Trump tariff refunds window: NZ exporters urged to be proactive

Exporters are being urged to work closely with their import counterparts over possible Trump tariff refunds following a decision by the US Supreme Court, which ruled the “Liberation Day” tariffs unconstitutional. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise hosted a webinar to help exporters navigate the implications of the decision, which stems from the US Court of International Trade determining that tariffs imposed on April 2, 2025, must be refunded. US Customs and Border Protection is currently establishing a formal refund process. Legal experts note that the 'importer of record' in the US will receive the refund, meaning NZ exporters must engage with distributors to determine how these funds will be passed back, depending on individual commercial contracts. Sectors like dairy, which faced 15% tariffs, are expected to see 'commercially meaningful' recoveries.