Costco has joined a growing list of companies challenging the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs, filing suit to preserve the chance of reclaiming duties if the Supreme Court rules the levies unlawful.
The high court is weighing the legality of tariffs that touch nearly all imports. During recent oral arguments, justices voiced doubt about whether the administration lawfully relied on emergency economic powers to impose the measures. Lower courts have already found many of the tariffs were put in place improperly.
Dozens of firms from different sectors have filed claims seeking refunds in the event the tariffs are struck down. Names that have already sued include Revlon, canned-food maker Bumble Bee and Kawasaki. Costco’s complaint, lodged in the U.S. Court of International Trade, adds a major retailer to that list.
Costco did not disclose how much it has paid in duties. In its filing the company said it is worried that even if the Supreme Court invalidates the tariff program, it may not be able to recover all the amounts it remitted. Company executives have previously indicated that about one-third of Costco’s U.S. sales are imported goods, primarily nonfood items.
Marc Busch, a Georgetown University trade law expert, said the move signals a shift: ‘This is the first time we’re seeing big companies take their heads out of the sand publicly.’ He noted that earlier challenges were largely driven by smaller firms and welcomed the involvement of larger corporations.
The case adds momentum to a broader legal push that could reshuffle trade policy and affect importers across industries. Reporting contributed by NPR’s Scott Horsley.