India-New Zealand Free Trade Pact: A Game Changer for Textile Exports

The recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand promises to bolster India's textile exports, according to the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI). The agreement aligns with India's vision to achieve a USD 350 billion textile industry by 2030.

By facilitating duty-free access to Indian textiles, the FTA is seen as a strategic move to diversify market reliance and upgrade the value chain for Indian exporters in New Zealand, CITI reports. Data shows that 'made-up textile articles' were India's fourth-largest import category into New Zealand as of December 2025.

CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran hailed the FTA as a significant opportunity amidst geopolitical tensions, emphasizing New Zealand's status as a high-income market that can validate Indian textiles for quality and pricing. The pact could also foster growth in segments like sustainable textiles and technical textiles while allowing for high-quality wool imports from New Zealand to India.

(With inputs from agencies.)