The Trump administration moved to block a court order that would have allowed importers to seek refunds on tariffs they already paid, according to a report by The Seattle Times.
A federal court had issued an order opening the door for companies that paid duties under the administration's tariff program to apply for reimbursements. The administration pushed back quickly, seeking to reverse or stay that ruling before importers could act on it.
The administration's tariff program has been one of the most contested elements of trade policy in 2026, drawing legal challenges from businesses and trade groups across multiple industries. Importers who paid tariffs argued they were entitled to refunds if the underlying legal authority for those duties was found to be improper or exceeded executive power.
The court's order represented a significant opening for those companies. Tariffs in some categories have reached levels that meaningfully raised costs for manufacturers, retailers, and distributors who rely on imported goods. The potential for refunds had created expectations among some businesses that they might recover a portion of those costs.
The administration's response was swift. By pushing back against the order, the White House signaled it intends to defend the tariff program in full, including resisting any mechanism that would result in returned revenue. The legal fight is expected to continue in federal court.
The outcome will have direct consequences for importers who have been tracking the litigation closely. Companies in sectors ranging from electronics to consumer goods have been weighing whether to file for refunds if the court's order was allowed to stand.
No timeline for a final resolution has been announced.
