Since coming into force in December 2018, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has grown to become the world’s fourth-largest free trade area by GDP. The grouping is made up of a diverse range of countries from around the world with interests in the Pacific, and is designed to promote trade liberalization and economic integration between member states.

Despite its considerable size and influence, the CPTPP is in fact a remnant of a larger proposed agreement: the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). A key initiative of the Barack Obama administration, the TPP was intended to boost trans-Pacific connectivity and reduce reliance on China. Though the grouping was thrown into disarray following U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal in 2017, the remaining members revived the agreement in 2018 as the CPTPP.

Initially composed of 11 members, the agreement grew to include the United Kingdom in May 2024. As of 2025, seven additional countries have submitted formal applications to join: Costa Rica, China, Taiwan, Ecuador, Uruguay, Ukraine and Indonesia. Of these, only Costa Rica has entered formal

accession negotiations. In order to be admitted, applicant countries must receive the support of all 12 member states.

This question will resolve positively if a major news outlet reports that two or more additional countries have successfully completed negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).