South Korea's Lee says CPTPP entry unlikely in his term

· Trade · South Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Monday that the country would not be able to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership during his term. The remark tempers expectations that Seoul, a major US ally and tech exporter, will deepen ties with the 12-member Pacific trade bloc in the near term. South Korea has long weighed CPTPP membership alongside its existing trade network, but agricultural sensitivities and domestic politics have slowed the path.

Why it matters：One of Asia's biggest trading economies is stepping back from a key Pacific trade pact, a signal on regional integration momentum.

Key points

  • Lee spoke on Monday about CPTPP membership.
  • He said entry is unlikely during his term.
  • The CPTPP has 12 members.

Sources (original reporting)

More stories from this day