Trump returns $100 billion in “Liberation Day” tariffs to US businesses

Written by journalist Danylo Aleksandrov

The administration of US President Donald Trump paid around $100 billion to in “Liberation Day” tariffs to businesses after US Supreme Court in February declared those tariffs unlawful and outside of Trump’s powers.

The sum paid back by Trump’s administration to businesses through customs officials constitutes approximately 60% of tariffs collected as part of the “Liberation Day” initiative. Financial times report that so far around $165 billion (€143bn) were collected through the mechanism.

Despite this, the question of return of other funds remains open. For example, almost $29bn are under review while $1.6bn (€1.4bn) are yet to be processed, because importers did not submit the necessary banking details. This follows the launch of a special website in April 2026, where businesses can apply for a refund on tariffs imposed by Trump.

Previously the US Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs imposed by Trump were unlawful. He used the 1977 Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a law which allows the US President in case of emergencies to take measures to regulate trade. According to Court’s ruling, the law does not give Trump the powers to impose tariffs. This right remains in the hands of US Congress.

But this does not stop Trump from imposing new tariffs, for example a recent 50% one against Canada. He continues to search for loopholes in the law as well as other measures that might be used to uphold his vision.