Company executives, customs brokers, and trade lawyers are preparing for a potential Supreme Court ruling on the legality of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, which could trigger a fight over up to $150 billion in refunds for duties already paid.
The tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977, have faced legal challenges after justices questioned whether Trump had the authority to levy such duties.
A ruling is expected Friday, though the court has not confirmed which cases will be addressed.
Some companies expect difficulty even if the tariffs are invalidated. Jim Estill, CEO of Danby Appliances, noted the government “is not in the DNA to give back money”, warning that distribution to retailers and customers could create a complex mess.
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Trump’s IEEPA tariffs generated $133.5 billion in collections between February and December 2025, and totals could approach $150 billion.
To facilitate refunds, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will shift all refunds to electronic distribution from February 6, though this falls short of fully automatic repayments.
Several importers, including Costco, Bumble Bee Foods, Revlon, Ray-Ban, Kawasaki, and Yokohama Tire, have filed preemptive lawsuits to preserve potential refund claims.
Smaller companies have sold claims to hedge funds at discounted rates; for example, Kids2 received 23 cents on the dollar for some tariffs.
Experts stress the importance of meticulous record-keeping. Pete Mento of Baker Tilly advised that companies must prove tariff payments to claim refunds, cautioning that it could take years before funds are recovered.
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“The people that get their claims in early and have them done correctly are the ones who are going to reap the benefits the fastest,” Mento said.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
