Philippines advances CPTPP accession talks as UK backs trade expansion

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Philippines CPTPP accession talks

Highlights

On 26 June 2026, CPTPP parties agreed to begin preparatory accession talks with the Philippines, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, signaling deeper trade engagement.
The UK, a CPTPP member from 2024, continues to support the Philippines’ application, highlighting potential for lower tariffs, simpler rules, and strengthened supply chains if accession succeeds.
Philippine exporters already benefit from tariff-free access on 92% of products under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, intensifying economic cooperation as both countries mark 80 years of diplomatic relations.

Preparatory talks open path to accession

As reported by GOV.UK, CPTPP parties agreed at their virtual commission meeting on 26 June 2026 to begin preparatory discussions on accession with the Philippines, alongside Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. The move does not guarantee formal negotiations or membership, but it is designed to deepen engagement with candidate economies and improve understanding of the pact’s standards.

The UK, which joined CPTPP in 2024, says it has consistently supported the Philippines’ application. UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, Rhiannon Harries, says the decision builds on the CPTPP Joint Ministerial Statement from November 2025 and could eventually deliver lower tariffs, simpler trading rules and stronger supply chains if the Philippines completes the process and joins the agreement.

CPTPP currently includes 12 economies across four continents and covers roughly 15% of global GDP. For the Philippines, entry into the pact would potentially expand market access across a broad rules-based trade network and streamline trading regulations in multiple markets.

UK-Philippines economic ties gain momentum

The latest trade development comes as the UK and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic relations this year. British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton OBE says the UK welcomes the milestone and looks forward to working with both CPTPP parties and the Philippines through the process.

London is also deepening bilateral economic cooperation through the inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Committee launched in 2025, covering infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and technology. Philippine exporters already receive tariff-free access on 92% of products under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, giving the broader trade relationship additional commercial weight.

The announcement also aligns with the UK’s Trade Strategy published a year earlier, which sets out plans to deepen and widen CPTPP engagement. For businesses, the start of preparatory discussions signals potential longer-term opportunities in investment, supply chains and regional trade integration, even as the accession process remains at an early stage.

Our earlier article on the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s proposed app-store reforms explained how the watchdog plans to loosen restrictions that limit developers from steering users to alternative payment methods outside Apple and Google’s platforms. It also outlined potential steps to broaden access to Apple’s NFC technology, which could open up more competition in contactless payments and reduce fees for developers and consumers.

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