In a significant bipartisan move, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee has initiated proceedings to renew critical trade legislation supporting Haiti’s economic stability. On December 10, 2025, lawmakers advanced discussions regarding the extension of both the HOPE II Act (Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement) and the HELP Act (Haiti Economic Lift Program). These preferential trade agreements have served as fundamental pillars for Haiti’s textile and apparel industry, providing tariff advantages for exports to the United States.
Committee Chairman Jason Smith articulated the strategic importance of these programs, emphasizing their dual benefit for both nations. “Establishing equitable and mutually advantageous trade relations with Haiti generates employment opportunities and fosters stability in a nation historically challenged by humanitarian emergencies,” Smith stated during the session. “Haiti’s economic prosperity directly correlates with enhanced security outcomes for the United States within the Western Hemisphere.”
The legislative package under consideration represents a continuation of trade policies initially established through the original HOPE Act. These measures have effectively positioned Haiti’s manufacturing sector as a primary driver of economic activity by enabling competitively priced access to the vast U.S. market. The renewal process demonstrates continued American commitment to supporting sustainable development in Haiti through structured economic partnership rather than direct aid.
Industry analysts note that the textile and apparel sector accounts for approximately 90% of Haiti’s exports to the United States, making these trade preferences essential for maintaining economic stability. The bipartisan support for the renewal indicates recognition across political divides that economic development in Haiti aligns with broader regional security and diplomatic objectives.