India–New Zealand FTA to start Oct 20, lifting tariffs on Indian exports
The pact will remove New Zealand tariffs on all Indian goods, benefiting textiles and gems, while widening Indian access for apples, kiwis, wool and sheep meat. New Zealand says 57% of its exports to India will be tariff-free from day one, rising to 82%.
What happened
Government of India · India-New Zealand FTA takes effect October 20, eliminating tariffs on Indian exports including textiles and gems. New Zealand products
Key facts
- October 20 implementation date
- Zero tariffs on 100% of Indian goods exported to New Zealand
- $20 billion New Zealand FDI commitment
- Rs 35,000 crore ($4 billion) bilateral trade target in 4-5 years
- 95% of New Zealand exports to India gain greater market access
What changed
India-New Zealand FTA takes effect October 20, eliminating tariffs on Indian exports including textiles and gems. New Zealand products such as apples, kiwis, wool and sheep meat gain wider Indian market access, affecting food, apparel and jewellery trade categories.
Why this matters
Retail operators should reassess India–New Zealand sourcing plans ahead of Oct. 20, with lower duties improving economics for Indian textiles and jewellery and expanding access to New Zealand apples, kiwis, wool and sheep meat.
What to watch
- Publication of final tariff lines, phase-out schedules, exclusions and rules-of-origin thresholds.
- Indian sanitary and phytosanitary approvals for New Zealand produce and animal products, including any quota or seasonal restrictions.
- New Zealand retailer announcements of direct sourcing programs or private-label partnerships with Indian manufacturers.
- Changes in India-NZ shipping rates, reefer-container availability and INR/NZD exchange rates.
- Early import-volume data for kiwifruit, apples, wool and sheep meat into India and Indian apparel/jewellery into New Zealand.