Wine exporters want China talks finalised

Australian winemakers want negotiations on a trade deal with China finalised soon so they don't fall behind exporters from other countries.

A new agreement between China and New Zealand is now in place and is expected to give its wine and meat exporters a boost.

The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation says the New Zealand-China free trade agreement signed in Beijing increased the need for Australia to conclude its own trade deal.

 "We will be keen to see our free trade agreement with China concluded sooner rather than later to match preferences that are given to other countries," said Andreas Clark of the AWBC.

"Certainly, Chile has already got preferential access into China and, obviously, New Zealand will follow suit, depending on the access they are getting under the FTA."

Australia currently exports about $60 million of wine to China annually. New Zealand exports $4 million worth a year.