Advocacy News – Feb. 14, 2025
What’s new: On Tuesday, President Trump took further actions on his approach to global trade, signing a proclamation imposing 25% tariffs on both imported steel and aluminum, expected to take effect early next month.
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Tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports are currently on hold until at least March after President Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum struck temporary deals.
Why it matters: The U.S. relies on aluminum imports from countries, including Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Mexico to meet the vast majority of demand. Net imports added up to more than 80% in 2023, according to close financial and trade watchers.
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Concerns include harm to American and Michigan businesses and consumers, with some underscoring that the Great Lakes State may be disproportionately impacted, given its reliance of the key commodities for several manufacturing sectors, including automotive.
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Support includes tariffs being a key tool in global trade negotiations, especially if used in limited, tactical ways to support domestic manufacturing and protecting steelworker and other jobs, while getting movement on curbing illegal drug traffic.
What we’re saying: The Chamber continues to monitor the situation closely and engage with federal decisionmakers regarding concerns of potential impacts to Michigan businesses and consumers.
Your feedback is critical in helping ensure the MI Chamber is the voice of free enterprise and economic prosperity.
⚠️We need to hear from you – there’s still time to take our quick 2-minute survey to help us get the latest insights from members across industries as the situation unfolds. Thank you to all those who have responded so far and shared specific comments too. Here’s a snapshot to date:
By the numbers:
💭33% of you told us you view tariffs as an appropriate economic tool that will protect American business and jobs, while 54% have concerns with tariffs as such a tool, with the remaining 13% undecided or said only if done strategically and as little as possible.
💭 Just over half of you (53%) reported a likely significant negative impact.
💭Many of you reported being more in favor of tariffs for China (91% very or somewhat appropriate) than Canada (16% somewhat appropriate) or Mexico (48% somewhat appropriate)
Go deeper: Read more here. Contact Mike Alaimo for questions or for information.