The New Zealand Timber Industry Federation (NZTIF) says the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is already delivering encouraging early results, with increased enquiry levels being reported by New Zealand sawmills. NZTIF members are experiencing a noticeable uplift in interest from Indian buyers for New Zealand sawn timber products, signalling growing market confidence and improved access following the agreement. “We are already seeing tangible benefits from the New Zealand–India FTA,” said NZTIF. “Sawmills are reporting a rise in enquiries for sawn product from India, which is a positive early indicator of demand growth in what has the potential to become significant and expanding market.” India represents a major opportunity for New Zealand’s timber industry, driven by strong construction demand, urbanisation, and an increasing preference for sustainably sourced wood products.

New Zealand and India signed the NZ-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 27 April 2026.

India is a strategic priority for New Zealand because of its growing global influence, economic scale, and regional importance.

Despite India being one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world, it is only New Zealand’s 11th largest goods and services export market (with total exports to India of NZ$2.03 billion in the year ended December 2025). There are significant opportunities to increase trade between the two countries.

The New Zealand-India FTA will create valuable opportunities for New Zealand and Indian exporters to expand two-way trade. It also supports the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years.

Source: mfat.govt.nz