The India-NZ pact links apple duties to agri-action plans to boost perishable supply chains and farmer productivity.
India has introduced a strategic framework for trade with New Zealand, linking duty concessions on premium perishables such as apples and kiwifruit to the implementation of comprehensive agricultural action plans. This move, announced on 23 December 2025, marks a shift towards trade agreements that prioritise the integration of technology and the strengthening of global supply chains.
Under this arrangement, New Zealand will provide technical expertise to enhance India’s domestic agricultural infrastructure. This includes the development of advanced post-harvest practices and the modernisation of cold supply chains to reduce wastage and improve the shelf life of temperature-sensitive cargo. These action plans are designed to ensure that imports do not disrupt local markets but instead provide a blueprint for improving the efficiency of the domestic perishable logistics sector.
Beyond agricultural trade, the broader agreement ensures zero-duty access for Indian exports, including textiles, leather, and engineering goods. For the logistics and maritime sectors, this is expected to stimulate container volumes and necessitate more robust shipping corridors between the two nations. Furthermore, the pact introduces streamlined customs procedures and faster regulatory approvals for pharmaceuticals, significantly reducing trade friction and enhancing the speed of the cross-border supply chain.
By tying market access to infrastructure support, India aims to build a more resilient and technologically advanced logistics ecosystem, ensuring that trade growth is supported by a high-standard supply chain framework.
SOURCE – BUSINESS STANDARD
