The India-New Zealand free trade agreement came into force on 20 October 2026, giving Indian exports duty-free access across all New Zealand tariff lines and eliminating or cutting New Zealand tariffs on most of its exports to India over time.
WHAT HAPPENED
The India-New Zealand free trade agreement took effect on 20 October 2026, after New Zealand's parliament passed the enabling legislation on 16 September 2026.
KEY FACTS
- India's exports to New Zealand become duty-free across all tariff lines with immediate effect, covering fruits and vegetables, coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, cereals, processed foods, textiles, leather and footwear.
- New Zealand tariffs on wine, kiwifruit and apples are removed; 57% of its shipments to India become duty-free immediately, rising toward 95% over time.
- New Zealand commits market access across 118 services sectors, plus a quota of 5,000 temporary employment visas and 1,000 working-holiday visas for Indian nationals.
- India kept sensitive farm sectors — dairy, coffee, sugar, spices, edible oils and rubber — outside market-access commitments.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal set a goal of lifting bilateral trade in goods and services from about USD 2.4 billion toward roughly NZD 7 billion by 2030.
EXAM ANGLE
Note this as India's first FTA giving a partner country 100% immediate duty-free access on its exports to India. Pair with the visa-quota figures (5,000 employment, 1,000 working-holiday) as a distinguishing detail.
SOURCE AND DATE
Reported by multiple outlets including the Press Trust of India wire carried by Khaleej Times and Australian regional press, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's public statements; effective date 20 October 2026. Added to this collection on 21 October 2026.