The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed on April 27, 2026 in New Delhi. The Ministry of Textiles stated that the agreement reflects a partnership focused on trade and economic engagement.
New Zealand presents export opportunities for India in textiles, apparel, and made-ups. The country’s global imports in these categories are valued at $0.33 billion for textiles, $1.27 billion for apparel, and $0.33 billion for made-ups. With a population of 5.3 million and a per capita income of approximately $52,000, the market is concentrated in urban centres and indicates demand for higher-value products.
The apparel segment accounts for 65% of New Zealand’s global imports. Key imported categories include casual wear such as jeans, T-shirts, hoodies, relaxed tops, and casual dresses, along with jackets, formal wear, and sportswear. Cotton-based apparel represents 45% of these imports, followed by man-made fibre (MMF) products at 36%.
At present, New Zealand maintains 575 dutiable MFN tariff lines. Duties include 5% on certain wool, MMF, and made-ups, and 10% on carpets, selected MMF products, and apparel. The FTA is expected to reduce these duties, affecting the cost structure of Indian exports.
India’s bilateral exports to New Zealand are valued at $0.65 billion, with the textile sector contributing $0.1 billion. Over the past decade, exports of textiles, apparel, and made-ups from India to New Zealand have shown growth across multiple segments, including apparel, made-ups, carpets, fibre, yarn, and fabrics.
Based on existing trends, potential growth areas for Indian exports include apparel (MMF, jute, linen, wool), made-ups (MMF, jute, linen), carpets (MMF), fibres (MMF, silk), yarn (MMF, cotton), fabrics (wool, jute, linen), as well as handicrafts and handloom products.
The agreement also provides scope for collaboration with textile design houses and fashion technology institutes. Participation in textile fairs and exhibitions is identified as a potential avenue to engage with the New Zealand market.