The Trump tariff refunds process has officially begun in the United States. The Trump administration is preparing to return about $166 billion in tariff payments. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling in February that found parts of the tariff policy unconstitutional. The ruling has triggered one of the largest trade-related refund programs in recent US history. US Customs and Border Protection is handling the refund process. It launched an online portal on Monday to accept business claims. Companies can now submit applications for repayment. Officials say refunds are expected to be processed within two to three months. Payments will be made electronically through the federal system. The tariffs in question were introduced under former President Donald Trump. They were justified under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This law is usually used during national emergencies. It allows trade restrictions when national security is at risk. However, the Supreme Court ruled that parts of the policy exceeded legal limits. The affected tariffs include broad import duties applied last year. These measures covered goods from many countries. They also included tariffs linked to China, Mexico, and Canada. Some were tied to concerns over fentanyl trafficking into the United States. The court decision means these specific tariffs must now be refunded. Many businesses have already started filing claims. More than 3,000 companies have joined lawsuits or refund requests. These include major firms such as FedEx, Costco, Skechers, Revlon, Toyota, and Nintendo of America. Their involvement shows how widely the tariffs affected global trade flows. Small businesses are also part of the refund process. Many say the tariffs caused major financial pressure. Some owners report heavy losses linked to higher import costs. One small business owner said he expects a refund of about $120,000. He described the process as fast and simple once the portal opened. Another business leader said the tariffs had a severe impact on operations. He reported losses of over $200,000 in 2025. He also said the company had to bring in new investors to survive. Rising shipping costs and fuel prices added more pressure on imports and supply chains. Some business owners are cautious about the refund outcome. They say new tariffs could replace old ones. The Trump administration has already introduced a new 10% tariff under a separate trade law. That measure is temporary but could be replaced later with broader duties. Trade officials are also reviewing additional tariff tools. These include Section 301 actions against unfair trade practices. Businesses fear this could continue uncertainty in global trade policy. Many say planning remains difficult due to changing rules. Refund eligibility depends on specific conditions. Payments are not automatic. Businesses must submit import records through the new system. The portal requires entry numbers linked to affected tariffs. Claims are then reviewed by customs officials. Early phases of the refund program will focus on recent cases. Older and finalized entries may be processed later. Authorities say the system can currently handle about 63% of eligible filings. A full rollout is expected in future phases. Approved refunds may take up to 90 days to reach businesses. The government says payments will be processed in stages. The system has been designed to manage large volumes of claims. Consumers are also affected by the tariff policy, but they will not receive refunds. Studies show most tariff costs were passed on to US buyers. One research report estimated that 96% of tariff costs were shifted to consumers through higher prices. Another economic analysis found that American households paid more than $1,700 each due to tariffs. These costs came through higher prices on imported goods and domestic products using foreign inputs. Limited product variety also contributed to higher expenses. Some companies say they may pass refunds to customers indirectly. Firms like FedEx have indicated they could reduce charges. Retailers such as Costco have suggested price adjustments may follow. However, no direct consumer repayment system exists. Economic experts say the refund program is significant but limited. It addresses past payments but not future trade policy risks. Businesses remain uncertain about new tariffs and global supply disruptions. Many say long-term stability depends on consistent trade rules. The tariff refund process marks a major legal and economic shift. It follows years of trade disputes and policy changes. While businesses welcome the repayments, uncertainty in global trade continues. The coming months will show how the refund system performs under large-scale claims.