India assures safeguards in place on New Zealand apple imports

India has granted New Zealand market access for apples under a new trade pact. The agreement includes safeguards to protect local farmers. A concessional duty applies only to a specific quota. Imports beyond this quota will face the full existing duty.

India and the European Union are set for crucial trade talks in early January. Discussions will cover geographical indications, critical mineral exports, and the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism. India’s steel export concerns are also on the agenda. Officials are working towards a swift agreement.

India has announced reforms to simplify import quality checks, reducing paperwork and inspection times. This move addresses U.S. concerns about burdensome requirements and aims to accelerate trade processes. The reforms are part of ongoing trade discussions between India and Washington.

The India-US relationship, once envisioned as a natural alliance, has become unpredictable, oscillating between warmth and confrontation. Despite public bonhomie and early trade discussions, sharp trade actions and mixed geopolitical signals have strained ties, driven by domestic US politics and strategic interests.

India is in active trade talks with the United States. The goal is to regain better market access for Indian exporters. Discussions aim to conclude soon. This development comes as the US imposed tariffs on Indian goods. India’s ambitious export target for 2030 faces global trade uncertainties. However, efforts continue to achieve significant export growth.

India and New Zealand have signed a free trade agreement. This pact will boost financial services cooperation. It includes new rules for digital payments, fintech, data transfer, and back-office services. The agreement aims to make India a global fintech hub. It will also encourage more investment and business presence between the two nations.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that despite challenges in the US, Indian exporters have maintained their exports in that market. The secretary was addressing exporters in a programme organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

Besides zero-duty access for India’s labour-intensive sectors including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, marine products, handicrafts, engineering goods and automobiles, New Zealand has pledged to invest $20 billion in the country over a period of 15 years. India has offered tariff liberalisation in 70% tariff lines covering 95% of bilateral trade.

India and New Zealand have finalized a free trade pact with an investment arrangement allowing New Zealand dairy firms to process raw materials in India for re-export. This initiative aims to boost India’s exports and includes a fast-track mechanism for New Zealand products. India also committed to future consultations on dairy access for comparable economies.

India and New Zealand have concluded a free trade agreement, granting 100% zero-duty access for Indian exports to New Zealand. This pact is set to benefit Indian farmers, MSMEs, artisans, youth, and women-led enterprises, fostering significant trade growth and investment opportunities.