New Zealand wood exports to India triple ahead of trade deal

India is already a growing market for New Zealand forestry

New Zealand’s wood product exports to India have tripled over the past three years, reaching NZ$193 million in the year to 30 June 2026.

The growth comes before the recently signed New Zealand–India Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) takes effect, suggesting further opportunities may emerge once tariff reductions are implemented.

Logs currently account for around NZ$122 million of New Zealand’s wood exports to India, with pulp accounting for a further NZ$74 million.

Processed timber and lumber remain a relatively small part of the trade, creating potential for New Zealand producers to move further into higher-value products.

Importantly, the recent export growth has occurred while India continues to impose tariffs of between 5.5% and 11% on most New Zealand wood products.

FTA could create further export opportunities

Under the New Zealand–India FTA signed in April, tariffs are set to be eliminated on more than 95% of forestry and wood exports once the agreement enters into force.

The agreement has not yet taken effect, with ratification still to be completed.

There are already indications of increased commercial interest. Indian buyer enquiries to New Zealand sawmills reportedly increased in the weeks following the signing of the agreement.

For New Zealand forestry and wood-processing businesses, the combination of an expanding Indian market and lower future trade barriers could create opportunities to diversify export markets and increase sales of higher-value processed products.

Read full article at Wood Central https://woodcentral.com.au/nz-wood-exports-to-india-triple-before-trade-deal-takes-full-effect/

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