2025 House Resolution 34

Whereas, Michigan’s economy depends on strong international trading and commercial relationships, particularly with Canada and Mexico. These nations are essential partners for businesses of all sizes, supporting jobs and economic growth across industries including manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture; and

Whereas, A stable and predictable North American trade environment strengthens Michigan’s competitiveness, ensuring that businesses, workers, and communities benefit from continued access to key export markets while maintaining essential supply chains; and

Whereas, Michigan’s food and agricultural sector is a bright spot for our state’s economy, with more than 300 crops and commodities produced by farmers and agricultural businesses in all corners of our state, creating jobs in both rural and urban areas. Canada is Michigan’s number-one export market, while Mexico is Michigan’s number-two export market for agricultural products, making up a significant portion of the nearly three billion dollars in exports of food and agricultural products that originate in Michigan each year. Michigan also depends on open trade with Canada for access to key agricultural inputs used by Michigan farmers; and

Whereas, Michigan’s manufacturing sector remains one of our state’s leading job creators, and depends on strong North American commercial supply chains, with many products moving several times between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as a normal part of manufacturing processes. Nearly 55 billion dollars in goods transfer between Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario annually; and

Whereas, Michigan is a leader in auto production, home to nearly one-fifth of all U.S. auto production. The automative industry relies heavily on the movement of parts and finished vehicles across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico borders; and

Whereas, Michigan enjoys strong commercial opportunities across North America as a result of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. The agreement was negotiated by U.S. President Donald Trump during his first term in office and ratified by all three nations prior to its implementation on July 1, 2020; and

Whereas, Michigan stands to benefit from its geographic position as a North American trade and travel hub, bolstered by the anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will revolutionize freight and recreational transportation between Michigan and Ontario, Canada. As a border state, leading agricultural exporter, and major North American trade and transit hub, Michigan deeply values our strong, long-term commercial relationships with Canada and Mexico; and

Whereas, The imposition of tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico could lead to unintended consequences, including retaliatory actions that risk disrupting Michigan’s exports, raising costs for businesses, and creating uncertainty for workers; and

Whereas, The Michigan House of Representatives recognizes the importance of maintaining strong trade relationships to support Michigan’s economy and the well-being of its residents; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Federal government to carefully consider the potential economic impacts of tariffs on North American trading partners as it pursues U.S. foreign policy interests; and be it further

Resolved, That we support the Federal government’s ongoing efforts to achieve foreign policy outcomes benefiting the American people; and be it further

Resolved, That we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Michigan’s economy by advocating for strong, fair, negotiated commercial relationships with North American trading partners; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the United States Trade Representative, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, the United States Secretary of Commerce, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.