Michigan Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Help West Michigan Businesses Seek Tariff Refunds as Federal EV Funding Supports Automotive Communities

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Thursday to help Michigan businesses, including those in West Michigan, receive refunds from federal tariffs struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. The directive also requires state agencies to report on how the tariffs have impacted Michigan industries and consumers.

The action came on the one-year anniversary of what President Donald Trump called "Liberation Day" when he imposed broad tariffs on imported goods. The Supreme Court ruled the tariffs illegal in February, but the process for returning those funds was still being developed by the federal government.

West Michigan Economic Impact

West Michigan automotive communities have been particularly hard hit by the tariffs. The auto industry alone absorbed $35 billion in tariff costs last year, according to a recent analysis. Ford Motor Co. reported a $2 billion tariff impact in 2025, while General Motors said tariffs increased its costs by $3.1 billion.

The tariffs have rippled through the local economy, especially for manufacturers and the auto industry in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, and surrounding areas.

State Agency Response

Under Executive Directive 2026-02, Governor Whitmer requires four state departments to submit reports within 30 days outlining how tariffs have affected Michigan businesses and residents. The departments include:

• Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
• Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
• Department of Transportation
• Department of Treasury

The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, along with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, are also tasked with figuring out ways to ensure registered businesses and employers are aware of the refund process.

"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."

Federal Refund Process

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is developing a streamlined process for refund claims, which officials say is between 60% and 85% complete. Once operational, the system could take up to 45 days to review and process claims.

The Michigan Retailers Association welcomed the directive. Vic Vega, Vice President of Communications for the association, said:

"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."

A recent survey from the association found nearly 75% of Michigan retailers reported a negative or strongly negative impact from tariffs since April 2025. More than half of Michigan retailers, 56.1%, also said uncertainty surrounding tariffs has affected their businesses.

Economic Hardship

Tariffs are estimated to have cost working families about $1,000 per year due to price increases passed down from companies to consumers. The pain of increased costs from tariffs has not been offset by any of the promised economic gain.

A recent analysis found that the tariffs cost U.S. automakers $35 billion last year. The Yale University Budget Lab noted that US GDP grew at a slower rate in 2025 than in preceding years, and companies added fewer jobs in 2025 than at any point in the last two decades.

West Michigan Industries Hit Hardest

The tariffs have particularly impacted agricultural and manufacturing sectors across West Michigan:

• Farmers and families — MDARD noted sharp declines in agricultural exports, including wheat down 89%, cherries down 62%, apples down 58%, and soybeans down 46%. Food prices at stores increased by 3.6%, with spices up 50% and food packaging up 12%.
• Homebuilders and homebuyers — MSHDA tracked nationwide increases of up to $4 billion on materials necessary for home construction.
• Automotive suppliers — West Michigan's manufacturing sector faces ongoing challenges as companies seek to recoup costs paid to federal tariffs.

Looking Forward

Governor Whitmer has been working to lower costs on housing, health care, and education while the state assists businesses in navigating the refund process. Whether it is making it easier to get refunds or working to lower everyday costs, the administration has committed to supporting Michigan businesses through this challenging period.

The state will continue to work with federal agencies to ensure the refund process is accessible to all importers, including small businesses and individuals who may not have access to expensive counsel to access refunds they are owed.

Sources:

• https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-to-help-businesses-seek-refunds-on-trump-tariffs
• https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/jocelyn-benson-michigan-will-fight-trump-order-limiting-mail-in-voting
• https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/04/02/whitmer-signs-executive-directive-to-assess-tariff-impact-help-businesses-access-refunds
• https://wwmt.com/news/state/governor-whitmer-directs-agencies-tariff-impacts-businesses-refunds-government-trump-trade-economy
• https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-whitmer-executive-directive-business-tariff-refunds/