US media: US companies collectively pursue billions of dollars in illegal tariffs

The next 'tariff war' for the US President: Saving Money. "The US political news website recently reported that officials at all levels of the current US government are busy devising strategies to prevent companies from applying for refunds, allowing the government to retain billions of dollars in tariff revenue. The Supreme Court had previously ruled that these revenues were illegal. According to multiple US media reports, on February 27th local time, the US Department of Justice requested the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals to temporarily suspend the order for tariff refund execution.

The documents show that the Trump administration did not deny the possibility of requiring refunds and interest payments, but requested the court to "suspend the 90 day execution order" so that the executive and legislative branches have time to evaluate subsequent options. The Ministry of Justice stated that the complexity of the issue requires "careful process, not hasty advancement".

Since the US Supreme Court declared most of its global tariff policies illegal, there has been a surge in tariff refund lawsuits filed by US companies. According to Bloomberg, the current US government is facing as many as 2000 tariff lawsuits, and the number is still accumulating. According to CNBC, trade lawyers and customs experts estimate that the potential refund amount could reach up to $175 billion.

Among them, several well-known companies including FedEx, Dyson, and Bausch&Lomb have filed lawsuits with the US International Trade Court, joining the ranks of seeking government refunds of tariffs and taxes. FedEx stated in a statement that after the Supreme Court ruling, the company has taken necessary measures to protect its right as an importer to seek tariff refunds. The statement also stated, "If FedEx receives a refund, we will return the refund to the shipper and consumer who initially bore these costs

It is worth noting that most of the companies filing lawsuits are small-scale enterprises. Because large listed companies can adjust their supply chains, negotiate with suppliers and factories, or simply bear the impact of tariffs on their own, smaller companies often do not have the same flexibility or influence. But the report suggests that the involvement of large listed companies like FedEx provides greater impetus for other companies to file lawsuits.

Although only importers are eligible to directly apply for refunds from customs authorities, American consumers have recently joined this lawsuit. According to Fortune magazine, at least two retail customers seeking tariff related refunds have filed a proposed class action lawsuit in US courts to recover higher prices paid by businesses for transferring tariff costs to consumers.

In fact, shortly after the Supreme Court announced the tariff ruling, Trump hinted that the government may object to refunds, or at least not allow importers who have paid over $170 billion in tariffs in the past 10 months to easily receive refunds.

According to the Congressional Hill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats stated in a letter sent to Treasury Secretary Bessent last Friday that "the real loss for the American people is a government that illegally collected billions of dollars in taxes and then refused to return the money with a smile and a shrug. If the Trump administration does not take action, then Congress will take further action