Small businesses across Michigan are raising concerns after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under emergency powers, triggering $166 billion in refunds for importers while leaving small businesses and consumers without relief. Tariffs are paid upfront by importers at the border, but economic evidence shows those costs are often passed through the supply chain to small businesses and customers in the form of higher prices.
For small businesses that rely on imported materials, those higher costs have already taken a toll. Many were forced to raise prices, absorb losses, or cut back on hiring just to stay afloat. Now, while importers are eligible to recover those payments, businesses that paid more for goods after costs were passed down are not eligible for refunds, creating what many see as an unfair imbalance in who is compensated.
“I paid more for materials because of these tariffs, and I had no choice but to pass some of that cost on just to survive,” said Michael, a small business carpenter and MI-10 resident from Warren. “Now some tariffs are ruled illegal, and importers are getting refunds, but small businesses like mine and our customers get nothing. Navigating these rising prices has left me having to rethink business development and how I approach bringing on more workers. Congressman John James should be standing up for small businesses that got stuck paying the price.”
Michigan Families for Fair Care is calling on Congressmen Tom Barrett, Bill Huizenga, and John James to ensure small businesses and consumers are not left behind as tariff refunds are distributed. If importers are being reimbursed for illegal tariffs these members supported and continue to support, then the small businesses and families who ultimately paid those costs deserve relief as well. Michigan Families for Fair Care will continue to hold our congressmen accountable via an ad campaign highlighting the economic impacts of their votes. How many more Michigan businesses have to cut jobs before action is taken?
