Consumers who have been paying import duties for a while will encounter significant challenges in getting their money back, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that these duties were collected unlawfully.
Companies like Costco are already taking legal action against the government to reclaim customs fees.
Experts anticipate a wave of class-action lawsuits aiming to recover as much as $200 billion paid on imports under tariffs that the Supreme Court rejected in a 6-3 decision, much to the dismay of President Trump.
Andrew Hale, a trade specialist at a conservative think tank, pointed out, “Can the average American really afford to take the government to court? It’s a costly process.” He added that determining who actually paid the tariffs—importers or consumers—could be quite complicated.
Costco initiated a lawsuit in December against the U.S. Court of International Trade for tariff repayments, even before the Supreme Court invalidated Trump’s use of emergency economic powers. This case, along with many others from other companies, has been on hold pending the Court’s decision.
Last month, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed the lawsuit, questioning whether Costco would actually pass any refunds onto its customers.
Minority Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee recently issued a report indicating that tariff revenue has averaged about $1,700 per American, equating to roughly $209 monthly per household in January. President Trump has argued that tariff revenues help strengthen the government’s negotiating position with foreign nations.
Mr. Hale mentioned that the government is looking to set up an online system for customs claims, with various companies eager to secure contracts for managing it. However, small business owners are worried they might miss out on the reimbursements.
New Yorkers shopping over the weekend were, however, skeptical about receiving any refunds.
Ali Aoun, 29, involved in children’s publishing, expressed doubt: “I just can’t see how any of that money would actually come back to consumers. More likely, it’ll just go to the companies.” He noted that despite higher prices, consumers seem willing to buy, compelling companies to keep prices as they are.
Photographer Joshua North, 42, who stocked up on supplies before a storm, shared a similar sentiment: “Sure, companies might get something, but average taxpayers won’t see any of that money.”
He recalled a friend, a bride, who had to pay an additional $400 for a wedding dress that cost $4,000 last year, adding, “She’ll definitely want her money back.”
