Nintendo Files Lawsuit Over Trump-Era Tariffs, Claims $200 Billion in Losses
Teen Tech: Lillian Tyler breaks down Nintendo’s legal battle with the U.S. Treasury, what triggered the tariffs, and what it could mean for gamers and consumers.
On March 6, 2026, Nintendo of America filed a lawsuit against the United States Treasury because of (illegal) tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump’s executive orders.
Using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), Trump used supposed threats to the Nation such as importation of illegal drugs, illegal immigration, economic opposition from Brazil, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and unbalanced trading relationships in the country to justify the tariffs. The tariffs averaged around 25% but reached a high of 125% in China.
However, according to Congress.gov writer Christopher Zirpoli, as of February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court stated in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, that the tariffs were unlawful. Due to this court ruling, President Trump issued the Ending Certain Tariff Actions Executive Order that eliminated the previous tariffs. Currently, as stated by SupplyChainDive writer Phil Nueffer, the government is going through liquidation to refund importers for the tariffs.
In supply chain terms, “liquidation” refers to the government’s process of finalizing import transactions and settling what is actually owed after goods have entered the country. When tariffs are ruled unlawful or reduced, liquidation allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection to recalculate those costs and issue refunds to companies that overpaid. In this case, importers like Nintendo could potentially recover millions—or even billions—of dollars in previously collected tariffs, depending on how the courts ultimately resolve the dispute.
Since Nintendo claims their company has lost at least $200 billion in profit due to the tariffs, they are suing the United States Treasury for a full refund, plus interest, and they're seeking compensation for their attorneys fees and additional suffering to the company.
As of March 13, 2026, no action has been taken on the case because according to Mark Barnett, chief judge of the United States Court of International Trade, cases that request refunds because of the tariffs “...shall be stayed…” until further notice.
What does this mean for consumers? Well, we will just have to wait and see.
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