India-New Zealand FTA comes into effect, says PM Christopher Luxon: ‘Big day for Kiwi exporters’, reduced tariffs

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Monday that the historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India has officially come into effect. In a post on X, Luxon stated that the deal will provide Kiwi businesses access to over a billion more customers with reduced tariffs, creating more jobs and higher wages for New Zealanders.

The agreement opens up opportunities across trade, investment, education and employment, including for MSMEs, pharmaceuticals, students and skilled professionals. Under the FTA, 100% of Indian exports receive duty-free access to New Zealand, while New Zealand offers its best-ever services offer to India, facilitating $20 billion in investment. The deal also aims to double bilateral trade to $5 billion within 5 years.