Port-au-Prince (EFE).– Haiti’s fragile economy is facing another major challenge following United States President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on imports from Latin American countries, including Haiti.
The policy, designed to boost American manufacturing, could have severe consequences for Haiti’s textile industry, which araheavily relies on tax-free access to the US market through trade agreements such as HOPE (Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement) and HELP (Haitian Economic Lift Program).
For years, these agreements have provided economic relief, allowing Haiti to export textiles to the US without tariffs. In 2023, clothing exports made up more than 80% of Haiti’s total exports, sustaining thousands of jobs in a country where formal employment is scarce.
“Haiti’s economy depends entirely on exports to the US, especially in the textile sector. If companies face higher costs due to tariffs, they may relocate their factories to other countries with better trade conditions. That would mean the loss of thousands of jobs in Haiti,” warned Haitian economist Jean-Pierre Louis, who specializes in international trade.
Haiti’s Economic Outlook
Haiti’s situation has steadily worsened in recent years. The country has experienced six consecutive years of economic contraction, with GDP declining by 4.2% in 2024.
Although inflation dropped from 49.3% in early 2023 to 29.3% in 2024, the cost of living remains unaffordable for most Haitians.
The last report from Haiti’s Ministry of Economy highlighted that more than 60% of the population lives below the poverty line and that food insecurity reached record levels.
The textile sector, which accounts for about 90% of formal employment in Haiti and is dominated by US companies, is particularly vulnerable to the new tariffs.
“We urgently need international cooperation and internal reforms to stabilize the economy. The US tariffs will further complicate our recovery efforts,” Haiti’s Minister of Economy told EFE.
Haitian economic analyst Pierre-Emmanuel Charles explained how the tariffs could trigger a domino effect: “Textile workers spend their wages on local goods and services. If they lose their jobs, the entire economy will feel the impact, from street vendors to transportation services.”
Public Reaction, Protests Against Insecurity and the Economy
At the same time, Haiti is experiencing a surge in violence and political instability. In recent weeks, Haitians have taken to the streets to demand action against gang violence and the worsening economic crisis. Protests have spread across Port-au-Prince and other cities, fueled by rising food prices, fuel shortages, and the growing influence of armed groups.
“We are trapped between two crises: violence and economic collapse,” Marc Antoine Sinéus, a protester in the capital, told EFE. “With these tariffs, even more people will lose their jobs.
Marie Danielle, a textile factory worker in the northern city of Cap-Haïtien, expressed her fears: “I have been working in a clothing factory for eight years. If the Americans tax our clothes, companies will shut down, and we will be left without jobs. How will I feed my children?”
Economist Jean-Pierre Louis also warned about the impact of these new tariffs: “If the factories close, people will have no money to spend, and they won’t be able to buy from our local businesses. This will affect everyone, not just workers.”
Many Haitians see the tariffs as another blow to a country already struggling with political instability. “We have been abandoned,” said Claudette Auguste, a medical student. “The US claims to help Haiti, but this decision will only make our lives harder.”
Protests have escalated in recent days, with demonstrators blocking roads and burning tires. Authorities have responded harshly, using tear gas and, in some cases, live ammunition.
“We need to live… we need Port-au-Prince to function. We are not asking for much. I just want to survive. We need food for the poorest,” doctor in training François Victor told EFE, his voice breaking with frustration, expressing his discontent with the current transitional government, the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT).
Human rights organizations, such as the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights in Haiti (RNDDH), warn that the government’s inability to control gang violence, while cracking down on citizen protests and struggling to revive the economy, is pushing Haiti further into crisis. EFE
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