Over nine U.S. affiliates of Japanese firms, including Sumitomo Chemical, Kawasaki Motors, and Toyota Tsusho, have filed lawsuits demanding the return of taxes already paid, challenging the Trump administration’s “reciprocal tariffs” as unjust.
The Yomiuri Shimbun and Nikkei reported on Wednesday that these nine companies have petitioned the U.S. Court of International Trade (USCIT) for a refund of tariffs imposed and collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by the Trump administration.
The companies initiated legal proceedings following the U.S. Supreme Court’s oral arguments on the 5th.
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of the reciprocal tariffs implemented by the Trump administration under the IEEPA. According to Nikkei, the lawsuit aims to secure refunds for the Japanese companies if the Supreme Court deems the reciprocal tariffs unconstitutional.
In their complaint, the companies argue that they have no assurance of reimbursement even if the Supreme Court rules the tariffs illegal, and are therefore demanding full refunds.
Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump invoked the IEEPA, which permits economic restrictions during national emergencies, to impose additional tariffs such as “reciprocal tariffs” and “fentanyl tariffs” without congressional approval.
Both the USCIT and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals have ruled that while the IEEPA grants the president import regulation authority, it does not extend to broad tariff imposition powers.
During recent Supreme Court hearings, even conservative justices questioned the Trump administration’s policy approach. A ruling against the tariffs could not only lead to refunds but also have far-reaching implications for the economy and foreign relations. Nikkei reported that there is a possibility that a decision could come as early as this year.
Kyodo News reported that dozens of companies, including U.S. warehouse retailer Costco, have also filed lawsuits seeking tariff refunds, indicating that more Japanese firms beyond the confirmed nine may be pursuing legal action.
