{"id":71070,"date":"2025-07-17T22:47:16","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T22:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/71070\/"},"modified":"2025-07-17T22:47:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T22:47:16","slug":"mid-michigan-businesses-feeling-concerned-about-economic-future-under-new-federal-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/71070\/","title":{"rendered":"Mid-Michigan businesses feeling concerned about economic future under new federal policy"},"content":{"rendered":"

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Businesses in Michigan are trying to navigate an uncertain future as new federal policies come into play.<\/p>\n

From tariffs on international trade to regulatory changes, business leaders are worried about where they stand. <\/p>\n

Some of those leaders were in Lansing on Wednesday, sharing their concerns at a town hall at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all worried that maybe they\u2019re going to cut us out and we\u2019re going to close up stores and we cannot have that,\u201d said Susan Hengesbach, a store manager for White House Black Market in Lansing.<\/p>\n

Hengesbach said customers are already starting to notice bigger price tags.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen them come in already and say, \u2018I thought this was only this much,\u2019\u201d she told News 10.<\/p>\n

Much of the U.S. fabric supply originates from countries like China, where tariffs on exports to the United States are increasing costs.<\/p>\n

The Trump Administration has remained focused on taxing international goods, hoping to boost profitability for American companies, but Lansing Chamber Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Steve Japinga, said this has created uncertainty for chamber members.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a huge thing, because it seems like every day there\u2019s something new and our business community has to pivot,\u201d he said. \u201cOr figure out how to deal with bringing in product, sending product out.\u201d<\/p>\n

The impact has reached manufacturing as well, as a major chip developer pulls out of a $55 million semiconductor plant project in the Flint area that\u2019s been in the planning phase for almost two years.<\/p>\n

California-based company SanDisc said the reason is concern over federal policy.<\/p>\n

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson was also in Lansing Wednesday, weighing in on business community concerns, as part of his campaign for governor.<\/p>\n

He said the pullback on the megasite is a major loss for local industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m praying that people in those decision-making positions are flying and driving wherever they need to go to put this deal back together,\u201d he told News 10. \u201cIt is vital for the state. It is vital for the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, Matt Hall, is pushing back against the idea that President Trump\u2019s policies are to blame for the loss of the Flint project.<\/p>\n

In a written statement, he said, \u201cThe President\u2019s bold leadership is making it easier and more attractive than ever to create jobs in America.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe simply need state leaders who are focused on making sure Michigan is the best possible place to build and grow,\u201d the statement continued. \u201cThat\u2019s why House Republicans will continue to fight at the Capitol to cut unnecessary red tape, reverse the 2023 Democrat tax hike on small businesses and improve state government services to help as many job creators as possible choose Michigan as a permanent home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is also calling attention to the impact of tariffs on Michigan businesses. She recently released a statement saying supply chain shortages and rising costs will put a strain on the state economy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not against tariffs outright, but they are a blunt tool that must be used strategically and with a clear end goal,\u201d <\/b>Whitmer said. \u201cThe new federal tariffs have already spiked the effective tariff rate to the highest it has been since 1910. This historic increase will put pressure on consumers and small businesses, spark uncertainty, and take thousands of dollars out of our pockets every single year. Michiganders can\u2019t afford to bear the burden of these chaotic policies. I\u2019ll continue to fight for smart fiscal management and common-sense trade policies that supports our businesses, grows our economy, and lowers costs for Michiganders.\u201d <\/p>\n

At the beginning of July, the White House said President Trump sent out several letters informing other countries of reciprocal tariffs to take effect on Aug. 1. <\/p>\n

The full list is as follows:<\/p>\n