Whitmer fields thousands of complaints from Michiganders over Trump’s tariff plans

Thousands of Michiganders are worried that Donald Trump’s plan to enact new tariffs could hurt small businesses, threaten manufacturing jobs, and jack up costs for families.

LANSING—Thousands of Michiganders are voicing their concerns to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over the impact of President Donald Trump’s plan to enact new tariffs on imported goods.

This week, Whitmer’s office released the results of an informal survey of more than 3,000 Michiganders—most of whom said that Trump’s tariff plans would hurt small business growth, threaten manufacturing jobs, and jack up costs for families on things like groceries and gasoline.

“Michiganders are already struggling with high costs at the grocery store, at the pump, and on their energy bills—the last thing they need is for those costs to increase even more,” Whitmer said in a statement attached to the results, which were released by her office on Wednesday.

Here’s the deal:

Trump has already imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, as well as 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum. The president has also discussed imposing 25% tariffs on most goods from Canada and Mexico. While those tariffs nearly went into effect this month, they were  placed on pause until at least March 5 while negotiations with those countries continue.

Trump has also floated a reciprocal tariff on imports from all other countries to match the tariffs they place on American goods, as well as additional tariffs on automobiles and pharmaceuticals.

If all of Trump’s proposed tariffs come to fruition, many Michiganders are expecting the state’s economy—including its automotive manufacturing industry—to take one of the hardest hits in the country, according to the results of the latest survey conducted by Whitmer’s office. 

What Michiganders Are Saying

A majority of the survey respondents—about 55%—said they were most concerned about rising food and grocery prices under Trump’s tariff plan, while 15% pointed to utility costs and 12% cited gas prices. Many respondents also raised alarms about job losses in Michigan’s auto industry, as well as price increases on prescription medications and essential business supplies.

Whitmer, among others, contend that Trump’s tariffs would essentially raise the cost of doing business—which would result in corporations passing along higher costs directly to consumers.

Estimates released by Whitmer’s office suggest the average Michigan family would see their annual bills rise by about $1,200, should the tariffs go into effect as planned. Whitmer said “everyday expenses” like groceries, gas, and energy would see the biggest price hikes.

Autoworkers

Stacey, a woman who works at an assembly plant for Ford in Flat Rock, told Whitmer that Trump’s tariffs would slow production, raise prices, and ultimately put her job in jeopardy.

That’s because Michigan’s auto industry is built on cross-border supply chains that rely on free trade with Canada and Mexico. In fact, the parts for a single car made in Michigan reportedly end up crossing the border up to eight times before the final vehicle rolls off the assembly line.

Trump’s tariffs would effectively slap a 25% tax on those parts every time they move across the border—which could raise production costs and send car prices soaring for Michiganders.

“That means more expensive supply chains, slower production lines, and fewer American jobs,” Whitmer said. “It also means higher business costs will be passed on to you at the dealership.”

Analysts estimate that new car prices, on average, would likely increase by anywhere from $1,000 to $9,000 or more—with some vehicles being affected more than others by tariffs.

More than 165,000 autoworkers could also reportedly be laid off if the tariffs remain in place for any considerable time. And more than 550,000 workers at car dealerships representing international brands reportedly risk losing their jobs if the industry falters. General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis are already reportedly preparing for tariff-based industry disruptions.

Healthcare Professionals

Brandon, a pharmacist in Bath, also told Whitmer’s office that Trump’s tariffs on imported prescription drugs could force independent pharmacies to close and raise costs for his patients.

Under Trump’s latest tariff plans, the US could enact 25% tariffs on all pharmaceutical imports. 

And with the US purchasing more than $176 billion of drugs and related goods in 2023, new tariffs would likely translate to higher costs for life-saving drugs, Whitmer said in a statement.

“Many of the vital drugs and medical supplies doctors and nurses in Michigan use are imported,” she said. “Prescription drug prices are already high, and tariffs could make them even higher.”

Small Business Owners

It’s not just drug prices that could be affected by Trump’s tariffs. 

Any industry that relies on imported parts—from appliances to electronics—could also see costs climb. Michigan imported more than $120 billion worth of goods from Mexico and Canada in 2023—making it one of the most trade-dependent states in the country, reports show.  

Entrepreneurs from across Michigan—including an HVAC company in Mid-Michigan, a chocolate maker in Grand Rapids, and a bakery in Metro Detroit—-have expressed concerns about the tariffs and the impact they could have on their businesses, according to the survey. 

“All are working hard to deliver affordable goods and services to customers in their community,” Whitmer said. “Tariffs could mean lost customers, lost jobs, and fewer small businesses.”

What Happens Next

Whitmer, who has no direct control over international tariffs, said she is focused on doing whatever she can to help Michiganders navigate the potential economic fallout of Trump’s tariffs.

Her latest budget proposal aims to lower costs “on the things that matter most,” like education, childcare, and housing, she said. Whitmer also plans to outline additional measures to “keep lowering costs for Michiganders” at her upcoming State of the State Address on Feb. 26.

Whitmer is also urging Michiganders to make their voices heard. An email sent from her office this week urges residents to contact the White House, US Sens. Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, as well as other members of Congress, to express their concerns about Trump’s tariff plans.

• White House Comments Line – 202-456-1111
• White House Switchboard – 202-456-1414
• Sen. Gary Peters – 313-226-6020
• Sen. Elissa Slotkin – 202-224-4822 
• US House of Representatives – 202-224-3121 

READ MORE: 4 ways Trump’s tariff plan threatens Michigan’s economy

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