FedEx Customers Sue for Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling

Lawsuit seeks to return 'every penny' improperly charged to consumers

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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FedEx customers have filed a proposed class action lawsuit in federal court in Miami, Florida, seeking refunds for import duties and related fees that were improperly charged after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Trump unlawfully imposed billions in emergency tariffs on imported goods. The lawsuit claims FedEx's promise to issue refunds is not legally enforceable, and the goal is to return all improperly charged funds to American consumers.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's ruling that Trump exceeded his authority in imposing the tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) has opened the door for companies and consumers to seek refunds of the billions in tariffs paid. This lawsuit against FedEx is one of many such actions being taken to recover those funds.

The details

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of plaintiff Matthew Reiser, a Miami resident, claims FedEx billed Reiser $36 - $21 in IEEPA duties and $15 in brokerage and clearance fees - for his purchase of tennis shoes from a German retailer, when no duty should have been required. FedEx has said it will issue refunds to shippers and consumers if refunds are issued to the company, but the lawsuit argues this promise is not legally enforceable.

  • On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump overstepped his authority by using the IEEPA to impose tariffs.
  • On February 27, 2026, the proposed class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in Miami, Florida.

The players

FedEx

A global shipping company that is being sued by customers seeking refunds of improperly charged tariffs and fees.

Matthew Reiser

A Miami resident and the plaintiff in the proposed class action lawsuit against FedEx.

John Yanchunis

The lawyer representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against FedEx.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who the Supreme Court ruled unlawfully imposed billions in emergency tariffs on imported goods.

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What they’re saying

“If refunds are issued to FedEx, we will issue refunds to the shippers and consumers who originally bore those charges.”

— FedEx (FedEx statement)

“Our goal is to return to American consumers every penny they were improperly charged.”

— John Yanchunis, Lawyer for plaintiff Matthew Reiser (Reuters)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to certify the lawsuit as a class action, which would allow other FedEx customers who were improperly charged tariffs to join the case.

The takeaway

This lawsuit against FedEx is part of a broader effort by companies and consumers to recoup the billions in tariffs that were unlawfully imposed by the Trump administration, highlighting the real-world impact of the Supreme Court's ruling and the importance of holding companies accountable for passing on improper charges to customers.