SIMA Hails India–New Zealand FTA as a Promising New Market Opportunity
The Indian textile industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience amid ongoing global geopolitical uncertainties, including recent disruptions in the Middle East. Backed by the proactive and visionary support of the Government of India under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the sector has benefited from timely interventions to stabilise logistics and supply chains. In line with the Ministry of Commerce’s strategic guidance, the industry is strengthening its position in traditional markets while actively diversifying into new destinations, broadening its product portfolio, and emphasising higher value addition.
A significant milestone in this direction was achieved with the signing of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement on 27 April 2026. In a statement issued today, Mr. Durai Palanisamy, Chairman of the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), expressed deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry for this landmark agreement. He described the FTA as a major boost for India’s textile and apparel sector, poised to unlock substantial opportunities in the New Zealand market.
“The agreement grants 100% duty-free access for Indian textile exports, including apparel, home textiles, and made-ups, while extending MFN-equivalent benefits that ensure a level playing field for our exporters,” Mr. Durai Palanisamy noted. “This will not only enhance market access but also stimulate growth across the entire value chain.”
New Zealand’s total textile and apparel imports stood at approximately USD 1.90 billion in 2023, USD 1.89 billion in 2024, and USD 1.84 billion in 2025. India’s share has remained steady at around 7%, with exports valued at USD 127.13 million, USD 138.53 million, and USD 131.80 million respectively during these years. Currently, India’s overall bilateral exports to New Zealand stand at about USD 0.65 billion, of which the textile sector contributes around USD 0.1 billion. With positive growth prospects across segments such as apparel, made-ups, fabrics, yarn, and fibre, the FTA is expected to significantly expand India’s footprint in this high-potential market.
Members at SIMA
Mr. Durai Palanisamy highlighted that the agreement is perfectly aligned with the Government’s long-term vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and the national target of growing the textile and apparel industry to USD 350 billion by 2030. He also extended sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and Ministry of Textiles for their dedicated efforts in concluding this and other strategic FTAs that deliver real and meaningful market access for Indian manufacturers.
The SIMA Chairman expressed strong confidence that the India–New Zealand FTA will deepen bilateral trade relations, create sustained growth opportunities, and generate substantial employment in India’s labour-intensive textile sector.
A significant milestone in this direction was achieved with the signing of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement on 27 April 2026. In a statement issued today, Mr. Durai Palanisamy, Chairman of the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), expressed deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry for this landmark agreement. He described the FTA as a major boost for India’s textile and apparel sector, poised to unlock substantial opportunities in the New Zealand market.
