Shipping Giants Issue Refunds After Supreme Court Strikes Tariffs

Shipping companies including FedEx Corporate Services Inc, United Parcel Service, and DHL have begun issuing tariff refunds to customers who paid import fees on overseas purchases. The payouts follow a February Supreme Court of the United States ruling that struck down sweeping tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump in March 2025 under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The United States Customs and Border Protection has already returned approximately $100 billion to companies. FedEx is issuing $800 million in refunds via a web portal, while United Parcel Service has applied for refunds after paying $5 billion in tariffs on behalf of its clients. DHL is returning funds for eligible shipments where it served as the importer of record.

Major retailers including Amazon.com, Best Buy, and Costco indicate they will primarily use their refunds to lower prices rather than issuing direct consumer credits, as most tariffs were passed on indirectly. Amazon reported receiving $600 million in refunds during the second quarter and plans to use the funds for price reductions, except in limited cases where charges can be traced to specific customers.

In response to the lack of direct credits, consumers have filed more than 80 class-action lawsuits against retailers such as Walmart and Nike to recover costs. Legal experts suggest that proving specific price increases were tied solely to the overturned tariffs will be difficult.