New Zealand‑India Free Trade Agreement moves forward

New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced that the legislation to implement the New Zealand‑India free trade agreement (FTA) has passed its first reading in parliament. The bill will reduce or eliminate tariffs on about 95 % of New Zealand’s exports to India, making roughly 57 % of exports tariff‑free from day one and opening a market of 1.4 billion consumers. Officials say the agreement will boost access for wine, horticultural products, mānuka honey, kiwifruit and leather, supporting the government’s goal of doubling the value of primary‑sector exports by 2034.

At the Primary Industries Summit in Auckland, McClay also highlighted Africa as a future trade focus, noting the continent’s growing demand for high‑quality food and the potential for long‑term agreements. The India FTA is described as a “once‑in‑a‑generation” deal that could significantly raise New Zealand’s export earnings.