RCEP’s Strategic Promise Hinges on Faster Implementation and Usable Rules of Origin
The source argues that RCEP’s scale and unified rules of origin could strengthen Asia-Pacific supply chains and reinforce ASEAN’s role in global production networks amid rising geoeconomic competition. However, limited incremental tariff advantages versus existing FTAs and high compliance friction mean that accelerated implementation, streamlined origin procedures, and customs digitalization will determine real uptake ahead of the 2026 review.