H.R. 5209: Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Enhancement for Haitian Prosperity Act of 20… (119th Congress) Bill Summary

The bill titled the Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Enhancement for Haitian Prosperity Act of 2025 (HOPE for Haitian Prosperity Act of 2025) aims to modify and extend certain aspects of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) as they pertain to Haiti. Here’s a summary of the key components of the bill:

Eligibility Requirements

The bill makes changes to eligibility requirements for certain preferential trade treatments under CBERA. It specifies that any interested party can request a review of individual producers in Haiti concerning their compliance with core labor standards and local labor laws related to working conditions, minimum wages, and hours of work.

Technical Assistance and Compliance Program

The bill mandates an annual assessment of technical assistance needs aimed at improving compliance with labor standards. This assistance helps ensure that producers maintain acceptable working conditions. It also allows the President to suspend or limit preferential treatment while assistance is being provided.

Extension of Preferential Duty Treatment Program

The bill extends the preferential duty treatment for Haiti under CBERA, thereby allowing for the continued importation of certain goods from Haiti into the United States without tariffs. It also pushes for additional provisions to assure safe and healthy working environments for workers in Haiti.

Increasing and Diversifying Haitian Exports

The U.S. Trade Representative is tasked with providing technical assistance to Haitian entities to diversify their exports to the United States. The goals include:

Enhancing the competitiveness of Haitian firms.
Supporting trade institutions for a better business climate in Haiti.
Exploring and developing export opportunities under existing U.S. trade preference programs.

Priority areas for this assistance include improving the agricultural processing sector and the apparel industry, as well as providing institutional capacity building for both government and private sectors to improve exports.

Reporting and Coordination

The bill requires the President to submit reports to Congress detailing actions taken for technical assistance and the participatory process involving Haitian agencies, trade institutions, employers, workers, and labor unions.

Definitions

The bill defines terms related to its implementation, including the International Trade Center and trade support institutions that aid in enhancing Haiti’s export capabilities.