The United States is being urged to enhance its economic relationships with countries in the Pacific region through efforts such as establishing free trade agreements and extending duty-free treatment to imports from these nations. Congressman Ed Case of Hawaii has spotlighted the significance of strengthening economic diplomacy with Pacific island countries, especially in the context of heightened competition from China.
In response, Case has introduced a legislative bill called H.R. 6619, known as the Promoting Regional Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity and Economic Resilience in the Pacific (PROSPER) Act. This proposal is designed to provide preferential treatment to exports from Pacific nations, specifically to counteract China’s increasing influence in the region.
“The Pacific islands, scattered across the vast expanse of the ocean, are vital partners in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific while fostering mutual economic, security, and cultural ties among nations that share common values and aspirations,” Case stated. The legislation would offer duty-free treatment to various exports, including tuna, cane sugar, ginger, and taro, although it is still uncertain if kava, which is gaining popularity, will be included.
The introduction of the PROSPER Act aligns with the recommendations made by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s 2025 report. This report encouraged Congress to enhance economic assistance to Pacific nations, highlighting its importance for U.S. national security and the interests of allied countries.
Moreover, the bill aims to restore benefits that several Pacific Island nations enjoyed under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, which expired in 2020. The PROSPER Act intends to open negotiations for free trade agreements with Pacific island governments while establishing a dedicated trade facilitation and capacity-building initiative. This initiative aspires to promote inclusive economic development, generate sustainable job opportunities, and elevate living standards throughout the region, underlining the U.S. commitment to its Pacific partnerships.
This timing is crucial as Pacific nations focus on bolstering their economies and infrastructure, paving the way for a shared vision of prosperity and resilience for the future. Such initiatives reflect a positive outlook for enhanced cooperation and development in the Pacific.