An alliance of American apparel and retail associations is advocating for the immediate and sustainable extension of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Acts, aiming to avert the relocation of fashion factories and buyers from the area.
In a joint communication addressed to the US government, the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), National Retail Federation (NRF), Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), and Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) have penned a letter urging for the “prompt and enduring” renewal of the HOPE/HELP Acts, which are set to expire in 2025.
The trade preference programs provide duty-free access to specific apparel items from Haiti, and the letter emphasises that renewing them will ensure stability for businesses and employees in Haiti’s garment industry.
According to a report by the US International Trade Commission, the value of US apparel imports from Haiti rose by 2.1 per cent to US US $ 866.7 million in 2017. Importantly, imports under the HOPE/HELP Acts experienced a significant increase of 7.9 per cent, reaching US US $ 577 million.
Lastly, the letter highlights that the Administration firmly backs the renewal of the program and has recently urged the US Congress to take necessary action. It emphasises the significance of providing certainty to producers, investors, business partners, and the workers who are essential to the Haitian garment sector by ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the HOPE/HELP program during this crucial period.
