NZ-India Free Trade Agreement promises new opportunities for growers and exporters

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says the conclusion of free trade negotiations between New Zealand and India is a boost for the horticulture sector, paving the way for new export opportunities in a market with strong long-term prospects.

Under the agreement, apples will receive a 50 per cent tariff reduction within a large quota.

Kiwifruit will gain duty-free access within a quota almost four times recent average export volumes, with tariffs outside the quota reduced by half. Cherries, avocados, persimmons and blueberries will move to duty-free access over a 10-year period.

HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott says improved access to India will further diversify horticulture’s export portfolio and help drive the sector’s ambitions for growth.

“With India forecast to become the world’s third-largest economy, this FTA offers our growers and exporters an opportunity to build scale and value over time.

“While the full commercial impact will take time to be realised, especially for products with phased access, it sets the industry up for growth in the future.

“The announcement also follows the recent Ministry for Primary Industries’ latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report, which projects horticulture export revenue will rise five per cent to $9.2 billion in the year to 30 June 2026.

“The SOPI outlook and this FTA support the sector’s goal to double farmgate value by 2035, as set out in the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan.”