Supreme Court ruling unlocks billions in tariff refunds for US businesses

Businesses across the US have begun receiving refunds on import tariffs after a Supreme Court ruling struck down higher taxes imposed by former President Donald Trump. The decision has unlocked billions in repayments, with the first funds reaching bank accounts in early May. However, the process now faces uncertainty as the Trump administration prepares an appeal. The refund system, managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, had been running without major issues until the Trump administration announced plans to challenge a federal judge’s order. This move came as officials objected to a court demand for CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott to testify.

Refunds started arriving on May 12, roughly three weeks after importers and customs brokers could file claims online. By May 22, applications totalled $85 billion, with $20.6 billion already returned to businesses. The Supreme Court’s ruling specifically invalidated tariff rates Trump had set under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, though other tariffs remain in place.

Shipping companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL—acting as customs brokers—are expected to pass refunds directly to customers who paid the import taxes. Some major retailers, including Walmart and Costco, plan to use the money to cut prices or return savings to members. Smaller firms, such as Greenbar Distillery, have already received partial repayments. Owner Melkon Khosrovian got back about $18,000 of the $90,000 he paid in tariffs, with plans to reinvest the funds into his business.

Other small businesses, like Basic Fun and Manscaped, have also secured partial refunds. They are still waiting for the rest of the money, intending to use it for operations and growth. The Supreme Court’s decision has allowed billions in tariff refunds to flow back to businesses, with some already using the funds to support operations or reduce costs for customers. Yet the Trump administration’s appeal could introduce delays or changes to the process. For now, companies continue receiving repayments as the legal dispute unfolds.