LG Energy Solution is set to receive a tariff refund of about KRW 100 billion from the U.S. government. This follows a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in February that former President Donald Trump’s administration’s reciprocal tariffs were illegal. As additional refund procedures remain, the total refund amount could increase further.

According to business circles on the 7th, LG Energy Solution recently applied to the U.S. government for a refund of reciprocal tariffs and has so far been granted a refund of KRW 100 billion. Earlier in February, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in relation to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which President Trump had used as the legal basis for the reciprocal tariffs, that “comprehensive authority to impose tariffs is not recognized.” Following the ruling that the reciprocal tariffs were unlawful, the U.S. government overhauled its refund system and began accepting refund applications from companies in April.

The tariff refunds cover items subject to reciprocal tariffs imposed since April last year. The Trump administration initially imposed a basic tariff of 10% on imports worldwide, later raising it to 25%, and then, following negotiations with Korea, lowering the reciprocal tariff rate on Korean products to 15% from August last year. Batteries, machinery, chemical products, home appliances, and auto parts fall under the scope, while semiconductors were excluded from the reciprocal tariff list.

Not only LG Energy Solution but also other companies such as Hyundai Motor Group, Samsung SDI, and SK On are expected to apply for refunds going forward. The Korea Customs Service estimates the annual export volume to the U.S. of items subject to reciprocal tariffs at about USD 21 billion (approximately KRW 32.8 trillion). Based on this, the total refund amount for Korean companies is projected to reach several trillion won.

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