New Zealand parliament passes India trade deal, cutting tariffs on most exports

New Zealand’s parliament on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) passed legislation to implement ​ a free trade agreement (FTA) with India, ‌under which tariffs on about ​95% of New Zealand exports ⁠to India would be eliminated or significantly reduced.

The legislation passed by a ‌vote of 93–29, with support from the opposition Labour ‌Party.

More than half ‌of ⁠all products covered would ⁠become duty-free from the day it takes effect.

“For exporters, the benefits are immediate and substantial. From day one, 57% of New Zealand’s exports to India will become duty-free,” New Zealand ‌Trade Minister Todd McClay said in a statement.

“Once fully implemented, tariffs are eliminated or significantly reduced on 95 per cent of our exports. That means real savings and real opportunities. The kiwifruit industry alone expects to save around $125 million in tariffs over five years,” he added.