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Mon, 20 Apr 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 Trump tariff refunds begin but consumers likely to miss out

Businesses can apply online through a portal for refunds expected to total $160bn.

* The US government has started processing refunds for over $160bn (£121bn) in tariffs that were struck down by the Supreme Court.
* Companies can apply online through a portal called Cape, which will process refunds as one lump sum rather than item by item.
* More than 56,000 importers have already applied for refunds, worth around $127bn (£943m).
* Successful applicants can expect to receive their refunds in 60-90 days.
* Some small businesses have reported delays and errors in the application process, while others have found it seamless.
* Businesses are concerned that new tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could wipe out any refunds they receive.
* Individual consumers who faced higher prices due to the tariffs will not be directly compensated.
* A coalition of small businesses has set up a campaign for tariff refunds and is urging companies to pass on any funds recouped from Customs and Border Protection to affected customers.
* Class-action lawsuits have been filed against companies that allegedly passed on the cost of Trump's tariffs to consumers, with some companies announcing plans to pass on any tariff refunds to customers.