Industry News
AAFA Applauds House Passage of Three-Year Extension of AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Programs
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) celebrated the passage of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act and the AGOA Extension Act by the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The vote provides for a three-year retroactive extension of each program, which will restore critical trade preference programs that lapsed on September 30, 2025, if they are ultimately enacted into law.
Allowing these programs to lapse created immediate uncertainty and risk for sourcing operations across the fashion industry and for trading partners who rely on stable, long-term access to U.S. markets. Long-term retroactive renewal helps reset the partnerships and support the U.S. jobs anchored by these programs.
For 25 years, AGOA has provided eligible Sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access, strengthening American exports in textiles and agriculture and fostering a wide array of U.S.–Africa commercial partnerships. Likewise, for more than 15 years, the Haiti HOPE/HELP programs have supported both the U.S. and Haitian textile industries by granting Haiti duty-free access for apparel and textile products, building strong business ties between the two neighboring nations.
“Yesterday’s vote reflects bipartisan recognition that protecting the African and Haitian apparel and footwear industries strengthens the U.S. apparel and footwear industry, and its 3.6 million American workers, by opening markets for U.S. cotton and textile exports and advancing diversified sourcing goals,” said Beth Hughes, AAFA’s Vice President of Trade and Customs Policy. “These programs promote stable, transparent supply chains while expanding economic opportunity. We urge swift action as the bill now moves to the Senate.”
The AGOA initiative provides qualifying sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free entry to the U.S. market for over 1,800 products, in addition to more than 5,000 goods included under the Generalized System of Preferences. It sets strict eligibility requirements related to governance, anti-corruption measures, human rights, and market access. In 2024, 32 countries met the requirements to receive AGOA benefits.
The act is considered central to U.S. efforts to respond to economic activities by China and Russia in Africa. China has invested an estimated US$8bn to US$10bn in Africa, aiming to secure access to critical mineral resources, which account for about 30 percent of global supply.
AGOA’s renewal follows recent U.S. diplomatic efforts in Africa, including actions addressing stability between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the announcement of a strategic partnership agreement with the DRC on mineral development.
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The HOPE/HELP program provides trade preferences for textile and apparel products from Haiti.
Supporters argue that maintaining this access is important for stabilizing Haiti’s apparel sector amid ongoing political challenges and for addressing security concerns related to instability in a country located less than 700 miles from the U.S.
Renewal is also seen as consistent with American trade priorities focused on nearshoring and onshoring.
Both AGOA and HOPE/HELP had faced expiry, raising concerns among U.S. industries reliant on stable international sourcing. The House vote provides a three-year retroactive extension for both programs if enacted into law.
Supporters argue that maintaining this access is important for stabilizing Haiti’s apparel sector amid ongoing political challenges and for addressing security concerns related to instability in a country located less than 700 miles from the U.S.
Renewal is also seen as consistent with American trade priorities focused on nearshoring and onshoring.
Both AGOA and HOPE/HELP had faced expiry, raising concerns among U.S. industries reliant on stable international sourcing. The House vote provides a three-year retroactive extension for both programs if enacted into law.
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