Governor Whitmer Orders State Agencies to Help West Michigan Businesses Seek Federal Tariff Refunds

LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Thursday requiring multiple state departments to help Michigan businesses and consumers receive refunds for federal tariffs paid under President Donald Trump's policy struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The executive action comes exactly one year after "Liberation Day," when President Trump announced broad tariffs on imports to the United States on February 2, 2025. The Supreme Court ruled the tariffs illegal in February 2026, opening the door for businesses to seek refunds from the federal government.

State agencies will submit detailed reports within 30 days outlining how tariffs have impacted Michigan industries and consumers. The directive specifically orders the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Department of Transportation, and Department of Treasury to submit findings based on data from the last 12-15 months.

"The president's tariffs have jacked up costs, and Michiganders have been paying the price," 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."

"This executive directive will show us the damage from these irresponsible tariffs and help get refunds back to Michigan businesses," Whitmer said. "I'll continue to call on Congress to set a strategic trade policy that keeps costs down and our economy stable."

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, along with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, are tasked with ensuring businesses understand the refund process. Whitmer emphasized that the process must be accessible to all importers, including small businesses and individuals who may not have access to expensive legal counsel.

The Michigan Retailers Association welcomed the directive, noting that tariffs have negatively impacted nearly 75 percent of Michigan retailers since April 2025. MRA Vice President of Communications Vic Vega said the association's survey found more than half of Michigan retailers reported uncertainty surrounding tariffs affecting their businesses in addition to the tariffs themselves.

"The impacts really are across the board," Vega said. "Changing item pricing, changing inventory or changes to their suppliers. Other members have also shared making changes to the business processes or delaying pre-planned projects, things like maintenance or upgrades to their business."

Whitmer's office estimated that tariffs have cost the average working family around $1,000 per year due to price increases passed down from companies to consumers.

The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in February did not directly address the refund process, but Justice Brett Kavanaugh warned in a dissent that refunds could be "messy." Kavanaugh noted that "refunds of billions of dollars would have significant consequences for the U.S. Treasury."

Since the ruling, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been working to establish a refund process overseen by the U.S. Court of International Trade. In a Tuesday filing, a Trump administration official stated that development of the system is 60-85 percent complete. Once operational, the process could take up to 45 days to review and process claims.

Whitmer issued a similar executive directive in July 2025 ordering state agencies to evaluate the impact of tariffs on the state's economy. In November, the ordered agencies shared reports showing risks to jobs, higher grocery prices, and more expensive housing. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other agencies are encouraged to submit additional reports explaining any impacts they may have perceived.

Previous reports from state agencies found that:

• Nationwide increases in material prices raised the cost of homebuilding by $10,000 according to the state Housing Development Authority
• Agricultural exports declined dramatically, with wheat exports down 89 percent year-over-year and cherries down 62 percent according to MDARD
• Ford Motor Co. reported a $2 billion tariff impact in 2025
• General Motors reported tariffs increased its costs by $3.1 billion last year

Former federal trade official Christopher Padilla told Bridge Michigan that small businesses have likely borne the brunt of tariff costs because larger companies have been able to mitigate effects by shifting supply chains or passing costs to customers.

"I wish I could say that it's going to get better, but I don't think it will," Padilla said. "I think we're in for three more years of this, because there aren't a lot of signs that the administration's policy is going to get a lot more predictable."

Whitmer has continued to support businesses affected by the tariff policy. In a recent interview with Bridge Michigan, Padilla noted that the administration's approach has been unpredictable, creating ongoing uncertainty for Michigan businesses across the state.

The refund process development is being overseen by the U.S. Court of International Trade, and state agencies are working to ensure Michiganders can access refunds that may be owed to them.

Sources:

• Bridge Michigan: "Gretchen Whitmer: Michigan to help businesses seek refunds on Trump tariffs" by Jordyn Hermani, April 2, 2026
• WZZM 13: "Gov. Whitmer orders state agencies to evaluate impacts of tariffs, help Michiganders seek refunds" by Steven Bohner, April 2, 2026
• WWMT: "Governor Whitmer directs agencies to assess tariff impacts, help businesses get refunds" by Remington Hernandez, April 3, 2026