The Trump administration moved on Friday to appeal a federal court order that extended tariff refund eligibility to all U.S. importers, not just those that had filed lawsuits, potentially halting a repayment process already underway.
The Department of Justice informed Judge Richard K. Eaton of its planned appeal, which covers a court order allowing all companies that paid the invalidated duties to seek refunds.
Refunds Were Flowing — Until Now
Until the Department of Justice’s filing, CBP’s refund process had proceeded smoothly. Victor Schwartz, CEO of VOS Selections, the wine importer whose lawsuit led to the Supreme Court case, received $110,000 in the first wave of payouts. CBP also confirmed that it had begun directing $35.46 billion to the U.S. Treasury for disbursement.
Refunds were deposited into the bank accounts of the first successful applicants on May 12, roughly three weeks after importers and customs brokers began submitting claims.
