DHL recovers €416 million in US tariffs after Supreme Court ruling
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
DHL has recovered €416 million in US customs duties, the largest refund among German companies, after the US Supreme Court ruled Trump-era tariffs illegal in February 2026. Siemens Healthineers received over €200 million, while Puma, Sartorius, and Dräger also obtained refunds. The US government has returned over €790 million to German firms, with further payments expected by the end of 2026.
Key Facts
- DHL received €416 million in refunded US customs duties, the largest amount among German companies.
- Siemens Healthineers recovered just over €200 million, Puma €49 million, Sartorius €26 million, and Dräger €22 million.
- The US Supreme Court ruled on 20 February 2026 that Trump's reciprocal tariffs and 25% duties on Canada, Mexico, and China were illegal.
- The US government returned nearly €85 billion in customs duties to foreign companies from October 2025 through the end of July 2026.
- Adidas expects to recover between €214 million and €257 million, with payments expected by the end of 2026.
Refund Breakdown
DHL, the logistics company, received €416 million in refunded US customs duties, the largest amount among German companies. Siemens Healthineers, a major medical equipment manufacturer, recovered just over €200 million. Sportswear maker Puma received €49 million, laboratory equipment maker Sartorius €26 million, and medical and protective equipment maker Dräger €22 million. DHL plans to return the refunded amount to its customers.
Legal Ruling
On 20 February 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority in imposing broad tariffs on dozens of trading partners, including European Union countries. The court found illegal the 'reciprocal' tariffs on imports from nearly all countries and the 25% duties on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump had relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose the tariffs. Trump sharply criticized the Supreme Court ruling, calling it 'deeply disappointing'. After the ruling, Trump imposed new 10% tariffs, but in May a federal court in New York also found these tariffs illegal.
Ongoing Refunds
The US government returned nearly €85 billion in customs duties to foreign companies from October 2025 through the end of July 2026. The US Customs Service estimates that more than €25 billion still needs to be refunded. By comparison, from October 2024 through the end of June 2025, Washington returned just under €4.5 billion to foreign companies. Adidas expects to recover between €214 million and €257 million, and DHL also expects additional compensation. Some German companies have not yet received compensation and expect payments by the end of 2026.
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DHL recovers €416 million in US tariffs after Supreme Court ruling
