South Korea postpones CPTPP application beyond 2026 amid farming and fishing concerns
In short
South Korea will not apply to join the CPTPP trade pact in 2026, according to Japanese reports citing the presidential office. President Lee Jae-myung directed officials to prioritise dialogue and trust with farmers and fishers concerned about accession.
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South Korea will postpone an application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership beyond 2026, Japanese outlets reported on October 8, citing the presidential office. President Lee Jae-myung instructed the relevant ministries not to submit an application this year as concerns among domestic farming and fishing interests prompted the government to seek greater agreement. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
Tokyo Shimbun reported that farmers and fishers had expressed concern about the possible effects of joining the pact. It said the president judged that sufficient consensus and trust were needed. Mainichi reported that Lee asked ministries to continue dialogue with farmers and other affected groups without setting a deadline, giving priority to rebuilding trust with the agricultural and fisheries sectors. [ 1 , 4 ]
The presidential office described membership as an option South Korea should examine amid rapid changes in the international trading order, according to Mainichi. At the same time, it said trade policy directly affects people's livelihoods and should be pursued on the basis of trust and understanding among farmers and fishers, particularly those facing difficult conditions. [ 4 ]
Mainichi said the administration had been examining membership ahead of a meeting of relevant ministers in November. It reported that Lee's government announced its intention to consider joining the Japan-led pact in September 2025. Membership had been expected to help diversify trade in South Korea, which the outlet described as heavily dependent on the United States and China. [ 4 ]
Nikkei reported that Lee conveyed the policy of not applying during 2026 to the relevant ministries at the October 6 cabinet meeting, with the presidential office making it public on October 8. Tokyo Shimbun's account dated the instruction to October 8. [ 1 , 3 ]
Why it matters
Mainichi reported that accession had been considered as a way to diversify trade for a country heavily dependent on the United States and China. The presidential office said trade policy must proceed with the trust and understanding of farmers and fishers facing difficult conditions.
Key facts
- South Korea's presidential office announced on October 8 that Lee had instructed officials not to apply for CPTPP membership this year. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- Concerns among farming and fishing interests contributed to the delay. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Lee asked ministries to continue dialogue with farmers and others without setting a deadline, Mainichi reported. [ 4 ]
- The administration had been considering accession ahead of a ministerial meeting in November, according to Mainichi. [ 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The reports differ on when Lee issued the instruction. Nikkei dates the communication to the October 6 cabinet meeting, while Tokyo Shimbun dates the instruction to October 8.
- A future application date has not been set in the supplied reports. Mainichi says Lee requested continued dialogue without a deadline.