HomeWorldIndia-New Zealand FTA Comes Into Force on October 20; Canada Deal Targeted by Year-End

India-New Zealand FTA Comes Into Force on October 20; Canada Deal Targeted by Year-End

Open Bureau
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Commerce Ministry data show exports to the UK, China and the EU rising in the first half of the financial year, as India widens its trade network amid global tariff uncertainty
The free trade agreement gives Indian exports duty-free access to the New Zealand market. The ministry named textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods and processed agricultural products as the sectors set to benefit.
The free trade agreement gives Indian exports duty-free access to the New Zealand market. The ministry named textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods and processed agricultural products as the sectors set to benefit.  Credits: Pexels

The India-New Zealand free trade agreement will come into force on October 20, and India and Canada are aiming to conclude negotiations on their trade pact by the end of 2026, according to a Commerce Ministry presentation on Thursday.

The agreement, signed in April 2026, gives Indian exports duty-free access to the New Zealand market. The ministry named textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods and processed agricultural products as the sectors set to benefit.

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CANADA: FIFTH ROUND DONE, NEXT IN NOVEMBER

India and Canada are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and are targeting a conclusion by the end of the year. The fifth round was held in Ottawa from October 5 to 9 and covered market access for goods and services, investment, rules of origin, intellectual property rights and trade remedies. The next round is planned for early November in New Delhi.

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EXPORTS UP ACROSS KEY MARKETS

Merchandise exports grew to several major partners in April to September 2026 against the same period last year.

Exports to the United Kingdom rose to $7.32 billion from $6.83 billion, about 7 per cent higher. The India-UK trade agreement came into force in July.

Exports to China jumped to $11.41 billion from $8.39 billion, a rise of about 36 per cent.

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Exports to the European Union climbed to $31.92 billion from $30.61 billion, about 4 per cent higher. India has concluded negotiations on an FTA with the EU, though the agreement has not yet entered into force.

WHAT ELSE IS ON THE TABLE

Negotiations are also on with the United States, Israel, Chile and Peru. India is reviewing or upgrading its existing agreements with Australia, ASEAN, South Korea and Sri Lanka.

The ministry says the effort is meant to diversify export destinations and secure better market access for Indian businesses as global tariff policies shift.

The New Zealand deal was concluded in December 2025 and signed on April 27, 2026. The EU agreement was concluded on January 27 and is reported to be due for signing in December.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said last week that India has concluded nine FTAs covering 38 countries in the past four to four and a half years, with the UK deal among them.

With inputs from ANI