Gimme My Money Back

In this week’s Roar: The Supreme Court says Trump’s tariffs are illegal, EU exporters are pausing shipments, over 1,500 lawsuits demanding tariff refunds, the price of diesel is up for the eighth week, and the rise of cyberattacks in the industry.

The Supreme Court has invalidated the tariffs imposed by President Trump using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), determining that Congress alone has tariff authority. The administration immediately imposed a new 10% surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act, prompting importers to brace for more chaos. Core trade duties like Section 232 and 301 tariffs remain, but there is significant confusion about operational compliance, and there’s no clarity yet on how, when, or even if over $130 billion in previously collected tariffs will be refunded.

EU exporters are pausing shipments, as the new 10% U.S. global tariff threat introduces new volatility and hesitancy into transatlantic trade. With no clear guidelines on legal processes and refunds, container bookings have become erratic, and lease rates have dropped. According to exporters, stability and predictability are more important than ever for planning. But both are in short supply right now.

The Supreme Court’s silence on refunds has triggered over 1,500 lawsuits, with companies like FedEx seeking billions paid under the now-illegal tariffs. Previously, the government had assured that refunds would be made if the tariffs were overturned, but the administration says it may fight some claims. So importers are left in limbo, waiting for the Court and the government to determine who qualifies for refunds and, if so, how payments will be processed.

The national average price for diesel is up for the eighth week in a row, jumping 9.8 cents to $3.809 per gallon, which is the highest weekly gain in over a year, according to the EIA. Diesel prices are now up 11.2 cents from this time last year. Geopolitics and tightening supplies are to blame.

Third-party breaches and AI-powered cyber-attacks are accelerating, which has organizations shifting their supply chain security strategies from strict prevention to operational reliance. Over 60% of companies faced some kind of third-party breach last year, making supplier visibility more important than ever. AI-driven attacks are forcing supply chain leaders to emphasize business continuity, quick recovery, and real-time monitoring over perfect defense. And new regulations now require companies to prove they can restore operations and minimize disruption even when under attack.

For the rest of the week’s top shipping news, check out the article highlights below.