CPTPP: Potential accession of the U.K. and other economies

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), composed of 11 nations, has started the United Kingdom's ascension process into this Trans-Pacific trade agreement. On February 1, 2021, the U.K. has requested to join this agreement as per the accession process established on January 19, 2019, at the inaugural CPTPP Commission meeting in Tokyo. Thus, senior officials will establish a working-level group to negotiate the accession terms and conditions.

Last week, the Canadian government launched a consultation on FTA negotiations with the United Kingdom and its possible accession to the CPTPP; CCA has been actively engaged on the topic of trade with the U.K., recently presenting to the House Trade Committee. CCA will submit further formal comments through this consultation process.

CPTPP members have welcomed the interest of new economies in the CPTPP, seeing it as an opportunity to reinforce the rules-based trade system, broaden the geographical reach, and increase the regional trade agreement's gross domestic product (GDP). Such development revigorated interest from others such as China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand in joining. The accession of potential members such as South Korea would open the door for additional beef tariff reductions putting Canada's beef producers on equal footing with competitors such as Australia and the United States.

Regarding accession, CCA recommends prudence in ensuring avoidance of non-tariff barriers related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures. Such barriers impede market access and add extra costs, time, and risk to trade. Canada should leverage the accession process to achieve regulatory convergence and promote trade-facilitative approaches toward implementing International Animal Health Organization's recommendations for BSE Controlled Risk Countries. This is especially true for countries such as Taiwan, Thailand, and South Korea, which have yet to grant full access for Canadian beef consistent with OIE recommendations for BSE Controlled Risk countries.

CCA will continue to work with the Government of Canada to address trade limitations with our trading partners.