The Ministry of Textiles welcomed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement signed in New Delhi on 27 April 2026, calling it a future-ready partnership built on trust, growth and shared prosperity. It said New Zealand offers a focused market for Indian textiles, apparel and made-ups: imports in these categories are about USD 33 crore, USD 127 crore and USD 33 crore. With about 53 lakh people, large urban centres and per-capita income near USD 52,000, the market can absorb higher-value Indian shipments. Apparel forms 65% of New Zealand's global textile-related imports; casual wear, jackets, formal wear and sports wear are key sub-sectors. Cotton apparel accounts for 45% of apparel imports and man-made fibre products for 36%. The release noted 575 dutiable most-favoured-nation tariff lines, including 5% duty on some wool, man-made fibre and made-ups, and 10% duty on carpets, some man-made fibre and apparel, so lower tariff costs can improve Indian competitiveness. India's total exports to New Zealand are about USD 65 crore, with textiles contributing about USD 10 crore. The ministry said apparel, made-ups, carpets, fibre, yarn and fabrics have shown a positive trend over the last decade. Potential growth areas include apparel made of man-made fibre, jute, linen and wool; made-ups using man-made fibre, jute and linen; carpets, fibres, yarn, fabrics, handicrafts and handloom. It also pointed to collaboration with textile design houses and fashion technology institutes, and urged participation in fairs and exhibitions to convert market access into export gains.