NEWSCENTRAL reports that, starting in 2026, the US government began a large-scale process to return $166 billion, which was collected through controversial tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency. The Supreme Court ruled these tariffs illegal, and now companies that paid them are entitled to compensation. However, despite the government’s efforts, the refund system faces many difficulties that could hinder its effective implementation. Let’s take a look at how this might impact businesses in the US and what steps the government needs to take to resolve existing issues.
The process of refunding duties has already started, but according to representatives of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the system is only 40-80% complete. Plans include creating an online platform for submitting applications, which is expected to be available in April 2026. However, despite this, the system still faces technical and administrative barriers that may slow down its operation. For the successful implementation of the program, it is crucial to address these issues so that the duty refund process is accessible to all businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often face significant challenges when interacting with government agencies.
According to Freddie Miller, Senior Analyst at NEWSCENTRAL, one of the most serious challenges is the low activity of businesses in submitting applications. Out of the 330,000 companies that paid duties, only about 21,000 have begun submitting refund requests. This indicates a lack of awareness among entrepreneurs and the complexity of the application process. Miller points out that the government must take a more active role in informing businesses – especially small and medium-sized ones – about refund opportunities and simplify the application process to ensure greater accessibility and fairness for all market participants.
Another key issue is the legal uncertainty surrounding the refund of duties paid after February 2024. Without clear legal frameworks, companies may face additional legal and financial risks, creating further complications. To ensure the successful implementation of the program, the government must provide clear legal norms that will help avoid disputes and speed up the refund process.
From a business perspective, the duty refund is not only compensation for overpaid amounts but also an opportunity to restore market stability. Many large companies, such as FedEx and Costco, have filed lawsuits to expedite the refund of funds, which they intend to use to reduce prices for their customers. At the same time, small and medium-sized enterprises can receive significant support in times of economic instability. The duty refund program could become an important source of financial liquidity for them, helping improve their market positions and reduce operating costs.
At NEWSCENTRAL, we believe that in the long term, the successful completion of the duty refund program will not only return money to companies but also be an important step in strengthening trust in US trade policy. A fair and transparent implementation of this program will bolster the US’s position on the international stage, demonstrating that the country is committed to providing equal conditions for businesses of all sizes.
To successfully complete the process, the US government must focus on removing bureaucratic barriers, simplifying the application system, and ensuring transparency at every stage. Another crucial step will be improving business awareness about refund opportunities and creating clear legal norms to ensure transparency in the process.
At NEWSCENTRAL, we predict that with the introduction of an improved application system and legal mechanisms, the duty refund will become an important factor for economic stabilization in the country and for improving the business climate. Simplified procedures and clear rules will not only speed up the refund process but also minimize legal risks. Ultimately, this will strengthen trust in US trade policy and contribute to stability in international markets.
The duty refund system holds immense potential for restoring justice and economic stability, but for its successful implementation, existing obstacles must be removed. At NEWS CENTRAL, we believe the government must simplify the application process, improve business information, and ensure legal transparency at all stages. This will help expedite refunds, increase trust in US economic policy, and provide equal opportunities for all market participants, from large corporations to small businesses.