Trump tariff refunds may reach companies but what about consumers?
Times of India
by TOI BUSINESS DESKFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US Supreme Court has ruled against former President Donald Trump's tariff policies, requiring his administration to refund $134 billion collected in tariffs over recent years. While this ruling ensures that companies, particularly importers like Costco and Walmart, may receive refunds for the tariffs they paid, consumers are unlikely to benefit directly. This raises questions about how the financial burden of tariffs will ultimately be resolved for everyday shoppers.
Under Trump's tariff policies, businesses were primarily responsible for paying the tariffs on imported goods. While these costs were often passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices, refunds from the government are being directed back to the companies that originally paid the tariffs. Importers have already begun pursuing legal action to recover their payments, with Costco and FedEx leading the charge. However, experts suggest that even if businesses receive refunds, the process could take years, and the money is unlikely to trickle down to consumers.
The impact on consumers remains significant. Research shows that tariffs increased prices for goods by about 25%, effectively shifting a portion of the cost onto everyday shoppers. While Trump's administration proposed $2,000 rebate checks as part of stimulus measures, these payments would require congressional approval and are not guaranteed. The Supreme Court's ruling does not directly address consumer refunds, leaving many to wonder if they will ever see any financial relief.
This situation highlights the complex interplay between businesses and
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026