Exporting from Haiti-to-US

Haiti and the United States have a trade relationship that is governed by several trade arrangements. The main agreements that guide trade between the two countries are:

  1. Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI): The CBI is a unilateral trade preference program that was introduced in 1983 to promote economic development in the Caribbean region. Under this program, most goods produced in Haiti can be imported into the United States duty-free.

  2. Haiti Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE): HOPE is a preferential trade program that was introduced in 2006 to encourage economic development in Haiti. Under this program, certain textile and apparel products made in Haiti can be imported into the United States duty-free.

  3. HOPE II: This is an extension of the HOPE program, which was introduced in 2008. Under HOPE II, the duty-free treatment was extended to a broader range of textile and apparel products from Haiti.

  4. United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA): The CBTPA is a trade preference program that was introduced in 2000. Under this program, eligible countries in the Caribbean Basin, including Haiti, can export certain goods to the United States duty-free.

The benefits of these trade arrangements for Haiti include:

  1. Increased market access: These trade agreements provide duty-free access to the US market for many Haitian goods, which helps to increase exports and create jobs in Haiti.

  2. Increased investment: The preferential treatment under these trade agreements can encourage foreign investment in Haiti, particularly in the textile and apparel sector.

  3. Economic growth: The increased market access and investment can lead to overall economic growth in Haiti.

  4. Improved political stability: By promoting economic growth and creating jobs, these trade agreements can help to improve political stability in Haiti.

However, it is important to note that while these trade agreements provide many benefits for Haiti, there are also concerns about the potential negative effects of these agreements, such as the impact on local industries and workers, and the potential for exploitation by foreign investors.