Calls from Michigan business help stop new tariffs set to go into effect today

Three-day pause of 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods comes amid growing chorus demanding smart and consistent trade policies

LANSING, Mich. — The bipartisan Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA) is applauding the three-day pause on 50% tariffs and urges leaders to continue their call for smart and consistent trade policies that can help Michigan’s economy thrive, create jobs and lower prices for families.

“Michigan business leaders have raised their voices and called for smart and consistent trade policies that enable businesses to grow and to plan for the future,” said MISTA spokesman John Sellek. “We hope this pause in 50% tariffs leads to a stable and predictable trading relationship with Canada that isn’t thrown into chaos by erratic tariffs.”

“Business leaders and families across Michigan just want smart and consistent trade policies so that our economy can grow and families don’t see higher prices every time they go to the grocery store,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for MISTA. “We need an end to the disruptive and chaotic on-again-off-again tariffs and we applaud the broad coalition of Michigan voices that have called on the Administration and Congressional leaders to recognize the devastating effects on Michigan businesses, workers, consumers, and families.”

Tariffs of 50% on goods ranging from wine to cement to hockey sticks were set to take effect today and were delayed amid negotiations between U.S. and Canadian officials as President Trump announced that a deal was imminent.

The delay comes as Michigan business leaders have called for stable and consistent trade policies between the U.S. and its allies, especially Canada, which has had a special trade relationship with Michigan going back generations. A decision in July not to renew the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) further strained that relationship.