Costa Rica Nears CPTPP Membership as Trade Ministers Advance Accession Talks

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay welcomed progress on Costa Rica’s accession to the CPTPP, with ministers planning to announce substantial conclusions before year-end, making Costa Rica the second economy to join after the UK. Accession processes will also begin with Uruguay this year and with Indonesia, the Philippines, and the UAE in 2026, while discussions continue with other aspirant countries to meet the Auckland Principles. Additionally, inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogues with the EU and ASEAN were held to strengthen cooperation on digital trade, supply chain resilience, and support for WTO reform, emphasizing the importance of upholding international trade rules.