India and New Zealand announced that their Free Trade Agreement would come into force on 20 October 2026, marking a significant development in bilateral trade relations. The agreement is intended to expand market access for Indian exporters and create opportunities for businesses across manufacturing, engineering, agriculture and other sectors. The Indian Government highlighted 100% duty-free access to the New Zealand market for Indian exports under the agreement, alongside New Zealand's commitment to facilitate USD 20 billion in investment into India.

For India's non-tyre rubber industry, the agreement offers a reason to examine export opportunities for industrial hoses, rubber seals, gaskets, conveyor belts, molded components, rubber sheets, flooring products and vibration-control components. However, the actual benefit for each product will depend on its tariff classification, product-specific rules of origin and applicable import requirements. Manufacturers should not assume that every rubber product automatically qualifies for preferential treatment.