International Trade
UK Gains Full CPTPP Access: What Does This Mean for Exporters?
The UK’ s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership( CPTPP) is now fully in force across all 11 partner countries, following Canada’ s implementation on 1st September 2026.
This means UK businesses can now access the full range of CPTPP benefits across Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
Collectively, these markets represent an economy worth almost £ 13 trillion, creating significant opportunities for UK exporters looking to grow beyond traditional European markets.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
For many exporters, the headline benefit will be tariff reductions.
More than 99 % of current UK goods exports to CPTPP countries are expected to qualify for zero tariffs, helping UK products remain competitive and potentially reducing costs for overseas customers.
However, CPTPP offers far more than tariff savings. Businesses may also benefit from:
• Improved access for UK service providers.
• Greater opportunities to bid for public sector contracts.
• Enhanced digital trade and e-commerce provisions.
• Easier business travel and mobility arrangements.
• Access to wider regional supply chains.
• Reduced barriers when trading across multiple CPTPP markets.
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For businesses reviewing their international growth plans, CPTPP provides an opportunity to consider a wider export strategy covering both the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas.
CANADA NOW INCLUDED
Canada was the final CPTPP member country to bring the UK’ s accession into force, meaning UK businesses can now access CPTPP benefits across the entire bloc.
This is particularly relevant for companies already trading with Canada, as CPTPP sits alongside the existing UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement and may offer additional advantages depending on the nature of the trade.
For example, eligible UK business visitors can stay in Canada for up to six months under CPTPP provisions, compared to the previous 90-day limit that applied to certain categories of business visitors.
The agreement also opens access to a broader range of public procurement opportunities, including sectors that were not previously covered under existing arrangements.
Businesses trading with Canada should therefore review whether CPTPP offers more favourable conditions than those currently being used.
WHAT SHOULD EXPORTERS DO NOW?
If you are already exporting to CPTPP countries, now is a good opportunity to review whether you are making full use of the agreement’ s benefits.
Where reduced or zero tariffs are available, businesses should ensure they understand the relevant Rules of Origin requirements and confirm that their products meet the criteria before claiming preferential treatment.
This is particularly important for manufactured goods that incorporate components or materials sourced from multiple countries.
For businesses considering new export markets, CPTPP may help make certain opportunities more commercially attractive through lower duties, easier market access and improved trading conditions.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The UK’ s CPTPP membership is now fully operational across all 11 partner countries, giving UK businesses access to a large and diverse group of developed and fast-growing economies.
Whether you are already exporting to CPTPP markets or exploring new opportunities, now is the time to assess where the agreement could provide a competitive advantage and how those benefits can be incorporated into your export strategy.
Understanding the practical benefits and ensuring you meet the necessary compliance requirements could be the difference between simply accessing a market and successfully growing within it.
Need guidance on Rules of Origin, tariff preferences or whether CPTPP offers advantages over an existing Free Trade Agreement? Get in touch with the International Trade Team.