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Costco Sues Trump Administration, Seeking Refund of "Reciprocal Tariffs"

Dec 02, 2025, 12:50 a.m. ET

U.S. retail giant Costco has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the so-called “reciprocal tariffs” imposed under the U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful and should be fully refunded.

The company becomes the latest major corporation to pursue tariff reimbursements through legal channels.

Costco submitted its complaint to the U.S. Court of International Trade on November 28. In the filing, the company contends that the IEEPA does not explicitly authorize the U.S. president to impose tariffs, and therefore the executive orders used to levy the duties “cannot stand.” Costco argues that the administration “had no authority to implement or collect the tariffs in question,” and is asking the court to order a complete refund of the payments.


The lawsuit adds to a growing wave of legal challenges from companies seeking compensation for tariffs imposed during the Trump presidency.

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