“At its core, the agreement materially improves market access at a time when diversification and value uplift are critical to long-term returns,” the company says.
“This is a meaningful structural shift that reduces friction at the border and immediately improves the competitiveness of New Zealand timber and fibre in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.”
Equally important are the non-tariff benefits, it says.
“Streamlined customs processes and clearer regulatory frameworks should reduce delays and improve delivery certainty, both critical factors for exporters working in tight-margin environments.
“The agreement also opens the door for deeper collaboration in forestry research, education and sustainable practices, supporting productivity gains over time.”
NZ Forest Managers chairman Jonathan Cameron says the key thing is that the agreement puts New Zealand back on a level playing field with Australia.
“New Zealand used to have the lion’s share of pine – a $200m market.
“Australia has claimed that, and with their FTA, has grown a $600m market.”
The FTA means New Zealand can now claim back lost gains.
New Zealand Forest Managers (NZFM) resumed exports of pine logs to India in the first half of 2025 – the first time since the 2019/20 period.
“This is the beginning of a renewed focus on the Indian market,” says chairman Jonathan Cameron.
Jonathan Cameron, NZFM chairman.
As part of its own diversification strategy, NZFM aims to expand its customer base beyond its current markets in South Korea, Japan, and China.
“India represents a significant opportunity for growth, leveraging New Zealand’s reputation for high-quality timber,” Cameron says.
Working with industry and partners, the company plans to introduce New Zealand pine logs to a variety of high-value applications in India, including interior products, structural timber, and building supplies — much beyond their traditional use in industrial packaging and construction products.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted NZFM’s efforts as a reflection of New Zealand’s broader export strategy: “It’s companies like NZFM that are driving growth in export value by promoting innovative, higher-value use cases for New Zealand’s high-quality logs. This aligns with our goal to double the value of exports and showcase the premium quality of what New Zealand offers.”
NZFM is highly supportive of the Letter of Intent on Forestry Co-operation signed during the Prime Minister’s Trade Delegation to India and is keen to collaborate and co-operate on the areas outlined in the letter, Cameron says.
“Particular areas of interest are exchange of knowledge, processes and innovation as well as exploring the adaptation and application of cutting-edge technologies.”
NZFM is a 100% Māori-owned professional forestry management company based in Tūrangi and Taupō. Established in 1989, the company manages more than 100,000 hectares of client land, including 80,000ha of productive forests.
NZFM provides forestry services including land management, forest development, protection, environmental stewardship, investment, harvesting, and global sales and marketing throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
– additional reporting Fran O’Sullivan