NZ to sign trade deal with India on Monday:Kiwifruit, wine, apples other items may become cheaper

New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, said on Friday, 24 April, 2026, that his country will sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India on Monday. India side signed same FTA 4 months ago The Narendra Modi-led government had already signed the same FTA with New Zealand four months ago. Now after Kiwis confirmation, the process of signing the trade deal by both the sides will be complete. India will reduce tax on 95% of NZ imports Kiwifruit may become cheaper in India. The deal is expected to significantly boost the availability and potentially reduce the price of imported New Zealand kiwi fruit in India. India primarily relies on imports of the fibre-rich product to meet the growing domestic demand. India is a net importer of kiwifruit. Kiwis are mainly imported, with negligible exports. But India will reduce tax only on a certain quantity of kiwifruits that will be imported from New Zealand. Items that may become cheaper in India after NZ signs the trade deal: Products that may become cheaper inculde kiwifruit, apples, honey, wood, wool, sheep meat, vegetable oil, wine, medicines, etc. NZ to reduce or remove tax on 100% Indian exports: Via, India and New Zealand’s FTA, a host of domestic goods from sectors such as textiles, footwear, engineering and marine products will get duty-free access in New Zealand. New Zealand allows students 25-hour workweeks The major change is that international students in New Zealand would be able to work 25 hours a week, up from 20 hours. While it may seem like just a five-hour increase, it can significantly boost students’ annual earnings. Additionally, the process for applying for student visas would be fully digitized. Gujarat to benefit from new tariff policies Gujarat’s export businesses, especially the diamond industry, have suffered due to high tariffs in other countries. With New Zealand reducing tariffs, Gujarat may experience significant progress across multiple sectors. India-NZ trade size: According to the think tank, GTRI, the bilateral trade between India and New Zealand remained modest at $2.1 billion in FY2025. Note: The above figures are in million dollars Exception: India will continue to levy tax on dairy imports from NZ India has not given any duty concessions in the dairy sector, which was a key demand for New Zealand. Both countries could aim to double two-way trade within five years through early tariff relief on select products, stronger business engagement and sectoral cooperation in agriculture, forestry, fintech and education, supported by the India–New Zealand Business Council. More direct flights, simpler visa rules and mutual recognition of professional qualifications, especially in IT, healthcare and aviation, would further ease movement. In this sense, the India–New Zealand FTA is less a breakthrough than a foundation, providing predictability and strategic alignment while leaving the task of expanding trade to follow. -GTRI