New Zealand Parliament Passes India FTA
New Zealand’s Parliament has passed legislation implementing the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, clearing a major domestic hurdle for the pact signed in New Delhi in April. The government says the deal will significantly expand access to the Indian market for New Zealand exporters.
India-New Zealand FTA Clears Parliament
Under the agreement, 57% of New Zealand’s current exports to India will become duty-free from the day the pact enters into force.
Once fully implemented, tariffs will be eliminated on 82% of exports, while another 13% will receive substantial tariff reductions.
Forestry products, sheep meat and wool are among the sectors receiving immediate tariff elimination. Seafood and several industrial products will see tariffs phased out over seven to 10 years, while apples and kiwifruit will receive preferential quota access.
Indian Exports Get 100% Duty-Free Access
India has secured duty-free access across all New Zealand tariff lines from the agreement’s entry into force.
Indian exporters in textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, engineering goods, processed foods and other labour-intensive sectors are expected to benefit from zero-duty access.
India has meanwhile kept several sensitive sectors, including parts of dairy and agriculture, outside tariff concessions.
Trade Deal Moves Closer to Implementation
India and New Zealand signed the FTA on April 27, 2026, following negotiations launched in March 2025.
The agreement also includes provisions covering services, investment, skilled-worker mobility and business cooperation.
With New Zealand’s implementing legislation now approved, the agreement has moved another step closer to entering into force once both countries complete their remaining domestic procedures.
