These Fortune Global 500 companies have sued the Trump administration for tariff refunds
Business Insider
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Top global companies are challenging Trump’s contested tariffs by suing the government for refunds, raising concerns over their ability to recover payments even if the Supreme Court rules the tariffs illegal. The lawsuits highlight growing corporate anxiety as the deadline for tariff liquidation approaches, potentially leaving businesses without a way to reclaim duties paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Companies like Costco, Toyota, BYD, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, and Alcoa are among those seeking refunds, citing legal and financial risks tied to Trump’s emergency tariffs.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of Trump’s IEEPA-based tariffs, which have faced widespread opposition. While a ruling against the tariffs could invalidate them retroactively, companies fear that without separate court orders, they may not receive refunds due to the liquidation process. This process, typically completed within a year of goods entering the country, often makes it difficult or impossible to recover tariffs. Large corporations are now joining small businesses in filing lawsuits, driven by concerns that their time to act is running out.
Costco and Toyota have filed separate suits, arguing that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs and that their imports could soon enter liquidation, barring refunds. BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle maker, became the first Chinese carmaker to sue over Trump’s tariffs, seeking refunds for past and future payments. Meanwhile, Alcoa, a major aluminum producer, joined several other companies in consolidated cases challenging tariff liquidations under IEEPA.
This legal battle underscores broader concerns about international trade policies and their impact on global commerce. For businesses, the outcome could determine whether they can recover billions in tariffs paid over the past year. The situation also highlights the complexities of enforcing and challenging trade laws, particularly when tied to emergency powers and international relations. As the Supreme Court decides the fate of Trump’s tariffs, companies are racing against time to secure their financial rights.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/15/2026