FedEx joins other US companies seeking a full refund after Trump’s tariffs were deemed illegal

FedEx has filed a lawsuit against the US government, demanding a full refund of what it paid for tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump last year after the Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs were illegal.

FedEx said in a filing with the US Court of International Trade that it “suffered harm” from having to pay the tariffs and that the compensation they are seeking from the court will address those harms.

Other companies have already launched efforts to recover costs from illegal tariffs, including large US companies such as Costco and Revlon.

The National Retail Federation said in a statement on Friday that the Supreme Court’s ruling provides certainty for American businesses and manufacturers.

“We urge the lower court to ensure a smooth process for refunding tariffs to US importers,” she added. “The refunds will be an economic boost and allow businesses to reinvest in their operations, employees and customers.”

He watches: What’s next for consumers and the economy after the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling

The Supreme Court struck down broad global tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Friday. Trump said he was “completely ashamed” of some of the judges who ruled against him by a vote of 6 to 3, describing them as “traitors to our Constitution” and “shepherd dogs.” At one point he even raised the specter of foreign influence without citing any evidence.

The court’s ruling concluded that the tariffs Trump imposed under the Emergency Powers Act were unconstitutional, including the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs he imposed on nearly every other country.

Federal data show the Treasury Department had collected more than $133 billion in import taxes imposed by the president under the Emergency Powers Act as of December. The impact over the next decade is estimated at $3 trillion.

Trump pledged to collect tariffs through other means. He came up with a temporary option right after his defeat Friday in the Supreme Court: Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 15% for up to 150 days. But any extension beyond 150 days must be approved by Congress, which is likely to refuse to approve a tax increase as the midterm elections approach in November.