US Customs and Border Protection has refunded $100 billion in tariffs to businesses after the Supreme Court ruled previous import levies were unlawful.
Key facts
- •The $100 billion in refunds represents about 60% of the total tariff revenue collected under the policy.
- •The Supreme Court ruled in February that tariffs enacted under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful.
- •Amazon received roughly $600 million in refunds during the second quarter.
- •Nearly $29 billion in refund claims are still under review by trade authorities.
- •New tariffs on 60 trading partners have replaced the temporary 10% universal tariff that expired last month.
The Trump administration has issued $100 billion in tariff refunds to businesses through US Customs and Border Protection. This payout follows a February Supreme Court ruling that determined broad import tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful. The refunded amount accounts for approximately 60% of the total tariff revenue collected under the policy.
By the numbers
Status of Outstanding Refunds
While $100 billion has been returned, significant funds remain pending. Trade authorities are currently reviewing nearly $29 billion in potential claims. Additionally, $1.6 billion in refunds is currently held because importers have not provided the necessary banking information to complete the transactions.
Corporate Impact and Consumer Relief
Major corporations are among those receiving refunds, with Amazon reporting approximately $600 million in payments during the second quarter. Finance chief Brian Olsavsky stated that Amazon intends to use these funds to support lower store prices and provide relief to customers where specific charges were applied. Under current US law, only the importers who originally paid the tariffs are eligible to claim refunds, meaning consumer relief is determined by individual business policies.
Recent Tariff Policy Changes
Following the February court decision, a 10% universal tariff was introduced as a temporary measure, which expired late last month. These have been replaced by new tariffs targeting 60 trading partners, citing concerns regarding forced labor. This shift occurred shortly after the implementation of a 50% tariff on goods from Canada.
Timeline
- 1977The International Emergency Economic Powers Act was established.
- FebruaryThe Supreme Court ruled that broad import tariffs were unlawful.
- Late last monthThe temporary 10% universal tariff expired and was replaced by new levies.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Business.
