RCEP

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the world’s largest free trade agreement, comprising 15 economies in the Asia-Pacific region: the ten ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) as well as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Together, these countries represent around 30% of the world’s population and global GDP, making RCEP the largest trading bloc in history. RCEP was established to reduce trade barriers, facilitate market access for goods and services, and strengthen economic integration across the region. Key advantages include the gradual elimination of tariffs on over 90% of traded goods, simplified customs procedures, and harmonized rules of origin, making trade within the bloc more transparent and efficient while also promoting investment, digitalization, and innovation.

For export-oriented Swiss companies, RCEP offers enormous opportunities, as access to member markets is significantly simplified. Particularly attractive is that products with at least 40% value added in an RCEP country benefit from reduced or eliminated tariffs within the region. This is especially relevant for industries such as machinery, electronics, consumer goods, food, and the automotive sector.

When planning expansion into Asia, it is therefore crucial to consider early on how and where certain product groups can be produced or further processed within the RCEP region. Companies that, for example, locate specific production steps or final assembly in an RCEP member state can benefit from substantial tariff advantages and significantly increase their competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, supply chains become more robust and flexible, as access to a vast, integrated market with simplified rules and fewer trade barriers is enabled.

With our expertise, our local network, and on-the-ground presence, we support you in making the most of RCEP’s opportunities-from strategic production planning and site selection to seamless market entry. Together, we prepare your business for the world’s largest growth market-efficiently, connected, and future-oriented.