US government appeals against judge’s order for Trump tariff refunds
The processing of repayments has already begun, but the appeal could affect the operation, with US$166 billion in revenue at stake
The Trump administration on Tuesday formally appealed against a judge’s order for refunds of the US president’s global tariffs after they were struck down by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
At stake is some US$166 billion in revenue. A refunds system handled by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has already begun to process repayments.
Last month, the CBP said in a court filing that it was on track to process about US$85 billion in repayments, with US$20.6 billion approved for disbursement. But the latest appeal could potentially affect this operation.
After returning to the White House last year, US President Donald Trump moved swiftly to impose sweeping tariffs on allies and competitors alike, tapping the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to target different countries with different rates.
In February this year, the high court ruled that Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing these duties.
A judge of the Court of International Trade has since ruled that refunds should take place, although giving room for the CBP to comply with the order.