U.S. firms tap $71 B in tariff refunds to neutralize Iran‑war inflation
Companies ranging from PepsiCo to McCormick are earmarking most of the $71 billion in customs tariff rebates to cushion soaring commodity, freight and energy costs sparked by the Middle East conflict. Instead of boosting profits or cutting prices, the refunds are becoming a stop‑gap against inflation, reshaping margins across sectors.