New Zealand signing an FTA with India has been viewed as a positive step for the local wine industry and export opportunities.
New Zealand Winegrowers has welcomed the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India, reinforcing trade as a shared priority. Philip Gregan, CEO, said maintenance of bipartisan alignment on trade is very positive; it gives exporters certainty and reinforces New Zealand’s reputation as a long-term trading partner.
“India represents a significant long-term opportunity for New Zealand wine, and sustained cross-party commitment will be key to delivering a high-quality agreement with real commercial outcomes,” Gregan said.
New Zealand Winegrowers views the FTA as positive news for the industry. Wineries will be able to plan with confidence around a clear, decade-long tariff reduction pathway. While current exports to India are very modest, just under NZD 300,000 (FOB) in 2025 due to the very high tariffs, improved market access under the FTA is expected to make India increasingly attractive to New Zealand wine exporters over the coming years.
“We value the constructive approach taken across Parliament and the shared recognition of trade as a driver of growth, jobs, and regional prosperity,” Gregan said.
Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay signed the Agreement in New Delhi in front of a large crowd of New Zealand and Indian businesspeople.
“The benefits of this FTA are widespread, and our business community is excited to see the doors of opportunity open to 1.4 billion people whose economy is set to become the third largest in the world,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said.
“One in four jobs are tied to trade. In signing this FTA, we are setting businesses up to succeed, boosting Kiwi jobs and enabling economic growth, and that means more money in Kiwis’ pockets.”
McClay said the FTA supports New Zealand’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years.
“This deal will deliver thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in additional exports,” he said.
“Creating opportunities for our businesses to diversify and create strong trading relationships provides economic security for New Zealanders, and that is crucial in these times of global unrest.”
This signing ensures New Zealand is on track to benefit from a Most Favoured Nation clause for wine and services exports, whereby the better access the European Union has secured for its wine and services will be extended to our exporters if our agreement comes into force first.
“That clause will be worth tens of millions of dollars in extra exports for the New Zealand economy,” the Prime Minister added.
“Two-way trade is currently NZD 3.95 billion. The deal we have struck and the relationship we have built will grow this exponentially and deliver deep and lasting benefits for generations to come.”
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