US returns $81bn after Trump tariffs ruled illegal

The US has returned tens of billions of dollars raised through tariffs after they were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.

The country has paid out $81bn in tariff refunds so far this fiscal year - which began in October 2025 - compared to £5bn the year before.

The refunds began in May after the US Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump's broadest global tariffs as illegal in February.

It meant the US government had to return money to the companies that had paid the taxes.

It was in stark contrast to the previous year when Mr Trump's tariffs were still ramping up and the US Treasury reported net custom collections of $26.6bn.

At the time US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the budget results showed the US was "reaping the rewards" from Mr Trump's tariffs.

Around $71 billion was returned over May and June, roughly 42% of the $166bn of tariffs subject to refund.

A federal judge has warned the government's appeal of his order to refund all illegal tariffs was delaying payments.

Read more from Sky News:
British special forces 'dropped prisoners from forklift for fun'
Major government target 'moving further out of reach'

The Trump administration's current temporary 10% global tariff is due to expire later this month.

(c) Sky News 2026: US returns $81bn after Trump tariffs ruled illegal