India-New Zealand FTA will give a boost to textile exports, the target of $350 billion by 2030 will gain momentum
According to the Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI), the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand can give a new impetus to Indian textile exports and strengthen the target of growing the sector to US$ 350 billion by 2030.
CITI believes that this FTA will help Indian exporters reduce dependence on select markets and move up the value chain. Under the agreement, Indian textiles are likely to get duty-free access to the New Zealand market, which will increase competitiveness.
Citing data from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, CITI said "made-up textile articles" were the fourth largest category of imports from India into New Zealand in the year ending December 2025. During this period, the import of Indian textile products was approximately 80.22 million New Zealand dollars.
CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran said that this FTA has brought positive opportunities for Indian exporters amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. According to him, New Zealand, being a high-income and quality-sensitive market, can strengthen global recognition of the quality and pricing of Indian products.
CITI also highlighted that sectors such as sustainable textiles, home textiles and technical textiles have particular growth potential in New Zealand. Also, New Zealand's position as a major exporter of high quality wool can help Indian companies in providing better raw materials and manufacturing high quality garments.
India's textile and apparel sector is the country's second largest employer and contributes significantly to GDP and exports. The industry aims to reach a total size of $350 billion by 2030, of which $100 billion is targeted to be achieved through exports.
