# rules of origin

Ottawa Seeks a Trade Bulwark Against U.S. Coercion: Pushing an EU–CPTPP Bridge

Canada is leading exploratory talks to link the European Union and CPTPP members through harmonised rules of origin and cumulation arrangements, creating a large trade grouping intended to shield supply chains from unilateral U.S. tariff threats. The plan is technically complex and politically sensitive, but it signals a strategic move by middle powers to build alternative economic architecture amid U.S. unpredictability.