New Zealand Parliament Passes India Trade Deal, 95% Exports Get Tariff Relief
New Zealand’s Parliament has approved legislation for its trade agreement with India, offering tariff relief on around 95% of New Zealand exports and duty-free access for Indian goods.
New Zealand’s Parliament has passed legislation to implement its free trade agreement with India, clearing a key step toward putting the bilateral trade deal into effect. The bill was approved 93-29 with support from the opposition Labour Party.
Under the agreement, tariffs on around 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India will either be eliminated or substantially reduced. More than half of the products covered by the deal are expected to become duty-free from the date it takes effect.
The agreement also provides duty-free access in New Zealand for all Indian goods, creating wider market opportunities for exporters from both countries. New Zealand has additionally committed to investing NZ$20 billion, or about Rs 1 lakh crore, in India over the next 15 years.
The trade agreement was signed by India and New Zealand in April after negotiations aimed at expanding commerce, investment and economic cooperation. New Zealand expects the pact to come into force later this year, once both countries complete their domestic ratification procedures.
Bilateral trade reached NZ$3.99 billion, roughly Rs 19,500 crore, in the year ending June 2026. India was New Zealand’s ninth-largest market for goods and services exports during the period.
