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India Sets 2026 Trade Pivot as Australia Opens Duty‑Free Access on Jan. 1

The push pairs wider market entry with policy tools at home to catalyze manufacturing and jobs.

Overview

  • From January 1, 2026, Australia will extend zero-duty access across 100% of its tariff lines for Indian exports, the commerce minister announced.
  • India’s 2025 deal flow included a landmark UK pact eliminating tariffs on roughly 99% of Indian exports, a CEPA with Oman, and concluded negotiations with New Zealand.
  • New Delhi plans roughly a dozen negotiations in 2026, with an EU agreement expected to be announced in January according to people familiar and with talks advancing with the US on a tariff framework.
  • The US imposed combined duties of about 50% on many Indian products from late August 2025, which remain in place and are a central focus of ongoing discussions.
  • Merchandise exports reached $292.07 billion in April–November 2025–26, as production-linked incentives, labour reforms and logistics upgrades move forward to help firms capitalize on new market access.