers through lower prices and better values. Meanwhile, officials from the Trump administration have expressed little expectation for direct consumer benefits from the refund process, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noting that it is unlikely that the American people will see much from these refunds.}
