Michigan business owner warns escalating trade war is hurting jobs, growth

New Michigan Smart Trade Alliance campaign features auto supplier CEO calling on Congress to end unpredictable trade policies hurting Michigan businesses

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan business owners are being squeezed by an escalating trade war with Canada that is driving up costs, disrupting investment and making it harder for companies to plan, hire and grow.

That is the message from Mary Buchzeiger, CEO of Lucerne International, a Michigan-based global automotive supplier, in a new advertising campaign launched by the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA).

For Buchzeiger, the consequences of the back-and-forth tariffs are not theoretical. As the leader of a Michigan company operating in the deeply integrated North American automotive industry, she is seeing firsthand what unpredictable trade policy means for businesses trying to make decisions about their employees, customers and future investments.

"People have to understand that tariffs are not paid by foreign countries. They come out of U.S. consumer pockets. Period. Plain and simple. Tell Congress we need consistent trade policies."

“When trade policy changes back and forth, Michigan businesses pay the price,” said MISTA spokesman John Sellek. “They cannot confidently plan their investments, add workers or grow their operations when they do not know what their costs will look like six months from now. Mary is putting a face and a voice to what businesses across Michigan are experiencing.”

MISTA's new campaign calls on Congress to restore stability to U.S. trade policy and protect the North American trading relationships that Michigan businesses rely upon, including through extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The campaign includes digital, television, radio and billboard advertising in Michigan media markets with competitive congressional races on the Nov. 3 ballot. The ads will run in markets near Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing.

“Michigan families are paying higher prices, and Michigan businesses are being forced to make decisions in an environment of continued uncertainty,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for MISTA. “Congress has the ability to provide businesses with the stability and predictability they need. The message from Michigan is simple: end the escalating trade war and get back to smart, consistent trade policy.”

MISTA offers resources and information to businesses across Michigan and continues to grow its statewide coalition.