Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the significance of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations, emphasizing that the India-Australia trade pact plays a vital role in the country’s economic involvement in the Indo-Pacific region. Starting January 1, 2026, all Australian tariff lines will be duty-free for Indian exports, creating new opportunities for labor-intensive sectors, as per Goyal.
Celebrating the third anniversary of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA), Goyal expressed satisfaction in the partnership’s tangible outcomes, moving from intention to impact. He shared on social media, “India and Australia are collaboratively shaping a future of mutual prosperity and reliable trade.”
The trade agreement between the two nations has yielded consistent export growth, expanded market access, and enhanced supply-chain resilience over the past three years, benefiting Indian exporters, MSMEs, farmers, and workers, Goyal noted. Notably, India’s exports to Australia saw an 8% increase in FY 2024-25, contributing positively to India’s trade balance, with significant growth observed in various sectors like manufacturing, chemicals, textiles, and gems and jewelry.
Goyal highlighted the substantial growth in agri-exports, particularly in fruits, vegetables, marine products, and spices, along with a remarkable 16% surge in Gems & Jewelry exports from April to November 2025. He also mentioned the signing of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on organic products, a significant step that facilitates smoother trade and reduces compliance expenses for exporters.
Additionally, India and New Zealand have finalized a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a crucial economic and strategic milestone. The FTA ensures duty-free access for 100% of Indian exports to New Zealand, coupled with a substantial $20 billion investment commitment over 15 years to bolster long-term economic and strategic collaboration. India’s total exports of goods and services reached a record high of $418.91 billion during April–September 2025, reflecting a 5.86% annual increase from the previous financial year.
