India–New Zealand trade deal set to start October 20 with duty-free access for Indian exports

The India–New Zealand free trade agreement is scheduled to take effect on October 20, giving Indian goods duty-free access to New Zealand while changing the terms for some New Zealand exports to India. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed the start date to reporters in New Delhi on October 19, according to PTI.

Goyal said the agreement covers 100% of India's goods exports to New Zealand from its start. The Times of India, citing ANI, reported that removing tariffs of up to 10% could particularly benefit Indian textiles, apparel, leather and footwear. It also identified engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, machinery, chemicals and agricultural products as sectors expected to gain market access.

How India will change tariffs on New Zealand goods

Goyal identified dairy, onions, chickpeas, peas, corn, almonds, artificial honey and sugar as sensitive sectors excluded from the deal, PTI reported. India's commerce ministry has notified procedures for allocating tariff-rate quotas covering apples, kiwi fruit, albumins and Manuka honey, according to PTI. Those quotas set a separate route for specified goods rather than the unrestricted access Indian exporters are due to receive in New Zealand.

Trade target and investment plans

The agreement was signed on April 27, PTI reported. Goyal said it also facilitates US$20 billion in New Zealand investment in India over 15 years. That figure describes investment envisaged under the pact, rather than money already invested.

The two countries have set a goal of doubling trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion by 2030 under their strategic partnership roadmap, The Times of India reported. Citing New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, it put two-way trade at nearly NZ$3.95 billion in the year ended December 2025. The target gives the tariff changes a measure of ambition, but depends on trade growth after the agreement begins.