AAFA Praises Introduction of Legislation to Renew Vital Haiti HOPE/HELP Trade Program

February 27, 2025 | WASHINGTON, D.C. The American Apparel & Footwear Association released the following statement following introduction of legislation in the House and the Senate (H.R.1625 | S.742) that will renew the Haiti HOPE/HELP trade program for ten years. 

"We ask Congress to immediately take up and pass this measure, and for President Trump to quickly sign it into law, to provide predictability for U.S. brands and retailers still trying to do business in Haiti amidst uncertainty with a looming September 2025 expiration,” said AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar. “Over the past 25 years, Congress has consistently encouraged our industry to remain invested in Haiti to economically stabilize our island neighbor and limit illegal migratory pressures by providing good, well-paying jobs in the country. The need for this continued Congressional commitment and partnership remains as important as ever. Thank you to Representatives Greg Murphy (R-NC), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Maria Salazar (R-FL), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL) as well as Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Dirk Durbin (D-IL), and Rick Scott (R-FL) for their leadership in introducing this key measure and keeping this issue at the top of the agenda.”

“This renewal is urgently needed to help combat the crisis that continues to unfold in Haiti,” said Beth Hughes, AAFA vice president of trade and customs policy. “Delays in renewing the program, coupled with acute security concerns, have already contributed to the loss of nearly 2/3 of the 60,000 Haitian textile and apparel jobs that existed just two years ago. More of those jobs will be lost in the coming months if Congress fails to act soon.” 

AAFA has been a longtime supporter of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Acts. This measure provides duty free access for Haitian-made apparel to the U.S. market, which in turn support U.S. jobs in the textile and apparel industry. Find more about this program in letters sent to Congressional leadership in September and April last year. A multi-association letter sent in November 2024 outlines key priorities across trade preference programs including AGOA and GSP. AAFA continues to advocate for a 16-year AGOA renewal and retroactive renewal of GSP.