Wednesday 16 / September / 2026
New Zealand’s Parliament has passed legislation to implement the country’s free trade agreement with India, paving the way for the elimination or significant reduction of tariffs on about 95% of New Zealand exports to the Indian market.
The legislation was approved by 93 votes to 29, with the opposition Labour Party supporting the measure.
More than half of the products covered by the agreement will become duty-free from the day the pact enters into force. New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said the agreement would provide immediate and substantial benefits for exporters and is expected to take effect later this year, subject to completion of ratification procedures by both countries.
Under the agreement, all Indian goods will receive duty-free access to the New Zealand market. Wellington has also committed to investing about US$20 billion in India over the next 15 years.
India and New Zealand signed the trade agreement in April after negotiations aimed at expanding bilateral economic ties and market access.
Two-way trade between the countries reached NZ$3.99 billion (about A$3.22 billion) in the year to June 2026. India is New Zealand’s ninth-largest market for goods and services exports.
The agreement will enter into force once both countries complete their respective domestic ratification processes.
