New Zealand and India ratify free trade agreement
New Zealand and India have formally ratified their free trade agreement, which enters into force on 20 October 2026.
New Zealand and India have formally ratified the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay exchanged formal documents with India's High Commissioner to New Zealand, H.E. Ms Muanpuii Saiawi, in Parliament today, confirming that New Zealand has completed all its necessary domestic procedures.
Mr McClay says 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India will be tariff free on day one, including sheep meat, wool and coal exports, as well as over 95 per cent of forestry and wood exports. He says exporters will benefit from a second round of tariff cuts on 1 January 2027 because the agreement is being brought into force quickly, and from preferential quota access into India for New Zealand albumins, apples and kiwifruit.
The FTA will enter into force on 20 October 2026. Mr McClay says the deal offers more certainty for services exporters, for investors, and for Kiwi businesses looking to increase their footprint in India.
What it means
New Zealand exporters sending goods to India, including sheep meat, wool, coal, forestry and wood products, gain tariff-free access on day one and a further round of tariff cuts on 1 January 2027, with quota access for albumins, apples and kiwifruit. Services exporters and investors are named as also affected. The agreement enters into force on 20 October 2026; the release does not say what exporters need to do to use it.
From the document
New Zealand and India have formally ratified the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in our growing relationship, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, 21 September 2026
Mr McClay exchanged formal documents with India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, H.E. Ms Muanpuii Saiawi in Parliament today, confirming that New Zealand has completed all its necessary domestic procedures.Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, 21 September 2026
“The benefits of the FTA are substantial. Fifty-seven per cent of New Zealand exports to India will be tariff free on day one, including sheep meat, wool and coal exports, as well as over 95 per cent of forestry and wood exports.Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, 21 September 2026
Getting it into force quickly means exporters will benefit from a second round of tariff cuts on 1 January 2027.Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, 21 September 2026
Exporters will also benefit from preferential quota access into India for New Zealand albumins, apples and kiwifruit.Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, 21 September 2026
The FTA will enter into force on 20 October 2026.Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, 21 September 2026
Read the full release (Beehive)
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