States » SouthPosted at: Oct 17 2026 7:49AM


Kerala spices make export history under India–New Zealand trade pact

Kochi, Oct 17 (UNI) Kerala has flagged off its first export consignment under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with Synthite Industries Pvt. Ltd. shipping spices to New Zealand in a move expected to open up fresh opportunities for the state’s exporters.
The consignment is also among the first from India dispatched in preparation for the implementation of the landmark trade agreement, scheduled to come into force on October 20.
The milestone highlights the potential of Kerala’s spice and food industries to expand their presence in the New Zealand market and benefit from improved market access under the agreement. The trade pact is expected to create new opportunities for Indian exporters and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.
The flag-off ceremony was organised by the Office of the Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Kochi, to mark the dispatch of the consignment and underline the importance of leveraging international trade agreements to boost exports from Kerala.
The India–New Zealand FTA was signed on April 27, 2026, and ratified by both countries on September 21. Its implementation is expected to provide Indian businesses with enhanced opportunities to access the New Zealand market and diversify their export destinations.
Customs Commissioner T. Tiju stressed the need to strengthen Kerala’s exports and promote export-led economic growth. He highlighted the complementary strengths of Kerala’s export sector and the opportunities available in New Zealand, particularly for spices and food products.
Tiju noted that India currently accounts for around 1.5% of the New Zealand market, indicating considerable scope for expanding the country’s presence. He emphasised that effective utilisation of the FTA could help Indian exporters tap this untapped potential and improve their competitiveness in the market.
Hassan Usaid N.A., Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade, Kochi, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement in diversifying India’s trade partnerships and widening export opportunities. Referring to the broader context of India’s trade policy following its withdrawal from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), he stressed the need for Indian businesses to make greater use of the benefits available under the country’s existing free trade agreements.
Rajeev, Assistant Director of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), emphasised the importance of creating greater awareness among exporters about the provisions and benefits of FTAs. Such awareness, he said, would help businesses identify emerging opportunities, understand the requirements of overseas markets and improve their access to international trade.
Ahead of the flag-off ceremony, Tiju and Hassan Usaid presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Synthite Industries Pvt. Ltd. in recognition of its pioneering role as the first exporter from Kerala under the India–New Zealand FTA. The recognition also acknowledged the company’s continued efforts to strengthen India’s economic presence in international markets.
The consignment was ceremonially flagged off by Tiju, Hassan Usaid and Rajeev. Officials from the Bureau of Immigration, Customs and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, along with representatives of Synthite Industries, attended the programme.
The initiative reaffirms the commitment of the Office of the Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Kochi, to promoting exports from Kerala, facilitating greater utilisation of free trade agreements and supporting the state’s export-led economic growth.
The shipment is expected to serve as an important step in encouraging more Kerala-based businesses to explore overseas markets and capitalise on the opportunities created by India’s expanding network of trade agreements.
UNI DS
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