DBT announces UK's official accession to CPTPP trade agreement
The Department for Business and Trade has announced that the UK has officially joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 15 December 2024. This accession is expected to boost the UK economy by £2bn annually in the long run, with benefits estimated for all UK nations and regions. The agreement introduces lower tariffs and fewer barriers for UK businesses trading with CPTPP countries, establishes new free trade deals with Malaysia and Brunei, and implements modern 'rules of origin' provisions for key sectors. The DBT also highlights potential reductions in consumer goods prices and easier export of services for UK firms to CPTPP markets.