Indian exporters are preparing consignments for shipment to New Zealand ahead of the implementation of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on October 20, 2026, as the Commerce Ministry plans to showcase the benefits of the pact through a ceremonial export flag-off.
The Ministry has asked industry bodies to identify consignments scheduled for shipment around the implementation date. The proposed event is planned for October 19 at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi, a day before the agreement comes into force.
Under the agreement, 100% of Indian goods exports to New Zealand will receive duty-free access, eliminating tariffs across all tariff lines and improving the competitiveness of Indian products in the market.
Key sectors expected to benefit include textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, ceramics, carpets, automobiles and auto components, and processed food products. The removal of tariffs is expected to help Indian exporters expand their presence in the New Zealand market.
The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) has also asked pharmaceutical exporters to provide details of consignments scheduled for shipment on October 19 and 20 to facilitate coordination around the launch.
The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral trade by improving market access for goods and services, encouraging investment and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries. India and New Zealand have set an aspirational target of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion by 2030.