India–New Zealand Trade Target aims to double two-way goods and services trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030, supported by the new strategic partnership and FTA.
India–New Zealand Trade Target Sets NZ$7 Billion Goal
The India–New Zealand Trade Target has been set at NZ$7 billion in two-way goods and services trade by 2030, under the Strategic Partnership Roadmap agreed by the two countries in July 2026. The target represents an ambition to double bilateral trade over the four-year period.
The target is being pursued alongside the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has now moved significantly closer to implementation after New Zealand Parliament passed the implementing legislation on September 16, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- India and New Zealand are targeting NZ$7 billion in two-way trade by 2030.
- Current annual two-way trade is about NZ$3.95 billion.
- New Zealand exported NZ$2.03 billion of goods and services to India in the year ended December 2025.
- The FTA is expected to improve tariff access and trade opportunities.
- New Zealand says 57% of its exports to India will become duty-free from day one, with tariffs eliminated or reduced on 95% of exports once fully implemented.
1. Bilateral Trade Needs to Expand Significantly
The India–New Zealand Trade Target is based on an ambition to double two-way trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030.
Official New Zealand data shows that two-way goods and services trade amounted to approximately NZ$3.95 billion in the year ended December 2025. New Zealand exported NZ$2.03 billion of goods and services to India during that period.
This means the two countries are looking to substantially expand existing commercial links over the next several years.
The trade relationship currently includes goods, services, tourism, education, forestry, horticulture, aluminium and other sectors.
2. India Is an Important Growth Market for New Zealand
India is currently New Zealand’s 11th-largest goods and services export market, accounting for 1.8% of New Zealand’s exports. New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade identifies opportunities across food, beverages, technology, education, tourism and fintech.
New Zealand’s major exports to India in the year ended December 2025 included:
- Travel services — NZ$1.14 billion
- Forestry — NZ$399 million
- Horticulture — NZ$114 million
- Aluminium — NZ$86 million
- Iron and steel — NZ$80 million
- Wool — NZ$77 million
These sectors provide an existing base from which bilateral trade could expand.
3. The Free Trade Agreement Could Reduce Barriers
The India–New Zealand FTA is an important component of the wider trade strategy.
New Zealand Parliament passed legislation implementing the agreement on September 16, 2026, with the vote recorded as 93-29. The New Zealand government says the agreement will make 57% of New Zealand’s exports to India duty-free from day one, while tariffs will be eliminated or significantly reduced on 95% of New Zealand exports once fully implemented.
The agreement also provides duty-free access to New Zealand for Indian exports under its provisions.
For exporters, lower tariffs can change the economics of entering a market by reducing the cost difference between imported and domestically supplied products.
4. Horticulture and Food Exports Could Benefit
Horticulture is one area specifically highlighted by the New Zealand government.
The FTA is expected to create tariff savings for New Zealand exporters, with the government stating that the kiwifruit industry alone expects to save around NZ$125 million in tariffs over five years.
The wider Strategic Partnership Roadmap also includes cooperation in horticulture, forestry, dairying, low-emissions agriculture and tourism.
This gives the India–New Zealand Trade Target relevance beyond traditional merchandise trade, particularly for New Zealand’s food and primary industries.
5. Services and Investment Are Part of the Strategy
The NZ$7 billion target covers both goods and services, meaning the growth objective is broader than merchandise exports.
New Zealand’s official trade information identifies opportunities in services including education, tourism, technology, gaming and fintech.
The Strategic Partnership Roadmap also includes cooperation in digital transformation, science, innovation, technology and investment-related areas.
This could create opportunities for companies operating across professional services, technology, education and tourism, alongside traditional exporters.
What the NZ$7 Billion Target Means for Businesses
The India–New Zealand Trade Target gives businesses a clear long-term benchmark for the expansion of bilateral commercial activity.
For New Zealand companies, improved access to India’s large consumer and business market could create opportunities to expand exports. For Indian companies, improved access to New Zealand could support greater activity in areas such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, textiles, processed food and machinery.
However, reaching the target will depend on actual trade growth rather than the FTA alone. Companies will still need to assess consumer demand, logistics, regulations, currency movements and competitive conditions in both markets.
India–New Zealand Trade Outlook
The trade target is part of a broader Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030, which covers trade, agriculture, education, science, technology, security and people-to-people connections.
The FTA provides an additional framework for reducing trade barriers, while the NZ$7 billion goal establishes a longer-term commercial objective.
With the New Zealand implementing legislation now passed and the FTA moving toward entry into force, businesses on both sides are entering a period where the practical effects of the agreement will become increasingly important.
Final Takeaway
The India–New Zealand Trade Target aims to double bilateral goods and services trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030. With current two-way trade at around NZ$3.95 billion and the FTA moving toward implementation, the two countries are establishing a framework for greater commercial activity.
For investors and businesses, key areas to monitor include tariff reductions, horticulture, food exports, services, technology, tourism and investment flows between India and New Zealand.
External Links
India – New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap
New Zealand MFAT – New Zealand-India Strategic Partnership
