“Michigan is a wonderful place to live, work and play and we need thoughtful trade policies to show those qualities to travelers,” said Justin Winslow, Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association President and CEO. “Our organization is focused on ensuring Michigan is an affordable place to vacation and visit. We support the Smart Trade Alliance’s efforts to achieve consistent trade policies that will enable Michigan’s hospitality industry to thrive.”
Read MISTA’s announcement of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association joining our coalition.
“West Michigan businesses need predictability. From manufacturing to agriculture to small business, our economy is feeling the impacts of trade uncertainty. A recent GVSU survey found 40% of purchasing managers reported prices rising out of control,” said Rick Baker, President & CEO, Grand Rapids Chamber. “Stability in trade policy is what allows businesses to invest, hire, and grow, and the Grand Rapids Chamber is proud to be part of the Alliance.”
Our website has more information about the Grand Rapids Chamber joining MISTA.
MRLA podcast features MISTA efforts, coalition
The Michigan Smart Trade Alliance was a topic on the most recent episode of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association’s podcast, “What’s with the Pineapple?” The podcast hosts note that “tariff chaos” is making updates to hotels more challenging and the importance of smart and consistent trade policies to the restaurant, hospitality and tourism sector. The discussion starts at 20:15 of the podcast.
Interested in joining our growing coalition?
Learn more about our organization at www.smarttradealliance.com. The website has details about the importance of new trade agreements and a consistent tariff policy to provide a predictable road map for our farmers, manufacturers, automakers and small businesses.
Join us!
Roundup of news coverage showing the impact of tariffs on Michigan businesses
GM waiting to receive $500 million in tariff refunds
“GM confirmed to The Associated Press that it hasn’t received the refund yet and doesn’t have a specific estimate for when it will, but $500 million is what it expects following the decision from the Supreme Court. The court in February ruled that the levies Trump imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, were illegal.”
Read the story at Fox17Online.com: GM expects a $500 million tariff refund from Trump Administration
Tariffs add to economic uncertainty in Oakland County
“Speaking during Oakland County’s 41st annual Economic Forecast at Vibe Credit Union One Showplace in Novi, Gabe Ehrlich, the director of the University of Michigan’s Research Seminar in Quantum Economics, said unpredictable trade policies and high interest rates have resulted in a loss in manufacturing and technical service jobs in the county. Researchers estimate the county lost about 3,700 private sector jobs in 2025.”
Read the Detroit News article: Tariffs, Iran war create challenges for Oakland County economy
Wall Street Journal: What’s known and unknown about tariff refunds
“U.S. importers can begin filing refund claims on Monday, April 20, for $166 billion in tariffs collected illegally over the past year. More than 300,000 importers brought in over 53 million shipments subject to the tariffs the Supreme Court invalidated in February, which President Trump had imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The government expects to be able to initially accept refund claims worth about $127 billion of the total amount collected.”
Read the Wall Street Journal article: What We Know—and Don’t Know—About the Tariff-Refund Process
Michigan auto parts company sues White House over tariffs
“A Michigan auto parts company that is eligible to request refunds for tariffs deemed illegal is taking on the White House in a lawsuit, challenging an executive order that suspends duty-free shipping. When the Supreme Court ruled in February that President Trump didn’t have the authority to impose certain tariffs, it didn’t address the “de minimis” exemption, which allowed goods valued at less than $800 to ship duty-free. It’s why Mike Musheinesh, the CEO of Detroit Axle, is moving forward with his lawsuit.”
Read the CBS Detroit article: Michigan auto parts company sues White House, challenges U.S. “de minimis” exemption pause
