LANSING, Mich. (July 15, 2021) — Today, the Michigan Senate approved Senate Resolution 74, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), to urge the removal of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) restrictions that prevent international maritime containers from being imported and exported at Michigan ports.
“The food and agriculture industry contributes more than $100 billion to the state economy annually, and manufacturing accounts for nearly 20% of the state’s annual total output,” Sen. Chang said. “As our economy works to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, this harmful restriction must be removed, and our ports ought to be treated like others in the nation. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Michigan Senate for recognizing this issue and agreeing to call for changes.”
Michigan has 3,000 miles of shoreline and the most commercial port terminals in the Great Lakes region. Cargo that cannot be unloaded in Michigan is taken to nearby ports, leading to high fees for businesses and creating hundreds of jobs in other states. In addition, Michigan’s environment and roads are harmed when international containers are moved to and from the state by truck, instead of by ship.
“Michigan’s ports are an economic engine for the entire Great Lakes Region, but the unequal application of standards puts the livelihoods of countless families and businesses that depend on our ports at risk,” said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Chair of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “I’m thankful to Senator Chang for her leadership on this important economic issue to help ensure Michigan ports can compete on a level playing field. As Chairman of the United States Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I will continue to work with her to ensure Michigan’s ports are treated fairly so our state remains a hub for international commerce.”
Since 2016, the U.S. CBP has restricted all international maritime containers entering Michigan. Clearance requirements have been imposed on Michigan ports, but not elsewhere in the country, unjustly and unfairly limiting Michigan businesses trying to participate in trade and the global marketplace. This limits the growth and activity of ports like those in Detroit or Monroe.
“The DWCPA applauds Senators Chang and Zorn for drawing attention to this critical issue that affects all Michigan ports,” said Kyle Burleson, Director of Port Operations at the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. “We look forward to working with state government leaders to expand opportunities for ports in Southeast Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes State, an important part of which is leveling the playing field for Michigan ports.”
The existing maritime restrictions on Michigan ports hamper trade efforts in addition to a shortage of shipping containers reported in March. Removal of the restrictions would help Michigan businesses recover losses sustained by the COVID-19 pandemic and increase maritime business internationally.
“The Port of Monroe is exceptionally grateful that Senators Chang and Zorn have taken the lead to ensure that Michigan remains the heart of competitiveness in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System,” said Paul C. LaMarre III, Port Director at Port of Monroe. “It is unconscionable that Michigan’s ports are restricted from handling the most commonly used form of freight movement in the world: containers. The senators’ call for equitable treatment and accountability should serve as a rallying cry to all Michigan legislators, both state and federal, that the ‘Great Lakes State’ needs to regain its maritime competitiveness.”
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