Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Costco Sues U.S. to Protect Tariff Refunds as Supreme Court Weighs Trump’s IEEPA Duties

The retailer seeks to halt collections to preserve recovery before looming liquidation deadlines.

Overview

  • Costco filed its complaint on Nov. 28 in the U.S. Court of International Trade seeking a full refund of duties paid under President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs and an injunction pausing further collections.
  • The company says U.S. Customs and Border Protection denied an extension of liquidation, with some entries set to finalize as early as Dec. 15, which could jeopardize refund rights.
  • Costco moved to consolidate its case with similar refund-preservation suits, joining dozens of importers including EssilorLuxottica, Kawasaki Motors, Revlon, Bumble Bee Foods and Yokohama Tire.
  • Lower courts have found the IEEPA-based tariffs unlawful, and justices expressed skepticism during Nov. 5 arguments, though the Supreme Court has not announced when it will rule.
  • Treasury filings warn the government could face massive repayment exposure, with estimates up to $1 trillion if the tariffs are struck down.