Why were Trump's tariffs ruled illegal?

The Supreme Court ruled that Congress must approve tariffs, making presidential unilateral action unconstitutional.

Which companies are eligible for refunds?

Mainly importers and manufacturers that paid tariffs, especially those importing Chinese goods.

What is the impact of the $81 billion refund?

The federal deficit is widening again, and trade policy reforms are now urgently needed.

What happens to future tariff policy?

Tariffs will require congressional approval, making them harder to impose and changing negotiation tactics.

Does this affect Japanese companies?

Yes, Japanese exporters to the U.S. may need to reassess trade strategies due to tariff uncertainty.

Trump Tariffs Ruled Illegal by Supreme Court; U.S. Refunds $81 Billion to Businesses

Published Jul 14, 2026 10:26 AM ・ Updated Jul 14, 2026 11:47 AM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Following the U.S. federal Supreme Court's ruling that certain tariff measures under the Trump administration were illegal, the government has refunded $81 billion (approximately NT$2.6 trillion) in tariffs previously paid by businesses. This has contributed to a renewed expansion of the federal budget deficit.

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(CNA, Washington, 13th – comprehensive international news report) Budget data released today by U.S. authorities revealed that the federal government has refunded $81 billion (approximately NT$2.6 trillion) in tariffs previously paid by businesses, following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that certain tariff measures were illegal.

According to AFP, tariffs were a central pillar of President Trump’s economic policy after his return to the White House last year.

However, in February this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that most of the additional tariffs imposed by the Trump administration were illegal, forcing the government to refund the collected funds to businesses that had paid the duties.

Budget data shows that $81 billion in tariff refunds have already been issued in the current fiscal year (which began in October 2025), far exceeding the $5 billion refunded during the same period last fiscal year.

Treasury officials told media that the sharp increase in refunds was almost entirely due to the Supreme Court ruling, with most of the refunds distributed in May and June.

Trump once viewed tariffs as a panacea for economic issues, arguing they would encourage manufacturing to return to the U.S., secure more favorable trade agreements, and reduce the federal budget deficit. However, while the deficit had slightly narrowed last year due to increased tariff revenue, it has now widened again.

Data shows the federal budget deficit for the first nine months of the current fiscal year reached $1.367 trillion, a 2% increase compared to the same period last year.

Additionally, interest payments on U.S. national debt have surpassed $1 trillion, a 14% increase year-on-year; defense spending also rose by 5% due to the conflict in the Middle East. (Translation: Shih Shih) 1150714

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan

Trump Tariffs Ruled Illegal by Supreme Court; U.S. Refunds $81 Billion to Businesses

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