GTRI Flags Huge Export Opportunity for India in New Zealand Post Free Trade Agreement
FTA: According to the GTRI report, China holds the largest share of New Zealand's import market, while India's presence remains limited. Despite being a major global exporter of many products, India exports very little to New Zealand. Let's explore the details.
At present, China leads in dominating the import market in New Zealand. According to Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report research, China has exceeded $10 billion in total imports from New Zealand. Meanwhile, Indian exports in FY 2025 stood at only $711 million. This contrasts with India being the largest global exporter in various product lines.
According to the report, India is considered an underrepresented country in New Zealand. But in recent times, the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which has just been concluded, may have a significant impact in making up for that deficiency. The Free Trade Agreement is likely to increase exports in processed food, medicines, machinery, electronics, automobiles, aircraft, and furniture.
According to GTRI, India is a major global exporter of many products that New Zealand imports in significant quantities, but despite this, India's share remains extremely low. New Zealand's total imports in FY2025 were estimated at approximately $50 billion, with imports from India accounting for only $711 million and from China accounting for over $10 billion.
Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
The report highlights significant gaps, particularly in the processed food sector. For example, India's global exports of bakery products are worth $602 million, while exports to New Zealand are worth only $6.5 million. Similarly, India exports food products worth $817 million to the world, while its supplies to New Zealand are worth only $7.7 million. These figures clearly highlight opportunities for Indian exporters under the FTA.
Pharmaceuticals are also a major opportunity sector. New Zealand imports approximately $962 million worth of pharmaceuticals, but India's share of this is only $75 million. GTRI states that this shortfall is not due to capacity, but rather due to low market penetration, which can be addressed through an FTA.
The report, based on 2024 trade data analysis, states that there are several products where India's global exports exceed $200 million and New Zealand's imports exceed $150 million, yet India's market share remains extremely limited.
GTRI stated that although the India-New Zealand FTA has been completed, most of its benefits are yet to be realized. If implemented effectively, this agreement could narrow the current trade gap between the two countries and transform limited bilateral trade into a deep and diversified economic partnership.
