Supreme Court Overturns Trump Emergency Tariffs; Businesses Anticipate Complex Refund Process

The US Supreme Court overturned Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs on Feb. 20, 2026, drawing relief from industry groups while sparking concerns over complex refund procedures. Organizations including the American Apparel & Footwear Association and the Retail Industry Leaders Association welcomed the move, citing the need for predictable trade policy. However, legal experts and logistics firms warned of immediate uncertainty. Intermediaries like DHL and FedEx, which paid duties on behalf of customers, may face difficulties reclaiming funds, potentially leading to litigation. Industry leaders emphasized that while the ruling clarifies the legality of the imposition method, businesses now require definitive reasons for future tariff levels to support investment planning.