South Korea Initiates Talks with Japan on CPTPP Entry Amidst Fishery Ban Dispute

South Korea Seeks CPTPP Membership, Engages Japan

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced on Friday, September 20, 2025, that South Korea intends to engage in discussions with Japan concerning its potential accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The announcement, made during a press conference with foreign media in Seoul, signals a renewed push by South Korea to join the significant regional trade bloc.

A central issue in these upcoming talks is South Korea's long-standing import ban on fishery products from eight Japanese prefectures, imposed following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident. While Minister Cho Hyun stated that South Korea does not consider lifting this ban a precondition for joining the CPTPP, he affirmed that the restrictions would remain until public concerns in South Korea are alleviated. Japan, a leading member of the CPTPP, views the removal of these restrictions as a critical point, and its unanimous consent, along with all other member states, is required for South Korea's entry.

The CPTPP: A Major Trade Bloc and South Korea's Strategic Interest

The CPTPP is a multilateral trade agreement comprising 12 economies: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Established on March 8, 2018, it represents the world's fourth-largest free trade area by gross domestic product (GDP).

South Korea's interest in joining the CPTPP stems from several strategic and economic motivations. Membership is expected to:

• Strengthen South Korea's central role in Asian and North American supply chains.
• Lower tariffs and liberalize non-tariff barriers with key trading partners.
• Establish modern rules for areas such as digital trade, state-owned enterprises, and intellectual property.

Studies suggest that CPTPP accession could lead to significant annual GDP gains for South Korea, with some estimates reaching $86 billion annually. The move is also seen as a way to diversify export portfolios and hedge against global trade uncertainties.

South Korea has considered joining the CPTPP, and its predecessor the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), since 2013. The Moon Jae-in administration officially decided to pursue membership in April 2022, but the process stalled due to various factors, including domestic opposition from agricultural and fishery sectors concerned about market opening. The current administration under President Lee Jae Myung has revitalized this ambition, signaling a renewed willingness to join.

Bilateral Relations and the Path Forward

The discussions between South Korea and Japan come at a time of improving bilateral relations, which could facilitate closer economic cooperation. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun's decision to visit Japan before the United States for his first talks with a foreign counterpart is seen as a diplomatic signal prioritizing ties with Tokyo.

Despite the positive shift in diplomatic tone, the issue of the Japanese fishery import ban remains a significant hurdle. Japan has consistently urged South Korea to lift these restrictions, which it considers safe. As all existing CPTPP members must approve new accessions, Japan's stance holds considerable weight. Overcoming this and other domestic challenges, particularly resistance from South Korea's agricultural and fishery industries, will be crucial for South Korea's successful entry into the CPTPP.