By Samuel Gonzalez
After months of uncertainty, a date is already emerging for the first refunds of the tariffs promoted by President Donald Trump’s administration. Despite initial flaws in the claims process, many of the initial applicants who met the requirements could receive their money very soon.
Following the annulment of tariffs by the Court of International Trade, on April 20 the federal government launched the Consolidated Entry Administration and Processing (CAPE) portal to request refunds of import taxes from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
According to recent court documents, the first refunds could begin to be delivered as early as May 11. Judge Richard Eaton, in charge of supervising the process in the United States Court of International Trade, detailed the current progress of the system.
“The first refunds could reach bank accounts around May 11”Judge Eaton noted. “A portion of the applications are already in the refund stage of the process.”
The CAPE system was designed for companies to submit their applications in an organized manner; However, its launch was not without problems. The portal experienced initial failures due to high demand, leaving many businesses unable to complete their procedures. Although it is currently operating with greater stability, several applicants reported technical difficulties and administrative delays.
Judge Eaton himself recognized these obstacles within the process. Until now, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has accepted about 21% of refund requests related to IEEPA duties. Of that total, only 3% have advanced to the ideal return phase, which indicates that the process is still in an initial stage.
Small businesses have been among the hardest hit by the setbacks and challenges of registering on the CAPE portal and checking fees paid.
“It was very difficult. I had a lot of problems,” Dahlia Rizk, owner of Buckle Me Child, told CBS News. “I shouldn’t have had to call the Border Patrol and explain my whole story.”
The delivery of these refunds not only represents financial relief for affected businesses, but could also have effects on the economy as a whole. Lower costs for importers could translate into more competitive pricesalthough this will depend on multiple market factors. If so, consumers may not receive direct tariff refunds; but it seems that they will find good discounts in the coming months.
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