Hundreds of U.S. companies, from small importers to global corporations, are racing to reclaim billions paid under former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff regime after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled those tariffs illegal, saying the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not authorize such duties.
The fight began with a decision by five small businesses including V.O.S. Selections, a New York wine importer, challenging the legality of so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs imposed in 2025.
The Supreme Court affirmed lower court rulings that the administration exceeded its authority, opening the door for potential refunds to importers who paid the levies.
As refunds become a central issue, companies like FedEx have filed lawsuits seeking full reimbursement and pledged to return any refunds to customers and shippers who ultimately bore the cost.
Major corporations including Costco, L’Oréal, Dyson and Bausch + Lomb have also joined legal actions in the U.S. Court of International Trade as part of a growing wave of claims.
Small business groups and courts are urging a coordinated refund process to prevent thousands of separate suits, while the Justice Department says implementation may take time.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers and several state governors are pushing for legislation to require prompt refunds and interest payments to affected firms and consumers.
The total amount at stake could reach tens of billions of dollars, and the path to refunds remains uncertain as courts and Congress continue to grapple with next steps following the court’s ruling.
