It seems like every day there’s another headline predicting an economic slowdown. Higher interest rates, inflation, and trade uncertainty have dominated the news cycle. Yet when I talk with business owners across the Pacific Northwest, from Seattle importers to manufacturers in the greater Puget Sound region, I often hear a different story. Many privately owned companies have proven remarkably resilient, adapting to changing market conditions while continuing to grow.
That’s why I was encouraged to see news that eligible importers may receive refunds for certain tariffs previously collected. For many Washington businesses, especially those moving goods through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma, this could mean a meaningful infusion of cash at just the right time.
What’s Actually Happening with Tariff Refunds
In February 2026, the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA-based tariffs collected on many imports; in response, U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched a new administrative process called CAPE, or Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries, so importers of record can file for refunds directly through the ACE portal (U.S. Customs and Border Protection refund guidance). Refunds are generally expected within 60 to 90 days of filing, and eligible importers can also recover statutory interest on top of the original duty paid. As of this summer, CBP had already authorized more than $100 billion in refunds nationally, with tens of billions more still working through the pipeline (Cato Institute tariff refund tracker).
For Seattle and Washington State, this matters more than it might in other parts of the country. Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation, home to major import and export activity through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma, and a significant share of local small and mid-size businesses, from specialty retailers to manufacturers to distributors, import goods directly. If your business paid IEEPA duties between April 2025 and February 2026 and you were the importer of record, it’s worth finding out whether you qualify.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Cash creates opportunities. A tariff refund isn’t just money coming back; it’s capital that can be used to hire employees, invest in new equipment, expand inventory, improve technology, or simply strengthen a company’s balance sheet. While not every business will qualify, additional liquidity often leads to greater confidence, more investment, and ultimately a healthier local economy here in the Puget Sound region.
I’ve written before about how Washington’s tax and regulatory environment has been squeezing margins for local business owners; a development like this is a genuine counterbalance, and one more reason I remain optimistic about Washington’s business market heading into 2026.
Why This Matters If You’re Thinking About a Sale
As an M&A advisor working with business owners throughout Seattle and Western Washington, I also see another potential benefit. Stronger financial performance tends to attract stronger buyer interest. Strategic buyers and private equity firms continue to look for well-managed companies with solid fundamentals, regardless of the headlines. If these refunds improve profitability and cash flow for local business owners, they could also enhance business values and create more opportunities for successful transactions across Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and beyond.
One question I hear frequently from Washington business owners is, “Should I wait for the economy to improve before selling my business?” My answer is that timing the market is far less important than preparing your business. The most successful exits are usually the result of thoughtful planning months or even years in advance; I walk through exactly what that preparation looks like on my Selling Your Business page. Positive economic developments like tariff refunds are a welcome reminder that opportunities still exist, even in uncertain markets.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re thinking about growing through acquisition, planning for retirement, or simply curious about what your Seattle-area business is worth today, it’s worth paying attention to encouraging trends like this one. Good businesses continue to create value in every market cycle, and staying informed can help you make better decisions for the future. If you want to talk through what a tariff refund, or your business’s overall financial picture, could mean for your long-term goals, my Financial Freedom page is a good place to start, or you can read more about my work helping Western Washington business owners navigate exactly this kind of opportunity.
Curious what this means for your business? Connect with me for a confidential conversation about your options in today’s Washington market.
