Nike has been hit with a proposed class-action lawsuit in the US over claims the sportswear giant failed to return tariff-related costs passed on to consumers through higher prices, Reuters reported.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Portland, Oregon, argues Nike should not retain potential refunds linked to tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump after the US Supreme Court struck down the measures in February.
Consumers alleged Nike raised prices on some footwear by between US$5 and US$10 and apparel by US$2 to US$10 to offset roughly US$1 billion in tariff costs tied to imported goods.
The complaint claims Nike could effectively recover the same tariff expenses twice, once through higher consumer prices and again through government refunds, unless ordered by the court to return the overcharges.
Nike did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The company joins other major retailers facing similar legal action, including Costco and EssilorLuxottica, over allegations that they failed to pass tariff refunds back to customers.
In March, Nike said tariffs would likely remain a material pressure on gross margins through the fiscal quarter ending August 2026.
