Grant Robertson says a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK is still a long way off.

Robertson and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern discussed trade with their British counterparts last week in what he described as constructive meetings.

The Finance Minister told Mike Hosking Britain isn't yet in a position to negotiate, but that doesn’t mean an agreement can’t come to fruition in the foreseeable future.

“I met with the UK Chancellor, the Prime Minister met with Theresa May and both of us pushed the fact we are ready and willing to start a free trade agreement. Unfortunately, the UK are not yet in the right position to start.

"We are well advanced now, all the messages I have received is that many of the EU countries are keen to see an agreement with New Zealand as soon as possible."

With the EU and Britain locked in a bitter battle over Brexit, many pundits and commentators are predicting a bleak outcome for all parties involved, with especially Britain having a lot to lose.

Robertson has only just arrived back from Europe and says while the UK wants a trade deal with New Zealand, Brexit has to be sorted out first.

"What I have heard from finance leaders across the EU is there a tremendous amount of goodwill towards doing a free trade deal this year. There is a lot of common, and all parties are keen to do the deal.

"We will be pushing hard for our agriculture industry, which is a sticking point with the French. It has been one of the long term issues."