Updated March 6, 2025 | 3:00 PM The Michigan Agri-Business Association continues to receive various inquiries from our members about potential tariffs. MABA is sharing regular updates as a service to our members and interested partners. This message primarily concerns potential tariffs on USMCA partners. Current Update on Tariffs – March 6, 2025 We were pleased to see action by the Trump Administration on March 6 that further delays tariffs on North American trading partners. We continue to speak with our members to learn about the impacts of tariffs, and potential tariffs on their operations. Following is MABA’s overall position on trade and tariffs: Overall, MABA and our members support the maintenance and expansion of international markets that are key for the agricultural industry. We appreciate the Trump Administration’s efforts to ensure border security and safeguard American economic interests. President Trump has historically used tariffs as a tool toward achieving a broad range of policy aims. We continue to caution that tariffs affecting agriculture and related industries, especially those potentially enacted against USMCA partners, would have substantial economic consequences here in Michigan. As a border state and major North American trade and transit hub, Michigan deeply values our strong two-way trading relationship with Canada. Michigan is a top agricultural exporter to Canada, our #1 export destination for agricultural and food product exports. Michigan also relies on open trade with Canada for key inbound products, including crop nutrients, feed ingredients and beyond. Mexico is Michigan agriculture’s #2 export destination and key agricultural industries in Michigan have forged lasting, long-term commercial ties in Mexico. Retaliation could disrupt current and future market opportunities and open the door to international competitors. We will continue to share information with member companies as news develops on this topic. For more information or with questions, contact Chuck Lippstreu with the Michigan Agri-Business Association. Resources on Tariff Compliance – March 6, 2025 Amid tariff discussion in recent weeks, some MABA members have asked operational questions about compliance with tariffs. U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers several introductory resources on this topic which may prove useful in the future: Tips for New Importers and Exporters: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importer-exporter-tips Introduction to the USCBP Import Process: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/video-gallery/video-library/introduction-cbp-import-process Basic Importing and Exporting Guide: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export Previous Updates Update – Monday, March 3 A story from the Associated Press on the Administration’s tariff plans, current to 3:00 PM, can be found here. MABA continues to closely monitor trade actions, especially with regard to their impact on Canada and Mexico, major export markets for Michigan agriculture. The specific details of any policies that become effective will matter greatly. We continue to field member questions on this topic. Reach out to Chuck Lippstreu. Update – Wednesday, February 5 MABA continues to field a high number of calls about tariffs, especially the potential for tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and we were glad to see agreements that paused potential North American tariffs for 30 days. MABA has continued to emphasize our shared goals with the Trump Administration related to border security, especially a more secure U.S.-Mexico border, as well as our concern about the possible economic impacts of tariffs. You can read some of the media stories where we have weighed in here: WZZM (West Michigan): Experts weigh in on how tariffs could impact Michigan Successful Farming: Michigan Braces for Fallout as Trump Tariffs Target State’s Top 3 Trading Partners Brownfield: Border ag state braces for trade impacts Update – Monday February 3 On Monday, February 3, an agreement was reached that delays tariffs on Mexico and Canada for at least 30 days. The previously announced 10% tariff on products from China was enacted Tuesday, February 4. Canada and Mexico made announcements related to border security, including 10,000 Mexican National Guard troops to be deployed to the U.S.-Mexico Border. MABA has continued to emphasize our shared goals with the Trump Administration related to border security, especially a more secure U.S.-Mexico border, as well as our concern about the possible economic impacts of tariffs. Here are some further comments made by MABA on Monday, February 3: Border Ag State Braces for Trade Impacts (Brownfield) How Pending Tariffs Would Affect Michigan Ag (Michigan Farm News) It is notable that the Administration has tasked several U.S. Government departments with reporting on a range of trade-related issues no later than April 1; such reports could impact tariffs and other tax and trade policy. More information is contained in President Trump’s January 20, 2025 Memorandum, America First Trade Policy.
