Story perspectives

New CAPE Portal Launches for IEEPA Tariff Refunds in 2026

4/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will launch the CAPE portal on April 20, 2026 to allow refunds for tariffs under the IEEPA.
Refunds will be processed within 60 to 90 days, with the first phase addressing 63% of IEEPA tariffs.
Importers must submit bank details and declarations through the portal.
Hedge funds are buying refund claims at a discount, while 82% of eligible duties are registered for electronic payment.

History

Historical Context

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), enacted in 1977, allows the U.S. government to regulate commerce during national emergencies. In 2025, President Trump invoked IEEPA to impose tariffs, claiming a trade deficit emergency. However, federal courts ruled these tariffs unconstitutional, culminating in a Supreme Court decision in February 2026 that affirmed the limits of executive power under IEEPA, impacting over 330,000 businesses.

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Story summary

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will launch the CAPE portal on April 20, 2026 to allow refunds for tariffs under the IEEPA.
Refunds will be processed within 60 to 90 days, with the first phase addressing 63% of IEEPA tariffs.
Importers must submit bank details and declarations through the portal.
Hedge funds are buying refund claims at a discount, while 82% of eligible duties are registered for electronic payment.

1 / 2