What are the headline terms of the New Zealand India FTA?

The agreement gives zero-duty access on all tariff lines for Indian exports into New Zealand. New Zealand exporters receive phased tariff cuts into India, not full removal on day one. Bulk dairy is largely carved out, limiting access to sensitive products. The pact expands services and mobility, including student and work pathways. There is also a signalled $20 billion New Zealand investment into India. Parliamentary scrutiny in Wellington means timing and schedules may shift before the agreement takes effect.

How does this affect UK consumers and businesses?

UK retailers may see India shift capacity toward the New Zealand market as tariffs fall there. This could stretch lead times for apparel, leather goods, and generics that the UK also buys from India. Prices in the UK are not set by this deal, but supply allocation can matter at the margin. UK education providers may face tougher competition for Indian students if visas and work routes prove simpler in New Zealand when the agreement is implemented.

What happens with New Zealand dairy access into India?

Bulk dairy remains mostly excluded, so Indian producers face less near-term competition from New Zealand. That reduces the chance of sharp changes in global butter and milk powder flows. For the UK, this steadier backdrop helps buyers manage food inflation risk. Any limited quotas or phased entries will likely be slow and capped. Traders should still review safeguard clauses, seasonal windows, and product-specific rules once the final legal schedules are published.

What do we know about student mobility visas in the deal?

The pact expands mobility with new student and work pathways, aiming for clearer post-study routes. Details such as length of stay, eligible courses, and recognition frameworks will be critical for student choice. If these terms are simple and predictable, New Zealand could attract more Indian students. UK universities should track the final text for processing times and work rights. Agents and admissions teams can prepare comparison guides for offer holders once official rules are released.

Law and Government

December 22: New Zealand–India FTA Finalized—Zero-Duty Access for Indian Exports, Dairy Carve-outs C

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

The New Zealand India FTA was finalised on 22 December, granting zero-duty access for all Indian goods and phasing in tariff cuts for New Zealand exporters. Bulk dairy remains carved out. The pact expands services and student mobility visas, with new work routes planned. A proposed $20 billion New Zealand investment into India is flagged, but parliamentary scrutiny in Wellington could delay entry into force. For UK readers, the deal matters for supply chains, education markets, and trade strategy as India deepens ties with a key UK partner in the Indo-Pacific.