Costco Seeks Refund on Trump-Era Emergency Tariffs Amid Supreme Court Case
Costco has filed a lawsuit in the US Court of International Trade seeking a full refund of tariffs related to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) if the Supreme Court rules that former President Trump's emergency tariffs were unlawful. The suit argues that refunds must be granted and highlights that judicial relief is necessary to recover funds paid under these tariffs.
Lower courts have previously ruled that Trump exceeded his emergency powers by imposing these tariffs, with a May ruling by the Court of International Trade declaring them unlawful, a decision later affirmed by the Court of Appeals. The case is now before the Supreme Court, with a critical deadline of December 15, 2025, ahead for Costco to recoup funds.
Trade data indicates that importers like Costco have collectively paid around $90 billion in IEEPA-related tariffs as of late September. Costco contends that the tariffs harmed its business and expresses concerns that refunds may not be provided even if the High Court sides with the challengers.
The Trump administration argues that the emergency powers legally authorize global tariffs, warning that a ruling against these tariffs would hinder trade negotiations and deprive the US Treasury of billions of dollars in revenue. White House spokesperson Kush Desai emphasized the severe economic consequences of not upholding the tariffs and called for a swift Supreme Court resolution. Additionally, Trump has claimed that the tariffs have generated trillions in revenue and promised a dividend of at least $2000 per person.
