India-New Zealand free trade pact comes into force

The India-New Zealand free trade agreement is now in effect, giving duty-free access to all Indian goods including textiles, gems and jewellery, and pharmaceuticals.

The free trade agreement between India and New Zealand came into force on October 20, opening duty-free access for all Indian goods entering the New Zealand market. Textiles, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, auto components and farm produce stand to benefit from day one.

Both governments have set an ambitious goal of doubling two-way trade in goods and services to about Rs 35,000 crore within four to five years. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said New Zealand has also committed $20 billion in foreign direct investment under the pact, with faster customs clearance and digital certification cutting border delays.

The agreement, signed in New Delhi in April 2026, is India's latest trade opening after a string of deals this year. Officials say it gives labour-intensive Indian industries a tariff-free runway into a high-income market and could serve as a template for talks with Canada and others.