India–New Zealand FTA Signed: 100% Duty-Free Access Opens New Export Era for India
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India and New Zealand have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement on April 27, 2026, opening a new chapter in bilateral economic relations. Under the pact, Indian exporters will receive immediate duty-free access on 100% of tariff lines in New Zealand, replacing earlier tariffs of up to 10% on several products. The agreement is expected to significantly benefit sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather goods, carpets, ceramics, and automobiles, giving Indian products a stronger competitive edge in the New Zealand market.
The FTA is one of the fastest trade agreements negotiated by India, with discussions beginning in March 2025 and concluding in December the same year. Trade between the two countries had already shown strong growth, with India’s exports to New Zealand rising 32.1% to $711 million in FY25, while imports from New Zealand increased 75.2% to $587 million. The new pact is expected to accelerate this momentum further.
Beyond trade in goods, the agreement also includes major mobility benefits for students and professionals. Indian students studying in New Zealand will be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, along with access to extended post-study work visas. Additionally, New Zealand will offer 5,000 visas for skilled Indian professionals in sectors such as IT, engineering, healthcare, education, yoga instruction, and hospitality. A Working Holiday Visa programme will also allow 1,000 young Indians annually to stay and work in New Zealand for 12 months.
Another major feature of the agreement is New Zealand’s commitment to invest $20 billion in India over the next 15 years. Analysts believe the pact will strengthen supply chains, create jobs, boost services trade, and deepen strategic ties between the two nations. For India, the FTA represents another important step in expanding export markets and building stronger global partnerships.
12:37 PM, Apr 27
Source : India–New Zealand FTA Signed: 100% Duty-Free Access Opens New Export Era for India
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