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This potential benefit list from CPTPP is not the longest and is still misleading. Those Malaysian whisky tariffs - emilimated over 15 years (if they don't seek any specific exemption for UK). Those rules of origin benefits? Only apply to import / export to CPTPP countries. https://twitter.com/trussliz/status/1355782120833212417
Here's my more realistic take on CPTPP. Economic gains limited, but politically in terms of trade this makes some sort of sense, these are likely allies. DIT doesn't say this, presumably the idea of Australia or Canada as our equal upsets them. https://twitter.com/DavidHenigUK/status/1355636479792467968
As previously noted agriculture interests in Australia and New Zealand expect us to reach generous agreements in WTO talks and bilaterals before acceding to CPTPP. So this isn't a definite. Oh and Australia wants to know if we'll allow hormone treated beef https://beeflambnz.com/news-views/uk-decision-apply-cptpp-membership-welcome
Ultimately trade deals are political, and the UK really wants CPTPP as part of the pivot to indo-pacific, and some adherents also hope it forces us to change food laws without having to do it in a US deal (isn't certain if this is the case or not).
If we can accede to CPTPP without having to make changes to domestic laws it is fine. Just shouldn't be our priority, as it does little for services, is geographically remote, and hardly cutting edge on issues like climate change or animal welfare.
One more thing occurs to me worth asking about the CPTPP - what rights members new or foundation have over changes to text, membership, disputes etc. Some will already be set, but think that isn't all completely settled.
Still no such thing as a free lunch in trade policy. So always have to ask for the terms and conditions before confirming if something is a good deal. Which we need to do a lot more in the UK. What do CPTPP members want from the UK?
But do think we shouldn't see CPTPP as an EU substitute. Different type of arrangement, different rationale for accession or not. Judge it on its own merits. On which far too soon to be sure.
Incidentally for all those asking, yes they drink alcohol in Malaysia. But no certainty it will in the future be Scotch. https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2020/06/16/Bad-news-for-booze-Malaysia-mulls-alcohol-rules-overhaul-as-industry-battles-COVID-19-impact
