The United States has been encouraged to pursue free trade agreements with countries in the Pacific region and to extend duty-free treatment to specific goods imported from these nations. Congressman Ed Case of Hawaii emphasized the importance of enhancing economic diplomacy with Pacific island countries to bolster U.S. influence in the area amid rising competition from China.
To this end, Case has introduced a bill to the House of Representatives known as H.R. 6619, or the Promoting Regional Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity and Economic Resilience in the Pacific (PROSPER) Act. The legislation aims to provide preferential treatment to Pacific exports, helping to counteract China’s growing presence in the region.
“The Pacific islands, spread across the vast Pacific Ocean, are key partners in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and strengthening mutual economic, security, and cultural ties across countries that share common values and goals,” Case remarked. Under the proposed plan, exports such as tuna, cane sugar, ginger, and taro could benefit from duty-free treatment, although it remains to be seen whether kava, an increasingly popular export, would qualify.
The introduction of the PROSPER Act aligns with recommendations from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s 2025 report, which urged Congress to enhance economic assistance to Pacific nations in order to support U.S. national security and the priorities of allied countries.
The bill seeks to revive the benefits previously enjoyed by several Pacific Island nations under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, which lapsed in 2020. The PROSPER Act would facilitate negotiations for free trade agreements with Pacific island governments and establish a dedicated trade facilitation and capacity-building program. This initiative aims to foster inclusive economic development, create sustainable job opportunities, and improve living standards throughout the region, highlighting the U.S. commitment to its partnerships in the Pacific.
The move comes at a critical time as countries in the region work toward strengthening their economies and infrastructure, ultimately promoting a shared vision for a prosperous future.