Costco becomes the largest company to challenge Donald Trump’s tariffs; here are the other firms suing Trump administration for refunds

Wholesale giant Costco has become the largest US company to sue the federal government over President Donald Trump’s tariffs, filing a case to secure a full refund of import duties if the Supreme Court ultimately rules the charges unlawful. The Donald Trump Costco lawsuit news, reported by multiple media outlets, adds a major corporate name to the growing list of firms challenging Trump-era trade actions.

The Donald Trump–Costco legal clash centers on whether the administration improperly used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs.

Additionally, Trump is the first president to impose import duties under the IEEPA law. Although lower courts had previously ruled against the administration's application of the law, the tariffs remained in effect while the case was being heard.


Costco filed its complaint with the US Court of International Trade on Nov. 28, asking the court to confirm that the company is entitled to reimbursement of duties it paid under Trump’s tariff program.

Donald Trump, Costco, and the broader fight over tariffs

The Donald Trump Costco lawsuit is separate from the major case the Supreme Court heard on Nov. 5, which challenges the legality of Trump’s use of IEEPA to levy tariffs. Retailers fear that even if the Supreme Court strikes the tariffs down, they may lose the right to recover the billions they paid unless they take legal action now.

Costco’s filing puts a heavyweight player into the refund fight, marking it as the most prominent and talked-about company yet to demand repayment.

Other companies suing Trump administration

Several other major firms have already sued the Trump Administration in an attempt to preserve their refund rights if Trump’s tariffs are overturned. According to court records cited by USA TODAY, these companies include:

• Bumble Bee Foods
  
• EssilorLuxottica (eyewear giant)
  
• Kawasaki Motors
  
• Revlon
  
• Yokohama Tire
  

But none match the scale or visibility of Donald Trump vs. Costco lawsuit