AAFA applauds renewal of Haiti Preference Programs

26 May '10

2 min read

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) applauded President Barack Obama for signing into law the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act of 2010. The HELP Act was introduced on April 28, 2010 in the House by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI), Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI), and Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), and in the Senate by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

“By signing the HELP Act last night, President Obama has opened the door for Haiti's recovery from the devastating earthquake that ravaged the nation just four months ago,” said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Because the apparel industry will be important to Haiti's overall recovery, renewing and expanding preferences for Haiti's apparel industry will bring needed certainty and predictability in recovery efforts. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to further support recovery efforts for the people of Haiti.”

The HELP Act of 2010 renews the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) and the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Engagement Acts of 2006 (HOPE Act) and 2008 (HOPE II) through 2020. The CBTPA was set to expire September 30, 2010, while key provisions of the HOPE legislation were set to expire at the end of next year. The signed legislation increases current tariff preference levels for certain knit and woven apparel products. While aiding Haiti through recovery, this law works to create a predictable and certain environment for the U.S. apparel and textile industry.

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