CPTPP ministers to advance expansion talks, launch Customs Working Group and deepen ASEAN-EU trade dialogues

Ministers also welcomed the progress on negotiations and cooperation aimed at updating and enhancing the CPTPP, following a decision taken in Melbourne last year.

Ministers and representatives of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) parties met virtually on 26 June 2026, reaffirming their commitment to an open, rules-based trading system and setting out next steps on accession, implementation, and cooperation.

The meeting brought together representatives from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the UK, and Vietnam. In a joint statement, the parties said the CPTPP should continue to support economic integration and prosperity at a time of growing pressure on the global trading system.

Accession progress for Costa Rica and Uruguay

Ministers noted the substantial conclusion of negotiations on Costa Rica’s accession to the CPTPP in May 2026 and confirmed their commitment to formalising the conclusion of the process as soon as possible.

They also welcomed progress in the Accession Working Group considering Uruguay’s accession. The group has been instructed to accelerate its work, with the aim of achieving substantive progress and reporting back at the next CPTPP Commission meeting.

Preparatory discussions with UAE, Philippines, and Indonesia

Following the November 2025 CPTPP Joint Ministerial Statement in Melbourne, ministers confirmed that the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and Indonesia had been identified as being in line with the Auckland Principles.

The parties have now decided to begin preparatory discussions with these selected economies. Senior officials have been instructed to take the necessary steps and report back to ministers.

The statement clarified that these preparatory discussions do not constitute, guarantee, or preclude the launch of a formal Accession Working Group. All CPTPP decisions, including those on accession, will continue to be taken by consensus among the parties.

Ministers had said they intend to meet again in 2026 to consider further accession-related decisions, where appropriate.

New ad hoc working group on rules of origin and customs cooperation

The parties also agreed to establish an ad-hoc working group focused on maintaining the integrity of CPTPP preferences and reducing risks linked to unfair trade practices, including circumvention and illegal transshipment. 

The working group will serve as a forum for experts to deepen cooperation on rules of origin, customs administration, and trade facilitation. It will also consider how existing CPTPP mechanisms can be used more effectively.

In addition, ministers welcomed a workshop to be hosted by Japan in July 2026 as part of concrete cooperation with the European Union and ASEAN.

Upgrading negotiations and cooperative activities

Ministers also welcomed the progress on negotiations and cooperation aimed at updating and enhancing the CPTPP, following the decision taken in Melbourne. Officials have been tasked with accelerating this work and reporting on progress at the next CPTPP Commission meeting.

Trade and investment dialogues with ASEAN and the EU

The statement also reaffirmed the parties’ support for Trade and Investment Dialogues between the CPTPP and ASEAN, and between the CPTPP and the European Union.

Ministers said they attach priority to both dialogues and welcomed officials’ work to advance technical discussions and deliver concrete outcomes. They added that any further initiatives, including future Trade and Investment Dialogues, will be carried out by consensus among CPTPP parties.

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