South Korea Eyes re-Entry into CPTPP, Navigating US-China Tensions and Domestic Opposition
Seoul, South Korea – September 5, 2025 – Teh Lee Jae-myung administration has announced its intention to rejoin the Thorough and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) within the next three years, a move driven by increasing economic uncertainty stemming from strained relations between the United States and China – two key export markets for South Korea. This decision marks a significant shift after a failed request attempt in 2022 under the previous Moon Jae-in administration.
The CPTPP,launched in 2018,is a multilateral free trade agreement encompassing 12 nations including Japan,the United Kingdom,Canada,Australia,New Zealand,Mexico,Chile,Malaysia,Vietnam,and Singapore. Collectively, these countries represent approximately 15% of global GDP, offering a substantial potential market for South Korean exports.
A triumphant accession to the CPTPP would unlock new trade avenues for South Korea, notably establishing its first Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Japan and mexico. The korea growth Institute (KDI) highlighted in a July report that the CPTPP’s high degree of openness among member states would “reduce dependence on US-China trade and strengthen the supply chain.”
Though, the path to re-entry is fraught with challenges. The 2022 application was stalled by domestic opposition centered on concerns over the import of Japanese seafood and agricultural products, triggering strong protests from South Korean farmers and fishermen.
Japan’s Role and Fukushima Concerns
The current geopolitical landscape adds another layer of complexity. Both China and Taiwan have signaled their willingness to ease import restrictions, with Taiwan reportedly planning to lift bans on food from five Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima. China has also agreed to resume imports of Japanese seafood. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, 55 countries and regions previously imposed restrictions on Japanese food imports following the Fukushima nuclear accident, with 49 now having lifted those bans. South Korea remains one of the few holdouts, maintaining restrictions on eight prefectures, including Fukushima.
Japan’s approval is considered crucial for south Korea’s CPTPP membership. Historically,Japan has demanded the lifting of restrictions on Fukushima seafood as a condition for supporting South Korea’s entry. This remains a highly sensitive issue domestically, making a swift resolution unlikely.
“Solving these sensitive challenges internationally will be the key to success,” analysts note, underscoring the delicate balancing act the Lee administration faces.
Domestic Opposition Remains
The prospect of increased market access is tempered by concerns from South Korea’s agricultural and fisheries sectors. Organizations like the Korea Federation of Agricultural and Industry,the Farmers’ Federation,and the National Federation of fisheries have already voiced strong opposition to joining the CPTPP,fearing increased competition and potential damage to local industries. These groups argue that the CPTPP requires significant market liberalization, including easing agricultural hygiene quarantine procedures and disclosing fisheries subsidies.
The lee administration will need to navigate these domestic pressures while simultaneously addressing international concerns to successfully rejoin the CPTPP and secure a more diversified economic future for South Korea.
Keywords: CPTPP, South Korea, trade, Japan, Fukushima, Lee Jae-myung, US-China, FTA, KDI, Agriculture, Fisheries, Export, Economy.
