Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership member states on (a) digital trade standards and (b) their implications for UK businesses.

The UK is engaging in exploratory discussions on digital trade as part of the CPTPP General Review. Digital trade was also raised at the CPTPP ministerial meeting in November 2024 and referenced in the subsequent joint statement.

As part of this process, CPTPP Parties are reviewing the Agreement’s operation with a view to updating and enhancing it. The UK’s contributions take account of the latest developments in digital trade, including those relating to digital trade standards. Throughout this process, our priority remains to promote and protect the interests of UK businesses, consumers and workers.