BYD Sues U.S. Government for Tariff Refund in Landmark Legal Challenge

[International Litigation] BYD has filed a lawsuit against the United States over additional tariffs, demanding a full refund of all duties paid since April 2025.

Core Development: First Challenge by a Chinese Automaker to the Legality of U.S. Tariffs

On January 26, four U.S.-based subsidiaries of BYD filed a complaint with the U.S. Court of International Trade, challenging the Trump administration’s authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The complaint highlights that the statutory text of the IEEPA does not mention “tariffs” or grant similar authorization.

Key Data: Diversified U.S. Operations but No Passenger Vehicle Sales Yet

Although BYD has not yet sold passenger vehicles in the United States, its North American subsidiaries operate a truck manufacturing facility in Lancaster, California, employing 750 people, with business lines covering buses, commercial vehicles, batteries, and energy storage systems.

Strategic Rationale: Independent Lawsuit to Secure Refund Rights

The company emphasized that, given the slow progress of tariff-related appeals involving thousands of enterprises, it must initiate an independent lawsuit to ensure recovery of already-paid tariffs. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court is also expected to issue a pivotal ruling on a similar tariff case.