The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is being welcomed by the summerfruit industry as a significant step towards expanding opportunities for New Zealand cherry and apricot growers and exporters.
‘The agreement is an important milestone for the industry,’ says Summerfruit NZ Commercial Manager, Raj Singh.
‘This is a positive outcome for our growers and exporters, and creates new opportunities in a market with significant potential.’
India is one of the world's largest and fastest growing consumer markets, and the agreement will help improve the competitiveness of New Zealand summerfruit through reduced tariffs. Tariffs on New Zealand cherries will be eliminated over 10 years, while apricots will also benefit from improved tariff outcomes under the agreement.
While India is not currently a major destination for New Zealand summerfruit, its growing middle class and increasing demand for premium imported food products make it an attractive market for future growth. Industry analysis has identified India as a valuable opportunity for New Zealand cherries and apricots, particularly as tariff barriers are reduced.
The agreement also supports the industry's goal of diversifying export markets and reducing reliance on a small number of destinations. The FTA follows years of engagement between industry and government agencies and is expected to strengthen the foundations for future trade between New Zealand and India.
‘The more market options our exporters have, the more resilient the industry becomes,’ said Raj. ‘Our growers produce premium fruit, and this agreement helps position us to compete more effectively in an important market.’
For Summerfruit NZ, the agreement is about creating long term opportunities that can support grower returns and exporter success well into the future.
‘This is about opening doors. The FTA provides a platform for exporters to build relationships, develop markets and capture new opportunities as demand grows,’ said Raj.
As tariffs reduce over time and commercial connections continue to strengthen, the NZ-India FTA is expected to play an important role in supporting the future growth of New Zealand's summerfruit industry.