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ISSUE
Friday, September 18, 2026
Volume 17 . Issue 37
New Zealand and India have formally ratified their Free Trade Agreement, clearing the way for the deal to come into force on October 20, 2026.
New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay exchanged formal documents with India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, at Parliament on Monday, confirming New Zealand had completed the domestic procedures required for the agreement.
McClay said the deal would improve access for New Zealand exporters to the Indian market while creating new opportunities for businesses seeking to expand their presence in India.
“The New Zealand-India FTA will level the playing field and unlock access for Kiwi businesses in one of the fastest growing markets in the world,” McClay said.
“As global markets become more uncertain, it has never been more important for New Zealand exporters to diversify, build resilience and pursue new opportunities.
Under the agreement, 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India will become tariff-free from the first day it takes effect. This will include sheep meat, wool and coal exports, as well as more than 95 per cent of forestry and wood exports.
A further round of tariff reductions is scheduled for January 1, 2027. New Zealand exporters will also receive preferential quota access to the Indian market for products including albumins, apples and kiwifruit.
“The benefits of the FTA are substantial. Fifty-seven per cent of New Zealand exports to India will be tariff free on day one, including sheep meat, wool and coal exports, as well as over 95 per cent of forestry and wood exports. Getting it into force quickly means exporters will benefit from a second round of tariff cuts on 1 January 2027. Exporters will also benefit from preferential quota access into India for New Zealand albumins, apples and kiwifruit.
McClay said the agreement would extend beyond trade in goods, providing greater certainty for New Zealand businesses operating in areas such as services and investment.
“It is a great result for New Zealand businesses and for 1.4 billion Indian consumers. Beyond new market access, the deal offers more certainty for our services exporters, for investors, and for Kiwi businesses looking to increase their footprint in India.”
The India-New Zealand FTA will enter into force on October 20, 2026.
New Zealand and India have formally ratified their Free Trade Agreement, clearing the way for the deal to come into force on October 20, 2026.
New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay exchanged formal documents with India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, at...
New Zealand and India have formally ratified their Free Trade Agreement, clearing the way for the deal to come into force on October 20, 2026.
New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay exchanged formal documents with India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, at Parliament on Monday, confirming New Zealand had completed the domestic procedures required for the agreement.
McClay said the deal would improve access for New Zealand exporters to the Indian market while creating new opportunities for businesses seeking to expand their presence in India.
“The New Zealand-India FTA will level the playing field and unlock access for Kiwi businesses in one of the fastest growing markets in the world,” McClay said.
“As global markets become more uncertain, it has never been more important for New Zealand exporters to diversify, build resilience and pursue new opportunities.
Under the agreement, 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India will become tariff-free from the first day it takes effect. This will include sheep meat, wool and coal exports, as well as more than 95 per cent of forestry and wood exports.
A further round of tariff reductions is scheduled for January 1, 2027. New Zealand exporters will also receive preferential quota access to the Indian market for products including albumins, apples and kiwifruit.
“The benefits of the FTA are substantial. Fifty-seven per cent of New Zealand exports to India will be tariff free on day one, including sheep meat, wool and coal exports, as well as over 95 per cent of forestry and wood exports. Getting it into force quickly means exporters will benefit from a second round of tariff cuts on 1 January 2027. Exporters will also benefit from preferential quota access into India for New Zealand albumins, apples and kiwifruit.
McClay said the agreement would extend beyond trade in goods, providing greater certainty for New Zealand businesses operating in areas such as services and investment.
“It is a great result for New Zealand businesses and for 1.4 billion Indian consumers. Beyond new market access, the deal offers more certainty for our services exporters, for investors, and for Kiwi businesses looking to increase their footprint in India.”
The India-New Zealand FTA will enter into force on October 20, 2026.
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