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U.S. Reauthorizes AGOA and Haiti HOPE and HELP Trade Programs

Trade Update • Feb. 9, 2026

Key Points

  • President signed H.R.7148 on February 3, 2026, extending AGOA, Haiti HOPE, and Haiti HELP programs through December 31, 2026.
  • Retroactive duty refunds allowed for ad valorem duties paid on eligible imports during program lapse (Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 3, 2026).
  • Importers may resume filing SPI “D” for AGOA benefits starting February 6, 2026, and quota claims for Haiti/AGOA programs starting February 9, 2026.
  • Refund requests and protests must be submitted by August 2, 2026; late filings will be denied.
  • Section 232, antidumping/countervailing duties, and merchandise processing fees are excluded from retroactive refunds.
U.S. flag over a cargo port with shipping containers, representing reauthorized AGOA and Haiti HOPE and HELP trade programs

P​​​resident Trump reauthorized the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Haiti Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE), and Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) programs through the end of 2026. According to a recent CBP guidance, the legislation permits retroactive refunds for ad valorem duties paid during the temporary lapse. Refund requests or protests must be submitted by August 2, 2026. AGOA benefits resume February 6, 2026, while Haiti HOPE/HELP quota claims resume February 9.

AGOA

  • AGOA textile goods are identified under HTSUS Chapter 98, subchapter XIX.
  • Twelve 98_numbers apply to eligible textile commodities (e.g., 9819.11.03, 9819.11.06, 9819.11.09).
  • Importers must use SPI “D” to claim preferential benefits.

HAITI HOPE/HELP

  • Preferential treatment applies to apparel, textiles, and wire harness under HTSUS 8544.42.9090.
  • Thirteen 98_numbers assigned to eligible Haiti textile commodities (e.g., 9820.42.05, 9820.61.25).
  • Haiti HOPE’s Earned Import Allowance Program (EIAP) requires certificates submitted electronically for qualifying fabric.

Retroactive Duty Refund Instructions

  • Refunds available only for ad valorem duties paid during the lapse (Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 3, 2026).
  • Post Summary Correction (PSC) or protest must clearly reference “Retroactive AGOA Duty Refund” or “Retroactive Haiti Duty Refund” and CSMS #67647279.
  • Refund requests for liquidated entries must be submitted via ACE DIS by August 2, 2026, using document labels AGOA_REFUND or HAITI_REFUND.
  • Quota entries are not retroactive, but excess ad valorem duties paid during the lapse will be refunded.

See Haiti HELP/HOPE and AGOA quotas for 2026.

Important Considerations

  • AD/CVD duties and Section 232 duties are excluded from preferential refunds.
  • Filers waiting for Department of Commerce exclusion IDs should submit a protest to reopen eligible liquidated lines.
  • CBP encourages electronic ACH refunds and provides DIS implementation guidance online.

Contacts

How GHY Can Help?

GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.

By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.

Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.

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