On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the U.S. Congress took a significant step toward renewing the HOPE II Act (Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement) and extending the HELP Act (Haiti Economic Lift Program), a preferential trade regime designed to stimulate Haiti’s textile and apparel industry.

This renewal enjoys bipartisan support and is part of a package of legislation being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee.

During the session, Jason Smith, the Committee Chairman, emphasized that this renewal is crucial not only for Haiti’s economic recovery but also for the strategic interests of the United States in the Western Hemisphere, stating, "A fair and mutually beneficial trade relationship with Haiti creates jobs and stability in a country marked by a long history of humanitarian crises. Haiti’s prosperity contributes to the security of the United States."

It is worth recalling that the HOPE Act and its subsequent extension, HELP, allow textile and apparel products manufactured in Haiti to enter the U.S. market with preferential tariffs, making this sector one of Haiti's main economic drivers.

HL/ HaitiLibre