A shopper pushes a cart toward the entrance of a Costco warehouse in Colorado. David Zalubowski/AP
Costco has become one of the biggest companies to sue the Trump administration over its broad new tariffs, seeking the chance to recover duties if the Supreme Court rules the levies unlawful.
The Supreme Court is deciding the fate of tariffs that cover nearly all imports. During oral arguments last month, justices appeared skeptical about whether the administration lawfully used emergency economic powers to impose the tariffs. Lower courts had already concluded that many of the levies were set improperly.
Dozens of companies from various industries have filed suits asking for refunds should the court strike down the tariffs. Among them are Revlon, canned-food maker Bumble Bee and Kawasaki. Costco has now joined those lenders seeking potential repayment.
“This is the first time we’re seeing big companies take their heads out of the sand publicly,” said Marc Busch, a Georgetown University trade law expert. He noted that smaller firms had largely driven earlier legal challenges and welcomed the participation of larger corporations.
In its complaint filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, Costco did not disclose the total tariffs it has paid. The retailer said it is concerned that even if the Supreme Court dismantles the tariff regime, it might not be able to recover all amounts it paid. Costco executives have said roughly a third of the company’s U.S. sales are of imported goods, mainly nonfood items.
NPR’s Scott Horsley contributed to this report.