FedEx Sues U.S. Government for Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling

FedEx filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Government on Monday, February 23, 2026, seeking a full refund of tariffs paid under policies struck down by the Supreme Court last week. The suit marks a significant step in the aftermath of the Court’s decision that President Trump exceeded his authority when imposing tariffs via the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Supreme Court Ruling and IEEPA

The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling on Friday, February 21, 2026, determined that the president did not have the authority under IEEPA to impose the tariffs. As reported by Fox Business, the ruling impacts tariffs issued under IEEPA, including “reciprocal” tariffs on dozens of countries and drug trafficking-related tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. It does not affect duties imposed under other laws, such as those on imported steel, aluminum, and certain vehicles.

FedEx’s Claim and Potential Refunds

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, alleges that FedEx incurred costs to expedite shipments through customs and is entitled to a refund of duties with interest, as well as compensation for financial harm suffered. FedEx is seeking a “full refund” of all IEEPA duties paid to the United States. While the exact amount FedEx has paid in tariffs has not been disclosed, the company previously estimated a $1 billion hit to fiscal-year earnings from U.S. Trade policies, a portion of which involved IEEPA duties. CNBC reports that this suit appears to be the first filed by a major U.S. Company seeking a refund following the Supreme Court’s decision.

Broader Implications and Other Lawsuits

FedEx is not alone in seeking tariff reimbursements. Other companies, including Costco, Revlon, and Bumble Bee Foods, filed lawsuits before the Supreme Court ruling. The Guardian notes that the FedEx lawsuit is the first major attempt at reimbursement since the Court’s decision and anticipates a flood of similar cases, potentially totaling an estimated $175 billion in levies. Smaller businesses, such as wine importer V.O.S. Selections and toymaker Learning Resources, initially brought the case to the Supreme Court.

Trump’s Response and Future Tariffs

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, former President Trump threatened to impose a new 15% global tariff using a different trade law from 1974, which allows the president to impose duties for up to 150 days to address balance-of-payment deficits.

What’s Next?

The U.S. Court of International Trade has “exclusive jurisdiction” over the IEEPA tariffs, according to the Supreme Court. Legal experts predict years of litigation as companies pursue refunds and the government determines how to respond. The White House has not yet commented on the FedEx lawsuit.