Capitol News

Shoppers in Michigan are reporting higher prices on a range of goods, which some attribute to tariffs supported by former GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers. Reports from Allegan and Detroit indicate that these tariffs are affecting the cost of both imported car parts and seasonal items like Halloween costumes.

In Allegan, FOX 17 reported on a shopper who was surprised by an unexpected $183 tariff fee after purchasing a car part online. The buyer, Ronald Grinnel, said he had not realized the item was coming from the Netherlands and was unaware of the additional charges until he received a bill from UPS. According to eBay, as of late August, all U.S. imports are now subject to applicable duties regardless of value; previously, items under $800 were exempt.

In Detroit, WDIV found that tariffs are contributing to higher prices for Halloween goods this year. Shoppers noted they are spending about $11 more on average compared to last year for costumes and decorations. One shopper stated, "We’re paying the cost for the tariffs, because the tax comes back to us, the people that are buying the stuff." According to the Alliance for American Manufacturing, most Halloween costumes sold in the U.S. are imported and thus affected by tariffs.

Despite these concerns from consumers, Mike Rogers has downplayed inflation linked to tariffs during his campaign. He claimed there was “no appreciative inflation” and argued that “working families [are] not paying more” due to these policies. At a recent event, Rogers was quoted as saying his tariffs are “worth the financial strife being put on the American people.”

Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Joey Hannum criticized Rogers’ stance: “The evidence is overwhelming: Mike Rogers’ tariffs are a tax on Michigan families,” Hannum said. “Whether it’s Halloween costumes, car parts, or everyday goods, Michiganders are paying the price for Price Hike Mike’s failed policies. Rogers’ refusal to acknowledge this reality shows he’s unfit to represent Michigan’s working families in the Senate.”

For further details on how shoppers have been impacted:

FOX 17 covered an Allegan resident's experience with unexpected import fees (https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/allegan/i-was-dumbfounded-allegan-man-shocked-by-ups-charge-after-ebay-purchase), highlighting changes in eBay's import duty policy.

WDIV examined how rising costs for Halloween items are linked in part to increased tariffs (https://www.clickondetroit.com/consumer/help-me-hank/2025/10/10/how-tariffs-are-impacting-halloween-costs/), citing data from both shoppers and industry experts.