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The Trump administration on Monday began rolling out a new system to refund billions of dollars in tariffs to U.S. importers after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the levies unlawful earlier this year.
The system, known as CAPE, will allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue consolidated electronic payments, streamlining what would otherwise be a complex, shipment-by-shipment refund process.
“It’s essentially a fast track for processing refunds,” said Michael Lowell. He added that importers will still need to file claims, but the process is expected to be relatively straightforward.
“Customs is estimating that refunds will be processed within 60 to 90 days after submission,” Lowell said. “If importers file as soon as the system opens, refunds could begin flowing by mid-June to mid-July.”
The refunds stem from a February Supreme Court decision that invalidated the tariffs, setting up what could become one of the largest repayment efforts in U.S. history. Officials estimate roughly $166 billion could be returned to importers.
The rollout represents the first phase of the program, meaning not all importers or tariff categories will be eligible immediately. Many businesses are expected to move quickly to file claims in order to recover payments made under the now-invalid tariffs.
Tariffs, which function as taxes on imports, are often initially paid by U.S. companies and passed along through supply chains, potentially raising costs for wholesalers, retailers and consumers.
Despite the ruling, trade experts say tariffs will remain a central feature of U.S. policy. The Trump administration has already imposed new tariffs under separate legal authority following the court’s decision.
The president previously condemned the court’s ruling in a lengthy message on Truth Social.
“Our Country was unnecessarily RANSACKED by the United States Supreme Court, which has become little more than a weaponized and unjust Political Organization,” he wrote. “The sad thing is, they will only get worse.”
President Trump added that he believes the court is failing to fulfill the role envisioned by the nation’s founders.
“This completely inept and embarrassing Court was not what the Supreme Court of the United States was set up by our wonderful Founders to be,” he continued. “They are hurting our Country, and will continue to do so.”
