FedEx Sues Trump Administration Seeking Refund of Tariffs Ruled Illegal

FedEx has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade, demanding a full refund of tariffs it paid under policies that the Supreme Court recently ruled unlawful. The logistics giant argues that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs using the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA). The complaint marks the first major legal action seeking reimbursement since the high court’s decision, which did not clarify whether affected businesses are entitled to refunds.

In its filing, FedEx asked the court to order U.S. Customs and Border Protection to return all duties collected last year under the emergency powers law, along with interest and legal fees. The company stated it had suffered financial harm as an importer of record forced to pay the contested tariffs. A FedEx spokesperson said the move aims to protect the company’s rights while supporting customers navigating regulatory changes. Executives previously estimated the tariffs would cost the company about $1 billion in profits in 2025.

The case is expected to open the door to a wave of similar lawsuits, as billions of dollars in tariff payments hang in the balance. Other major corporations — including Costco, Revlon and Bumble Bee Foods — had already challenged the tariffs before the Supreme Court ruling, alongside smaller firms such as wine importer V.O.S. Selections and toymaker Learning Resources. While the ruling invalidated tariffs imposed under IEEPA, it left intact duties issued under other laws. Meanwhile, President Trump has signaled plans to introduce a new 15% global tariff under a separate 1974 trade statute, potentially setting the stage for further legal battles.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright