Recent developments in U.S. trade law have brought renewed attention to the United States Court of International Trade (CIT), a specialized federal court that sits at the center of disputes between private businesses and the U.S. government.

The CIT has jurisdiction over cases involving customs and international trade laws, including disputes related to tariffs, import restrictions, and trade remedies. Its decisions can directly impact how much companies pay in duties, or whether those duties can be recovered.

For international businesses exporting to the United States, this court is not theoretical, it is often the forum where critical financial outcomes are decided.

A Shift in the Legal Landscape

In February 2026, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a landmark decision addressing tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The Court clarified that the Constitution vests tariff authority in Congress, not the executive branch, and that IEEPA does not provide the clear delegation required to impose tariffs under a “national emergency” framework.

This decision marks a meaningful shift in how tariff authority is interpreted and applied moving forward.

Immediate Impact: Tariffs, Refunds, and Litigation

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling:

• IEEPA-based tariffs are no longer being collected

• Courts have begun requiring recalculation of duties without those tariffs

• Companies are actively filing claims to preserve potential refunds

The Court of International Trade has already begun addressing post-decision implications and related disputes.

Significant amounts of previously collected duties may now be subject to recovery, but the process is far from automatic. Instead, it is expected to unfold through litigation, primarily before the Court of International Trade.

Why This Matters for International Businesses

For years, tariffs were often treated as a fixed cost of doing business in the United States. That assumption is now being challenged.

Companies that imported goods subject to IEEPA tariffs may now have an opportunity to:

• Challenge the legality of those duties

• Seek reimbursement for tariffs already paid

• Reevaluate their broader U.S. trade and compliance strategies

However, these opportunities are time-sensitive. Claims are subject to strict statutory deadlines, and delay may result in a loss of rights.

A Narrow Window of Opportunity

With:

• A landmark Supreme Court ruling

• Active enforcement by the Court of International Trade

• Ongoing geopolitical trade tensions

has created a rare moment in international trade.

This is not simply a regulatory update, it is a potential shift from cost management to capital recovery.

The Court of International Trade has always played a critical role in shaping U.S. trade policy. Today, that role is more visible, and more consequential, than ever.

For businesses engaged in cross-border trade, the question is no longer whether tariffs apply, but whether they were lawfully imposed, and whether they can be challenged.

In this environment, proactive review and timely action are essential.

BridgehouseLaw Can Help

If your company has been affected by U.S. tariffs in recent years, now is the time to evaluate potential exposure, and potential recovery.

Our team works with international businesses to assess tariff impact, preserve claims, and navigate proceedings before the Court of International Trade.

To discuss your situation or explore next steps, please contact us.