Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act
Summary
The Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act aims to extend duty-free treatment for imports from Haiti under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act until December 31, 2028. It modifies existing rules regarding applicable percentages and quantitative limitations on apparel articles. The Act also seeks to restore eligibility for preferential treatment to certain articles that became ineligible due to revisions in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Expected Effects
The Act will continue to provide economic benefits to Haiti by allowing duty-free access to the U.S. market for certain goods, particularly apparel. This extension aims to support Haiti's economic stability and development. It also retroactively applies these benefits to entries made after September 30, 2025, ensuring no disruption in trade benefits.
Potential Benefits
- Continued economic support for Haiti through preferential trade conditions.
- Restoration of eligibility for certain articles to receive duty-free treatment, boosting specific sectors.
- Retroactive application of benefits, preventing trade disruptions and financial losses.
- Potential for increased foreign investment in Haiti due to stable trade relations.
- Supports job creation in Haiti's export-oriented industries.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased competition for U.S. domestic industries, particularly apparel manufacturers.
- Possible dependence of Haiti on preferential trade arrangements rather than developing a diversified economy.
- Administrative burden on U.S. Customs and Border Protection to process retroactive claims.
- Risk of fraud or abuse in claiming preferential treatment.
- Limited direct benefits to the U.S. economy, primarily serving foreign policy goals.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. By establishing trade preferences for Haiti, the Act falls under this enumerated power. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any other constitutional provisions or individual rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).