US begins refunding disputed tariffs

The US government has begun accepting applications for refunds of tariffs imposed under former President Donald Trump’s trade policies. The move follows a landmark court ruling that declared large parts of those tariffs unlawful. Companies can now file claims through a newly established online system, opening the door to potentially massive repayments.

According to US authorities, the total volume of potential refunds could reach around 166 billion US dollars, with some estimates rising to as much as 175 billion US dollars. Only companies that directly paid the tariffs are eligible to apply. Initial payments could be processed within 60 to 90 days.

More than 330,000 companies are affected, having paid import duties on goods from various trading partners over recent years. The tariffs had been introduced under emergency powers without congressional approval. In February, the Supreme Court ruled this approach unconstitutional, paving the way for the current reimbursement process.

Implementation will take place in stages. Initially, authorities will focus on newer or unresolved cases, while older claims are expected to follow later. Thousands of applications were submitted shortly after the system launched, indicating strong momentum in the coming months.

The economic impact remains uncertain. Experts note that it is unclear whether consumers will benefit indirectly, for example through lower prices. However, the refunds could significantly improve liquidity for many companies, particularly those heavily reliant on imports.

The development marks a new phase in the ongoing trade dispute. While the US continues to pursue protectionist measures, the ruling highlights the legal limits of such policies. For affected businesses, the refund process represents a delayed but potentially multi-billion-dollar correction of past trade decisions.

SK