Michigan Businesses React to Tariff Uncertainty as Trade Policy Shifts
Michigan business leaders are voicing concern over continued volatility in federal trade policy following recent developments involving President Donald Trump and U.S. tariffs.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently blocked most of Trump’s tariffs, only for the president to later announce new global tariffs starting at 10 percent, which were subsequently raised to 15 percent.
Mark Fisk of the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance told 1320 WILS that the back-and-forth approach is creating instability for businesses across the state.
“Businesses don’t plan week to week or day to day. They’re planning years in advance,” Fisk said, noting that sectors like agriculture operate on long-term timelines. “This erratic trade policy — on again, off again — volatility is not good.”
Beef Imports from Argentina Draw Mixed Reaction
There is also local reaction to a recent executive order from Trump that significantly increases the amount of beef imported into the United States from Argentina under a new trade agreement.
Dan Buster of MSU Extension said the move appears aimed at easing consumer prices but questioned its broader impact.
“The Argentina thing is, I think, a political move to try to see if retail prices can be dampened a little bit,” Buster said. “I really don’t think it’s going to do a whole lot.”
GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Michigan Income Tax
The debate over Michigan’s income tax is heating up, with three Republican gubernatorial candidates calling for its elimination and a fourth advocating for a reduction.
1320 WILS Capitol correspondent Kyle Melinn pointed out that previous Republican governors, including John Engler and Rick Snyder, did not eliminate the tax even when they served with Republican-controlled legislatures.
“If it was that easy, don’t you think John Engler would have done that when he had a Republican legislature?” Melinn said. “Or don’t you think Rick Snyder would have done that?”
Both administrations presided over periods of economic growth, raising questions about the feasibility of fully eliminating the tax.
Lansing Police Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Crash
The Lansing Police Department is continuing its investigation into a weekend crash that killed a 23-year-old pedestrian.
Officers say the man was struck by a vehicle early Saturday morning on Capitol City Boulevard near the airport. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact police.
Two Michigan State Troopers Injured in Flint Crash
Two troopers with the Michigan State Police are recovering after their patrol vehicle was struck early Sunday morning in Flint.
Investigators say the other vehicle was driven by a suspected drunk driver who also sustained minor injuries. The crash occurred at the intersection of Corunna and Linden roads. The investigation remains ongoing.
Consumers Energy Closing Direct Payment Office
Consumers Energy announced it will close its direct payment office at the end of May.
The utility says notices will be posted at the office and customers who use the location will be contacted about alternative ways to pay their bills.
Michigan Graduation Rate Reaches Record High
Michigan’s four-year high school graduation rate reached a record 84 percent in 2025, according to the State Center for Educational Performance and Information.
The state also saw its four-year dropout rate decline by more than half a percentage point compared to the previous year. Officials credit the growth in technical education programs and expanded dual enrollment opportunities as key contributors to the improvement.
The milestone marks continued progress in statewide education outcomes as policymakers focus on workforce readiness and student achievement.
