Contesting Tariff Refunds Continues Small Business Harms

“The administration’s decision to further contest a court order requiring that tariff refunds be paid promptly will do nothing but cause further uncertainty for Main Street businesses that are already struggling to access refunds to which they are legally entitled. We’ve heard from numerous small businesses that said the process of obtaining a tariff refund is challenging enough, and now it seems that process could become impossible without legal help if a court issues a decision in the administration’s favor. Since most small businesses do not have the resources to hire an attorney who can fight for their refund in court, it is likely that many small firms will simply give up trying to claim the money they are owed.

Tariffs that have long since been declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court continue to do damage to small businesses. Small Business Majority’s research found that 71% of small business owners say they have been negatively impacted by tariffs, with many reporting that they have faced increased costs from suppliers, increased their prices, delayed importing goods or materials, and delayed business expansion plans. 

Although many small businesses have a legal right to tariff refunds, it seems they will continue to face obstacles to relief. Congress must put a stop to destructive tariff policy by placing new restrictions on the imposition of tariffs so that small businesses do not continue to be caught in an endless cycle of punishment.”