Governor Whitmer Directs State Agencies to Help West Michigan Businesses Seek Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling
Governor Whitmer directs state agencies to help Michigan businesses access refunds from tariffs ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, requiring comprehensive reports on economic impact within 30 days.
One Year After Liberation Day, Michigan Government Moves to Return Tariff Costs to Businesses
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — One year after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has directed state agencies to help Michigan businesses access refunds they paid under the now-illegal policy.
The executive directive, signed on April 2, 2026, marks the one-year anniversary of what supporters called "Liberation Day" when the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act without Congressional authorization.
State Agencies Ordered to Report on Economic Impact
The directive instructs four state departments to submit comprehensive reports within 30 days illustrating how the tariffs impacted Michigan industries and consumers. These reports will help quantify the economic damage and guide efforts to return funds to businesses that paid the fees.
"The president's tariffs have jacked up costs, and Michiganders have been paying the price," Governor Whitmer said in a statement. "Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that these tariffs are illegal, it's time for Michiganders to get their money back."
Michigan Retailers Hit Hard
According to a recent survey from the Michigan Retailers Association, nearly 75% of Michigan retailers reported negative or strongly negative impacts from tariffs since April 2025. More than half of retailers, 56.1%, said uncertainty surrounding tariffs has affected their businesses in addition to the tariffs themselves.
"The impacts really are across the board," Vic Vega, Vice President of Communications at the Michigan Retailers Association, said. "Changing item pricing, changing inventory or changes to their suppliers. Other members have also shared making changes to their business processes or delaying pre-planned projects, things like maintenance or upgrades to their business, technology, or even hiring."
Tariffs Cost Michigan Automakers Billions
A recent analysis found the tariffs cost U.S. automakers $35 billion last year. Michigan, the auto capital of America, has been particularly hard hit by the policy.
Average Family Paid $1,000 Annually
Tariffs are estimated to have cost working families approximately $1,000 per year in increased prices for everyday products including cars, appliances, construction materials, and consumer goods.
Federal Refund Process Still Developing
The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that the federal government must issue refunds for tariffs after the Supreme Court decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency's most recent update to the court, they were between 60% and 85% complete with creating a streamlined process for refund claims.
The governor's office noted that not all Michigan businesses have access to expensive legal counsel to navigate the refund process, which is why state agencies will be helping businesses understand how to access the refunds they are owed.
Michigan Agriculture Sector Impacted
The 2025 tariff reports revealed significant impacts on Michigan agriculture, including:
- Wheat exports declined 89%
- Cherry exports declined 62%
- Apple exports declined 58%
- Soybean exports declined 46%
Meanwhile, prices for spices increased 50%, food packaging increased 12%, and food prices increased 3.6% at the store level.
Governor's Broader Economic Agenda
While working on tariff refunds, Governor Whitmer continues to push down costs on housing, healthcare, and education. In July 2025, she signed Executive Directive 2025-5 to begin assessing the impacts of tariffs across Michigan industries and examine how increased costs were passed on to consumers.
Retail Association Welcomes Directive
The Michigan Retailers Association welcomed Governor Whitmer's directive as a step toward accountability and economic relief for Michigan businesses.
"We're very grateful for the governor's support and helping bring awareness to the impacts that tariffs are having on Michiganders, both on the consumer side and on the retailer side," Vega said.
Next Steps for Businesses
State agencies will use their available channels to ensure registered businesses and employers know how to seek refunds under the process the federal government is developing. This includes helping smaller businesses that may not have legal representation navigate the refund claims process.
The directive represents a significant shift from Governor Whitmer's earlier position on the tariffs. She initially supported the policy but has since changed course as businesses and consumers felt the economic impact firsthand.
What This Means for West Michigan
West Michigan, with its strong manufacturing base and agricultural sector, has been disproportionately affected by the tariffs. The directive aims to help businesses across the region recover costs and get their money back from the now-constitutional ruling.
The economic relief could provide breathing room for Michigan businesses dealing with inflation, supply chain disruptions, and other economic pressures. For West Michigan families who felt the pinch at the grocery store and hardware store, this represents potential savings that could offset some of the tariff-driven price increases.
Looking Ahead
The governor has called on Congress to set a strategic trade policy that keeps costs down and the economy stable. Whether it's making it easier to get refunds or working to lower everyday costs, Governor Whitmer has stated she has "got your back" for Michigan businesses and families.
The state agencies will submit their reports within 30 days, providing a comprehensive picture of the economic damage inflicted by the now-unconstitutional tariffs. This data will help guide future policy decisions and potentially inform efforts to recover more funds for Michigan taxpayers and businesses.
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