The Trump administration formally appealed a judge’s order requiring refunds of tariffs imposed on global imports on June 2-3, 2026. The appeal responds to a Supreme Court decision in February 2026 that struck down the tariffs as exceeding presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act [1, 2, 3].
The tariffs, introduced soon after Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, generated approximately $166 billion in revenue. The Court of International Trade had ordered refunds but allowed the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) some flexibility in carrying out repayments [1, 2, 3].
In March 2026, CBP estimated that more than 330,000 importers would be eligible for refunds. By May, it reported being on track to process about $85 billion in repayments, having approved $20.6 billion for disbursement so far [1, 2, 3]. Hundreds of companies, including major firms like FedEx and Costco, have applied for refunds [1, 3].
The government’s appeal could affect the ongoing repayment efforts managed by CBP. Officials have not indicated whether the appeal will pause current disbursements [1, 2, 3].
After the Supreme Court ruling struck down the original tariffs, Trump imposed a new temporary 10% tariff on imports under different authority as officials plan a more permanent duty structure [1, 3]. Trump has said he would remember U.S. companies that did not seek tariff refunds, signaling he might view them more favorably [1].
