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Congress·Passed House·about 2 months ago

House Passes Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act, Extending Duty-Free Trade Benefits Through 2028

Also known as: Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
✓ Review
✓ House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Federal Employee
Neutral

Key Points

  • This bill keeps lower (often zero) import taxes for certain products made in Haiti, mainly clothing, through Dec. 31, 2028.
  • It sets a cap so the Haiti clothing benefit can’t exceed about 1.25% of all clothing imported into the U.S. over the latest year measured.
  • It tells the President to fix the U.S. tariff rulebook so some Haiti-made items that lost the benefit due to rule changes can qualify again.
  • It makes the changes apply back to shipments from Haiti that came in after Sept. 30, 2025, but before the law is signed, if companies file within 180 days.
  • For everyday shoppers, this could help keep prices a bit lower on some Haiti-made clothing, but U.S. clothing makers may face more competition.
TradeEconomySmall BusinessLabor Employment

Milestones

3 milestones6 actions
Dec 30, 2025House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 364.

Dec 30, 2025House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-418.

Dec 10, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 41 - 0.

Dec 10, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Dec 9, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

2028-12-31

Duty-free treatment for qualifying imports from Haiti continues until December 31, 2028

Importers can keep bringing in qualifying Haiti-made goods without certain import taxes for a longer period, which can support steady supply and pricing decisions.

After the act is enacted; takes effect at least 2 business days after the required report is sent to Congress

Trump issues a proclamation to restore duty-free eligibility for certain items that lost it due to tariff list revisions

Some goods from Haiti that stopped qualifying in past years could start qualifying again, which may expand which shipments get duty-free treatment.

Within 180 days after the act is enacted

Importers file requests to re-process eligible entries made between Sept. 30, 2025 and the law’s start date

Businesses that paid import taxes during that window may be able to claim refunds, but only if they file within the deadline and provide enough entry details.

Within 90 days after liquidation or reliquidation of an entry

Refunds are paid after Customs re-processes an entry

If a refund is approved, payment must be made within 90 days after the re-processing, helping businesses get cash back, but without any added interest.

Vote Results

1 vote
HousePassedProceduralJan 12, 2026

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

345
45
Democrat
199 – 0 · 14
Republican
146 – 45 · 27
View full roll call

Related News

2 articles
Just Style·26 days ago

AAFA applauds AGOA Extension Act, Haiti Lift Program enaction

The US apparel sector welcomed the enactment of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act, providing a retroactive extension for the program that lapsed in September 2025. The industry noted that the renewal is critical for stabilizing Haiti's apparel sector and supporting U.S. jobs.

C+
HaitiLibre·5 months ago

Haiti - FLASH : HOPE/HELP Law between optimism and concern in the Haitian textile sector

The expiration of the HOPE/HELP acts in September 2025 caused alarm in Haiti's textile industry, which represents 90% of the country's exports. While the House move to extend the program through 2028 offers hope, industry leaders warn that security crises continue to threaten factory operations.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act

Bill NumberHR 6504
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.