The cross-border supply chain received mixed news on March 6 when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told the Court of International Trade it needs at least 45 days to build a mechanism for refunding importers who paid former president Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” and fentanyl-related tariffs. The Supreme Court ruled last month that the duties, which covered shipments from Canada, Mexico and China, were imposed illegally under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. (halifax.citynews.ca)
CBP official Brandon Lord said the agency has identified 330,000 importers with more than 53 million entries affected, totalling an estimated US $166 billion in refunds. Canadian exporters of steel, aluminium and certain chemicals are among those owed money, and many rely on U.S. brokers to process drawback claims.
From a mobility perspective, the delay prolongs cash-flow uncertainty for companies managing cross-border assignments and just-in-time supply chains. Reimbursements could offset higher logistics costs that arose when the tariffs were levied in 2025, potentially freeing budget for travel and relocation later this year.
![Struck-down U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods: refund system to take at least 45 days, says CBP]()
Companies planning to ramp up cross-border travel once refunds arrive can streamline visa and work-permit needs through VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/), which allows mobility teams to check requirements, submit applications and track multiple employee cases in one place—ensuring that new budgets translate quickly into on-the-ground assignments.
Trade lawyers advise Canadian firms to audit entry documents now so they can file accurate refund requests as soon as CBP’s portal opens. They also warn that interest payments, record-keeping standards and proof-of-payment rules have yet to be finalised.
While the refund timeline is an American administrative issue, it underscores the interconnected nature of border policy: decisions in Washington can materially affect cash flow, staffing plans and the broader global-mobility programs of Canadian multinationals.
CBP official Brandon Lord said the agency has identified 330,000 importers with more than 53 million entries affected, totalling an estimated US $166 billion in refunds. Canadian exporters of steel, aluminium and certain chemicals are among those owed money, and many rely on U.S. brokers to process drawback claims.
From a mobility perspective, the delay prolongs cash-flow uncertainty for companies managing cross-border assignments and just-in-time supply chains. Reimbursements could offset higher logistics costs that arose when the tariffs were levied in 2025, potentially freeing budget for travel and relocation later this year.
Companies planning to ramp up cross-border travel once refunds arrive can streamline visa and work-permit needs through VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/), which allows mobility teams to check requirements, submit applications and track multiple employee cases in one place—ensuring that new budgets translate quickly into on-the-ground assignments.
Trade lawyers advise Canadian firms to audit entry documents now so they can file accurate refund requests as soon as CBP’s portal opens. They also warn that interest payments, record-keeping standards and proof-of-payment rules have yet to be finalised.
While the refund timeline is an American administrative issue, it underscores the interconnected nature of border policy: decisions in Washington can materially affect cash flow, staffing plans and the broader global-mobility programs of Canadian multinationals.
