New Zealand and India ratify free trade agreement

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. 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. “The New Zealand-India FTA will level the playing field and unlock access for Kiwi businesses in one of the fastest growing markets in the world,” Mr McClay says. “As global markets become more uncertain, it has never been more important for New Zealand exporters to diversify, build resilience and pursue new opportunities. “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. Getting it into force quickly means exporters will benefit from a second round of tariff cuts on 1 January 2027. Exporters will also benefit from preferential quota access into India for New Zealand albumins, apples and kiwi