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How India just unlocked New Zealand’s fashion market

India and New Zealand have recently finalised a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at deepening economic ties and diversifying trade partnerships. The pact delivers unprecedented market access for Indian exporters by eliminating tariffs on ***** per cent of Indian goods entering New Zealand. In practical terms, this means all Indian textile and apparel products will now (once the agreement comes into effect) enter New Zealand duty-free, a significant change given that New Zealand previously levied tariffs of up to 10 per cent on these goods.

In return, India has offered tariff concessions on about ** per cent of its tariff lines (covering ** per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India) while keeping sensitive sectors like dairy largely excluded. The agreement, concluded in late 2025 and expected to be formally signed in early 2026, marks a historic milestone in India’s trade policy. It levels the playing field for Indian manufacturers in a developed market that was once relatively high-cost to serve.