The newly concluded India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is poised to drive a major transformation in cross-border logistics, with a sharp focus on modernising last-mile delivery systems for high-value goods. As both countries move towards the formal signing of the pact in early 2026, attention has shifted from tariff reductions to the physical and digital infrastructure needed to support faster, more reliable trade across the Indo-Pacific.
At the forefront of this transition is the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), which is spearheading efforts to shift Indian exporters from traditional business-to-business (B2B) models to high-growth business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce channels. Central to this strategy are new logistics partnerships aimed at improving delivery speed, cost efficiency and shipment visibility for jewellery exports.
The GJEPC is currently in advanced discussions with FedEx to expand global delivery options, to scale India’s jewellery exports to New Zealand to about USD 50 million over the next three years. This initiative builds on a key milestone achieved in March 2025, when the Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DHL Express. The DHL partnership introduced simplified customs procedures and fully trackable shipments, significantly reducing transit times and logistics costs that have long constrained MSME exporters.
“Logistics and last-mile delivery are the critical pillars for our shift toward consumer-direct delivery,” said Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of GJEPC. “Our goal is to ensure that Indian craftsmanship can reach global doorsteps with the same efficiency as a local shipment.”
In a LinkedIn post, the GJEPC described the India–New Zealand FTA as a major boost for the country’s gems and jewellery sector. Under the agreement, Indian products will gain a competitive edge in the New Zealand market through tariff reductions of up to 2.5%. With exports currently valued at USD 16.61 million in 2024, the industry is targeting an expansion to USD 50 million within three years.
Aviation and Hub Expansion
To support the anticipated rise in trade volumes, India is accelerating capacity upgrades at key aviation hubs. The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to significantly enhance cargo-handling capabilities, while Delhi Airport Infrastructure Limited is undertaking expansions aimed at streamlining the movement of high-value, low-volume goods such as pharmaceuticals and luxury jewellery.
National carriers Air India and IndiGo are also ramping up international belly cargo capacity, aligning fleet expansion plans with the logistics demands generated by the FTA.
Technology-Driven Supply Chains
Beyond industrial goods, the FTA introduces dedicated Agri-Technology Action Plans covering kiwifruit, apples and honey. These initiatives go beyond tariff liberalisation by establishing Centres of Excellence in India to improve post-harvest handling and overall supply chain performance. By integrating New Zealand’s expertise in cold-chain logistics, the agreement aims to reduce wastage and enhance farmer incomes through more resilient and efficient logistics networks.
Logistics efficiency is further reinforced by a landmark understanding on pharmaceutical regulatory access. Under the FTA, New Zealand will accept Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspection reports from regulators such as the US Food and Drug Administration and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. This regulatory “green channel” eliminates duplicative inspections, enabling medical devices and medicines to clear customs faster and reach markets with minimal delay.
Taken together, these measures signal a shift in the India–New Zealand trade relationship—from a focus on tariff relief to the creation of integrated, technology-driven supply chains—positioning logistics as a key enabler of export growth in the years ahead.
