The prime minister is expecting to make progress on a landmark free trade deal with the European Union during a gathering of world leaders in South Africa but Australian beef exports remain one of the big sticking points.

Anthony Albanese is expected to meet with EU President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

Officials aren't expecting the agreement to be signed immediately but say progress is likely.

Trade Minister Don Farrell spoke with his EU counterpart Maroš Šefčovič on Thursday, with the Australian side describing the talks as positive.

The EU Trade Commissioner said a few months more would be needed to iron out all the details but good progress was being made.

"I hope that in the spring of the next year we can go to that finishing line," M

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