Michigan has always been a state that makes and grows things to sell to the world.
That is precisely why smart, consistent trade policy matters so much here at home.
The recent Supreme Court decision limiting the use of emergency powers to impose tariffs only makes the role of Congress clearer. Lawmakers must take the lead on trade policy that creates jobs, lowers costs for families and protects our vital relationship with Canada.
The Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA) is a growing, nonpartisan coalition of Michiganians focused on advocating for trade policies that strengthen national security while allowing both our state and national economy to flourish. Strategic trade tools play an important role, but for the Great Lakes State that is deeply integrated with Canada, the unpredictable on-again, off-again tariffs create uncertainty that is harming our workers, businesses and families.
Our coalition continues to grow. Six respected statewide and regional groups that represent small businesses, health care organizations and manufacturers have already joined our coalition, with more to come. As Bill Hallan, CEO of Michigan Retailers, put it: “To thrive in our global economy, retailers and small businesses need consistency and predictability.”
Michiganians see high prices at the grocery store, and they see friends, family members and neighbors being laid off. Our bipartisan poll showed that Michigan voters believe tariffs are driving up the cost of food, clothing and medicine.
The impact spans all sectors of our economy.
The auto industry is navigating complex supply chains that weave back and forth across the border with Canada multiple times before a vehicle is finished. Trade instability disrupts that system and increases costs, especially given the industry’s dependence on imported steel.
Our farmers are hurting, too. They face higher costs for fertilizer and fewer international markets. Tariffs invite retaliation from trading partners to the advantage of our economic adversaries, and federal subsidies cannot replace lost markets that took decades to develop.
Michigan and Canada share more than the world’s longest international border. We share assembly lines, supply chains and a century-long economic partnership that sustains hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs on both sides of the border. Canadian tourists’ visits to Michigan shops, hotels and restaurants have plummeted. Questions surrounding the scheduled opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge between Detroit and Windsor — a symbol of friendship between the two countries — further threaten that relationship.
Michiganians believe in competing and winning on a level playing field. We support strong, enforceable trade agreements that open markets and protect workers. It’s time our leaders in Congress listened to their constituents and focused on advocating for a straightforward trade policy that creates jobs, lowers costs and allows families and farms to plan for a strong future.
Join our growing coalition at the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance website and learn more about our efforts to encourage leaders, officials and policymakers to set aside politics and focus on the policies that help families in Michigan and across the country.
Mark Fisk is co-founder and partner of Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, and John Sellek is the founder and CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Fisk and Sellek: Smart trade coalition shows importance of Congress in trade policy development
Reporting by Mark Fisk and John Sellek / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
