CPTPP “makes a mockery” of sustainable trade goals

Today it has been announced that the UK Government has reached an agreement to join the trade bloc with countries on the other side of the world known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The news has increased concerns that the UK will come under increased pressure to align with the lower food standards and environmental protections of the bloc and make it more difficult for businesses to trade with the much closer EU market where standards are higher.

It has already been reported that the UK is preparing to remove tariffs on palm oil as the price for joining the CPTPP. Palm oil is a major driver of deforestation threatening endangered animals like orangutans.

It has also been highlighted that due to the increased costs and logistics involved in trading with countries so far away, joining the CPTPP is unlikely to compensate for the vast amount of trade lost between the UK and the EU after Brexit.

Caroline Lucas MP, member of the UK Trade and Business Commission, said: 

“When it comes to trade distance matters. Not only will joining this bloc fail to replace trade we have lost with our closest neighbours, stretching supply chains makes a mockery of our climate commitments and will undercut environmental and food standards in the UK.”