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Amazon Sued Over Claims It Passed On Invalidated Tariff Costs to Shoppers

Plaintiffs say only importers can reclaim the duties, which they argue puts Amazon on the hook to seek refunds through a new federal process.

Overview

  • Consumers filed a proposed class action in federal court in Seattle alleging Amazon raised prices to pass on tariffs later struck down by the Supreme Court and has not sought refunds.
  • The case, brought by Hagens Berman, covers imported purchases on Amazon from February 4, 2025 to February 20, 2026 and seeks restitution, treble damages, and a jury trial.
  • Plaintiffs cite a March 4, 2026 Court of International Trade ruling that only importers of record can claim tariff refunds and say Amazon filled that role for many orders.
  • The complaint says Amazon declined to use a new U.S. Customs refund system and did so to curry favor with President Trump, a claim that Amazon has not addressed.
  • The filing points to data showing Amazon prices rose after the tariffs, Yale’s estimate that consumers paid over $231 billion in tariff costs, and U.S. Customs’ tally of $166 billion in duties collected.