The biggest free-trade deal in the world by GDP. Signed in 2020, it links ASEAN's ten members to China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. It remains a fledgling initiative, modest in ambition and scope, but its attractiveness has grown as Donald Trump's tariffs have battered trade-dependent economies. In October 2025 four more countries—Bangladesh, Chile, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka—expressed interest in joining.
China is the biggest proponent of a stronger RCEP. At a November 2025 summit ASEAN was expected to upgrade an existing trade agreement with China, lowering yet more barriers.
Blessed is he who expects no gratitude, for he shall not be disappointed.