(LANSING) - Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive directive aimed at helping Michigan businesses recover money paid under federal tariffs that courts have now ruled illegal.
Fox 47-WSYM reports the move follows the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Learning Resources v. Trump, which struck down the use of emergency powers to impose the tariffs. A federal trade court later ordered the government to begin issuing refunds.
Whitmer's directive orders state agencies to measure the economic impact on Michigan employers and help businesses access the federal refund process as it becomes available.
The governor says the goal is to show how much the tariffs cost Michigan companies and to make it easier for businesses to recover those dollars.
Federal officials have said U.S. Customs and Border Protection is still building a streamlined claims system, and the exact refund process and eligibility standards are still being finalized.
Michigan businesses, especially retailers, manufacturers and import-heavy suppliers, continue to report higher invoice and shipping costs tied to the now-invalid tariffs.