Businesses Rush to Reclaim $130 Billion in Tariff Payments

Thousands of companies, including major retailers, file lawsuits demanding refunds after Supreme Court strikes down Trump-era tariffs.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of President Trump's global tariffs, at least 1,800 companies have filed lawsuits demanding refunds of the estimated $130 billion in tariff payments collected over 10 months. Household names like Costco, Goodyear, and FedEx are among those seeking repayment, creating what one lawyer calls an "asbestos level of lawsuits" all happening at the same time. The flood of cases has overwhelmed the specialized Court of International Trade in New York, which is now facing the largest refund fight in trade history.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's decision to strike down the tariffs has opened the floodgates for companies to reclaim the billions of dollars they paid in duties. This could have major financial implications, as the refunds could total millions or even billions for some of the largest importers. The legal battle also raises questions about the government's ability to efficiently process the avalanche of claims and provide timely relief to businesses.

The details

Since the Supreme Court's ruling, at least 1,800 companies have filed lawsuits demanding refunds of the estimated $130 billion in tariff payments collected over 10 months. The cases have overwhelmed the Court of International Trade in New York, which is now facing what could become the largest refund fight in trade history. Major law firms have established dedicated task forces to process the surge of filings, but not all businesses can afford to join the legal rush. Some trade lawyers believe the court could create a centralized, court-supervised refund system to potentially streamline relief for all importers.

  • The Supreme Court struck down many of the Trump-era tariffs last week.
  • Through Dec. 10, at least 301,000 importers were subject to the tariffs that were ultimately struck down.

The players

Costco Wholesale

A major retail company that is among those seeking refunds of tariff payments.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber

A tire manufacturer that is among those seeking refunds of tariff payments.

FedEx

A shipping and logistics company that is among those seeking refunds of tariff payments.

Matthew Seligman

A federal litigator filing cases for importers, who has compared the wave of lawsuits to the "asbestos level of lawsuits" in U.S. history.

Harlan Stone

The owner of vinyl-flooring company HMTX Industries, who filed a case in December in anticipation of the refund fight.

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What they’re saying

“We're talking asbestos level of lawsuits”

— Matthew Seligman, federal litigator

“It's a belt-and-suspender move, in case they favor litigants”

— Harlan Stone, owner, HMTX Industries

What’s next

The Court of International Trade in New York is expected to play a central role in determining the process for refunding the tariff payments to companies. Some trade lawyers believe the court could create a centralized, court-supervised refund system to potentially streamline relief for all importers.

The takeaway

The Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Trump-era tariffs has unleashed a flood of lawsuits from companies seeking to reclaim the billions of dollars they paid in duties. This legal battle highlights the financial impact of the tariffs and the challenges the government faces in efficiently processing the avalanche of refund claims.