A Ford owner in San Diego has voiced a question asked by many since the United States Supreme Court ruled in february The administration’s imposition of tariffs under IEEPA was unconstitutional: Who is really entitled to it? refund?
Those tariffs impose heavy costs on automakers (both foreign and domestic). Corporations were lining up left and right to sue The government responded immediately after the ruling, but given how much of the cost was ultimately borne by consumers, should it stop there? Jason Bullock doesn’t think so, and here’s why he thinks so Ford sued for cutting tariff refunds The automaker is on its way.
After the Supreme Court decision Ford hopes to get $1.3 billion back from the feds. The lawsuit states that before the judgment was reached, Bullock had purchased a Mach-E in February, and as a result he was forced to pay more than he otherwise would have.
His legal team’s argument is very simple. While Ford may have been the entity that cut the check to the US government, at least some of the burden of the tariffs fell on customers, who were forced to pay increased prices for their vehicles. Accordingly, they should get a portion of the refund – mind you, not the whole thing, but some.
Otherwise, the lawsuit argues, Ford is getting paid on both sides of the deal — by the customers who helped the company pay the rising costs, and then by the government when they get a refund. Meanwhile, the customer gets zero.
The impact of the tariffs was reflected in rising sticker prices and higher non-negotiable destination and freight charges. according to detroit newsFord is not alone in being targeted by customer suits. Amazon, Costco and Nike have all been hit by similar lawsuits. There may be more automakers ahead.
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