Trump Tariff Refunds Worth $166 Billion Move Closer as US System Nears Completion
CBP develops online portal for importers; mass processing 40% complete, review portion 80% ready
Washington, March 13: The U.S. government is progressing on a four-part system to refund $166 billion in tariffs collected under former President Donald Trump’s trade policy, with progress reported between 40% and 80%, according to a court filing on Thursday.
Brandon Lord, an official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said the agency is developing an online claim portal to allow importers and brokers to submit refund requests. Submitted claims will undergo processing, review, and reimbursement. The system could begin operation as early as mid-April, he noted in filings at the U.S. Court of International Trade in compliance with Judge Richard Eaton’s directive to initiate tariff refunds.
The Supreme Court struck down most of the Trump-era tariffs in February, but did not provide guidance on reimbursing payments collected from importers since February 2024. Following this, major importers such as FedEx filed lawsuits to protect their refund rights, while smaller importers worried the refund process could outweigh the benefits.
While Judge Eaton had initially ordered CBP to use its existing system for refunds, the agency proposed a new, streamlined process to accept applications as early as next month without requiring lawsuits. Lord stated that the mass processing portion of the system is the least developed at 40% complete, while the review portion is the most developed at 80%.
Currently, over 330,000 importers paid the tariffs on 53 million shipments, but only about 21,000 are registered to receive refunds. Refunds will be issued only to those who paid the tariffs. Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have urged companies to pass refunds to consumers; FedEx has pledged reimbursement, while Costco plans to use refunds to lower prices.
After the Supreme Court ruling, Trump imposed new 10% tariffs under a decades-old balance-of-payments authority, which has also faced legal challenges from states and businesses. Additionally, the administration has begun investigating unfair trade practices by major partners, paving the way for potential new tariffs under existing law.
