Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 29 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Friday, 5 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership: Costa Rica

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Costa Rica to join UK as member of £13 trillion in GDP global trade bloc, published on 7 May 2026, what estimate he has made of the potential impact of Costa Rica’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership to the level of bilateral trade between the UK and Costa Rica.

Answer: Bilateral trade with Costa Rica was £1.2 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2025, and accession to CPTPP can enhance our trading relationship through improved market access. This includes further liberalisation of Costa Rica’s professional services regime beyond any of their previous trade agreements, providing a more open market for UK professionals. This deal also presents an opportunity to boost goods exports: from day one, UK exporters will have duty-free access within a quota for cheese - with full elimination within 12 years - and duty-free access for confectionery and animal feed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4653
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Costa Rica Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk