The British Embassy Manila announced on 30 June 2026 that CPTPP parties agreed to begin preparatory accession discussions with the Philippines, alongside Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. The decision was confirmed at the 10th CPTPP Commission Meeting held virtually on 26 June 2026.
The announcement concerns the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement the UK joined in 2024. CPTPP membership currently includes 12 economies across four continents, including Japan, Canada, Australia and the UK.
The UK said it has consistently supported the Philippines’ application to join CPTPP. The British Embassy Manila linked the milestone to wider UK-Philippines economic cooperation, including the 80th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
CPTPP Parties Begin Philippines Accession Discussions
CPTPP parties agreed to begin preparatory discussions on accession with the Philippines at the 10th CPTPP Commission Meeting. Ministers also confirmed that Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates would enter preparatory discussions.
The British Embassy Manila said the discussions are a milestone for the Philippines. The process is designed to support engagement between the Philippines and CPTPP parties on the agreement’s standards.
- Countries involved: The Philippines, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates were named for preparatory discussions.
- Meeting format: The 10th CPTPP Commission Meeting was held virtually on 26 June 2026.
- UK position: The UK welcomed the decision and said it has supported the Philippines’ application.
UK Welcomes Trade Milestone For Philippines
The UK said the decision could support stronger trade ties if the Philippines later completes the process and joins the agreement. The British Embassy Manila said possible outcomes include lower tariffs, simpler trading rules and stronger supply chains.
Preparatory discussions do not confirm future membership. They provide a route for CPTPP parties and the Philippines to examine standards and prepare for a possible future accession process.
CPTPP Role In UK Trade Policy
The British Embassy Manila described CPTPP as one of the world’s major free trade agreements. The agreement covers roughly 15% of global GDP and includes economies across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
The UK joined CPTPP in 2024. The embassy said the UK sees the agreement as an important forum for high-standard, rules-based trade.
CPTPP Trade Context Table
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory talks | Approved | CPTPP parties confirmed discussions. |
| Countries named | Three | Philippines, Indonesia and UAE. |
| Current members | 12 economies | British Embassy Manila figure. |
| Global GDP coverage | Roughly 15% | British Embassy Manila estimate. |
Preparatory Talks Do Not Guarantee Accession
The British Embassy Manila said preparatory discussions do not guarantee accession or the launch of formal negotiations. The talks are intended to improve engagement and understanding between the Philippines and CPTPP parties.
The process will focus on the agreement’s standards before any further decision is made. This keeps the development within the preparatory stage rather than treating it as membership approval.
- Process status: Preparatory discussions have been agreed, but formal accession negotiations have not been confirmed.
- Trade effect: Future accession could reduce tariffs and simplify rules for businesses.
- Policy setting: The UK connected the decision to its wider approach to expanding CPTPP reach.
UK Philippines Economic Ties Continue To Deepen
The British Embassy Manila said the CPTPP development comes as the UK and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic relations. The embassy said both countries have also deepened economic ties through the inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Committee in 2025.
That committee set out closer cooperation across infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and technology. Philippine exporters also benefit from the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which offers tariff-free access on 92% of products.
UK Philippines Trade Context
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Diplomatic relations | 80 years | British Embassy Manila reference. |
| JETCO | Started in 2025 | UK-Philippines trade cooperation. |
| DCTS access | 92% tariff-free | For Philippine exporters. |
| UK trade strategy | Published one year ago | Included CPTPP expansion focus. |
Stakeholder Comments
Rhiannon Harries, UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia) said;
“We’ve strongly supported the Philippines’ application. If the Philippines completes the process and joins the agreement, businesses in our countries would benefit from lower tariffs, simpler trading rules, and stronger supply chains.”
“These preparatory discussions could help lay the groundwork for the launch of a potential future accession process for the Philippines, which could open new opportunities for business, investment, and growth.”
Sarah Hulton OBE, British Ambassador to the Philippines said;
“We warmly welcome this important milestone. The UK looks forward to working together with CPTPP Parties and the Philippines through this process.”
The CPTPP decision moves the Philippines into preparatory accession discussions with parties to the agreement, alongside Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. The UK welcomed the step as part of wider trade cooperation with the Philippines, while noting that preparatory talks do not guarantee accession or formal negotiations. The next stage will focus on engagement around CPTPP standards.
Sources: British Embassy Manila.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
