New Working Group to Strengthen Trade Rules and Customs Cooperation
The member countries of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) have reaffirmed their commitment to a free, fair and rules-based global trading system, while outlining further steps to expand the agreement and strengthen cooperation between member economies.
At a virtual ministerial meeting on 26 June 2026, ministers from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Viet Nam confirmed that work is continuing to grow the CPTPP and modernise its operation amid increasing challenges to global trade.
For New Zealand, a founding member of the CPTPP, the outcomes reinforce the country’s commitment to open markets and rules-based trade while supporting future opportunities for exporters through the agreement’s continued expansion.
Costa Rica and Uruguay move closer to accession
Ministers noted the substantial conclusion of negotiations for Costa Rica’s accession in May 2026 and confirmed work is underway to finalise the legal process required for the country to join the agreement.
Negotiations with Uruguay are also progressing, with officials instructed to accelerate discussions ahead of the next CPTPP Commission meeting.
Preparatory discussions to begin with three economies
The meeting also confirmed that preparatory discussions will commence with the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines and Indonesia after the three economies were found to align with the CPTPP’s Auckland Principles.
Ministers stressed that these discussions do not automatically lead to formal accession negotiations, with any future decision requiring consensus among existing CPTPP members.
Focus on trade integrity and modernisation
Alongside expansion, ministers agreed to establish an ad hoc working group to strengthen cooperation on rules of origin, customs administration and trade facilitation. The initiative aims to protect the integrity of CPTPP trading preferences while helping reduce illegal transshipment and other unfair trade practices.
The meeting further endorsed continued negotiations to update and enhance the agreement, with officials directed to accelerate that work and report back at the next Commission meeting.
Why it matters
The CPTPP remains one of the world’s most significant regional trade agreements, providing businesses with preferential access to key markets across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Continued expansion of the agreement, together with efforts to strengthen customs cooperation and modernise trade rules, has the potential to create additional opportunities for exporters, importers and businesses operating across international supply chains.
Businesses involved in international trade should continue to monitor developments as accession negotiations progress and updates to the agreement are considered.
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Source: Joint Ministerial Statement on Expansion, Implementation and Cooperation, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), 26 June 2026.