US appeals tariff refund order

The U.S. government has appealed a Court of International Trade ruling that ordered United States — United States Customs and Border Protection to refund tariffs deemed illegal in February to all importers, including those who did not file lawsuits. The government filed its opening brief on Monday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, arguing that the judge overstepped his authority by issuing a universal injunction, citing a Supreme Court decision that limited such injunctions. The government contends that importers who have not yet sued can still seek refunds within the statute of limitations. While the majority of refunds have already been paid, with $100 billion processed, the dispute centers on companies whose entries were finalized and for which administrative refunds are no longer available. Legal experts note that smaller businesses may be disproportionately affected if they must sue to recover funds.