The United States has begun the process of refunding billions of dollars in tariffs imposed during President Donald Trump’s first administration, following a ruling by the Supreme Court.
Starting April 20, 2026, businesses can file claims through a newly launched customs portal managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
According to reports, up to $166 billion collected under the tariff regime may be returned to importers, along with interest.
More than 330,000 importers across tens of millions of shipments are expected to be eligible for compensation under the new system.
Supreme Court Ruling Invalidates Tariffs
The refund process follows a February 20, 2026, decision in which the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration exceeded its authority by imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
In a 6-3 decision, the court held that the law did not grant the president the power to impose broad, revenue-generating tariffs, stating that such authority lies with Congress.
Tariffs had been introduced as part of a trade strategy aimed at addressing trade imbalances and protecting domestic industries.
However, they faced legal challenges from businesses and trade groups, who argued that the administration had overreached its legal mandate.
The ruling invalidated the portion of tariffs imposed on imports from multiple countries.
According to The Guardian, CBP estimates that businesses are owed about $166bn in tariff refunds by the Trump administration.
Claims Portal Opens for Businesses
To facilitate the refunds, CBP has launched a dedicated digital system integrated into its existing customs infrastructure, allowing businesses to submit claims electronically.
The system is designed to handle a massive volume of applications, with claims covering an estimated 53 million individual import entries.
Once claims are verified and approved, payments, including interest, will be processed within 60 to 90 days.
Incomplete or inaccurate filings could lead to delays, and the rollout may occur in phases as the system prioritizes recent and unresolved tariff payments.
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The $2,000 Rebate Proposal
Trump’s campaign has repeatedly suggested that tariff revenue could be returned to American families in the form of “tariff dividend” checks of $2,000 per person, a proposal that polls suggest is popular among voters frustrated by cost‑of‑living pressures.
In interviews earlier this year, Trump linked the checks to tariff revenues, saying the income the government receives from tariffs was “so substantial” that it could support direct payments to citizens. But with the tariff authorities struck down, the economic logic behind those checks is now in question.
Republican and Democratic reactions have diverged sharply. Some supporters see the rebate idea as a popular economic benefit that could provide relief to working‑ and middle‑income families. Others, including fiscal policy experts, warn that raising government payouts while inflation remains a concern could exacerbate economic instability.
