Two weeks after the Supreme Court blocked Donald Trump's emergency tariffs, an estimated 300,000 US businesses remain uncertain about refunds. Economists estimate over $175 billion was unlawfully collected, with daily compounding interest adding around $23 million to the final bill. The longer delays continue, the more the US government will owe in interest payments.

Trade groups including the Consumer Technology Association and Chamber of Commerce are urging courts to create a streamlined refund process. They argue that Customs and Border Protection already has the technology to automate refunds but lacks the political will to implement them. The groups warn that requiring individual litigation or administrative procedures would overwhelm courts and agencies while vulnerable businesses risk closure.

For the tech industry, the uncertainty is particularly acute as companies navigate new tariff challenges while awaiting refunds for unlawful charges. PwC technology tax leader Dallas Dolen advises businesses to organize their tariff documentation now and potentially hire staff to prepare for the refund process. Without court intervention to establish a clear blueprint, the refund process could drag on for years, with compounding interest and abandoned claims potentially leaving billions in the government's hands.