Costco Sues Trump Administration Over Tariffs, Seeks ‘Full Refund’ of Duties Collected

Costco has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the tariffs that have significantly increased its import costs.

In a complaint submitted on Nov. 28 to the United States Court of International Trade, the wholesale retailer argues that the broad tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump since his return to office in February are unlawful. Costco is asking for a refund of all tariff payments it has made under these measures.

According to the filing, the administration relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs. Costco contends that this use of IEEPA is not authorized by the law — a position it notes was supported in a separate case, V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump.

Costco is asking the court to declare that “the IEEPA duties imposed by Defendants, and the underlying executive orders that directed them, are unlawful.”

The company says it brought its own case because, despite the earlier ruling on the legality of the tariffs, it is “not guaranteed a refund for those unlawfully collected tariffs in the absence of their own judgment and judicial relief,” according to the lawsuit. Dozens of other businesses have filed similar challenges to the administration’s tariff program.

In a statement, White House spokesman Kush Desai wrote, “The economic consequences of the failure to uphold President Trump’s lawful tariffs are enormous and this suit highlights that fact. The White House looks forward to the Supreme Court’s speedy and proper resolution of this matter.”

Costco joins a growing list of companies pushing back against the tariffs. Cosmetic giant Revlon, Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki Motors, canned food brand Bumble Bee, and eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica have each pursued comparable legal actions, according to reports from The Independent and NBC News.

Trump first rolled out sweeping tariffs shortly after returning to office, eventually applying duties to imports from nearly all foreign countries. He is the first president to use IEEPA to impose import taxes in this way. Although lower courts have ruled against the administration’s interpretation of the law, the tariffs remain in effect while the legal battle continues.

Throughout Trump’s second term, the tariff regime has been a flashpoint in debates over trade and economic policy, with critics pointing to rising prices on a wide range of goods — from holiday decorations and groceries to weddings, cars, alcohol, and more.