The CPTPP is a free trade agreement involving 12 countries: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Several countries have expressed interest in joining CPTPP and the next potential member is Costa Rica.
CPTPP aims to reduce or eliminate tariffs on the vast majority of goods traded between member countries, fostering greater market access and economic integration. CPTPP is recognised as one of the world’s most progressive free trade agreements with ambitious provisions for digital trade, e-commerce, trade in services and protection of intellectual property.
The UK started negotiating its accession to CPTPP in June 2021 and substantially concluded negotiations in March 2023. On 16 July 2023, the UK signed the accession protocol to CPTPP. On 15 December 2024, the UK officially joined CPTPP as a Member.
As of 15 December 2024, CPTPP is in force between the UK and:
- Brunei
- Chile
- Japan
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Singapore
- Vietnam
From 24 December 2024, CPTPP is in force between the UK and Australia.
This means that the UK can access CPTPP provisions with said countries.
Canada and Mexico have yet to ratify the UK’s accession to CPTPP. The UK will be able to access CPTPP provisions with Canada and Mexico 60 days after they each ratify.
The CPTPP is a living agreement meaning that its members continuously seek to improve and update its operation. Additionally, the CPTPP is designed to expand through future accessions. On 28 November 2024, Ministers from CPTPP countries announced that CPTPP Members agreed to establish an Accession Working Group for Costa Rica.
CPTPP signatories boast dynamic economies representing making up a combined £12 trillion in GDP, representing almost 15% of global GDP1 (according to 2023 data).
Joining will strengthen international ties and economic relationships between the UK and the 11 other countries that make up CPTPP.
CPTPP Members benefit from:
- enhanced export opportunities, including lower tariffs on exported goods
- improved access to services markets
- more access to high-quality consumer goods
- easier investment opportunities
How can we help?
We offer practical support and expertise with our vast network of industry experts in the UK and around the world.
Our advisers can help:
- find the products or services you’re looking for,
- connect you with customers and suppliers,
- provide the latest market intelligence,
- and answer any questions to help you understand how to trade with the UK.
You can visit the different CPTPP market pages on this website to find practical advice on how to utilise the CPTPP, including on proving rules of origin, benefitting from zero tariffs and leveraging digital trade provisions. You will also find guidance on specific sectors such as food and drink, financial services and energy.
Access CPTPP tariff information using the check how to export goods online tool for ratified countries. For countries where we have bilateral trade agreements and CPTPP, the tool will also show the different tariff rates. The UK Integrated Online Tariff Tool also lets you check import duties and allows you to check the status of available tariff rate quotas.
Get support from the Export Support Service (ESS) team on how to do business abroad. You may also be eligible for 1-2-1 support from a local International Trade Adviser. Businesses in Wales can also access support from Business Wales.
Export Support Service – International Markets (ESS-IM) is DBT's overseas in-market export support service for SMEs with high-export potential. Our International Market Advisers provide tailored support and market introduction information to new and current UK exporters looking to enter or expand into new markets. The service may be accessed globally with International Markets teams in South Asia, China, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, North America and Latin America.
Benefits for CPTPP businesses in the UK
Business from CPTPP markets can benefit from selling goods or services, buying or investing in the UK through:
- access to the second-largest investment destination in the world
- an attractive market of 68 million consumers and the sixth largest economy globally
- leadership in innovation and R&D, with the UK’s commitment to world-leading R&D ranking us 4th in the Global Innovation Index 2022
- a business-friendly environment, as the UK is the ninth easiest place to do business in the world according to World Bank, with a single corporate tax rate of 19% and generous incentives for innovation
- a diverse pool of talent, the UK is home to four of the world’s top ten universities and a world-class pool of skilled workers
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