The South Korean government is set to decide whether to apply to join the recently completed CPTPP trade deal “within the first half of the year”. That would both set the CPTPP up as a more serious regional “competitor” to RCEP, as well as enmesh the KORUS and NAFTA deals.  South Korea will of course need to get the existing CPTPP members, including Mexico, on board. South Korea’s trade with Mexico climbed 11% to reach $25 billion in the 12 months to January 31, driven by a 40% rise in Mexico’s exports. That was largely the result of rising commodity prices – crude oil represents 47% ...