Tariff Refund Portal Opens Today, But Billions May Not Reach Importers Quickly

Customs and Border Protection began accepting applications for tariff refunds today, opening a new portal in response to a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the president's most expansive tariff duties.

The decision puts roughly $166 billion in refunds on the table for American importers, plus interest. CBP estimates payments will go out 60 to 90 days after an application is approved, meaning businesses shouldn't expect money to arrive immediately.

Not every importer will qualify. CBP says not all tariffs and parties are eligible for reimbursements at this stage, so businesses will need to verify whether their specific situation qualifies before applying.

The bigger question may be whether those refunds ever arrive in full. The Trump administration is signaling it might try to delay or reduce the payouts, adding uncertainty to what the Supreme Court framed as money already owed to American businesses.