ports

Tariff Refund Deadline Looms as Small Shippers Fall Behind

U.S. Customs has approved more than 70% of applications for refunds tied to Trump administration tariffs imposed last year, but shippers face rapidly closing submission windows. Approximately $1 billion remains owed to importers who paid International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs before the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the policy. Some $80 billion in refunds, including accrued interest, has already been distributed. Claimants have one year from entry date plus 180 days to file claims. Entries from February and March 2025 expire July 31. Data reveals a troubling disparity: while 60% of tariff value has been approved, this represents only 30% of total entries subjected to the duties. Larger importers have dominated successful claims, while smaller shippers struggle with filing requirements and deadlines. A Court of International Trade judge acknowledged the disparity, stating that most refunds processed have gone to large importers rather than small businesses, and noted that CBP had failed to propose adequate support measures.