Tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, have sparked a wave of lawsuits from companies seeking refunds. U.S. Customs collected about $195 billion in these duties during fiscal year 2025, a 150% jump from 2024, with monthly hauls reaching $30 billion by year end. If the U.S. Supreme Court upholds lower court rulings against them, roughly $90 billion could flow back to importers, creating budget headaches and reshaping revenue forecasts.
Firms argue IEEPA, a 1977 law for crises like wars or sanctions, does not authorize sweeping tariffs on everyday goods tied to trade or border issues. The U.S. Court of International Trade and Federal Circuit ruled them illegal in V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump but appeals including Learning Resources v. Trump head to the Supreme Court for a 2026 decision. Over 70 companies have filed to lock in refund rights before time runs out on claims.
Costco Wholesale Corporation demands full refunds on massive import volumes, noting IEEPA lacks any tariff language. Revlon Consumer Products LLC targets duties on China sourced cosmetics, while Kawasaki Motors fights fees on motorcycle parts. EssilorLuxottica, Yokohama Tire Corporation, and Alcoa round out heavy hitters from eyewear, tires, and steel, all squeezed by rising costs.
Bumble Bee Foods contests tariffs hiking canned tuna prices, joining a coordinated push in the Court of International Trade. These U.S. giants balance the legal front with global players, highlighting supply chain pain under USMCA. Importers paid upfront to clear goods, now suing to reclaim funds amid pending high court clarity.
Mexico City based Grupo Bimbo (BMV: BIMBOA) filed its suit earlier this month, mirroring U.S. peers. It charges the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and its commissioner with unlawful tariffs on goods from many countries. Despite Supreme Court pendency, Bimbo cites V.O.S. and Learning Resources precedents to preserve claims on inputs for its U.S. arm, Bimbo Bakeries USA.
For baking operations in 33 countries, tariffs hit packaging, flour, or machinery, disrupting North American flows. Bimbo’s action fits the pattern, as firms race procedural deadlines to avoid forfeiting refunds.
These suits cluster for efficiency, demanding not just money back but halts to collections. A Supreme Court win for challengers could flood agencies with claims, while a loss will solidify executive tariff tools.
