The upcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand, scheduled to be signed on April 27, 2026, is expected to significantly boost Indian exports to New Zealand. As per the agreement, 100% of India's exports to New Zealand will be duty-free, while tariffs on 95% of current imports from New Zealand will be either sharply reduced or removed. This development is particularly noteworthy, given that negotiations for the FTA were announced in March 2025 and concluded in December of the same year, making it one of the fastest-negotiated trade agreements that India has entered into.
In terms of specific products, India's exports of spices, such as turmeric, red chili, and cumin, are expected to benefit from the FTA. According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, India exported 12,411 tons of spices to New Zealand in 2022-2023, valued at ₹145.6 crores. With the removal of tariffs, Indian spice exporters can expect to increase their market share in New Zealand. Similarly, Indian exporters of rice, pulses, and dry fruits can also expect to gain from the FTA. In 2022-2023, India exported 2,514 tons of rice to New Zealand, valued at ₹34.8 crores, while exports of pulses and dry fruits stood at 1,011 tons and 501 tons, respectively.
The FTA is also expected to benefit Indian exporters of organic products, who can expect to tap into New Zealand's growing demand for organic food products. As per the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India exported ₹3,058 crores worth of organic products in 2022-2023, with a significant portion of these exports going to countries such as the United States, the European Union, and Australia. With the FTA, Indian organic product exporters can expect to increase their exports to New Zealand, which has a relatively smaller but growing market for organic products.
In terms of certifications, Indian exporters will need to comply with New Zealand's food safety and regulatory requirements, such as those related to labeling, packaging, and pesticide residues. Exporters will also need to obtain necessary certifications, such as the NZFSA (New Zealand Food Safety Authority) certification, to export products such as dairy, meat, and poultry to New Zealand.
The FTA is expected to be a significant boost to India's exports, which have been growing steadily over the past few years. As per data from the Ministry of Commerce, India's exports stood at ₹63.3 lakh crores in 2022-2023, with a growth rate of 12.3% over the previous year. With the signing of the FTA with New Zealand, Indian exporters can expect to tap into new markets and increase their exports, particularly in sectors such as spices, rice, pulses, and organic products.
At VoyagerExim, we will be closely monitoring the developments related to the FTA and advising our clients on the best ways to leverage this agreement to increase their exports to New Zealand.