APEC has 21 member economies. The word 'economies' is used to describe APEC members because the APEC cooperative process is predominantly concerned with trade and economic issues, with members engaging with one another as economic entities.
| APEC Members | Date of Joining |
| Australia | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Brunei Darussalam | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Canada | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Chile | 11-12 Nov 1994 |
| People's Republic of China | 12-14 Nov 1991 |
| Hong Kong, China | 12-14 Nov 1991 |
| Indonesia | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Japan | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Republic of Korea | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Malaysia | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Mexico | 17-19 Nov 1993 |
| New Zealand | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Papua New Guinea | 17-19 Nov 1993 |
| Peru | 14-15 Nov 1998 |
| The Philippines | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Russia | 14-15 Nov 1998 |
| Singapore | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Chinese Taipei | 12-14 Nov 1991 |
| Thailand | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| The United States | 6-7 Nov 1989 |
| Viet Nam | 14-15 Nov 1998 |
APEC has three official observers that participate in the forum’s activities and contribute to regional cooperation. Representatives from these organizations attend APEC meetings and have access to relevant documents and information related to APEC’s work.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat
Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC)
Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat supports the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional inter-governmental forum that promotes cooperation among Pacific island economies on issues including economic development, trade, regional security and environmental sustainability.
Members of PIF include: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.