NZ-India free trade agreement officially begins

RNZ

19 Oct, 2026 07:28 PM2 mins to read

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India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal (left), Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay, and former Indian High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand’s free trade agreement with India has officially begun.

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said 57% of exports to India were now tariff-free, including sheep meat and wool, coal, and most forestry products.

The number of tariff-free exports would rise to 82%
over time, with the next round of tariff cuts due from January 1, 2027.

“We launched talks in March 2025 and, by working harder and faster, concluded them in just nine months. That’s a record for India on a comprehensive trade agreement, and it’s one of the highest quality deals they’ve signed,” McClay said.