In July, when Michigan opened a new bridge to Canada, the two countries were supposed to cut the ribbon together. Canada called that off and held its own ceremony on its side, citing the president’s tariff threats. 

Canada is Michigan’s biggest customer. The cars built here are still assembled on both sides of the Detroit River, where that new bridge stands. And right now the two countries are taxing each other’s goods.

At the top of the state, you can already see what that costs. Crossings at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge fell nearly 24% in 2025 — roughly 270,000 fewer trips, a steeper drop than at any other Michigan crossing. The bridge authority estimates the area lost at least $82.9 million in spending, most of it on the Michigan side. 

The legal ground has shifted, too. In February, the Supreme Court ruled that the emergency powers law “does not grant the President the power to unilaterally impose tariffs of indefinite scope”, voiding many tariffs.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania quantified the refunds owed to affected companies at up to $175 billion. However, the tariffs squeezing Michigan survived: steel, aluminum and autos, plus a 50% duty on a long list of Canadian goods.

That begs the question: who in Michigan is paying for tariffs?

Jason Miller, the Eli Broad Professor in the Department of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University, joined host Robyn Vincent to follow the money.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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