800 small businesses demand refunds after Supreme Court decision

• The Supreme Court's decision did not address whether the government must repay tariff revenue already collected, leaving the refund question unresolved
• The US collected $289 billion in tariff and certain excise tax revenue last year, compared to $98 billion in 2024
• Small business members of the coalition, including restaurants, manufacturers and retailers, report the tariffs caused layoffs and halted growth plans

Summary

A coalition of over 800 small businesses called "We Pay the Tariffs" is demanding full refunds following a Supreme Court decision on Friday that struck down President Trump's global tariffs in a 6-3 ruling. The group represents restaurants, manufacturers, and retailers that collectively paid billions in tariffs.

Key Demands and Positions:

The coalition, led by Executive Director Dan Anthony, seeks "full, fast and automatic" refunds for tariffs they claim "never should have been imposed." Rick Muskat, president of New York-based Deer Stags Concepts, stated the tariff burden caused layoffs and halted growth plans, while noting that refund processing should be straightforward since customs billed tariffs at the line-item level.

Trump's Response:

President Trump rejected refund requests during a Friday press conference, calling the Supreme Court decision "terrible" and "defective." He promised to impose a new 10% global tariff and indicated refund disputes could be tied up in litigation for "the next five years."

Financial Impact:

The U.S. collected $289 billion in revenue from tariffs and certain excise taxes last year, compared to $98 billion in 2024, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Market Implications:

The Supreme Court ruling did not address whether collected tariff revenue must be repaid, leaving significant uncertainty for affected businesses. The prolonged legal battle suggested by Trump creates ongoing uncertainty for small businesses planning growth strategies and managing cash flow, while the threat of new 10% tariffs maintains pressure on importers and consumers.