KQED's Forum Local Businesses Were Hit Hard by Tariffs. Now They Want A Refund.
Mar 12, 2026
Lauren Crabbe, co-owner of Andytown Coffee, on how tariffs forced menu and sourcing changes. Daniel Desrochers, international trade reporter at Politico, explains refund mechanics and statutory complexity. Zoe Tillman, Bloomberg law reporter, provides legal context about the Court of International Trade. Alfred Mai, owner of ASM Games, describes sudden tariff spikes and cashflow pain. They discuss refunds, ruined orders, and who bears the cost.
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Small Game Maker Hit With Sudden 150% Tariff
- Alfred Mai paid over $150,000 in tariffs after rates jumped from 20% to over 150% in weeks, crippling holiday inventory plans.
- He scrambled for bank credit, cut marketing and product launches, and only proceeded when tariffs eased to 30% so he could fulfill holiday orders.
Document Entries And Use Tools To Prepare Refund Claims
- Small importers should track entry records and be prepared to file protests or claims; Alfred used AI to parse court orders and the CBP portal.
- Save liquidation documents, invoices showing tariff line items, and contact importer-of-record to prepare for refund steps.
Court Sent Refund Questions Back To Trade Court
- The Supreme Court struck down many tariffs but left refund procedures unresolved, sending the issue back to the Court of International Trade to sort logistics.
- That court handles import/export disputes and will decide who, how, and when refunds are processed.