The United Kingdom joined CPTPP on Monday following Mexico’s ratification, according to Mexico’s Ministries of Economy and Foreign Affairs.
As a result, Mexico and the United Kingdom will be able to benefit from the provisions of the agreement.
In parallel with this accession process, the two countries began negotiations in London in May 2022 to reach a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between them. However, these negotiations are currently suspended.
The CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) is an ambitious free trade agreement. It covers 30 chapters on goods and services, regulating everything from traditional trade disciplines to e-commerce. This agreement is between eleven countries across four geographic regions.
United Kingdom Joins CPTPP
In 2025, Mexico exported goods worth 3,797 million dollars to the United Kingdom. Conversely, the United Kingdom exported goods worth 2,443 million dollars to the Mexican market, according to data from the World Trade Organization (WTO).
As part of these bilateral trade flows, Mexico exported computers ($319 million), turbojets, turboprops, and other gas turbines ($235 million), automobiles ($190 million), and telephones ($138 million).
Conversely, the United Kingdom exported primarily certain alcoholic beverages ($180 million—mainly whiskeys). It also exported automobiles ($174 million), certain medications (78 million) and devices that use X-rays, alpha rays, gamma rays, or other ionizing radiation (56 million).
CPTPP consists of Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and, as of now, the United Kingdom.
High-Value Goods
Mexico is a founding member of CPTPP. The agreement has been in effect in our country since December 30, 2018.
“With the United Kingdom’s accession taking effect, both countries will be able to benefit from the provisions of the agreement, which will strengthen bilateral economic relations,” both ministries stated in a press release.
Currently, trade is characterized by flows of high-value-added goods such as machinery and industrial equipment. It also includes vehicles and auto parts.
“Under CPTPP, industrial and agri-food products will be duty-free between Mexico and the United Kingdom, which will allow for further expansion of our trade,” the two agencies added.
Furthermore, through the rules of origin accumulation, CPTPP can expand Mexico’s and the United Kingdom’s participation in their respective value chains.