Trump Administration Begins Processing $166 Billion in Tariff Refunds

FILE – U.S. President Donald Trump attends a session at the G-20 Summit in Osaka on June 29, 2019. (Kazuhiro Nogi/Pool Photo via AP, File)

The Trump administration has begun processing up to $166 billion in refunds after courts ruled a key set of tariffs unlawful — an outcome that could ripple across the alcohol industry.

The refunds stem from tariffs introduced in 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In February, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a decision ordering the government to return the funds, and in March the U.S. Court of International Trade directed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue refunds.

Now, importers and customs brokers can begin filing claims through a newly launched system known as the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries platform. Approved claims are expected to be paid out in lump sums within 60 to 90 days.

Trump, however, said he will gratefully “remember” companies that don’t seek these refunds, according to CNBC.

Why It Matters for Alcohol

While the refund process is aimed at importers — not consumers — it could have downstream effects on pricing and supply across wine, spirits and beer.

Tariffs have been a major pressure point for the drinks industry over the past several years. American whiskey exports, in particular, have faced steep retaliatory tariffs in key global markets, cutting into growth and distillery revenues. American whiskey exports dipped by nearly 20% in 2025.

At the same time, imported categories like Scotch whisky, European wines and certain liqueurs have seen price increases in the U.S. due to the tariffs — costs often passed on to distributors, retailers and ultimately consumers.

If importers recover significant funds, it could ease financial strain across the supply chain. However, whether that translates into lower shelf prices remains uncertain.

Consumers who paid higher prices due to tariffs are not included in the refund process, which has drawn criticism.

Even as refunds begin, uncertainty remains around future trade policy.

Tariffs have been a recurring flashpoint between the U.S. and key trading partners, with alcohol often caught in the middle. Canadian officials have heavily criticized U.S. tariff policies, including pointed remarks tied to bourbon and even pulling American brands from liquor store shelves.

For now, the refund rollout marks a significant financial reset, but not a long-term resolution for an industry that has spent years navigating volatile global trade dynamics.