US Refunds $81bn in Tariffs to Companies

In the current fiscal year, which began in October 2025, the US government refunded $81bn in customs duties to businesses, according to Treasury data. During the same period the previous year, the figure was $5bn.

Most of the refunds stem from a February ruling by the US Supreme Court, which found that President Donald Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing some of the tariffs.

The refunds have widened the US budget deficit, which had previously been narrowing thanks to tariff revenue. In the first nine months of the current fiscal year, the deficit rose 2% to $1.367tn.

(usdt, bak)