Administration Instructed To Help Businesses Get Tariff Refunds

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 04/02/2026) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive instructing state agencies to help registered businesses pursue tariff refunds from the federal government and to report on the impacts of those tariffs.

The directive follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting the scope of President Donald Trump's tariffs on foreign goods, which he imposed under the Emergency Economic Powers Act. The decision is expected to result in refunds for businesses that overpaid tariffs. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported it is between 60% and 85% finished processing those refund claims.

Whitmer said the directive is aimed at both helping businesses recover costs and documenting the broader economic impact of the tariffs.

“This executive directive will show us the damage from these irresponsible tariffs and help get refunds back to Michigan businesses,” Whitmer said. “I’ll continue to call on Congress to set a strategic trade policy that keeps costs down and our economy stable.”

Under the directive, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Department of Transportation and Department of Treasury must submit reports within 30 days detailing how tariffs have affected their respective sectors.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other state agencies are also encouraged to review internal data to determine whether tariffs have had an impact on their operations.

The reporting requirement builds on a similar directive Whitmer issued in 2025, which produced agency-level assessments of tariff impacts. Departments may submit updated findings under the new order.

Agencies may request extensions of up to 60 days to complete their reports.