New Zealand gains tariff advantages in India’s apple market while Poland still faces 50% duty

New Zealand has secured preferential access to India’s apple market under a free trade agreement that entered into force on October 20, 2026. Starting in 2027, New Zealand exporters will be able to supply up to 35 thsd tons of apples to India at a reduced import duty of 25%, compared with the standard 50%. Meanwhile, Polish suppliers remain subject to the full tariff, potentially intensifying competition between the two countries in the Indian market.

The preferential tariff for New Zealand apples will apply from April 1 to August 31, coinciding with the country’s main export season. To qualify for the reduced duty, the import value of the fruit, including transportation and insurance costs, must be at least $1.25/kg. Shipments exceeding the quota will be subject to the standard tariff. The preferential quota will gradually increase to 45 thsd tons per year in subsequent years.

Poland remains one of the suppliers of apples to the Indian market. According to Eurostat, Polish apple exports to India reached 23 thsd tons in January–July 2026. During the first five months of the year, shipments increased by 87% to 20.5 thsd tons. Overall, Poland exported more than 44 thsd tons of apples to India between September 2025 and July 2026.

The lower import duty gives New Zealand exporters an additional competitive advantage, although it will not necessarily make their apples cheaper than Polish fruit. Due to the higher import value of New Zealand apples, Polish producers may remain price-competitive even under the current 50% tariff.

Meanwhile, the EU and India have concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement that предусматривает reducing import duties on European apples from 50% to 20%. The initial preferential quota will be 50 thsd tons per year, gradually increasing to 100 thsd tons from the agreement’s eleventh year. However, until the agreement enters into force, Polish exporters will continue to face the existing tariff rates.

Tags: Poland, India, apples, New Zealand