A Small Importer Takes on Trump — and Wins

While major corporations stayed quiet, a family-run wine importer challenged Trump’s sweeping tariffs — and won at the Supreme Court.

When President Donald Trump moved to raise US tariff rates to levels not seen since 1930, most corporate leaders avoided confrontation. Victor Schwartz, owner of New York-based VOS Selections, instead became the lead plaintiff in a case that ultimately struck down the tariffs.

Filed on April 14, 2025, VOS Selections, Inc. v. Trump challenged the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping duties. The Supreme Court ruled Friday that the emergency tariffs were illegal.

Schwartz, whose company imports from 16 countries, said the financial strain was severe, estimating at least six figures paid in tariffs since April. He argued smaller firms could not simply absorb or pass along costs the way multinational corporations might.

“We can’t just raise our prices, and we just can’t pay it, unlike big companies that can just write a check.”

The decision could trigger refunds totaling at least $134 billion, though the process remains unclear. At the same time, Trump has already signed a separate 10% global tariff under another trade law.

Why This Matters

  • Thousands of corporations may benefit from refunds without leading the legal challenge.
  • The ruling limits the executive branch’s use of emergency powers to impose broad tariffs.
  • Small businesses demonstrated their ability to shape national trade policy outcomes.

What’s Next

  • Refund eligibility and distribution mechanisms will likely face further legal and administrative review.
  • Additional tariffs under separate authorities may narrow but not end trade disputes.
  • Businesses may reassess legal strategies when confronting future executive trade actions.

Keep Reading