The Philippines’ efforts to broaden market access and strengthen its position in global trade have advanced, with members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) formally acknowledging Manila’s application to join the high-standard free trade pact. The development marks a significant milestone for the country, which submitted its application documents to New Zealand, the CPTPP’s depository, in August.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippines is seeking membership in the 12-economy bloc to secure wider market opportunities and provide greater resilience for domestic industries amid growing protectionist pressures. CPTPP members include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Viet Nam, and the United Kingdom.

In a joint statement issued after a ministerial meeting in Melbourne on November 21, CPTPP members confirmed that accession talks with the Philippines will begin in 2026, alongside negotiations for Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. Talks with Uruguay will commence immediately, while discussions with Costa Rica are targeted for conclusion before the end of the year.

Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, who chaired the meeting, emphasized that the commencement of an accession process “is not a guarantee of membership.” Applicants must first obtain unanimous approval from all CPTPP members before undergoing extensive negotiations and domestic policy reforms. The United Kingdom, the most recent entrant, underwent a nearly two-year negotiation process before securing accession.

Manila’s push to join the CPTPP comes as it seeks to boost exports, attract high-quality investments, and integrate more deeply with a network of dynamic and open economies. DTI Secretary Cristina Roque earlier underscored that expanding market access is critical to shielding exporters from rising global trade barriers, including reciprocal tariff measures imposed by the United States. Currently, most Philippine exports to the US face tariffs of around 19 percent, except for select products.

Export groups have echoed the government’s view. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said CPTPP accession could unlock new opportunities for businesses, drive job creation, and strengthen competitiveness. Meanwhile, the Philippine Exporters Confederation has noted that current export projections of 105 to 110 billion dollars fall short of government targets under the Philippine Development Plan and Export Development Plan.

Despite these challenges, recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show a 13-percent increase in merchandise exports in the first nine months of 2025, reaching 63.02 billion dollars.

As the Philippines prepares for the start of accession talks in 2026, government officials and industry groups are urging sustained momentum to ensure the country can fully leverage the benefits of entering one of the world’s most comprehensive and ambitious trade agreements.