Customers sue FedEx and maker of Ray-Ban sunglasses over tariff costs | AP News
Customers are suing FedEx and Ray-Ban's maker, EssilorLuxottica, seeking refunds for tariffs deemed illegally imposed by the Supreme Court.Summary
Following the Supreme Court's invalidation of approximately $130-175 billion in tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), customers are filing class-action lawsuits against companies like FedEx and EssilorLuxottica (Ray-Ban) to recover tariff costs. These lawsuits aim to ensure consumers receive a portion of any refunds the companies obtain. While over 1,000 companies have filed suits to reclaim import taxes, customers argue that companies have a responsibility to pass on savings from the invalidated tariffs. FedEx stated it would return refunds to shippers and customers, but a plaintiff, Matthew Reiser, argues this pledge lacks legal enforceability. Similarly, Nathan Ward claims EssilorLuxottica continues to charge tariff surcharges despite seeking its own refund. Legal experts anticipate more consumer lawsuits, asserting that if the tariffs were illegal, consumers are entitled to reimbursement. As Barry Appleton of New York Law School stated, “if those duties were illegal, why shouldn’t we get our money back too?”
(Source：The Associated Press)