Businesses Hesitate to Claim Tariff Refunds Following Supreme Court Decision

A recent court ruling striking down certain U.S. tariffs could eventually return billions of dollars to importers, but many businesses aren’t rushing to claim refunds because the process is uncertain, complex, and potentially slow.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. That decision opened the door for refunds on duties collected between early 2025 and February 2026. But the ruling did not provide a clear process or timeline for companies to get their money back.

As a result, some companies are holding off rather than immediately pursuing refunds. Polling from the ExecutiveEDGE and EndeavorB2B shows widespread hesitation on refund claims.

Why it matters for healthcare supply chain

Many medical device and healthcare suppliers rely heavily on imported components and finished goods. While refunds could provide financial relief, the lack of clarity around timelines and processes means health systems and suppliers should continue planning for tariff volatility rather than expecting near-term reimbursement.