How much tariff refund is General Motors expecting to receive?

The Refund Amount and Supreme Court Ruling

General Motors confirmed it is expecting a $500 million refund from the federal government for tariffs paid on imported vehicles and vehicle parts. This refund follows a February Supreme Court ruling that found certain auto-related tariffs were illegal. The tariffs had been imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which the Supreme Court determined did not give the president the power to unilaterally impose tariffs.

Impact on GM's 2026 Tariff Costs

As a result of the impending refund and the removal of IEEPA tariffs, General Motors adjusted its tariff cost expectations for 2026. The company now expects tariff costs in the range of $2.5 billion to $3.5 billion, down from its original estimates of $3.0 billion to $4.0 billion. This represents a significant reduction in anticipated tariff expenses for the year.

Broader Context of the Refund Program

Following the Supreme Court ruling, the federal government opened a portal allowing companies to apply for refunds of tariffs paid under IEEPA. General Motors is one of more than 330,000 importers who paid these tariffs that were subsequently struck down. The IEEPA tariffs had cost the average American household approximately $700 in the previous year, according to data from the Tax Foundation.

Official Announcement

GM CEO Mary Barra officially confirmed the expected $500 million refund in a letter to shareholders on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The announcement coincided with the company raising its profit guidance following the Supreme Court's decision on tariffs.