"If FedEx receives a refund, we will reimburse the senders and consumers who actually bore those costs. The exact timing and process for claiming and disbursing refunds will depend partly on upcoming guidance from the government and courts," FedEx stated in a declaration on 26/2.
This statement came days after FedEx filed a lawsuit with the US Court of International Trade (CIT), seeking a refund for import duties paid. FedEx and its logistics division served as the official importers for goods subject to tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Last week, the US Supreme Court rejected the import tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under this act.
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A FedEx cargo truck in Washington, US, in 11/2024. Photo: *Reuters* |
However, the ruling did not specify any mechanism for refunding companies and individuals who had paid these duties. Consequently, the refund process will fall to the lower court, the CIT.
To date, over 1,000 businesses, including major US companies like Costco and Revlon, have filed claims with the CIT for import duty refunds. On 20/2, economists at the Penn-Wharton Budget Model (PWBM) estimated that the US government might have to refund more than 175 billion USD in import duties.
Nevertheless, establishing a refund system is expected to be a lengthy process. On 24/2, the Liberty Justice Center, an organization representing several plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case, announced that it, along with lawyer Neal Katyal, had filed petitions with the US Federal Court of Appeals and the CIT to initiate the refund process. The US government is required to respond by 27/2.
Ron Ciotti, a lawyer at Hinckley Allen, believes that importers, distributors, and suppliers are most likely to receive refunds. Their records typically include customs documents or invoices detailing each tariff item.
"We are committed to transparency and will provide clear updates as more guidance becomes available from the US government and the courts," FedEx's statement concluded.
By Ha Thu (Reuters, AP)
