NZ – India Free Trade Agreement entry into force date confirmed
The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ratification process is now complete, and the agreement is set to enter into force on 20 October 2026.
Read the New Zealand Government’s announcement: www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-zealand-and-india-ratify-free-trade-agreement.
The agreement supports a growing trade relationship. India is New Zealand’s 11th-largest goods and services export market, with bilateral trade valued at NZ$3.95 billion in the year ended December 2025. The two countries have set an ambition to double two-way trade by 2030.
Signed in April 2026, the FTA will provide New Zealand exporters with preferential access to one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies. Once fully implemented, tariffs will be reduced or eliminated on 95% of New Zealand exports to India, with 57% becoming duty-free from entry into force.
India’s scale, economic growth and expanding middle class create significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters across sectors including food and beverage, forestry and wood products, advanced manufacturing, technology and services. Capturing these opportunities will require preparation, long-term commitment and strong local partnerships.
With the entry into force date now set, exporters should take practical steps to understand how the FTA’s tariff reductions, requirements and implementation arrangements apply to their goods or services, and what they need to do to access the benefits.
NZTE can help businesses understand the opportunity, navigate the FTA, strengthen their market readiness and build connections through practical guidance, research, events and on-the-ground support.
Businesses interested in exploring opportunities can find resources and support by visiting our Supporting NZ Exporters in India hub or by contacting indiaFTA@nzte.govt.nz.