Did a judge rule Maine’s corporations are ‘entitled’ to a refund for the overturned Trump tariffs? | Fact brief

A recent ruling held that all affected importers are entitled to refunds for the unconstitutional tariffs, although the decision is expected to be challenged in court.

In April 2025, President Donald Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose a slate of tariffs, citing trade deficits, drugs and crime. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this action unconstitutional in February.

In March, the U.S. Court of International Trade sided with a Tennessee filter company that brought a case claiming the right to a tariff refund. Judge Richard Eaton wrote “all importers of record” are “entitled to benefit.”

Estimated IEEPA tariffs paid through December 2025 total nearly $130 billion, including $134.2 million in Maine, according to Axios.

If the Trump administration’s appeal is unsuccessful, Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates it could pay out $175 billion in refunds. There are currently no plans to issue refunds to American consumers.