WELLINGTON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand exporters can start using the country's free trade agreement with India from Tuesday, with tariffs removed on more than half of New Zealand's exports to the South Asian country as the deal went into effect, a senior New Zealand official said.
Almost 57 percent of New Zealand exports to India are now tariff-free, rising to 82 percent over time, while tariffs on 95 percent of current exports will eventually be removed or reduced, New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said in a statement.
The agreement removes tariffs on sheep meat, wool and coal, and on more than 95 percent of forestry and wood exports. It also provides preferential quota access for apples, kiwifruit and milk albumins, the statement said, noting that a second round of tariff cuts will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
Tariffs on New Zealand wine exports to India, previously as high as 150 percent, will fall to 25 or 50 percent over 10 years, McClay said.
New Zealand and India launched talks in March 2025 and concluded them in nine months, according to the minister. The agreement entered into force 19 months after negotiations began.
The agreement would help New Zealand exporters diversify their markets and support the country's goal of doubling the value of exports over 10 years, he said, adding that New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is running a program to help exporters use the agreement through advice, market insights and connections in India. ■