Understanding the IEEPA Tariff Refunds

Industry Update

The SPESA team, along with many of our members, have been keeping up with the latest news regarding the IEEPA tariff refunds. It can be a little confusing, so we’ve pulled together a summary about the refunds, what you need to know, plus the best resources and articles we’ve seen covering the topic.

Happy reading!

About the IEEPA tariff refunds: 

In February 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump did not have the authority to impose certain tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). As a result, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now processing refunds for importers that paid those duties, with the first electronic payments expected to begin as early as May 12. 

The refund process could ultimately return an estimated $166 billion in tariffs paid across millions of import entries, impacting more than 330,000 importers. Companies must submit claims through CBP’s newly created refund portal, and the process is expected to unfold in phases due to the enormous volume and complexity of the reimbursements.

The 101 of what you need to know: 

• The Refund Portal: The CBP’s Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool went live on April 20, 2026, allowing importers to file for refunds.

• Timeline: Valid refunds are generally expected within 60-90 days of the CAPE declaration acceptance, though initial payments begin May 11-12, 2026.

• Eligibility: The refunds relate to IEEPA-based duties. Importers must use the CAPE system to file for these refunds, and the process applies to both unliquidated entries and those within the 90-day voluntary reliquidation period.

Resources: 

• Official CBP Overview of Refund Process 

• Two Minutes in Trade Podcast with Nicole Bivens Collinson

• PBS Newshour Video | How Refunds for Trump's Tariffs Will Work

• Bloomberg Podcast | How the US Government Plans to Refund $166 Billion in Tariffs

• Recommended Recent News:

  • First Wave of Trump Tariff Refunds Now Expected on May 12 (The Hill) 

  • Navigating Tariff Refunds Will Help Importers Prepare for ‘Everything That Comes After,’ Experts Say & First Tranche of Tariff Refunds Slated for May 12, CBP Says (Sourcing Journal) 

  • Trump’s Tariffs: Tracking the Status of U.S. Trade Actions & CBP’s Tariff Refund Portal is Performing Better Than Expected (Supply Chain Dive)

  • And here’s an interesting read on the role of consumer in all of this mess.