Advocacy News – April 8, 2026
What’s new: The Michigan Chamber, in partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber and MichAuto, convened business leaders from across the state to join the Hon. Caroline Mulroney, president of Ontario’s Treasury Board (a position that drives economic policy and the budget process for the Canadian province) for a roundtable on cross-border trade and economic competitiveness.
Leaders from the state’s automotive, manufacturing and agriculture sectors joined the discussion, followed by a reception with Michigan lawmakers to engage directly with the Minister and Ontario delegation.
Why it matters: Michigan and Ontario share one of the most integrated economic relationships in the world – and it’s under increasing pressure.
- Trade tensions at the national level and pending United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) negotiations are creating uncertainty.
- Supply chains remain deeply interconnected across the border
- Stability and alignment are critical to regional competitiveness
By the numbers: Ontario is Michigan’s largest trading partner – with the relationship viewed by economists as a regional, bilateral supply chain for several of the Great Lakes State’s biggest industry sectors.
- $80 billion+ in annual Michigan–Ontario trade, one of the busiest across the entire North American continent
- 22% of North American auto production is tied to the region
- Parts often cross the border multiple times during production
What we heard:
- Employers need clarity and consistency in cross-border trade policy
- The Michigan-Ontario corridor remains a competitive advantage – if aligned
- Continued collaboration between business and policymakers is essential
Small business alert: As trade and tariff dynamics evolve, new resources from the U.S. Chamber can help employers navigate impacts and track business sentiment.
- Tariff refund guidance following the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision
- Q1 Small Business Index insights on where smaller employers are confident and where there are challenges
Member impact: Thank you to 2026 MI Chamber Board of Directors Chair Deb Muchmore for moderating this important discussion and the Michigan employers and association partners who helped shaped it. Your insights continue to inform our advocacy and strengthen Michigan’s voice on critical cross-border issues.
What we’re saying: The MI Chamber will continue to call on policymakers on both sides of the border to focus on renewed trade partnership and collaboration. The Strategic International Partnership Agreement between Ontario and Michigan and the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement are important opportunities to do so.
- Learn more about the USMCA and Michigan here.
What’s next: We’ll continue working with members and partners to elevate employer perspectives and identify opportunities to grow and strengthen our economic ties with Ontario and across Canada.
Get involved: Have insights or impacts to share? We really need to hear from you – just contact Mike Alaimo.