US Senate Votes to Extend AGOA and Haiti Trade Programs

The United States Senate has approved a two-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the Haiti HOPE/HELP trade preference programs, according to reports from News24 and Kohan Textile Journal.

Senate Votes to Extend AGOA Through December 2028

The legislative measure advanced through the Senate in a 90–6 vote as part of a continuing resolution, according to Kohan Textile Journal. If the House of Representatives approves the Senate version and President Donald Trump signs it into law, the programs will remain in effect until December 31, 2028. BusinessTech notes that the decision provides a significant win for South Africa, securing continued market access under the framework.

The extension aims to grant greater sourcing certainty for textile and apparel companies operating across designated regions. Both the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the Haiti HOPE/HELP programs previously expired on September 30, 2025, creating widespread uncertainty for apparel manufacturers, exporters, workers, and U.S. companies, as reported by Kohan Textile Journal. Although the programs were retroactively restored on February 3, 2026, that prior restoration lasted only 15 months. The newly approved timeline through late 2028 gives participating firms a longer planning window.

Industry Response and Impact on Trade Partnerships

The American Apparel & Footwear Association welcomed the Senate vote. Kohan Textile Journal reported that the group characterized this measure as a vital milestone for bringing back enhanced reliability to apparel and textile procurement alliances across Haiti and Sub-Saharan Africa.

This prolonged validity period is designed to safeguard existing supply and trade relationships while allowing sufficient space to craft a more dependable, long-term policy structure.

Kohan Textile Journal reports that the initiative has supported export-oriented apparel manufacturing and helped build commercial ties between U.S. buyers and continental producers. Similarly, the Haiti HOPE and HELP programs have supported Haiti’s garment sector and reinforced supply-chain connections for over 15 years.

Legislative Status and Next Steps

Despite the strong bipartisan support in the Senate, the legislation has not yet completed the full legislative process. Kohan Textile Journal notes that the House of Representatives must approve the Senate version before it reaches the president’s desk for signature. Industry stakeholders continue to press for swift action from the House to finalize the extension and avoid further disruptions to regional supply chains.