Tue Dec 02 18:43:10 UTC 2025: Costco Sues Trump Administration for Tariff Refunds Ahead of Supreme Court Decision
Washington D.C. – Costco has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking a full refund on tariffs paid this year and aiming to block further collection of import duties. The move comes as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the legality of President Trump’s tariffs, a decision that could have significant economic consequences.
The lawsuit, filed in the US Court of International Trade, alleges that US Customs and Border Protection has denied Costco’s request to extend a December 15th deadline for refunding already paid taxes. Costco did not specify the total amount it seeks to be refunded.
“Importers that have paid IEEPA duties, including Plaintiff, are not guaranteed a refund for those unlawfully collected tariffs in the absence of their own judgment and judicial relief,” the lawsuit states. Costco also seeks a pause on further tariff collections to protect its right to a full refund.
The wholesale giant joins a growing list of companies, including Ray-Ban and Revlon, challenging the administration’s tariffs. Gregory Shaffer, a professor of international law at Georgetown University School of Law, explained that companies have a 180-day window to protest the liquidation, or final assessment, of tariffs.
The White House defended the tariffs, with spokesman Kush Desai stating, “The economic consequences of the failure to uphold President Trump’s lawful tariffs are enormous and this suit highlights that fact. The White House looks forward to the Supreme Court’s speedy and proper resolution of this matter.”
The Supreme Court is currently considering whether the White House has the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose the tariffs. Questions have been raised as to whether Trump’s tariffs meet the requirements of a national emergency under the law.
Shaffer believes the court is likely to rule against the Trump administration, noting concerns raised by Justice Neil Gorsuch during oral arguments. Gorsuch questioned the administration’s interpretation of the IEEPA, warning against a “one-way ratchet toward the gradual-but-continual accretion of power in the executive branch.”
Meanwhile, Costco’s stock saw a slight increase of 0.2 percent in midday trading. The Supreme Court’s decision on the legality of the tariffs remains pending.
First Piper 