These companies are taking legal action against Trump to reclaim tariffs.

Costco has joined over a dozen other companies in filing lawsuits against the Trump administration to recover payments made under recently imposed tariffs, which are now under review by the Supreme Court. Earlier this year, President Trump introduced broad reciprocal tariffs targeting countries he believed were engaging in unfair trade practices against the United States.

The White House stated that The United States will no longer put itself last on matters of international trade in exchange for empty promises, highlighting the administrations new trade strategy.

During a recent Supreme Court hearing, some justices questioned the legal authority of these tariffs, particularly regarding the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Costco and other corporations initially challenged the tariffs in the U.S. Court of International Trade, arguing that IEEPA does not explicitly allow the president to impose tariffs.

In its lawsuit, Costco requested a full reimbursement for the additional costs incurred. The company emphasized that IEEPA does not mention tariffs or anything equivalent and noted that although the act has been amended multiple times since its enactment in 1977, it has never been used by any president to impose such trade levies.

Several Toyota Group entities, including Toyota Tsusho America, Toyota Tsusho Canada, and Toyota Tsusho Nexty Electronics America, have also taken legal action against U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, citing the financial impact of heightened tariffs on cars, steel, and aluminum. Toyota estimated a $1.3 billion loss over two months due to the new rates.

Other automotive-related firms challenging the tariffs include Yokohama Tire Corporation, AGS Company Automotive Solutions, Kawasaki Motors, NGK Automotive Ceramics, and Dana Automotive Systems.

Revlon has filed a suit seeking reimbursement for IEEPA-related duties, arguing that the president lacks authority to impose such broad tariffs, particularly in the context of the trade conflict with China. The company warned of imminent and irreparable harm if the court does not provide relief before certain duties are processed.

Bumble Bee Foods, a major distributor of canned seafood and poultry, also opposed the tariffs, citing disruptions to imports from countries including Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, Indonesia, China, and India. The company stated that IEEPA only allows presidential powers in response to unusual and extraordinary threats declared as national emergencies, which they argue does not apply to trade deficits or economic competition.

Netuno, another food company, raised similar objections, asserting that the presidents declared national emergencies are ordinary economic conditions and do not justify emergency action under IEEPA.

In total, at least 20 companies have initiated legal challenges seeking refunds from the Trump administration, including Goody Foods, Del Monte Fresh Produce, Engineered Plastic, Metform, MacLean Mallard, Moog, Hydro Gear, iFit, LONGi Solar Technology, Berlin Packaging, Industrial Tech Services, Schnitzer Steel, Chromalloy, Consolidated Foam, Ushio America, Illuminate USA, Valeo North America, and Argonaut Manufacturing Services.

Author: Harper Simmons