Perdue: No Timeline to Resume Imports of Fresh Brazilian Beef

There is no timeline for the U.S. to resume imports of fresh beef from Brazil, according to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, despite a push from Brazilian Agriculture Blairo Maggi for a resumption of trade.The two officials met in Washington, with Perdue signaling the resumption of trade would be dictated by progress made by Brazil. Brazil's Agriculture Ministry released a recording of Maggi's remarks where he said that the U.S. could lift the ban in 30 to 60 days. Perdue, however, countered that "Open dialogue is good, but we need to see progress."Meanwhile, Brazilian federal food inspectors started a 24-hour protest Monday, slowing inspections in the country. Inspectors union Anffa Sindical called on members to stop accessing the Agriculture Ministry's databases linked to foreign trade activities, a move that would slow on-site checks and export oversight. The inspectors union has decried what they say is a shortage of inspectors.