The Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA) is showcasing the local messages of economic hardship in a powerful new six-figure, statewide paid advertising campaign that started this week.
The new spot, which is now running in a handful of markets, including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing, features Mary Buchzeiger, CEO of Lucerne International, a Michigan-based global automotive supplier.
In the video, Mary relays a simple message: “People have to understand that tariffs are not paid by foreign countries. They come out of U.S. consumer pockets. Period. Plain and simple. Tell Congress we need consistent trade policies.”
Get the details about this new campaign and our message to Congress
New study: Tariffs are costing Michiganders $5,600
Michigan households have paid over $5,600 since wide-ranging tariffs took effect last year, according to a new analysis by the conservative National Taxpayers Union Foundation.
Michigan households are shouldering the highest cost of any state in the nation, the foundation’s analysis showed.
“The cost of tariffs is having a chilling effect on Michigan families. These new numbers make it clearer than ever our elected leaders should speak out on behalf of their constituents to eliminate these tariffs and bring down costs,” said John Sellek, a MISTA spokesman. “Ultimately, families and our entire economy need the same things: predictable prices and the ability to plan for the future.”
Tariffs make back to school more expensive
The back-to-school list is more expensive this year because of tariffs. As families are starting a new school year, everything from school supplies to food for lunches to clothing is more expensive because of erratic trade policies.
Our analysis of the impact of tariffs on back-to-school items are staggering:
- Rubber erasers are up 246%
- Pencils and crayons are up 171%
- Backpacks are up 165%
- Scissors are up 159%
- And binders and folders are up 147%
It’s time Congress steps in and enacts smart and consistent trade policies.
More details about our analysis.
Michigan loses in a trade war between the U.S. and Canada
Word of 50% tariffs slapped on a broad range of Canadian goods followed quickly by news of reciprocal tariffs imposed by Canada is bad news for Michigan businesses and families.
Polling shows that Michiganders don’t like tariffs, especially on Canadian goods. And those polled reported that they understand tariffs to be a tax they are forced to pay.
“Michigan residents repeatedly tell pollsters that the cost of living is their top issue of worry and concern,” said MISTA spokesperson John Sellek. “They are looking to their representatives in Congress to pursue trade and tariff policies that encourage fair trade and stable supply chains with close trading partners like Canada, while holding other countries fully accountable.”
Read our statement.
MISTA in the news
Mid-Michigan Now: Tariffs cost Michigan an estimated $23B since January 2025, report says
“Really no aspect of life hasn’t been touched by these (tariffs): it is higher costs for manufacturing, higher costs for families,” MISTA spokesman Mark Fisk said. “Michigan is paying $5,600 more as a result of the tariffs.”
“We need Congress to act and enact smart trade policies that lower costs that create jobs instead of kill jobs and that preserve our important relationship with Canada.”
News Channel 3: Michigan agriculture, automotive industries wary as U.S.-Canada tariffs escalate
“This is a five-alarm fire for the agriculture industry, and we need a real change in our trade policy so we can turn that around,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance.
“Wheat products have dropped, soybean exports have dropped, cherry exports have dropped. You go across the board and honestly, there’s many people in the agriculture industry who believe we are on the brink of a financial collapse and that is in large part due to the tariffs.”
CBS Detroit: How can new tariffs on U.S. and Canada impact prices for Michiganders?
“Higher cost of doing business, higher cost of running a farm, higher costs at grocery stores,” said Michigan Smart Trade Alliance spokesperson Mark Fisk.
“There is no doubt that consumers are going to bear the brunt of the back and forth, the retaliatory tariffs across the border.”
Metro Times: Trump’s tariffs are hitting Michigan households harder than anywhere else, study finds
“The cost of tariffs is having a chilling effect on Michigan families,” Michigan Smart Trade Alliance spokesman John Sellek said. “These new numbers make it clearer than ever that our elected leaders should speak out on behalf of their constituents to eliminate these tariffs and bring down costs.”
Speak out now!
Does your company struggle with tariffs? Click on the link below to email us and set up a phone call to discuss your story!
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.
