The announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India, which eliminates tariffs on over 95% of forestry and wood exports to over 1.4 billion Indian consumers, offers new opportunities for Kiwi forest owners and wood processors in a significant growth market says the New Zealand Forest Owners Association.
“The New Zealand-India FTA is a big win for all New Zealand exporters, but especially those in the forestry space,” says Dr Elizabeth Heeg, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association.
“Forestry is already New Zealand’s largest export to India, worth NZ$126 million, including NZ$71 million in log exports.”
Dr Heeg says New Zealand enjoys a reputation as a reliable, long-term supplier of premium wood products in India, and the new FTA provides the platform to lift volumes over time and grow higher-value trade in processed wood and building products.
“India has scale, strong demand for New Zealand wood products, and significant momentum, with its economy forecast to grow to NZ$12 trillion by 2030,” Dr Heeg says.
“With improved settings for trade under the new FTA, our growers and processors can build longer-term commercial partnerships and invest more with confidence.”
Dr Heeg says the sector has seen growing interest from India through recent engagement, including the forestry and wood processing trade mission led by Trade Minister Todd McClay last year.
“Our trade mission to India in November gave us valuable first-hand experience with India’s forestry policies and its fast-growing domestic market. With a return Indian forestry delegation due in February, there is a clear pathway to turn that interest into more trade, especially in higher-value processed wood products.”
Dr Heeg also welcomes the agreement’s emphasis on collaboration, including cooperation on research, education and forestry practice, to support stronger productivity and sustainability outcomes for both countries.
“That practical work will help lift capability in the sector, while the agreement itself gives growers and processors a stronger base to increase trade with India. Put together, it’s a great outcome for forestry and a great outcome for New Zealand,” she says.
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