CARICOM urges urgent renewal of US HOPE and HELP Acts for Haiti

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government are calling for the swift renewal of the Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Acts, which grant duty-free access to certain Haitian-made textile and apparel products in the United States.

In a statement issued Tuesday, CARICOM leaders reaffirmed their strong support for the trade programmes, describing them as “vital to Haiti’s economic and social development” and essential for maintaining trade and investment ties between Haitian and U.S. businesses.

The Heads of Government warned that allowing the preferential trade framework to lapse would have serious consequences, including business disruptions, job losses, and a further decline in Haiti’s fragile economy.

“The loss of this preferential arrangement negatively impacts business continuity, investment, and employment in Haiti and exacerbates the worsening economic and social situation at a time when the people of Haiti require greater international support,” the statement read.

CARICOM is urging both the U.S. Administration and Congress to act swiftly to renew the legislation and restore the HOPE/HELP programmes, which the regional bloc says are critical for sustaining Haiti’s manufacturing sector and promoting long-term stability.