China: Nexus of Agricultural Trade and China's CPTPP Interests

On September 16, 2021 China applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Although faced with institutional obstacles for joining the CPTPP, China-based experts have noted that accession to the CPTPP could quicken economic development and trade liberalization by meeting the agreement's high-standards and progressive requirements. The immediate impact of CPTPP membership for China's agricultural trade is expected to be minimal. China has already reached free trade agreements (FTA) or regional trade agreements with 9 of the 11 CPTPP members. China would be required to negotiate with each of the member countries and obtain consent to join the CPTPP. Mexico and Canada are the only CPTPP with which China does not have an existing regional or bilateral free trade agreement. This report includes perspectives of China-based subject matter experts on the CPTPP and looks at existing agricultural trade flows.