The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan

04/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/02/2026 08:00

Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Assess Tariff Impact, Help Michigan Businesses Access Refunds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2026

Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Assess Tariff Impact, Help Michigan Businesses Access Refunds

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive on the one-year anniversary of Liberation Day to help Michigan businesses and employers receive refunds for tariffs they paid under President Trump's illegal policy. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that these tariffs, enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, were unconstitutional. The executive directive also requires reports from four state agencies evaluating the ongoing impacts of tariffs on Michigan industries and consumers.

"The president's tariffs have jacked up costs, and Michiganders have been paying the price," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "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. I'll continue to call on Congress to set a strategic trade policy that keeps costs down and our economy stable. Whether it's making it easier to get your refund or working to lower everyday costs, we've got your back."

Today's directive instructs departments to submit a report illustrating the way that the use of tariffs has impacted Michigan industries and consumers. It also directs state departments use their available channels to ensure that registered businesses and employers know how to seek refunds under the process the federal government is developing.

After the Supreme Court's decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that the federal government must issue refunds for tariffs. In their most recent update to the court, the U.S. Customs and Boader Protection Agency reported that they were between 60% and 85% complete with creating a streamlined process for refund claims.

The pain of these increased costs from tariffs has not been offset by any of the promised economic gain. 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 20 years. Michigan's industries have been hit hard, with a recent analysis finding that the tariffs cost U.S. automakers $35 billion last year. Tariffs are estimated to have cost working families $1,000 per year. As tariffs raise prices on everyday products, Governor Whitmer is working hard to lower costs on housing, health care, and education.

In July, the governor signed Executive Directive 2025-5 to begin assessing the impacts of tariffs across Michigan industries and examine how increased costs are passed on to consumers.

Key Findings of 2025 Tariff Reports

The Michigan industries hit hardest by tariffs include:

  • Farmers and families, with MDARD noting sharp declines of agricultural exports (wheat -89%, cherries -62%, apples -58%, soybeans -46%) and higher prices of spices (+50%), food packaging (+12%), and food (+3.6%) at the store.
  • Homebuilders and homebuyers, with MSHDA tracking a nationwide increase of up to $4 billion on materials necessary for home construction and an increase in already record home prices, raising the cost of homes by $10,000.
  • Construction contractors and workers on road projects, with MDOT highlighting increased uncertainty of planned projects going forward, with an up to $218 million impact when factoring increased prices from tariffs and inflation.

Lowering Costs for Michiganders

Governor Whitmer has been focused on lowering costs for Michiganders. Since taking office, the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration has:

  • Rolled back the retirement tax to save 500,000 households an average of $1,000 a year.
  • Ended state taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security.
  • Signed a deal raising the minimum wage to $15/hour one year ahead of schedule for more than 700,000 workers and making Michigan's earned sick time the best in the country, while providing more flexibility for small businesses.
  • Established Michigan Reconnect to offer any Michigander 25 and older tuition-free associate's degree or skills certificate.
  • Established the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to save students thousands of dollars a year as they pursue a skills certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree.
  • Expanded access to free pre-K to every four-year-old while prioritizing families who need it most so every kid can arrive at kindergarten ready to learn.
  • Delivered refunds of $400 per vehicle back in the pockets of Michigan drivers.
  • Announced the MI Open Account Coalition offering low or no-cost financial services, saving 120,000 eligible families an average of $3,000 a year and helping them build wealth.

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The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan published this content on April 02, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 02, 2026 at 14:01 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]