China free trade urgent for Aussie meat

Australian sheep and cattle farmers will be hugely disadvantaged compared to their New Zealand competitors if the free trade deal with China isn't ratified by year's end, a parliamentary inquiry has been told.

Kiwi beef and sheep meat will be tariff-free next year under the NZ free trade deal with the Asian giant.

Australian Red Meat Industry chairman David Larkin told parliament's treaties committee on Friday that it was vital comparable Australian products received similar, albeit lagging, access arrangements as a matter of urgency.