Local subsidiaries of Japanese companies are being sued one after another by US consumers in litigation over refunds of US tariffs. New confusion is emerging as refund procedures continue even after the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs unlawful.
It has emerged that local subsidiaries of Japanese companies are being sued by US consumers over refunds of reciprocal tariffs. The lawsuits seek partial refunds of purchase prices on the grounds that the tariff increases have not been refunded.
The total refund for reciprocal tariffs is estimated at approximately $166 billion, and refund procedures are continuing even after the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs unlawful. Multiple companies, including US businesses, are named in the lawsuits.
The defendants include Toyota Motor’s local subsidiary, as well as companies such as Nintendo, Sony Group and Fast Retailing. Toyota argues that refunds to new-car purchasers could result in the double recovery of tariff refunds involving imported parts. Fast Retailing is seeking dismissal, pointing out that the claims are based on the plaintiffs’ speculation.
The developments are expected to add to the confusion caused by the high-tariff policy.