Duty-Free Access Under New Zealand FTA To Aid India's Textile Export Push: CITI

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Apr 27 (KNN) The proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand is expected to support India's textile exports and advance the sector's long-term goal of reaching USD 350 billion by 2030, according to the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI).

CITI said the agreement would provide duty-free access for Indian textiles in the New Zealand market, helping exporters reduce reliance on a limited number of geographies. The FTA is also expected to encourage companies to move up the value chain and expand their global presence.

'Made-up textile articles' were the fourth-largest category of Indian exports to New Zealand in the year ended December 2025, CITI highlighted, citing data from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Imports in this category were valued at New Zealand dollar (NZD) 80.22 million.

CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran said, "Amid the ongoing geopolitical tension in West Asia, the signing of the FTA between India and New Zealand comes as a breath of fresh air for India's textile and apparel exporters," ANI reported.

He noted that New Zealand, as a high-income and quality-conscious market, could serve as a benchmark for Indian textile products in terms of quality and pricing.

The industry body identified segments such as sustainable textiles, home textiles and technical textiles as areas with strong growth potential in New Zealand.

It also highlighted that New Zealand's position as a leading exporter of premium wool could help Indian manufacturers access high-quality raw materials for producing value-added garments.

(KNN Bureau)

MENAFN27042026000155011030ID1111038345