RCEP members Regional, comprehensive economic partnership
The RCEP is a free trade zone in Eastern Asia and Australia, established in November 2020. It was initiated by China and accounts for around one third of the world's economic output. It is one of the largest free trade agreements in the world. The 15 participating countries cover an area of 22.54 m km² and a population of around 2.28 bn. This corresponds to approximately 14.91% of the earth's habitable surface and 29.38% of the world's population.
The agreement primarily involves the reduction of customs duties and is thus intended to simplify supply chains. In addition to the movement of goods, it also covers services, investments, telecommunications and copyright.
Some of the above member states have other dependent outlying areas. These are not independent states, but they do have some economic and political autonomy. The treaties concluded by the RCEP apply to them at least in part. However, these countries are not listed as official member states.
