JUST IN: Thousands of Companies, Including Costco, File Lawsuits Seeking Over $150B in Refunds on Duties Paid Under Trump’s Tariffs

Washington, D.C. — In a major escalation of legal challenges following the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling striking down key portions of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, **thousands of companies** have filed lawsuits demanding refunds for import duties already paid, with the total amount sought exceeding **$150 billion**.

The filings, primarily at the U.S. Court of International Trade, stem from tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) starting in April 2025—often referred to as “Liberation Day” tariffs.

The Supreme Court ruled that the president overstepped his authority in applying these broad emergency measures to impose global levies, invalidating much of the tariff regime and opening the door to potential repayments.

Prominent among the plaintiffs is retail giant **Costco Wholesale**, which filed one of the earliest high-profile suits in late 2025 to preserve its right to refunds if the tariffs were deemed unlawful.

Other major companies involved include tire maker Goodyear, cosmetics firm Revlon, eyewear producer EssilorLuxottica, aluminum producer Alcoa, automaker subsidiaries like those of Toyota and BYD, and numerous others ranging from food producers like Bumble Bee Foods to luxury brands.

Trade lawyers and analysts estimate that the U.S. government collected between **$130 billion and $175 billion** in duties under the challenged IEEPA tariffs, with figures varying based on customs data and economic models from sources like the Penn Wharton Budget Model and JPMorgan Chase.

Refunds could reach **$150–200 billion** if lower courts mandate full repayment, though the process is expected to be complex and protracted.

The Supreme Court’s decision did not address refund mechanics directly, leaving determinations to lower courts. Companies argue that importers who paid the duties—often passing costs to consumers—are entitled to repayment, while the Trump administration has signaled resistance, with the president suggesting prolonged litigation.

Treasury officials have indicated refunds might be feasible but questioned whether large firms like Costco would pass any recovered funds back to customers.

Business groups and trade experts describe the situation as one of the largest tariff-related legal battles in U.S. history, with over 1,000 to 1,800 cases already filed and more anticipated.

The outcome could provide a significant liquidity boost to affected importers but risks further straining federal finances and sparking debates over who ultimately benefits—companies or consumers who bore higher prices.

As proceedings move forward in the Court of International Trade, the tariff refund saga is poised to dominate trade policy discussions in the coming months and potentially years.