India-New Zealand FTA to take effect Oct. 20, cutting tariffs on apparel, food and imports
The India-New Zealand FTA will take effect on Oct. 20, 2026. New Zealand will remove tariffs on all Indian imports, while India will eliminate or substantially reduce duties on about 95% of current imports, including wool, wood, meat, apples and kiwifruit.
What happened
India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement · India-New Zealand FTA takes effect October 20, expanding duty-free access for Indian textiles, apparel, gems, processed
Key facts
- FTA effective October 20, 2026
- New Zealand to remove tariffs on 100% of Indian imports
- India to eliminate or substantially reduce tariffs on about 95% of current imports from New Zealand
- 57% of New Zealand exports to India duty-free from day one
- Further tariff reductions from January 1, 2027
What changed
India-New Zealand FTA takes effect October 20, expanding duty-free access for Indian textiles, apparel, gems, processed foods and spices, while easing Indian imports of New Zealand wool, wood, meat, apples and kiwifruit.
Why this matters
Prepare sourcing and assortment plans for Oct. 20, 2026, using lower New Zealand duties to expand Indian apparel, textiles and food exports while evaluating cheaper NZ wool, timber, meat, apples and kiwifruit imports.