CPTPP parties will begin preparatory discussions with the Philippines, Indonesia, and the UAE after a virtual commission meeting recently.
For apparel and textile exporters, any future Philippine accession could mean lower tariffs, simpler rules, and stronger supply-chain links.
The talks do not guarantee accession or formal negotiations.
For apparel and textile supply chains, any future Philippine entry would be relevant because the CPTPP accession could bring lower tariffs, simpler trading rules and stronger supply chains for businesses in participating countries.
The announcement was made at the 10th CPTPP Commission Meeting, held virtually last week, where ministers confirmed the start of preparatory discussions with the three economies. The CPTPP currently includes 12 economies across four continents, including Japan, Canada, Australia and the UK, and covers roughly 15 per cent of global gross domestic product.
UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia), Rhiannon Harries said the announcement builds on the CPTPP Joint Ministerial Statement from November 2025, which outlined CPTPP interest in the Philippines, Indonesia, and the UAE.
“We have 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,” she added.
Preparatory discussions, however, do not guarantee accession or the start of formal negotiations. They are intended to deepen engagement between the Philippines and CPTPP parties on the agreement’s standards, leaving sourcing and trade teams to monitor whether the process develops into a formal accession path.
British Ambassador to the Philippines, Sarah Hulton OBE, said: “We warmly welcome this important milestone. The UK looks forward to working together with CPTPP Parties and the Philippines through this process.”
Fibre2Fashion News Desk
