Trump administration pays back $100bn in 'Liberation Day' tariffs to businesses

August 5, 2026

The Trump administration has refunded approximately $100 billion in tariffs to businesses, representing about 60% of revenue collected under the "Liberation Day" tariff policy that was later deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court. The February Supreme Court ruling determined that the administration's use of emergency economic powers to impose broad import tariffs was illegal, prompting these repayments through customs officials. While major corporations like Amazon have received substantial refunds, nearly $29 billion in potential refunds remains under review and $1.

Who is affected

US businesses and importers who paid the original "Liberation Day" tariffs
Major American corporations including Amazon (which received approximately $600 million in refunds)
Consumers (who may receive partial relief depending on individual business decisions)
60 trading partners now facing new tariffs based on forced labor claims
Canada (facing a 50% tariff)

What action is being taken

US Customs and Border Protection is paying back $100 billion in tariff refunds to businesses
Trade authorities are reviewing nearly $29 billion in potential refunds
Amazon is passing some refund money back to customers where specific charges were applied and using remaining funds to support lower store prices
US Customs is continuing to review pending claims

Why it matters

This represents a significant reversal of Trump administration trade policy following the Supreme Court's determination that using emergency economic powers to impose broad tariffs was unlawful. The refunds total roughly 60% of all revenue collected under the policy, demonstrating the substantial financial impact on businesses that had paid increased taxes on imported goods. The situation highlights the legal limits on presidential authority to impose tariffs and affects how businesses price goods for consumers, though any consumer relief depends entirely on individual business decisions since only direct importers can claim refunds under US customs law.

What's next

The overall tariff payout is expected to rise further as US Customs continues to review pending claims
US Customs will continue processing refunds as importers update their banking details
New tariffs on 60 trading partners based on forced labor claims are now in effect (replacing the expired 10% universal tariff)

Read full article from source: BBC