Tariffs – Trump Administration Seeks Delay in Refund Battle
Tariffs – The administration of US President Donald Trump has asked a federal appeals court to pause legal proceedings related to potential tariff refunds, following a landmark Supreme Court decision that invalidated several of his global trade duties.
The request, outlined in a court filing on Friday, comes just one week after the nation’s highest court struck down key elements of Trump’s broad-based tariff framework, a central pillar of his economic agenda during his presidency.
Administration Pushes for Additional Time
In its submission to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the government urged judges to delay further litigation for up to four months. Officials argued that additional time is needed before refund claims move forward in the US Court of International Trade.
According to the filing, Supreme Court judgments are formally issued 32 days after entry of judgment when reviewing decisions from lower federal courts. The administration contended that proceedings should remain on hold during this period and requested an additional 90 days. That extension, it said, would allow lawmakers and executive officials to evaluate possible next steps.
The case centers on whether importers who paid duties under the now-invalidated tariff measures are entitled to financial reimbursement.
Supreme Court’s Decision Reshapes Legal Landscape
Last week’s ruling by the US Supreme Court represented a major setback for Trump’s trade strategy. The court concluded that the former president exceeded his authority in imposing wide-ranging tariffs on multiple countries under the legal provisions he cited.
Legal analysts say the decision has opened the door to complex and potentially costly refund claims. Businesses that paid billions of dollars in duties are expected to pursue repayment through the Court of International Trade, a specialized federal court that handles disputes involving customs and trade laws.
However, the Supreme Court’s decision did not affect sector-specific tariffs, such as those applied to steel and automobiles. Those measures remain in place under separate legal justifications.
Earlier Rulings and Appeals
The legal battle over the tariffs has been unfolding for months. In August of last year, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit determined that several of the global tariffs were unlawful. Rather than immediately ordering refunds, the court sent the matter back to the Court of International Trade to address how any repayments should be handled.
The appeals court postponed issuing its final mandate after Trump sought review by the Supreme Court. That review ultimately resulted in last week’s decision to invalidate the broader tariff regime.
With the Supreme Court’s ruling now in effect, the focus has shifted to how and when importers might recover funds, and whether additional appeals or legislative action could alter the path forward.
Political Reaction and New Trade Measures
President Trump responded sharply to the high court’s decision. In public remarks and posts on his Truth Social platform, he criticized the ruling, arguing that it weakens the United States’ position in global trade. He questioned whether a rehearing of the case might be possible.
At the same time, the administration has turned to alternative legal authorities to maintain pressure on foreign imports. Officials recently introduced a new 10 percent tariff on goods entering the United States under a different statute, signaling that trade enforcement remains a priority.
The unfolding dispute underscores the legal and economic complexities surrounding US trade policy. As courts weigh procedural timelines and refund claims take shape, businesses, policymakers, and international partners will be closely watching the next steps.