Based on the Supreme Court ruling in early 2026 overturning certain "fentanyl" and "reciprocal" tariffs (IEEPA tariffs) levied by the Trump administration, it is
unlikely that individual consumers will receive direct refunds, even if the companies that paid the tariffs receive them.
Here is a breakdown of how the tariff refund process works for companies vs. consumers:
- Who gets the money back? Only the U.S. importer of record (the company that paid the duty to Customs and Border Protection) is eligible to apply for a refund.
- Will companies pass it on? While some smaller businesses might, many large corporations are not expected to lower prices or issue refunds to customers for costs already passed down.
- Is it automatic? No. The process is not automatic. Companies must file lawsuits or administrative protests to recover the money, which could take months or years.
- Why can't I get a refund? It is extremely difficult to prove exactly how much of a tariff was passed on to a specific consumer on a specific product.
Summary for Consumers: While companies like Costco, Revlon, and others are fighting for billions in refunds, individual consumers will likely not see that money returned to them
