New Zealand Parliament Passes Legislation to Implement India Free Trade Agreement
New Zealand’s Parliament has passed legislation to implement the country’s free trade agreement with India, paving the way for reduced or zero tariffs on around 95% of New Zealand’s exports to the Indian market. The legislation was approved by 93 votes to 29, with the opposition Labour Party supporting the measure.
More than half of the products covered under the agreement are expected to become duty-free from the date of implementation. In return, India will receive duty-free access for all goods exported to the New Zealand market. As part of the broader agreement, New Zealand has also committed to investing NZ$20 billion in India over the next 15 years.
India and New Zealand signed the free trade agreement in April 2026. The agreement will come into effect once both countries complete their respective domestic ratification procedures.
The agreement is expected to improve market access and reduce trade barriers, supporting stronger trade and investment flows between the two economies. The development is particularly relevant for New Zealand exporters, which are expected to benefit from improved access to India’s large and growing consumer market.
According to trade data, two-way trade between India and New Zealand reached NZ$3.99 billion (US$2.29 billion) in the year ended June 2026. India ranked as New Zealand’s ninth-largest market for goods and services exports during the period.
The free trade agreement forms part of broader efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral economic relations, expand trade opportunities and encourage greater investment. Its implementation remains subject to the completion of ratification procedures in both New Zealand and India.
Source: Telegraph India
