politics
March 6, 2026
Trump tariffs: Customs and Border Protection tells judge it can't comply with refund order
CBP told Judge Richard Eaton that the technology upgrades it plans would save more than 4 million man-hours in processing refunds for Trump's tariffs.
TL;DR
- CBP informed a judge it cannot immediately comply with an order to refund about $166 billion in reciprocal tariffs.
- The agency cited existing technology, processes, and manpower as reasons for the inability to comply.
- CBP suggested refunds could start by late April after revamping its technology and systems.
- These tariffs were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by President Trump without congressional authorization.
- The Supreme Court recently ruled these duties illegal.
- CBP plans to upgrade its Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system to streamline refund and interest payments.
- The agency estimates technology changes will save over 4 million employee hours.
- Judge Richard Eaton ordered CBP to calculate and make refunds with interest.
- The Trump administration could appeal Eaton's order, potentially delaying refunds.
- The order applies to all duties paid under IEEPA tariffs, stemming from a lawsuit filed by Atmus Filtration.
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