The Supreme Court’s Tariffs Decision Puts the U.S. in Unchartered Economic Territory

Businesses likely to see refunds from tariffs. American consumers will not.

Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs

President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs last April. Mark Schiefelbein/AP

The U.S. is facing a refund mess after the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump’s tariffs were illegal.

The government is likely on the hook to refund an estimated $175 billion for the tariffs. The Supreme Court didn’t offer guidance on if or how the refunds should be administered. It’s unclear how or when the refunds would happen — including where the funds would come from, since the government operates on a deficit.

Thousands of companies are already suing the government for a refund, including big names — like Dole, Costco, Prada, and Toyota — as well as smaller businesses.