Supreme Court Rules on Tariffs: What Comes Next for Manufacturers

For nearly a year, Michigan manufacturers have endured a rollercoaster of shifting tariff policies as the Trump Administration used broad tariff actions to balance trade deficits and pursue fair trade objectives. While our diverse membership has experienced the impacts of this effort in different ways, one message has been consistent and urgent: manufacturers need predictability and stability in U.S. trade policy — not just on tariffs, but on the entire framework that governs America’s engagement with the global market.

Michigan’s manufacturing economy relies on fair, open and stable trade rules to fuel growth, support high-wage jobs, strengthen supply chains and attract long-term investment. Tariffs can be an effective and appropriate tool when used in a targeted way. However, the sweeping and continually changing tariffs implemented since April 2025 have created profound uncertainty, disrupted supply chains, increased costs and threatened our competitiveness.

With the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Friday, we now have a critical moment of pause. My hope — and the hope of manufacturers across our state — is that this pause will force action in Washington. Congress and the President must now do what has too often felt impossible: work together immediately to establish a stable, long-term, rules-based framework for negotiating trade agreements with our allies. Our employers, their employees and our communities deserve a system that strengthens — not destabilizes — the American economy. Every day that passes before a long-term solution is established is another day of stalled economic growth.

As both an attorney and a former state legislator, I read the Supreme Court’s decision, including the majority, concurring and dissenting opinions. What I found was a thoughtful and rigorous examination of the law. Regardless of one’s view, the decision stands as the law of the land and must be respected as such.

However, this ruling is only one part of the larger picture. While it clarifies limits on emergency tariff authority, it does not resolve the broader uncertainties that manufacturers continue to face. If tariffs remain a negotiation tactic without a clear and consistent framework, Michigan businesses will still struggle to plan, invest, hire and grow.

Additionally, the Court’s decision addressed only the specific issues raised in the litigation before the Justices for consideration. Important questions remain — such as tariff refund procedures — which will need to follow both existing and newly established federal processes and agency guidance.

Despite the disruption of recent months, I remain hopeful. Manufacturers in Michigan are resilient, innovative and determined. With clarity from the Court and with focused, bipartisan leadership in Washington, we have an opportunity to secure a long-term trade framework that strengthens American manufacturing.

About the Author

John J Walsh John J. Walsh was named President & CEO in January 2020, leading a team of advocates dedicated to securing a prosperous future for Michigan manufacturers. Before taking on the role as MMA’s leader, John served as the State Budget Director for Michigan, Director of Strategic Policy for Governor Rick Snyder, three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and as an executive at Schoolcraft College.