CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT URGES RENEWAL OF U.S. TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAM FOR HAITI AS PROGRAM NEARS EXPIRY

For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps

September 30, 2025 202-813-2793

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT URGES RENEWAL OF U.S. TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAM FOR HAITI AS PROGRAM NEARS EXPIRY

Washington, D.C.- Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following statement on the HOPE and HELP programs for Haiti, which are set to expire after today, September 30, 2025.

"I am deeply disappointed by the persistent inaction ahead of the expiration of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Programs, commonly known as HOPE/HELP.

"Haiti is experiencing a humanitarian, political, and economic crisis and needs both economic and political stability. The dire circumstances in Haiti require immediate action. The apparel sector is of incredible importance to Haiti's economy and presently is the foundation for the country's economic development. Given the cascading job losses and extreme security crisis, Haiti cannot afford to wait any longer for the reauthorization of this vital program. Companies will increasingly shift production away from Haiti unless it is clear that HOPE/HELP will continue. Haitian production and jobs would benefit from the certainty of longer-term trading access to the United States.

"HOPE/HELP is a trade preference program that boosts development for our allies with strong bipartisan support, and no domestic opposition. Haiti is an ally, one of the few countries in the Hemisphere that still recognizes Taiwan, and U.S. support for Haiti's apparel sector is mutually beneficial. Haitian apparel utilizes U.S. cotton and can play an essential role in further shifting supply chains out of China and to the Western Hemisphere.

"My legislation, the HOPE for Haitian Prosperity Act, would extend the period during which imports of certain Haitian-manufactured textile, apparel, and other goods produced in Haiti are eligible for duty-free treatment from 2025 to 2035, and contains provisions to authorize additional technical assistance and capacity building in Haiti to close utilization gaps in the program found by the International Trade Commission. This legislation currently has more support than any other renewal option introduced in the 119th Congress. It is my hope that this legislation creates the foundation for stronger bilateral economic ties, greater certainty for investors that these benefits will be there for Haiti over the long term, and the economic security that is needed for Haiti to rebuild from the ground up and emerge more prosperous and resilient.

"I urge Congress and the President to act immediately to save this program that has such an immense mutual benefit to the Haitian people and to the United States."

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