FedEx Sues US Government for Tariff Refund

Over 1,000 companies file lawsuits to recoup costs from illegal Trump-era tariffs

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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FedEx has joined a growing number of companies suing the U.S. government for a refund on tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. The Supreme Court recently ruled that these tariffs were unconstitutional, prompting a wave of lawsuits from businesses seeking to recoup the costs they paid. FedEx claims it has "suffered injury" from having to pay the tariffs and is seeking relief from the U.S. Court of International Trade.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's ruling against Trump's tariffs provides certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, who are now pushing for a seamless process to receive refunds. These refunds could provide an economic boost, allowing companies to reinvest in their operations, employees, and customers. However, the government must establish a clear system to handle the over 1,000 individual cases filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade.

The details

FedEx is the latest in a long line of over 1,000 companies that have filed suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade to recoup costs from the illegal tariffs imposed by former President Trump. Large corporations like Costco and Revlon are among those seeking refunds. Legal experts say each case will likely have to be tried individually, as the government must determine how to handle the flood of refund claims following the Supreme Court's ruling against the tariffs.

  • The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's tariffs on February 25, 2026.
  • As of December, the Treasury had collected over $133 billion from the import taxes imposed under Trump's emergency powers.

The players

FedEx

A major shipping and logistics company that is suing the U.S. government for a refund on tariffs it paid under former President Trump's policies.

Costco

A large U.S. retail corporation that has filed suit to recoup costs from the illegal Trump-era tariffs.

Revlon

A major American cosmetics company that has joined the wave of lawsuits against the U.S. government seeking tariff refunds.

Tim Meyer

A law professor at Duke University who has commented on the legal process for businesses to receive tariff refunds.

National Retail Federation

A trade association that has urged the lower courts to ensure a smooth process for refunding the illegal tariffs to U.S. importers.

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What they’re saying

“We urge the lower court to ensure a seamless process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their employees and their customers.”

— National Retail Federation (National Retail Federation statement)

“We're going to have to wait and see how the government decides to handle the refund claims. And then if the government chooses not to set up a process for the refunds, ultimately the Court of International Trade is going to have to adjudicate over a thousand cases.”

— Tim Meyer, Law Professor, Duke University (arkansasonline.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Court of International Trade will have to adjudicate the over 1,000 individual cases filed by companies seeking tariff refunds, unless the government establishes a clear process for handling the claims.

The takeaway

The Supreme Court's ruling against Trump's tariffs provides legal certainty for businesses, but the government now faces the challenge of setting up an efficient system to refund the over $133 billion in tariffs collected. These refunds could provide a significant economic boost, but the process will likely be complex and drawn out as each case is reviewed.