Supply Lines

US Importers Weigh Legal Options for Possible Trump Tariff Refunds

The US high court has recessed for the holidays, signaling a ruling on tariffs no sooner than early January
A demonstrator outside the US Supreme Court in Washington on Nov. 5.Photographer: Eric Lee/Bloomberg
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As the Supreme Court considers whether President Donald Trump exceeded his authority with the bulk of his tariffs, importers who’ve paid them are clamoring to get in the best position for obtaining a refund.

The government has collected $129 billion of so-called IEEPA tariffs across 34 million entries, and from more than 300,000 importers, according to a court filing last week.

For weeks, trade professionals and customs brokers have implored companies over countless Zoom calls and webinars to download their data from Customs and Border Protection’s website, advised on when to file what paperwork, and which deadlines to keep an eye on — or risk losing the right to their money back.