CPTPP trade pact hopes to add Costa Rica by year’s end, begin Uruguay talks
Kyodo | 21 November 2025
CPTPP trade pact hopes to add Costa Rica by year’s end, begin Uruguay talks
The trans-Pacific free trade agreement including Japan and other countries hopes to add Costa Rica to its ranks by the end of the year and begin negotiations for Uruguay to join, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said after chairing a ministerial-level meeting of the group Friday.
The 12-member pact has seen growing interest from other countries seeking to join in recent years, amid global protectionist moves such as the United States’ aggressive tariff policies under President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting in Melbourne, Farrell announced "substantial progress" on Costa Rica’s membership application, expressing hope to finalize its accession process by the end of the year.
Uruguay, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines and Indonesia were identified as having met the criteria to join the pact, and negotiations on their accession would commence first with Uruguay, with the others to follow in 2026 if appropriate, according to Farrell.
"In an uncertain global trading environment, the CPTPP continues to provide stability, predictability and a high standard of rules that benefit businesses and communities across our region," Farrell said, referring to the agreement formally known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
On Thursday, CPTPP members also held inaugural investment dialogues with the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, involving discussions on World Trade Organization reform and potential cooperation in areas such as digital trade facilitation and supply chain resilience.
The CPTPP, which includes countries such as Japan, Australia, Canada and Singapore, took effect in 2018 following withdrawal of the United States in Trump’s first term. It added Britain as its 12th member in 2024, and also includes Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru and Vietnam.
