U.S. Consumers Sue Japanese Companies for Share of $166 Billion Tariff Refunds

U.S. consumers sue Japanese companies

"Consumers should also get tariff refunds"

Japanese companies including Toyota Motor Corp., Uniqlo operator Fast Retailing Co., Nintendo Co. and Sony Group Corp. are facing a string of lawsuits from U.S. consumers after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs. The plaintiffs argue that because tariffs drove up product prices, companies should return part of any tariff refunds to buyers.

U.S. units of Toyota, Fast Retailing, Nintendo and Sony have been sued on that basis, Kyodo News reported on August 13.

The consumers say they purchased goods after tariffs had already been built into prices. They argue that it is unfair for companies to recover the tariffs without refunding purchasers. The suits seek reimbursement for the portion of the purchase price attributed to the tariffs.

The litigation follows a U.S. court ruling that voided the reciprocal tariffs. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in February that the Trump administration exceeded its authority when it imposed steep tariffs on major trading partners in April 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, invoking its so-called "Liberation Day" policy.

The U.S. Court of International Trade later ordered the Trump administration to begin tariff refund procedures for importers. Refunds totaling about $166 billion are now being processed for companies.

Toyota was sued in Virginia by a consumer who bought a new vehicle there. The plaintiff argued that several parts used in the car were imported from countries subject to the reciprocal tariffs and that those duties were reflected in the vehicle's price.

If Toyota keeps the tariff refund, that would amount to "double dipping," the consumer argued, according to the report. Toyota's response was not confirmed.

Other Japanese companies are asking courts to dismiss the cases. Fast Retailing sought dismissal, arguing that the alleged link between the goods purchased and the tariffs was based on the plaintiff's speculation.

Nintendo also signaled it would fight the lawsuit, saying customers bought its products with a full understanding of the advertised prices.

Sony also plans to seek dismissal of the claim, according to the report. The company is expected to receive a tariff refund of about $540 million.

Kim Dae-young, Hankyung.com reporter kdy@hankyung.com