Politics · South Korea · 9 hrs ago
Lee says South Korea's CPTPP entry is likely, but not during his term
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said joining the CPTPP is unavoidable for the country, despite opposition from farmers and fishermen.
The CPTPP is a trade agreement among 12 countries in the Indo-Pacific, and South Korea has not joined.
Lee said membership could help expand South Korea's export markets, but opening the market could expose farmers and fishing industries to cheaper imports.
Earlier this month, he told the government not to apply this year so it could consult affected groups.
Lee called agriculture and fisheries strategic industries vital to national security and said the government must prepare measures to prevent unfair harm.
Joining requires approval from all 12 members and could involve lengthy negotiations.
Lee said an agreement is unlikely during his term, which runs until June 2030.
President Lee Jae Myung said South Korea’s entry into the CPTPP would be unavoidable, but is unlikely to be completed during his term.
Lee said South Korea would need permission from all 12 member countries to join the trade pact.
He said the government would consult farmers and fishermen before applying, after ordering ministers earlier this month not to pursue an application this year.
The pact could boost South Korea’s exports, but opening markets to cheaper imports could hurt agriculture and fisheries.
Lee said the government would need to develop measures to protect those sectors.
- Who
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, speaking to representatives from agricultural, fisheries, forestry and livestock industries.
- What
- Lee said CPTPP membership was unavoidable but unlikely to be completed during his term.
- When
- Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.
- Where
- A meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul.
- Why
- Lee said expanding export markets was important for South Korea, which relies on trade, while acknowledging the potential impact on farmers and fishermen.
South Korean government under Lee Jae Myung
Farmers and fishermen opposed to CPTPP entry
Potential impact
South Korean government under Lee Jae Myung
Lee said CPTPP membership could help boost South Korea’s exports.
Farmers and fishermen opposed to CPTPP entry
Farmers and fishermen are concerned that market opening could expose them to cheaper imports and cause harm to their sectors.
Next steps
South Korean government under Lee Jae Myung
Lee said entry was unavoidable in the long term, but the government would consult affected sectors and develop complementary measures.
Farmers and fishermen opposed to CPTPP entry
Farmers and fishermen opposed South Korea’s entry, and Lee said he had ordered ministers not to apply this year.
The CPTPP came into force, replacing the Trans-Pacific Partnership after the United States withdrew.
Lee instructed ministers not to pursue a South Korean application this year and pledged consultations with farmers and fishermen.
Lee said CPTPP entry was unavoidable but that a final agreement was unlikely during his term.
Lee’s term is scheduled to end.
- CPTPP membership
- Requires permission from all 12 member countries
- Lee’s term
- Runs until June 2030
- Application
- Lee ordered ministers earlier in October not to pursue an application this year
- CPTPP start
- Came into force in 2018
- Sectors cited
- Agriculture, fisheries, forestry and livestock
3 sources
What people are saying
You may find it frustrating, but it's unavoidable
We need to obtain permission from all 12 member countries
It is highly likely that a final agreement would not be reached during my term.
To be clear, there will be no cases of you sustaining unfair damage