Global shipping giantFedExhas taken legal action against the U.S. government, filing a lawsuit in theU.S. Court of International Tradeseeking a refund of tariffs that were imposed under former PresidentDonald Trump’semergency tariff order. The move follows a recentU.S. Supreme Court decisionthat found the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad trade duties was unlawful, ruling that the former president exceeded his authority.
FedEx’s 11-page complaint requests a“full refund” of all IEEPA dutiesit paid to the U.S. government while acting as the importer of record on affected goods — although the exact amount sought was not disclosed. The lawsuit namesU.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), its commissionerRodney Scott, and theUnited States of Americaas defendants.
Legal experts predict that FedEx’s case could trigger a wave of similar refund claims, with more than$175 billion in tariff collectionspotentially subject to repayment after the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling. While the Supreme Court declared the tariffs illegal, it left unresolvedwhether and how refunds should be issued, leaving that question for lower courts like the Court of International Trade to determine.
FedEx’s lawsuit highlights the broader economic and legal fallout from the decision, as businesses seek to recoup billions paid in duties that are now deemed unauthorized. Many companies, including retailers and manufacturers, may pursue their own claims, but the process is expected to be lengthy and complex as courts work out precise refund mechanisms.
