Coimbatore: India’s textile and garment exporters are eyeing fresh growth as the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) sets the stage for deeper trade ties.
The Ministry of Textiles said Tuesday that the FTA will generate new opportunities across the sector, from sustainable textiles to home textiles and technical textiles.
New Zealand’s import market offers clear potential. The country imports $0.33 billion in textiles, $1.27 billion in apparel, and $0.33 billion in made-ups globally. With a 5.3 million population concentrated in urban centres and per capita income around $52,000, demand for high-value products is strong.
The apparel segment leads New Zealand’s imports, with casual wear, jackets, formal wear, and sportswear accounting for 65% of the total.
Industry bodies say the FTA could help Indian exporters tap premium segments and diversify beyond traditional markets. The focus now: sustainable fabrics, design-led apparel, and technical textiles tailored to New Zealand’s quality-driven buyers.
