New Zealand secures free trade agreement with India, lowering tariffs on major produce categories
Fruit producers in New Zealand welcomed 2026 celebrating the country’s signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. The treaty introduces significant tariff reductions for several produce categories, including apples, pears, and kiwifruit.
According to industry representative New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI), the agreement will drive a surge in pome fruit exports to the South Asian country over the next six years.
Tariffs on apple shipments will be slashed in half from April 1 to August 31, lowering the rate from 50 percent to 25 percent.
India will cap apple exports at 32,500 metric tons during the first year (roughly 71.7 million pounds), but the limit will rise to 45,000 metric tons (about 99.2 million pounds) after six years.
Pear tariffs have also been halved to 16.5 percent, and unlike apples, New Zealand’s pear exports face no quotas or seasonal restrictions.
Zespri celebrates expanded access for New Zealand kiwifruit
The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement also heavily reduced tariffs on kiwifruit, which have dropped from over 30 percent to 16.5 percent. However, just like apples, exports will be capped at 15,000 tons each year.
While the tariff cut is smaller, leading New Zealand kiwifruit producer Zespri still calls it a win, since high tariffs last season cost local growers over $5 million out of $16 million in sales to India.
In a post published on the company’s website, CEO Jason Te Brake said Zespri and horticulture research institute Plant & Food Research (now part of the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd) have been working with the Aroteaoran and Indian governments “to improve kiwifruit market access in return for supporting local growers whose product is counter-seasonal to New Zealand.
”The work included extensive two-way engagement, visits, and the preparation of a comprehensive scoping study to support delivery of the cooperation. The conclusion of the FTA has made this a reality,” said Te Brake.
The executive also revealed Zespri’s upcoming Kiwifruit Action Plan, a partnership between growers in Asia and Oceania aimed at boosting production and strengthening supply chains in rural communities.
Related stories:
Kiwifruit drives surge in New Zealand’s 2025 fresh fruit exports
India's growing taste for cherries attracts new origins and offers opportunities
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