Key facts
- The U.S. has suspended avocado export inspections in Mexico's Michoacan state.
- The suspension is due to a security alert and concerns for U.S. government employees' safety.
- This action could delay or halt avocado shipments to the United States.
- Only avocados received on Tuesday in the presence of a USDA official can be processed.
- Michoacan is Mexico's top avocado-producing region and a key supplier to the U.S.
The United States has temporarily suspended avocado export inspections in Mexico's Michoacan state following a security alert, a move that could disrupt shipments to the U.S. market. The U.S. government cited concerns for the safety of its employees as the reason for the preventive measure.
Mexico's avocado producers and packers association, APEAM, confirmed the halt in activities by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulatory personnel, who are responsible for verifying compliance with export requirements at packinghouses. These inspections are mandatory for avocados destined for the United States.
Michoacan is Mexico's largest avocado-producing region and a critical supplier to the U.S., which accounts for nearly 90% of Mexico's avocado exports by volume. A prolonged suspension of inspections could significantly slow or halt these shipments.
APEAM stated that only fruit received on Tuesday in the presence of a USDA official could be processed. Fruit received or unloaded on Wednesday could be unloaded but not processed, and no export shipments were authorized for that day.
Michoacan Governor Alfredo Ramirez indicated that state officials are collaborating with U.S. embassy and security authorities from both countries to resume operations as quickly as possible. Similar disruptions to avocado export inspections have occurred in 2022 and 2024 due to security concerns in Michoacan, a state that has historically contended with organized crime and gang violence.