LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Businesses in Michigan are trying to navigate an uncertain future as new federal policies come into play.
From tariffs on international trade to regulatory changes, business leaders are worried about where they stand.
Some of those leaders were in Lansing on Wednesday, sharing their concerns at a town hall at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re all worried that maybe they’re going to cut us out and we’re going to close up stores and we cannot have that,” said Susan Hengesbach, a store manager for White House Black Market in Lansing.
Hengesbach said customers are already starting to notice bigger price tags.
“I’ve seen them come in already and say, ‘I thought this was only this much,’” she told News 10.
Much of the U.S. fabric supply originates from countries like China, where tariffs on exports to the United States are increasing costs.
The Trump Administration has remained focused on taxing international goods, hoping to boost profitability for American companies, but Lansing Chamber Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Steve Japinga, said this has created uncertainty for chamber members.
“That’s a huge thing, because it seems like every day there’s something new and our business community has to pivot,” he said. “Or figure out how to deal with bringing in product, sending product out.”
The impact has reached manufacturing as well, as a major chip developer pulls out of a $55 million semiconductor plant project in the Flint area that’s been in the planning phase for almost two years.
California-based company SanDisc said the reason is concern over federal policy.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson was also in Lansing Wednesday, weighing in on business community concerns, as part of his campaign for governor.
He said the pullback on the megasite is a major loss for local industry.
“I’m praying that people in those decision-making positions are flying and driving wherever they need to go to put this deal back together,” he told News 10. “It is vital for the state. It is vital for the nation.”
Meanwhile, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, Matt Hall, is pushing back against the idea that President Trump’s policies are to blame for the loss of the Flint project.
In a written statement, he said, “The President’s bold leadership is making it easier and more attractive than ever to create jobs in America.”
“We simply need state leaders who are focused on making sure Michigan is the best possible place to build and grow,” the statement continued. “That’s why House Republicans will continue to fight at the Capitol to cut unnecessary red tape, reverse the 2023 Democrat tax hike on small businesses and improve state government services to help as many job creators as possible choose Michigan as a permanent home.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is also calling attention to the impact of tariffs on Michigan businesses. She recently released a statement saying supply chain shortages and rising costs will put a strain on the state economy.
“I’m not against tariffs outright, but they are a blunt tool that must be used strategically and with a clear end goal,” Whitmer said. “The new federal tariffs have already spiked the effective tariff rate to the highest it has been since 1910. This historic increase will put pressure on consumers and small businesses, spark uncertainty, and take thousands of dollars out of our pockets every single year. Michiganders can’t afford to bear the burden of these chaotic policies. I’ll continue to fight for smart fiscal management and common-sense trade policies that supports our businesses, grows our economy, and lowers costs for Michiganders.”
At the beginning of July, the White House said President Trump sent out several letters informing other countries of reciprocal tariffs to take effect on Aug. 1.
The full list is as follows:
Japan (25%)Korea (25%)South Africa (30%)Kazakhstan (25%)Laos (40%)Malaysia (25%)Myanmar (40%)Tunisia (25%)Bosnia and Herzegovina (30%)Indonesia (32%)Bangladesh (35%)Serbia (35%)Cambodia (36%)Thailand (36%)
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