International
UK Officially Enters CPTPP, Strengthening Mexico’s Global Trade Links
As supply chains diversify worldwide, the agreement positions both countries for deeper commercial integration and duty-free trade growth.
The United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), following the ratification by Mexico, entered into force on June 22, 2026.
According to Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy and the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, trade and investment between both countries are expected to expand under this agreement, “resulting from the liberalization of goods and the accumulation of rules of origin.”
Currently, trade between Mexico and the United Kingdom is characterized by flows of high-value goods, machinery, industrial equipment, automobiles and auto parts. Under the CPTPP, industrial and agri-food products will be duty-free, allowing an increase in trade between both nations, noted the joint press release of the Secretariat of Economy and the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs.
In addition, through the rules of origin, this agreement can expand the participation of both countries in their respective value chains, and can also support the strengthening of sectors under the ‘Plan Mexico’ (reindustrialization plan), such as automotive, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals, through investment and technology transfer to increase production capacity.
The press release highlighted the importance to Mexico of the UK’s entry into force within the CPTPP at a time when the international context is “marked by the reconfiguration of supply chains and the search for more diversified markets.” This milestone strengthens Mexico’s position as a global trade and investment platform and “contributes to closer economic ties” with Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas “through a common framework of trade rules.”
Mexico and the UK enter into a “new sphere of economic cooperation,” through which they expect an expansion of trade and investment between both countries.
What is the CPTPP?
The CPTPP is an economic platform open to any ‘high-standard’ economy that meets its rigorous trade and regulatory standards, regardless of its geographical location. Currently it is formed by twelve countries from the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Europe, which are Mexico, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Peru, and now the United Kingdom.
Mexico is a founding member of the CPTPP, where the agreement has been in force since December 30, 2018.
The United Kingdom applied for membership following its exit (Brexit) from the European Union, seeking to expand its trade beyond Europe by prioritizing fast-growing markets in the Americas, Oceania, and Asia.
Image: Gemini AI
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