Neal Statement on Itc Report on Impact of U.s. Preference Programs That Benefit Haiti
Press Release
Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement on the U.S. International Trade Commission's (Commission) report, U.S.-Haiti Trade: Impact of U.S. Preference Programs on Haiti's Economy and Workers. Earlier this year, Chairman Neal requested an investigation into the U.S. preference programs that benefit Haiti and the impact these programs have had on Haiti's economy and people. The United States is Haiti's largest trading partner, accounting for over 80 percent of its total exports in recent years. The U.S. preference programs have played an important role in strengthening the trading relationship between the two countries.
"Today's report will help inform the Ways and Means Committee's deliberations on how to improve U.S. preference programs that benefit Haiti," Chairman Neal said. "Haiti, historically, was an economic powerhouse in the region, and we want our preference programs to help increase the level of development in Haiti and the Caribbean at large. Creating more opportunity and benefits for workers and the people of Haiti, particularly as they face numerous challenges, is a priority for the Committee. I thank the Commission for conducting this investigation and delivering the report on time."
Chairman Neal's request follows Ways and Means Committee activity on U.S. trade relations with the Caribbean and reflects a deep commitment among members of the Committee to strengthen trade and investment relations with our neighbors in the Caribbean, especially Haiti.
U.S. trade preferences have contributed immensely to the development of Haiti's apparel sector, including by attracting investment despite the political and social challenges facing the nation. Historically, Haiti led the region in producing key products for global demand, including agricultural products and sporting goods. The USITC report helps to better understand the historical production and export trends in Haiti.
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