Oregon Businesses Can Reclaim Millions in Tariff Payments Starting This Week

Starting this Monday, Oregon companies that paid billions in import duties on steel and aluminum can begin the process of reclaiming their money. This follows a federal court ruling that declared tariffs imposed under the previous administration unconstitutional.

The refund window applies to duties paid under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which levied a 25% tariff on foreign steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum starting in 2018. A U.S. Court of International Trade judge ruled the policy violated the Constitution’s nondelegation doctrine, which limits Congress’s ability to transfer its legislative powers to the executive branch.

For Oregon’s manufacturing, construction, and craft beverage sectors, which rely heavily on these materials, the ruling is a significant financial opportunity. Local metal fabricators, wineries, and breweries that absorbed or paid these costs over several years are now eligible to file claims with U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a full refund plus interest.

“This is a chance for Oregon businesses to recoup capital that was essentially taken unlawfully,” said a Portland-based trade attorney familiar with the case. “Companies from small machine shops in Eugene to larger manufacturers in the Willamette Valley should be reviewing their import records from March 2018 onward.”

The process requires businesses to file specific protests for each entry of goods subject to the tariffs. Industry experts advise affected companies to act promptly and consult with a customs broker or legal advisor to ensure proper documentation. While the government may appeal the ruling, the court has ordered refunds to proceed immediately, providing a direct financial lifeline to impacted Oregon enterprises.