A recent federal court ruling has cleared the way for businesses across the country, including importers in Cowlitz County, to continue pursuing refunds tied to tariffs imposed during former President Donald Trump’s term. According to reporting by KGW, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has rejected a request from the Department of Justice for a 90‑day pause on refund‑related proceedings.
Federal appeals judges declined the pause as part of ongoing litigation that stems from a series of tariff actions later deemed unlawful. A Supreme Court ruling issued on February 20, 2026, found that many of the administration’s global tariffs violated federal law. While the ruling did not directly order refunds, it created the legal foundation for affected importers to seek reimbursement. According to reporting by the Associated Press, the Federal Circuit has now sent related refund questions back to the U.S. Court of International Trade to determine next steps.
The dispute centers on the legal authority used by the Trump administration to levy widespread tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. A range of federal courts—beginning with the U.S. Court of International Trade and affirmed in part by the Federal Circuit—have ruled that the statute does not grant the power to impose tariffs on such a broad scale. Analysis published by Davis Wright Tremaine, accessible at this link, outlines the Federal Circuit’s findings that tariff authority must be expressly delegated by Congress and cannot be assumed under emergency economic powers.
Local companies that import equipment, raw materials, or consumer goods have already expressed interest in what a refund process might look like. Past decisions from the U.S. Court of International Trade, including a December 2025 ruling summarized by EY at this link, confirm that the trade court does have authority to order refunds if the tariffs are ultimately deemed unlawful. The Department of Justice has acknowledged this authority in court filings.
For Southwest Washington businesses—especially manufacturers and distributors along the I‑5 corridor—this developing legal landscape may carry financial consequences. Many importers in the region paid additional costs under the tariffs, and refunds could offset significant expenses. Legal observers expect the U.S. Court of International Trade to move relatively quickly now that the Federal Circuit has declined the government’s delay request, though the timing and scope of refunds remain to be determined through ongoing judicial proceedings.
At the time of publication, refund eligibility and procedures will depend on decisions pending before the U.S. Court of International Trade. Businesses are encouraged to review their import records and monitor further rulings as the case progresses.
Sources:
KGW: Refunds tied to Trump’s tariffs won’t be paused
Associated Press: Federal court rejects slowdown of tariff refund process
Davis Wright Tremaine: Federal Circuit tariff authority analysis
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