UK Joins £12 Trillion Indo-Pacific Trade Bloc, Expanding Trade Beyond Europe

Britain has formally signed a treaty to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the country's largest post-Brexit trade deal. The deal, which includes countries such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, and Singapore, will allow over 99% of current UK goods exported to CPTPP nations to be eligible for zero tariffs. However, the long-term impact on Britain's growth prospects remains uncertain, as the government's own estimates suggest a minimal increase in GDP. Nevertheless, the deal is seen as an opportunity to access a market of over 500 million people and drive export-led growth in critical sectors.