Welcome to CPTPP.co.uk
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) presents a transformative opportunity for UK food and drink manufacturers to expand into high-growth markets with reduced trade barriers. As the first European member of this bloc, the UK gains preferential access to 11 dynamic economies across Asia-Pacific and the Americas, offering tariff elimination, simplified customs procedures, and a competitive edge over non-member exporters.
The key advantages for UK businesses, providing actionable insights on cost savings, market access, and long-term growth potential in CPTPP markets.
What is the CPTPP?
The CPTPP is a free trade agreement between 11 countries:
– Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile (Americas)
– Japan, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam (Asia)
– Australia, New Zealand (Oceania)
The UK’s accession in 2023 unlocks a combined market of £12 trillion GDP and over 500 million consumers, with significant benefits for food and drink exporters.
Key Advantages for UK Food & Drink Exporters
Tariff Elimination on Many Food and Drink Exports
One of the most immediate benefits of CPTPP membership is the phased elimination of tariffs on key UK exports. This makes British products more competitive in markets where import costs were previously prohibitive.
– Cheese & Dairy: Japan will eliminate tariffs on cheddar cheese (currently up to 29.8%) over 15 years, while Canada removes duties on UK chocolate (previously 5-8%).
– Meat & Seafood: Vietnam will reduce tariffs on UK pork from 15% to 0%, and Malaysia will scrap duties on salmon (previously 10-15%).
– Beverages: UK whisky exports already enjoy zero tariffs in Canada, Mexico, and Peru, with further reductions in Japan and Malaysia.
Reduced Trade Barriers for Agricultural and Processed Goods
CPTPP countries have agreed to minimize non-tariff barriers, such as restrictive quotas and complex licensing requirements. This means:
– Fewer export restrictions on UK meat, dairy, and processed foods.
– More predictable market access, reducing uncertainty for exporters.
Access to High-Growth Markets in the Asia-Pacific Region
Asia-Pacific is home to some of the fastest-growing consumer markets globally, with rising demand for premium, high-quality food and drink.
– Japan & Singapore: Strong appetite for UK whisky, cheese, and specialty snacks.
– Vietnam & Malaysia: Expanding middle class driving demand for British-branded tea, biscuits, and dairy.
– Mexico & Chile: Growing interest in UK confectionery and beverages.
Competitive Advantage Over Non-CPTPP Member Exporters
EU and US exporters face higher tariffs in CPTPP markets, giving UK businesses a pricing edge.
– Example: UK chocolate exporters to Canada now pay 0% tariff, while EU competitors still face 5-8%.
Simplified Customs Procedures for Faster Export Clearance
The CPTPP standardizes trade documentation and digital processes, reducing delays at borders. Benefits include:
– Faster clearance times for perishable goods like meat and dairy.
– Lower administrative costs due to streamlined paperwork.
Increased Export Opportunities for UK Dairy, Meat, and Beverages
With lower tariffs and fewer restrictions, UK producers can expand sales of:
– Dairy: Cheese, butter, and cream to Japan and Mexico.
– Meat: Pork, beef, and lamb to Vietnam and Canada.
– Beverages: Whisky, gin, and premium soft drinks across CPTPP markets.
Protection Against Arbitrary Trade Restrictions
The CPTPP includes legally binding dispute mechanisms, preventing sudden import bans or unfair technical barriers. This provides:
– More stable trade conditions for UK exporters.
– Greater confidence when entering new markets.
Potential for Increased Investment in UK Food Production
As demand grows, CPTPP investors may fund UK processing facilities, farms, and innovation projects, boosting domestic production capacity.
Stronger Supply Chain Integration with CPTPP Member Countries
UK manufacturers can source ingredients (e.g., Canadian wheat, New Zealand dairy) at lower costs while still qualifying for CPTPP tariff benefits under cumulation rules.
Recognition of UK Food Standards, Aiding Market Acceptance
CPTPP members acknowledge UK food safety and quality standards, reducing the need for costly reformulations or additional certifications.
Opportunity to Diversify Export Markets Beyond the EU
Reducing reliance on the EU, UK exporters can spread risk and tap into new revenue streams across Asia-Pacific and the Americas.
Easier Compliance with Unified Regional Trade Regulations
A single set of rules for CPTPP markets simplifies compliance, cutting costs for businesses selling to multiple countries.
How UK Businesses Can Prepare for CPTPP Exports
- Check Tariff Reductions: Use the UK Trade Tariff Tool to identify savings.
- Verify Rules of Origin: Ensure products meet CPTPP criteria for preferential rates.
- Engage Local Distributors: Partner with in-market experts to navigate regulations.
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Leverage Government Support: Access grants via Department for Business & Trade (DBT) (https://www.great.gov.uk/).
Additional Resources
Ready to explore CPTPP markets? Start planning your export strategy today!
Would you like further details on specific products or countries?
The entire export, shipping, warehousing & distribution process will be handled by Supply Chain Solution Ltd (Food & Drink Grade Logistics Specialists).
For any enquiries please email: trading@cptpp.co.uk
Global Trade news updates
- WTO issues updated compendium of WTO agreementsby WTO on December 8, 2025 at 12:00 am
An update of the WTO's legal compendium has been published bringing together all of the WTO's agreements into one volume. The book, titled The WTO Agreements: The Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization and its Annexes, includes for the first time the text of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which entered into force on 15 September 2025.
- Members review potential deliverables on special and differential treatment in MC14 run-upby WTO on December 5, 2025 at 12:00 am
At a meeting of the Committee on Trade and Development in Special Session (CTD SS) on 5 December, members considered two new G-90 proposals concerning implementation of special and differential treatment (S&DT) provisions in WTO's Agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). They also discussed a list of possible incentives to guide reporting under Article 66.2 of the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement and reviewed next steps in Committee work ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) and beyond.
- Conference marks milestone in initiative to support services trade in developing economiesby WTO on December 3, 2025 at 12:00 am
At the opening of the Trade in Services for Development (TS4D) Conference on 3-4 December, the WTO and World Bank highlighted progress in the initiative's efforts to help developing economies leverage services trade for growth and development. Emphasizing the importance of services trade for the future of trade, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: Our hope in organizing this conference is to open a new chapter in how we think about trade, development, and cooperation. She outlined the initiative’s key achievements and called for greater cooperation in future work.
- WTO, World Bank launch new tools to support developing economies on services tradeby WTO on December 3, 2025 at 12:00 am
At the Trade in Services for Development (TS4D) Conference on 3 and 4 December, the WTO Secretariat and the World Bank launched new analytical and capacity building tools to help developing economies harness the potential of services trade to drive economic growth. The new tools, accessible through an online platform unveiled at the conference, include a services trade competitiveness dashboard to help policymakers assess their economy's performance and the Handbook on Good Regulatory Practices, which includes a diagnostic and planning tool for regulatory reform.
- DDG Paugam highlights WTO’s role in promoting coherent global approaches to AIby WTO on December 2, 2025 at 12:00 am
At the International AI Standards Summit held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on 2-3 December, Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam emphasized the importance of the multilateral trading system in fostering trustworthy, interoperable and inclusive standards for artificial intelligence (AI).
- WTO members review five regional trade agreements, discuss transparency issuesby WTO on December 2, 2025 at 12:00 am
At a meeting of the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) on 2 December, WTO members reviewed five regional trade agreements involving China, Ecuador, Israel, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Türkiye, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also reviewed other topics relevant to the Committee's work under the Transparency Mechanism for RTAs.