Key facts
- U.S. government activities in Mexico's Michoacan state will partially resume.
- The suspension was due to security concerns and threats to U.S. interests.
- Mexican authorities are coordinating with the U.S. Embassy to ensure inspector safety.
The U.S. government will partially restart activities in Mexico's top avocado-producing state of Michoacan, easing a suspension over security concerns. The move follows commitments by the Mexican government and the deployment of additional security personnel.
The partial restart of U.S. activities in Michoacan aims to restore the flow of avocados to the U.S. market while addressing security concerns that previously disrupted exports, highlighting the delicate balance between trade and safety in a violence-affected region.
The U.S. government will partially resume its activities in Michoacan, Mexico's primary avocado-producing region, following a temporary suspension due to security concerns. The U.S. embassy stated that official activities would recommence in some towns on Saturday, citing commitments from the Mexican government, enhanced security measures, and ongoing coordination.
The suspension, which began on Wednesday, halted necessary export inspections for avocados destined for the United States. Mexican authorities believe the security alert may have been prompted by violence related to the arrest of alleged cartel leader Alfonso Fernandez Magallon, with unconfirmed reports also suggesting a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector may have been threatened.
President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed Mexico's coordination with the U.S. Embassy to guarantee inspector safety, and over 1,500 soldiers and National Guard personnel have been deployed to the region. The Mexican Hass Avocado Association indicated that the pause was not expected to significantly impact near-term cross-border sales due to existing inventories.
This is not the first time U.S. avocado inspections have been suspended in Michoacan due to security incidents; similar temporary halts occurred in 2022 and earlier in 2024. The U.S. embassy noted it would continue to evaluate conditions on the ground to determine a timeline for a full restart of operations.