US businesses have received $81bn (£61bn) in tariff refunds after the Supreme Court struck down a large part of Donald Trump’s import tax regime.
The US government has returned the money during the current fiscal year, which began in October 2025, according to newly released budget figures.
That compares with just $5bn refunded over the same period a year earlier, with the Treasury attributing almost all of the surge to the Supreme Court’s ruling in February.
The judgment found that a significant portion of the tariffs imposed by Trump were unlawful, forcing the government to repay duties collected from companies importing products into the US.
Most of the refunds were issued during May and June.
The decision represents a major financial boost for retailers, fashion groups and consumer goods businesses that had faced rising costs on products manufactured overseas.
Tariffs are paid by importing companies rather than foreign governments, meaning retailers must either absorb the additional expense, renegotiate with suppliers or pass it on to shoppers through higher prices.
However, uncertainty remains for businesses operating in the US market as the White House prepares to introduce a fresh round of import duties.
The administration’s temporary global tariff of 10 per cent is due to expire on 24 July, but new levies are being considered in response to what the US regards as weak enforcement of forced-labour rules and excessive industrial production overseas.
The proposed measures could affect imports from major trading partners including the UK, China, India, Japan and Taiwan, with rates expected to sit between 10 per cent and 12.5 per cent.
Trump has also threatened to impose a 100 per cent tariff on goods from European countries that levy digital services taxes on large US technology companies.
The UK’s digital services tax applies to major search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces, including Amazon and Google.
Although the tariff refunds provide immediate relief, the prospect of new duties means retailers are likely to continue reviewing prices, sourcing arrangements and supply chains as US trade policy remains volatile.
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