u/Optimal_Shelter7261

Hey everyone,

I’m 24 and planning to move to Mumbai to grow further in the export/import industry and build stronger ground-level experience.
I’ve already spent around 2 years learning and working around exports, sourcing, suppliers, and international business communication. I’m still growing, but I understand the basics of sourcing, supplier coordination, product research, and client handling.
My background:
• IT Engineer
• Interested in export/import and international sourcing
• Comfortable communicating with suppliers and clients
• Good cook and fitness/health enthusiast
• Open to hard work and learning on the ground

Right now I’m looking for:
•Entry-level work/internship in exports, sourcing, logistics, sales, or operations
• Networking with people already working in exports/imports
• Affordable stay/shared accommodation suggestions in Mumbai
• Any opportunity where I can learn while contributing value
I’m serious about rebuilding myself professionally and personally, and I believe Mumbai is the right place to learn, grow, and create opportunities.
If anyone has advice, leads, or opportunities, I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Thank you.

The NZ-India Free Trade Agreement was signed on 27 April, just last week. I've been digging into the details and thought I'd share what it actually means for everyday Kiwis and NZ businesses.

Indian-made clothing, textiles, electrical goods, and machinery could get cheaper (tariffs on Indian imports into NZ drop to zero immediately)

More variety of Indian food products, spices, and packaged goods on shelves

Indian Basmati rice, spices, and processed foods will have GI protection, so you know what you're buying is authentic

For NZ businesses importing from India

Zero tariffs from Day 1 on everything from India's 8,284 product lines

- Customs clearance from India guaranteed within 48 hours

- Paperless, single-window customs system (less admin nightmare)

- Dedicated fast-track for NZ dairy ingredients going into India's supply chain

NZ exporters selling INTO India

- Apples: NZ is the first country ever to secure Apple access into India (previously blocked)

- Kiwifruit: Tariff Rate Quotas secured (India currently charges 33%)

- Wool and coal: zero duty from Day 1

- Wood/timber: zero duty phased over 7 years

- Average tariff on NZ exports to India drops to just 3%

The skilled worker angle, 5,000 Indian professionals/year can come to NZ under TEE visas for up to 3 years — IT, engineering, healthcare, construction. Could help with NZ's skilled labour shortages in these sectors.

My honest take as someone following the India-NZ trade

NZ-India two-way trade is currently NZ$3.68 billion. India's middle class is 435 million people today, projected to hit 1 billion by 2047. Getting into that market now, before it's crowded, seems like smart timing for NZ businesses.

Not in force yet (needs parliamentary ratification, probably 6-12 months). But now is the time to do your homework.

Curious what NZ businesses here think — is anyone considering the Indian market?

Most people don't know this, yet India signed a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand just 4 days ago (27 April 2026). And it's actually a massive deal for anyone thinking about exports.

Here's a quick breakdown of what's in it for Indian exporters and MSMEs:

What India gains:
- 100% of Indian exports enter New Zealand at ZERO duty from Day 1 of enforcement
- Textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, processed foods, ceramics ALL zero duty
- Customs clearance in 48 hours (24 hours for perishable goods)
- New Zealand commits to give EU-level GI protection to Indian products (Basmati, Darjeeling tea, regional handicrafts)
- 5,000 skilled worker visas/year for Indians in IT, engineering, healthcare, and construction
- NZ commits to invest USD 20 billion in India over 15 years

What makes this special:
This was concluded in just 9 months, India's fastest FTA ever. For context, the India-UK FTA took years. This shows how serious both sides are.

New Zealand is also a gateway to Pacific Island markets, so it's not just NZ you're accessing, it's the whole Oceania region.

For MSME exporters specifically:
There's a dedicated MSME chapter. Small businesses get access to NZ's trade information systems, export readiness programs, and direct linkages with NZ's SME ecosystem. This is rare; most FTAs ignore small businesses.

The catch:
It's signed but NOT yet in force. Both parliaments need to ratify it. Probably 6-12 months away.

My take:
If you're thinking about starting an export business, this is the time to research NZ as a market. Find buyers now, prepare your product, so you're ready when tariffs drop to zero.

Happy to answer questions if anyone has them. Also curious — is anyone here already exporting to New Zealand? What's your experience?

Source: Ministry of Commerce, India press release, 27 April 2026*

Hey everyone,

I run an export sourcing company based in India, and I’m currently looking to connect with manufacturers who want to take their products international but don’t have the right network or export setup yet.

We are in the process of working closely with Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and aligning with government-backed export systems to ensure proper compliance, credibility, and smooth global trade operations.

On top of that, we’re building an AI-discoverable online presence so international buyers using tools like ChatGPT and Google Search can easily find and connect with us and our partner manufacturers.

Here’s what I can help with:

Finding genuine international buyers

Handling export processes and documentation

Market research and global pricing strategy

Positioning your products for international demand

Building long-term global partnerships

I’m especially interested in:

Textiles, ceramics, handicrafts, metal items, home decor, cotton products, and similar categories but open to anything with strong export potential.

If you’re a manufacturer (or know someone) who wants to expand globally, feel free to comment or DM.