Costa Rican municipalities oppose CPTPP accession

Municipal councils in Turrialba and Alvarado, Costa Rica, have unanimously passed motions opposing the country's potential entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The Turrialba Municipal Council, led by a motion from Mayor Carlos Hidalgo Flores, expressed concerns that the trade agreement could negatively impact small-scale agricultural producers. The council highlighted disparities in production capacity, cost structures, and scales of operation between Costa Rica and other member nations. Specific fears were raised regarding increased competition from imported dairy products and food, which could threaten the economic viability of local farming families.

Similarly, the Alvarado Municipal Council rejected the agreement, citing threats to national agricultural production, rural employment, and food sovereignty. Councilwoman Dora Ramírez argued that joining the bloc could jeopardize numerous jobs and agricultural sustainability. The council also noted that Costa Rica already maintains free trade agreements with six of the twelve CPTPP members: Chile, Peru, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.