The Haitian textile sector faces significant challenges due to the global economic climate and socio political instability. Widespread gang activities in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince forced factories to halt operations for days or even weeks at a time. The closure of seaports and the main international airport in April and November 2024 further disrupted the transportation of raw materials and finished goods.

While at the start of 2024, Better Work Haiti listed 29 factories in its portfolio, only 22 factories remained operational by December 2024. Likewise, the estimated number of workers in the sector had fallen to 26,500—a loss of approximately 7,350 jobs compared to the previous synthesis report. According to trade reports published in November 2024, total annual exports were just under $600 million, a significant drop from approximately $824 million in 2023 — a decline of roughly 28% in export revenues.

The textile industry, which accounts for approximately 90% of Haiti’s national exports, is at a critical juncture. Revenue losses and job cuts are taking a severe toll on factory-dependent communities. Beyond global economic pressures, deteriorating security conditions in the metropolitan area have prompted an exodus of skilled personnel, particularly at the administrative and management levels, further straining factory operations.

Urgent stakeholder engagement and decisive intervention are essential to stabilizing the sector and preventing further economic decline.