Costco has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the emergency tariffs that increased import costs across retail and consumer goods this year. The complaint, filed with the U.S. Court of International Trade, argues that President Trump lacked authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose the duties that took effect this fall.
The company is seeking refunds for tariffs it has already paid and wants the court to prevent additional charges from being finalized. That request is tied to a December 15 deadline when the government begins “liquidation,” a process that locks in the duties owed. Costco says that once entries are liquidated, recovering any money later becomes extremely difficult, even if courts rule the tariff orders unlawful.
Costco is not alone in pushing back. Other companies challenging the same tariff program include Kawasaki Motors, Revlon, EssilorLuxottica, Learning Resources, and V.O.S. Selections. These filings reflect rising frustration among import-heavy businesses that say the new duties arrived with little clarity about how long they would remain in place or how they should prepare for the next round of changes.
The legal pressure is growing after a recent trade court ruling that invalidated earlier tariff actions tied to the same use of emergency powers. Companies now argue that the newer duties share the same flaws and should be struck down as well.
Retail and consumer-goods firms say the financial impact has been significant, especially for products with narrow margins or seasonal demand. Several importers described the tariffs as unpredictable and difficult to plan around, noting that the uncertainty has led to additional costs throughout the supply chain.
The larger legal battle is expected to reach the Supreme Court next year. A decision in favor of the challengers could force the government to refund billions in duties and reshape sourcing decisions for retailers and manufacturers across the country.
