Costco Sues U.S. Government to Recover Tariff Payments Imposed Under Trump Administration
Dec 2, 2025
Costco has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, seeking to recover tariffs it paid on imported goods under orders made by former President Donald Trump. The case focuses on tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Costco argues that if the Supreme Court later rules these tariffs were imposed without proper legal authority, the company should be able to get its money back. Costco’s lawsuit aims to secure a refund of those payments and to stop further collection of the tariffs while the Supreme Court makes its decision.
There is a looming December 15 deadline that might prevent Costco from recovering the duties it already paid, which is why the company has taken this legal action now. Multiple lower courts have already found that the tariffs may have been imposed illegally, but Costco wants to ensure its rights are protected before the Supreme Court issues its final ruling.
Why is Costco suing the U.S. government?
Costco is suing to get a refund of tariffs it paid on imported goods if the Supreme Court finds those tariffs were not legally imposed.
What are these tariffs related to?
The tariffs were put in place by the Trump administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
What could happen if Costco does not sue now?
If Costco waits, a deadline on December 15 could make it impossible for the company to recover the money it paid in tariffs, even if the tariffs are later found to be illegal.
Does the Supreme Court decision affect only Costco?
No, other companies could also be affected, but this lawsuit is specifically about Costco recovering its own tariff payments.
Sources
Costco sues for Trump tariff refunds before Supreme Court rules on if they're il...
CNBC
CNBC
Costco is suing the Trump administration in an effort to get a full refund of new tariffs paid by the warehouse retail giant this year and to block those tariffs from continuing to be imposed as a Supreme Court case plays out. Costco says it risks losing the money already paid to satisfy the tariffs...
Costco sues Trump's tariff in bid to secure refund before Supreme Court ruling
Business Insider
Business Insider
Costco filed a lawsuit to recover tariff payments imposed by the Trump administration. The retailer challenged tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Costco Joins Companies Suing Trump Administration Over Tariffs
WSJ
WSJ
The retailer is one of the biggest companies to seek a refund should the Supreme court strike down emergency tariffs
Costco sues US government for tariff refunds as SC reviews legality of Trump's t...
Invezz
Invezz
Multinational retailer Costco has taken the unusual step of suing the US government to ensure it can recover import duties should the Supreme Court ultimately rule that former President Donald Trump lacked the legal authority to impose sweeping emergency tariffs under the International Emergency Eco...
Costco files federal lawsuit challenging Trump's emergency tariff orders on impo...
New York Post
New York Post
Retailer faces December 15 deadline that could prevent recovery of duties paid on imported goods.
Costco Is Suing the Trump Administration—Here's Why
Investopedia
Investopedia
Warehouse retail giant Costco Wholesale (COST) has joined the list of companies looking for a refund on tariffs.
Costco sues Trump administration over tariffs, requests refund
CNBC Television
CNBC Television
CNBC's Eamon Javers reports on Costco's lawsuit against the Trump administration's tariffs.
Costco Takes White House to Court Over ‘Unlawful' Tariffs
PYMNTS
PYMNTS
Costco has sued the Trump administration over what it calls the country's “unlawful” tariffs. In a lawsuit filed last week, the warehouse retailer asks the Court of International Trade to consider all tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) illegal, and seeks...
Costco is suing the U.S. government over Trump's tariffs. Here's why
Fast Company
Fast Company
Costco has sued the U.S. government to ensure it will receive refunds if the Supreme Court rejects President Donald Trump's bid for sweeping authority to impose tariffs.
Costco sues Trump administration over sweeping emergency tariff powers
The Guardian
The Guardian
The wholesale giant claims the White House misused emergency authority and warns importers could lose refunds even if duties are ruled unlawful
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