Lawsuit Overview
FedEx initiated legal action against the U.S. government on Monday, demanding a complete refund of tariffs assessed under President Donald Trump’s orders targeting imports. The complaint, lodged in the Court of International Trade against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), claims FedEx faced expedited shipment costs and financial harm, entitling it to refunds of duties plus interest.
This high-profile case follows the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision on Friday, which held that the president exceeded authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose these tariffs. The ruling affirmed the Court of International Trade’s exclusive jurisdiction over such matters.
Plaintiffs seek for themselves a full refund from Defendants of all IEEPA duties Plaintiffs have paid to the United States.
Company Position and Financial Context
FedEx emphasized its commitment to supporting customers amid regulatory shifts. The company has acted to safeguard its rights as an importer of record, pursuing duty refunds post-ruling that deemed IEEPA tariffs unlawful. While the lawsuit does not specify the amount paid, FedEx previously projected a $1 billion impact on fiscal-year earnings from broader U.S. trade policies.
Defendants named include CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott and the United States. FedEx is represented by Washington, D.C.-based Crowell & Moring, which also handles similar IEEPA tariff refund cases for Costco and Revlon.
Supporting our customers as they navigate regulatory changes remains our priority. FedEx has taken necessary action to protect the company’s rights as an importer of record to seek duty refunds from U.S. Customs and Border Protection following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that the tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful.
Tariff Background and Next Steps
In February 2025, Trump invoked IEEPA for duties on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico, citing national security and unfair practices, later expanding to reciprocal tariffs on 57 countries. U.S. businesses and consumers bore over $175 billion in duties. The Supreme Court case, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, confirmed IEEPA’s limits.
CBP continued collections during litigation but ceased IEEPA duties Tuesday. No refund process exists yet, per FedEx, which pledges timely updates as guidance emerges from government and courts. Neither the White House nor CBP responded immediately to comment requests.
At this time, however, no refund process has been established by regulators or the courts. We will communicate any relevant information and updates in a timely manner, and we appreciate your patience as we wait for additional guidance and clarity from the U.S. government and the courts.
