EU Explores Closer Cooperation With 12-Country CPTPP Including Japan, Seeking New Trade Deals From South America to Indonesia to Counter Trump Tariffs

The European Union is exploring closer cooperation with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade bloc comprising 12 countries including Japan, to uphold free trade principles and counteract tariff measures imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This initiative reflects the EU's strategic effort to strengthen trade relations amid ongoing concerns about protectionist policies. The EU aims to negotiate new trade agreements extending from South America to Indonesia, although challenges and mutual apprehensions remain on both sides of potential partnerships.