Amazon Faces Consumer Lawsuit Over Trump Tariff Costs and Refund Claims

A group of consumers has filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Amazon, claiming the company failed to refund customers for higher prices linked to tariffs that were later ruled unlawful by the U.S. Supreme Court. The case was filed in federal court in Seattle and argues that Amazon collected large sums from shoppers after increasing prices on imported products affected by tariffs introduced under former President Donald Trump.

The complaint says the price increases were tied to tariffs imposed through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which the Supreme Court ruled in February had been used beyond presidential authority in a 6-3 decision.

Lawsuit claims consumers paid costs Amazon may recover

The consumers argue that while many companies are now seeking tariff refunds from the government, Amazon has not moved to recover the money. The lawsuit claims Amazon is keeping those funds instead of returning them to customers who absorbed the higher costs through increased prices.

The legal filing includes allegations of unjust enrichment and violations of Washington state consumer protection laws. It also argues that consumers themselves cannot request refunds directly from the government because they were not the official importers.

Political concerns raised in complaint

The lawsuit also references reports from April 2025 that Amazon considered showing tariff-related costs on products. After criticism from the White House, Amazon denied plans to display tariff charges. According to the complaint, this episode raised questions about whether political pressure influenced the company’s decisions regarding tariff refunds.