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Australia and EU negotiating trade deal

Australia and the European Union are going back and forth over who will be allowed to use generic names for things like cheese, wine and cured meats.

The second round of negotiations on a major free trade deal recently concluded, with one of the sticking points the EU's insistence on geographic indicators.

They include products labelled as feta or prosciutto in Australia, among others.

The EU tabled a report on Friday on the negotiations with updates on the various areas under way.

"Discussions were held in a good and constructive atmosphere and showed a shared commitment to negotiate an ambitious and comprehensive agreement," the EU's report said.

The EU has submitted a list of geographical indicators it wants protected as part of the deal, and replied to Australia's questions about them.

Australia and the EU are also negotiating on customs, tariffs, services, investment and a host of other areas.

While Australia has long sought better access to the EU's huge market, Europe has sped up plans for a free trade deal due to rising protectionism in the United States.

A third round of negotiations is scheduled for March.