FedEx has said it will return any tariff refunds it receives to the shippers and customers who originally paid those charges, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. But with no government refund framework in place, the timeline and mechanics of repayments remain uncertain — and U.S. officials are already signalling resistance to broad payouts.
In a statement published on 26 February 2026, FedEx said it would pass on any refunds it receives. “If refunds are issued to FedEx, we will issue refunds to the shippers and consumers who originally bore those charges,” the company said, adding that the timing and process will depend on future direction “from the government and the court,” as reported by Associated Press.
The pledge came after FedEx filed a case in the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) seeking repayment of tariffs it says it paid upfront in relation to customer shipments.
FedEx has also issued customer-facing guidance noting that, following the Supreme Court decision, certain IEEPA-based import duties have been terminated, while further details depend on official implementation.
Supreme Court struck down IEEPA tariff authority — but did not order refunds
The legal turning point was the Supreme Court’s 20 February 2026 ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which concluded that IEEPA does not authorise the President to impose tariffs.
However, the Court’s decision did not create a refund mechanism — leaving it to lower courts and federal agencies to work out whether, how, and to whom repayments should be made. That gap is now at the centre of growing litigation.
FedEx is far from alone. More than 1,000 companies have filed cases in the CIT seeking to recoup tariff payments, according to AP.
Meanwhile, the Liberty Justice Center — representing some of the original plaintiffs — said it has filed coordinated motions in both the Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit seeking steps to trigger refunds (including interest) and to compel the government to issue administrative directives needed for repayment.
The prospect of mass repayments is politically charged. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that tariff refunds could amount to “ultimate corporate welfare,” according to Transport Topics — signalling that the administration may not welcome a swift, broad refund programme.
