Costco sues for refunds over Trump-imposed import tariffs
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Washington — Costco sued in the U.S. federal Court of International Trade seeking refunds and protection from liquidation over tariffs President Donald Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The complaint asks judges to declare IEEPA-based tariffs unlawful, block further collections, and guarantee reimbursements for duties paid after the administration applied a 10% baseline tariff and additional 'reciprocal' levies on imports earlier this year. Costco cited a Dec. 15 liquidation deadline and noted lower courts have already questioned the legality of the measures as the Supreme Court considers the matter. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.
More context
Timeline
- 1. February/April — Administration invokes IEEPA and imposes baseline and reciprocal tariffs.
- 2. Earlier 2025 — Specialized trade courts and the Federal Circuit find key IEEPA tariffs unlawful.
- 3. Nov. 5 — Supreme Court hears arguments and expresses doubts about broad emergency tariff authority.
- 4. Late November — Costco and other firms file suits in the U.S. Court of International Trade seeking refunds.
- 5. Dec. 15 — Customs liquidation deadline could bar importers from recovering paid duties without court orders.
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JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
