Tariff updates

Bloomberg reports that the US is close to issuing tariff refunds. Politico reports that the US Court of International Trade is skeptical of the Administration’s Section 122 tariff scheme. CATO, the Peterson Institute for International Economics, and Barron’s argue that the Section 122 tariffs are illegal, but forthcoming Section 301 tariffs are likely to stand legal tests and have staying power. The South China Morning Post reports that Japan faces backlash for efforts to avert Trump’s tariffs. Al Jazeera and Reuters report on the escalating trade conflict between Ecuador and Colombia.

Mentioned publications

Tariff refund tool will go live on April 20, US Customs says – Laura Curtis, Bloomberg, April 10, 2026
US Customs and Border Protection will begin accepting tariff refund requests on 20 April through a phased rollout of its new Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries system, initially handling only straightforward and recent import entries while deferring complex cases.
Trade court wrestles with Trump’s replacement tariffs – Josh Gerstein, Kyle Cheney, Politico, April 10, 2026
A US Court of International Trade panel closely questioned the legality of President Trump’s 10% global tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, expressing uncertainty over whether a decades‑old balance‑of‑payments statute applies to modern trade deficits.
The new tariffs are just as illegal as the old ones – Thomas A. Berry, Cato Institute, April 9, 2026
The Trump administration’s new tariffs, imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, are just as unlawful as previous measures. Cato contends that Section 122 does not apply to current economic conditions and that the scale of the tariffs violates the major questions doctrine by usurping Congress’s exclusive authority over trade policy.
What’s next for Trump’s tariffs – Alan Wolff, Peterson Institute for International Economics, April 8, 2026
The Trump Administration’s surge in Section 301 investigations marks a sharp departure from historical practice, expanding a rarely used trade law into a tool covering nearly all US imports in the wake of the Supreme Court’s rejection of IEEPA tariffs. The American public and US trading partners should be concerned, as Section 301 might be harder to dispose of through legal challenge.
Former US trade chief on state of tariffs, refunds, and USMCA renewal – Reshma Kapadia, Barron’s, April 12, 2026
Former US Trade Representative Katherine Tai argues that US trade policy is entering a more improvisational but enduring tariff era, with higher baseline tariffs likely to persist. She expects renewed use of Section 301 investigations, continued debate over tariff refunds, and a contentious but consequential review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Japan’s bid to avert Trump tariffs draws fire over climate impact of US projects – Julian Ryall, South China Morning Post, April 14, 2026
Japan’s effort to shield itself from Trump’s tariffs is facing criticism from environmental groups, which warn that three US infrastructure projects tied to Tokyo’s investment pledge could generate greenhouse gas emissions equal to about 20% of Japan’s annual total. The US$550 billion trade deal includes a gas power plant, an oil export terminal, and a synthetic diamond facility.
Ecuador hikes tariffs to 100-percent in feud with neighbor Colombia – Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera, April 9, 2026
Ecuador imposed tariffs of up to 100% on selected Colombian imports, sharply escalating a trade dispute and marking one of the most severe bilateral tariff moves in the region in recent years. Ecuador claims Colombia has failed to adequately address drug trafficking and boarder security.
Colombia’s Petro walks back 100% tariffs on Ecuadorean goods – Reuters, April 13, 2026
Colombian President Gustavo Petro reversed plans to impose blanket 100% tariffs on Ecuadorian imports, opting instead for subsidies, selective “smart” tariffs, and zero duties on essential goods to limit domestic economic damage amid an escalating trade dispute.