US Congress Votes to Renew HOPE/HELP Trade Program for Haiti Through 2028

The US Senate and House of Representatives have voted to renew Haiti's HOPE/HELP trade laws for two years, extending the programs until December 31, 2028, according to Le Nouvelliste. The renewal was inserted into a broader legislative package that President Donald Trump must sign into law before it takes effect. Le Nouvelliste reports that once promulgated, the measure will provide what industry actors describe as a 'breath of oxygen' for Haiti's textile subcontracting sector. Several sector stakeholders, expressing gratitude toward the United States, said the extension offers greater predictability for buyers and the possibility of preserving the sector's 22,000 jobs. The news had been awaited for months. Efforts to secure a longer renewal — reportedly of around ten years — are expected to continue, according to the outlet. Le Nouvelliste noted that the legislative process in the United States is complex, requiring lawmakers to bundle diverse provisions into a single package. Spanish-language outlets Acento and El Caribe, along with English-language coverage, reported that the US Chamber of Commerce and AmChamDR welcomed the congressional extension of the AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP programs. Le Nouvelliste's editorial raised the question of whether Haiti, amid its current challenges, will be able to fully benefit from the renewed preferences.