Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legality of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, which could lead to a $150 billion refund battle for importers seeking to reclaim previously paid tariffs [1][9]. Group 1: Legal Context and Implications - Trump is the first U.S. president to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), typically used for sanctions against hostile nations [2][11]. - As of December 14, tariffs imposed under this act have generated approximately $133.5 billion in revenue, nearing $150 billion based on recent averages [2][11]. - The Supreme Court's ruling could invalidate these tariffs, but there are concerns that the government may resist refunding the collected amounts [1][9]. Group 2: Refund Process and Electronic Reforms - The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a shift to electronic refunds starting February 6, which aims to streamline the refund process [3][12]. - This electronic system is expected to reduce errors and fraud, although it does not guarantee a fully automated refund process [3][12]. - The potential scale of refunds is unprecedented for the CBP, which typically manages large tax refunds but has not dealt with such a significant tariff refund scenario [3][12]. Group 3: Legal Actions and Market Reactions - Some companies, including Costco and others, have preemptively filed lawsuits to secure their rights to refunds, fearing that without judicial intervention, they may not recover the tariffs paid [6][14]. - Smaller companies are opting to sell their refund claims in a burgeoning secondary market at steep discounts, with some claims selling for as low as 9% of their face value [7][15]. - Companies are advised to maintain detailed transaction records and act quickly to ensure they can claim refunds if the Supreme Court rules in their favor [7][15]. Group 4: Industry Perspectives - Executives express skepticism about the likelihood of receiving refunds, citing concerns over government reluctance to return funds [1][10]. - The trade representative indicated that even if tariff revenues decline, the government could introduce new tariffs under different legal authorities to compensate for lost revenue [4][13]. - Companies are preparing for a potentially lengthy wait for refunds, with expectations that processing could take years [8][16].

智通财经APP获悉，据《纽约邮报》周四援引匿名消息人士报道，在中美高层官员即将前往瑞士展开高 级别贸易谈判之际，特朗普政府正考虑将对中国进口商品征收的145%关税削减一半以上，最早将于下 周生效。消息人士透露，美国官员正讨论一项提案，将特朗普总统对中国商品征收的惩罚性关税降至 50%至54%之间。 消息人士评价这项关税调整计划称，"他们打算在谈判期间将对华关税降至50%"，同时补充称，美国还 计划将对南亚邻国的贸易关税削减至25%。 对此，白宫驳斥该报道纯属猜测。一位白宫发言人表示："关税相关决策将由总统亲自敲定，其他说法 都毫无根据。" 值得一提的是，就在周四，特朗普于白宫宣布与英国达成贸易协议时表示，对华关税"肯定会下调"。他 对记者说："现在关税是145%，所以下调势在必行。我认为我们未来关系会非常好。" 内部人士指出，将关税降至50% - 54%的区间，与上个月特朗普会见美国三大零售商高管时讨论的税率 一致。美国财政部长斯科特·贝森特本周曾直言，当前三位数的关税水平"难以为继"。 据报道，沃尔玛首席执行官道格·麦克米伦、塔吉特首席执行官布莱恩·康奈尔以及家得宝首席执行官泰 德·德克尔均表示，4月21日 ...