FedEx has launched a lawsuit seeking a full refund of the controversial emergency tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, after the US Supreme Court ruled the measures unlawful.
The global transport and postal company filed its claim in the FedEx v United States at the United States Court of International Trade, seeking reimbursement for additional import duties it says it paid while the tariffs were in force.
Supreme Court Rules Emergency Tariffs Illegal
Last April, Mr Trump introduced higher levies on imports from most countries under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). However, the Supreme Court last week decided that the law did not give him the authority to impose those tariffs, a ruling that has opened the door for companies to pursue refunds on extra duties paid since the measures began.
In its filing, FedEx stated: “Plaintiffs seek for themselves a full refund from Defendants of all IEEPA duties Plaintiffs have paid to the United States.” The firm did not specify the monetary value of the refund it is seeking.
The lawsuit names U.S. Customs and Border Protection, its commissioner Rodney Scott, and the United States as defendants, saying the company, as an importer of record, was responsible for paying the tariffs and is now seeking redress.
FedEx said in a statement on Monday that it had “taken necessary action to protect the company’s rights… to seek duty refunds” following the court ruling. The BBC has contacted US Customs and Border Protection for comment.
Senators Push Refund Legislation
On the same day as FedEx’s lawsuit, 22 US senators — all from the Democratic Party — introduced legislation that would require full reimbursement of tariff revenue, including interest, within 180 days. The bill also directs customs officials to prioritise small businesses in processing refunds.
Estimates suggest that the Trump-era IEEPA tariffs generated at least $130 billion (£97 billion) in additional revenue from imports.
Although the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs unlawful, it did not provide specific guidance for returning the money to those who paid them. Both Mr Trump and Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary at the time, have warned that the issue could take years to resolve in the courts.
In the weeks before the ruling was published, hundreds of US companies — including Revlon, Alcoa and Bumble Bee Foods — filed lawsuits challenging the IEEPA tariffs to position themselves for potential refunds. Retailer Costco was among the earliest, arguing that the IEEPA did not authorise tariff imposition.
New Tariffs Introduced
On Friday, Mr Trump signed a new proclamation imposing a 10% temporary tariff on goods from all countries under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, and said on Saturday he planned to raise this to 15%.
The development marks a new chapter in US trade policy and sets up further legal and political battles over import taxes and their economic impact.
