Tue Feb 24 03:27:55 UTC 2026: ### FedEx Sues US Government for Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling
The Story:
Following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated President Donald Trump’s global tariffs last week, FedEx filed a lawsuit against Customs and Border Protection on Monday, February 23, 2026, seeking a “full refund” of the duties it paid on imported goods. The lawsuit, filed at the U.S. Court of International Trade, marks the first major corporate challenge since the ruling. While the Supreme Court decision struck down a key element of Trump’s economic agenda, it did not specify how refunds would be handled, leading to potential legal complexities.
Even after the Supreme Court decision on February 20, 2026, which deemed his country-specific tariffs illegal, President Trump signed an order imposing broad 10% duties on imports, scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and vowed to increase them to 15%. The government collected over $130 billion from importers through these tariffs.
Key Points:
- FedEx is suing Customs and Border Protection for a “full refund” of tariffs paid.
- The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade on February 23, 2026.
- The Supreme Court previously ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority in imposing global tariffs.
- The Supreme Court ruling did not address the issue of refunds.
- President Trump has implemented new 10% tariffs, effective February 24, 2026, and plans to increase them to 15%.
- The government raised over $130 billion from importers through the tariffs.
Key Takeaways:
- The Supreme Court’s ruling against Trump’s tariffs has opened the door for legal challenges seeking refunds.
- The lack of clarity regarding refunds in the Supreme Court’s decision creates uncertainty for businesses and the government.
- Despite the legal setback, the Trump administration is continuing to pursue tariffs as a trade policy tool.
- The legal battle over tariffs is likely to continue, with significant financial implications for importers and the government.
- The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities in U.S. trade policy.
Impact Analysis:
The lawsuit filed by FedEx has the potential to trigger a wave of similar legal actions from other companies seeking refunds on tariffs paid. This could result in a significant financial burden on the U.S. government, potentially impacting its budget and trade policy. The outcome of these legal challenges will likely shape the future of U.S. trade relations and the use of tariffs as a tool for economic policy. Furthermore, the continued imposition of new tariffs by the Trump administration, despite legal challenges, suggests a commitment to this approach, potentially leading to further trade disputes and economic uncertainty.