Michigan Governor Signs Executive Directive to Help Businesses Seek Trump Tariff Refunds

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive on Thursday to help Michigan businesses and employers receive refunds for tariffs they paid under President Donald Trump's policies after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the tariffs were illegal.

The directive, signed on the one-year anniversary of what Trump called "Liberation Day," follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in February that found certain tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act unconstitutional.

"The president's tariffs have jacked up costs, and Michiganders have been paying the price," Whitmer said in a statement announcing the executive directive. "Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that these tariffs are illegal, it's time for Michiganders to get their money back."

The order directs several state agencies to submit reports within 30 days detailing how tariffs have affected Michigan industries, consumers and state operations, while also ensuring businesses are aware of how to seek refunds as the federal government finalizes that process.

"This executive directive will show us the damage from these irresponsible tariffs and help get refunds back to Michigan businesses," Whitmer said.

The directive follows the decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, after which the U.S. Court of International Trade ordered the federal government to issue refunds. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has told the court it is between 60% and 85% complete in building a streamlined claims process.

Whitmer has repeatedly criticized tariffs as a driver of higher prices and economic instability, including in her State of the State address earlier this year.

"People are nervous about the national economy, and, while your paycheck may have grown, the cost of everything else has too," she said, adding that "many middle class families tread water, struggle to pay the bills, find good jobs and get ahead... Tariffs have jacked up prices."

Whitmer also pointed to the court's decision as a potential turning point, saying at the time, "I'm hopeful that last week's Supreme Court decision will force Congress and the president to work out a more strategic trade policy."

State data collected under a previous executive directive issued last July found tariffs increased the cost of raw materials, raised production expenses and limited access to foreign markets, particularly for agricultural exporters facing retaliatory tariffs.

Those findings showed steep declines in exports of key crops such as wheat, cherries, apples and soybeans, alongside rising input costs. Housing and construction have also been affected. Officials reported higher material costs contributing to rising home prices, while transportation planners cited growing uncertainty in road project costs tied to tariffs and inflation.

Whitmer's office said tariffs cost U.S. automakers $35 billion last year and increased costs for working families by about $1,000 annually. It also pointed to slower GDP growth and weaker job gains in 2025 compared to previous years.

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
• Auto manufacturers facing $35 billion in tariff costs last year

Republicans, however, have disputed Whitmer's characterization of the tariffs' impact. As previously reported, they cited research from the University of Michigan suggesting the policy could boost domestic auto production and employment over time.

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, has defended the president's trade policy.

"When you have tariffs, you are trying to disincentivize the purchase of foreign cars and foreign components, and you're trying to incentivize the purchase of domestic cars in Michigan and domestic manufacturing," Hall said. "That's exactly what's happening."

Hall said the results of tariffs are already visible. "The tariffs are creating jobs in the Michigan automotive manufacturing industry, and so that's a good thing," Hall added. "The tariffs are working."

Despite the court ruling, tariffs remain a central part of the Trump Administration's trade strategy, with additional duties imposed after the court ruling.

Whitmer said she will continue urging federal action to end those policies, while focusing on mitigating the impact in Michigan.

"I'll continue to call on Congress to set a strategic trade policy that keeps costs down and our economy stable," Whitmer said. "Whether it's making it easier to get your refund or working to lower everyday costs, we've got your back."

The state's Agriculture and Rural Development, Labor and Economic Opportunity, Transportation and Treasury departments are required to submit a report in the next 30 days outlining how tariffs have affected Michigan businesses and residents. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, as well as the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, are also tasked with figuring out ways to ensure that registered businesses and employers are aware of the process for seeking tariff refunds.

"Any process must be accessible to all importers who have paid tariffs, including small businesses and individuals who may not have access to expensive counsel to access refunds they are owed," Whitmer wrote in the order.