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A New Push On Capitol Hill Could Give Michigan's Small Businesses More Backup In The Global Marketplace
Russ Survance
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:47:47 EST
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U.S. Senator Gary Peters is reviving bipartisan legislation aimed at cracking down on what he calls unfair trade tactics from overseas competitors - practices that can quietly squeeze local farms and manufacturers out of the market.
The proposal, known as the Self-Initiation Trade Enforcement Act, would create a dedicated team inside the U.S. Department of Commerce focused on spotting suspicious trade patterns - especially ones hurting small and mid-sized businesses.
Right now, companies that suspect unfair pricing or foreign government subsidies often have to bring complaints forward themselves. Peters says that's a tall order for smaller operations without the legal teams or financial muscle to take on international competitors.
One tactic frequently cited is "dumping" - when foreign producers sell goods at artificially low prices to undercut American-made products. Peters says Michigan industries - from cherry growers to beekeepers to auto parts suppliers - have felt the strain.
Although the Commerce Department already has the authority to launch investigations on its own, that power is rarely used. This bill would formalize a task force specifically tasked with flagging and pursuing those cases.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina and has backing from national cherry and honey producer groups.
Peters says the goal is simple: level the playing field so small businesses aren't left fighting global trade battles alone.
