US tariff refunds begin

The Trump administration has begun issuing refunds on tariffs ruled unlawful by the US Supreme Court, offering potential relief for importers of wine, whisky and other spirits as a new claims system goes live.
US Customs and Border Protection has launched the Cape platform to process reimbursement requests on duties imposed in 2025 under emergency powers. The move follows a court order to return more than US$160 billion collected through the tariffs.

Approved claims are expected to be paid within 60 to 90 days, though it remains unclear whether consumers will benefit directly. For wine importers, the development is significant, easing pressure on margins after a challenging period marked by weaker demand and rising costs.