The proposed renewal would extend AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP through December 31, 2028, providing greater sourcing certainty for textile and apparel companies.
The US Senate has approved a two-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Haiti HOPE/HELP trade preference programs with strong bipartisan support.
The extensions were included in a continuing resolution approved by the Senate in a 90–6 vote. If passed by the House of Representatives and signed by President Donald Trump, the programs will remain in effect until December 31, 2028.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) welcomed the vote, describing it as an important step toward restoring greater stability to textile and apparel sourcing partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti.
Trade Programs Previously Lapsed in 2025
AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP expired on September 30, 2025, creating uncertainty for apparel manufacturers, exporters, workers and US companies sourcing from the beneficiary countries.
The programs were retroactively restored on February 3, 2026, but only for 15 months. The latest Senate-approved measure would provide a longer extension and allow participating companies to plan production and sourcing activities through the end of 2028.
However, the legislation has not yet completed the full legislative process. The House must approve the Senate version before it can be presented to the president for signature.
AGOA Supports US–Africa Textile Trade
For more than 25 years, AGOA has provided eligible Sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for qualifying products.
The program has played an important role in the development of export-oriented textile and apparel manufacturing in several African countries. It has also helped create commercial relationships between US buyers and manufacturers across the continent.
Duty-free access under AGOA supports the competitiveness of African apparel-producing countries, particularly when competing against larger Asian sourcing destinations.
A longer extension would provide greater confidence for manufacturers considering investments in machinery, production capacity, workforce training and sustainable manufacturing.
Read More: US Formally Implements AGOA Extension Through End of 2026, Restoring Trade Certainty for African ExportersÂ
Haiti HOPE/HELP Supports Apparel Manufacturing
The Haiti HOPE and HELP programs grant qualifying Haitian apparel and textile products preferential access to the US market.
For more than 15 years, the initiatives have supported the development of Haiti’s garment industry while strengthening supply-chain connections with US textile and apparel companies.
The programs are especially important for employment and export activity in Haiti, where apparel manufacturing represents a significant component of the formal industrial economy.
AAFA Calls for Swift House Approval
AAFA Vice President of Trade and Customs Policy Beth Hughes said the extension would help stabilise established trade and sourcing partnerships while providing time to develop a more predictable long-term framework.
The association urged the House to approve the measure promptly and called on the president to sign it into law without delay.
AAFA has repeatedly advocated for the continuation of both programs, including through testimony submitted to the Office of the US Trade Representative regarding AGOA eligibility and renewal.
Textile Industry Seeks Long-Term Certainty
Although the proposed extension has received strong industry support, textile and apparel stakeholders continue to call for a longer-term renewal.
Short extensions can make it difficult for manufacturers and buyers to plan investments, negotiate sourcing agreements and expand production capacity. Textile projects often require several years to finance, construct and bring into full commercial operation.
A predictable trade framework is therefore considered essential for strengthening industrial employment in Africa and Haiti while encouraging US companies to maintain and expand regional sourcing partnerships.
The Senate vote represents an important step, but the future of the programs now depends on action by the House and final presidential approval.
