The United Kingdom (UK) has launched consultations to assess the potential benefits of a deeper trade relationship with the Philippines, following the start of preparatory talks for Manila’s potential accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

In a recent advisory, the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) invited stakeholders to submit feedback on issues and opportunities London should consider in strengthening ties with the Philippines.

The consultation, open through Sept. 14, will help define UK priorities ahead of Manila’s formal CPTPP accession process.

In June, CPTPP member states—including the UK—announced the start of preparatory discussions regarding the Philippines’ potential joining of the 12-nation bloc.

This followed a joint ministerial statement last November that identified the Philippines as one of four candidate countries compliant with the group’s rules and high-ambition market access commitments.

Although preparatory discussions do not guarantee formal negotiations or accession, they serve to deepen mutual understanding of the trade bloc’s rigorous standards.

CPTPP membership would grant the Philippines access to one of the world's most expansive trade networks, lowering tariffs and streamlining regulations across member nations.

The 12 current CPTPP parties are the UK, Japan, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. According to the British Embassy in Manila, member economies collectively represent roughly 15 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP).

UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia-Pacific Rhiannon Harries reiterated London’s strong backing for Manila’s bid.

“If the Philippines completes the process and joins the agreement, businesses in our countries would benefit from lower tariffs, simpler trading rules, and stronger supply chains,” Harries said.

According to DBT figures, bilateral trade in goods and services between the UK and the Philippines totaled £3.2 billion last year, making the Philippines the UK’s 59th-largest trading partner. UK exports to the Philippines stood at nearly £1.3 billion (0.1 percent of total UK exports), while imports from the Philippines reached approximately £1.9 billion (0.2 percent of total UK imports).

Currently, Philippine goods exported to the UK enter under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides tariff-free access for 92 percent of the country’s trade lines.

Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty noted that the Philippine government is awaiting further progress on its application.

“Let's see what will be the outcome of our preparatory talks,” Gepty told reporters.