Detroit News report: MI small businesses unlikely to get tariff refunds, continue to struggle with economic uncertainty

Newspaper analysis notes use of third-party importers could prevent them from receiving needed tariff refunds 

LANSING, Michigan — As small businesses across the Great Lakes State continue to face the high costs of tariffs, a new report by The Detroit News notes the use of third-party importers by many small businesses will likely prevent them from receiving a refund.

Many small businesses are not listed as the importer of record for goods purchased from other countries, a technicality that determines refund eligibility, The Detroit News reported. 

The U.S. Court of International Trade ordered the federal government to start issuing refunds after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under emergency powers. While large companies typically have departments in charge of international trade, many small businesses use freight forwarders, brokers or out‑of‑state suppliers. 

“This is the latest example of why small, independently owned businesses in Michigan need Congress to enact smart and consistent trade policies that allow small businesses to thrive and plan for future growth,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance. 

“This is a difficult time for small businesses in Michigan and, because of a technicality, they are unable to get relief that many of them sorely need,” said John Sellek, a MISTA spokesman. “We hope Congress sees the difficulties facing small businesses and take up measures aimed at establishing stable and smart trade and tariff policies.”