Fact Brief

Would North Dakota companies be eligible for refunds under a court ruling that overturned Trump tariffs?

Yes.

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

The North Dakota News Cooperative is partnering with Gigafact to produce timely Fact Briefs, which are quick, evidence-based fact checks about trending claims relevant to North Dakota.

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 2026.

In early March, the U.S. Court of International Trade sided with a Tennessee filter company, which 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 $98.9 million in North Dakota, according to Axios.

If the Trump administration’s appeal is unsuccessful, the Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates it could pay out $175 billion in refunds.

There are currently no plans to issue refunds to American consumers.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

About Fact Briefs:

Fact Briefs are bite-sized, well-sourced explanations that offer clear "yes" or "no" answers to questions, confusions, and unsupported claims circulating online. They rely on publicly available data and documents, often from the original source. Fact Briefs are written and published by newsrooms in the Gigafact network. Each brief is limited to 150 words or fewer and is not intended to provide an in-depth analysis, but rather to deliver concise, definitive answers grounded in verified information.

Sources:

Holland & Knight: Court of International Trade Orders Nationwide Tariff Refunds, But Expect Government to Appeal
U.S. Supreme Court: Learning Resources v. Trump
The Associated Press: Judge rules companies are entitled to refunds for Trump tariffs overturned by the Supreme Court
Axios: Which states paid the most of Trump's overturned tariffs
Penn Wharton Budget Model: Supreme Court Tariff Ruling: IEEPA Revenue and Potential Refunds

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