FedEx PromisesTariff Refunds to Customers

Beginning in February of last year, President Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on goods imported from abroad. According to data from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), approximately $175 billion in duties were collected from US importers before the Supreme Court deemed the tariffs unconstitutional on February 20, 2026.

FedEx is taking steps to ensure the return of all IEEPA assessed tariffs. Will FedEx get richer off the refunds, or will customers get their money back? Today, we’re sharing everything we know so far about how FedEx plans to handle the funds if and when they’re returned.

FedEx and the US Court of International Trade

After the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs, FedEx filed suit in the US Court of International Trade to ensure its right to refunds of IEEPA taxes collected and paid on behalf of its customers.

In the suit filed, FedEx notes that CBP has confirmed that “[i]f tariffs imposed on plaintiffs during these appeals are ultimately held unlawful, then the government will issue refunds to plaintiffs, including any post judgment interest that accrues.”

That’s pretty clear-cut. The Court deemed the tariffs unlawful. Customers are entitled to refunds plus interest. So, what now?

What Will FedEx Do With Returned Tariffs?

FedEx released a statement saying, “Our intent is straightforward: if refunds are issued to FedEx, we will issue refunds to the shippers and consumers who originally bore those charges. When that will happen and the exact process for requesting and issuing refunds will depend in part on future guidance from the government and the court.”

In Justice Kavanaugh’s dissent of the Supreme Court’s decision, he said, “The Court says nothing today about whether, and if so how, the Government should go about returning the billions of dollars that it has collected from importers.”

As of today, there is no clear plan for the return of IEEPA tariffs or the process for requesting refunds.

Don’t Stop With Tariff Refunds. Set Up a Parcel Audit Today.

FedEx says, “We are committed to transparency and will communicate clearly as additional direction becomes available from the U.S. government and the court.” In the words of Alanis Morissette, isn’t it ironic that FedEx is making headlines for promising to refund recovered tariffs while refusing to set up a clear, transparent process for automatic refunds after its own service failures? FedEx has the technological capability to track parcels and identify errors, but it places the onus on its customers.

FedEx may never offer automatic refunds for money owed after a service failure, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to automate. ShipRx uses proprietary software to check more than 40 factors on every item you ship. If we identify a service failure or incorrect charge, we’ll automatically request a refund from the carrier on your behalf. Sign up for parcel audits today, and start seeing savings as soon as your next invoice.

Keep shipping and let ShipRx handle the refunds you’re owed.