Mexico, United States Resume Avocado Exports

Mexico and the United States are gradually restoring avocado exports from Michoacan after security threats disrupted US inspection operations, highlighting the trade sector’s exposure to security conditions in Mexico’s key producing regions. The disruption affects avocado producers, packers, exporters and US buyers, while California growers are seeking seasonal import restrictions amid rising Mexican shipments and phytosanitary concerns.

Following the temporary suspension of avocado exports by the US government over a potential security threat to US inspectors working in Michoacan, both governments are working to gradually resume shipments to the United States. 

Ronald Johnson, US Ambassador to Mexico, highlighted Saturday the security commitments reached with the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum to allow US authorities to gradually resume activities in avocado-producing areas of Michoacan. “The avocado business is mutually beneficial for the United States and Mexico,” Johnson said in a post on his X account, after Washington announced that it would partially resume operations in the state following a suspension triggered by a violence alert.

After a recent security alert last Wednesday, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) decided to temporarily suspend avocado export operations to the United States, following security threats against inspection personnel in the state related to extortion.

In response to the suspension, the Mexican government announced increased security measures in the producing regions. The Army deployed 1,557 personnel to strengthen surveillance in cultivation areas, packing facilities, and agricultural inspection points.

Sheinbaum explained Thursday that the government was working on a plan to provide greater security in areas where the presence of the National Guard was limited. Her administration also requested a meeting with the US Department of Agriculture to seek the return of US inspectors to their duties.

During her press conference, Sheinbaum expressed confidence that exports would resume soon. “It has happened on other occasions; this is not the first time, and we hope it will resume very soon. That is why we are engaging in dialogue while, at the same time, strengthening security in certain areas where there was not as much presence of the National Guard,” she stated.

Johnson thanked Sheinbaum for her leadership and acknowledged the agreements reached with Mexican government agencies. According to the ambassador, these commitments will allow security in Michoacan to be rapidly strengthened and facilitate the immediate, phased resumption of US government activities.

Commercial operations to the United States partially resumed Saturday in some avocado-producing areas of Michoacan and will continue gradually, according to Johnson. So far, exports have resumed in Tancitaro, Tacambaro and Uruapan, as well as in the area between Morelia and Pátzcuaro.

“We will continue to evaluate conditions and adjust our operations as appropriate. A secure agricultural sector benefits both our nations by ensuring food production, strengthening supply chains and supporting economic prosperity,” the US Embassy in Mexico said in a statement.

The Association of Producers and Packers Exporters of Avocado from Mexico (APEAM) reported that, following the negotiations, more than 1,000t of avocados were released for shipment to the United States. The move represents a first step toward resuming normal commercial operations with the US market.

California Growers Push for Seasonal Restrictions

Against this backdrop, the California Avocado Commission (CAC) once again proposed seasonal restrictions on Mexican avocado imports into the United States, arguing that the growth in shipments from Mexico is putting downward pressure on prices and placing US growers at a disadvantage during their harvest season.

The organization said Mexican exports to the US market increased 35% during the first four months of 2026. In its view, this increase intensifies competition precisely when California's avocado production reaches its marketing season.

The figure is consistent with data published by Mexico's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER). Avocado exports to the United States increased year over year in 1Q26, rising from 370,551 metric tons to 501,824 metric tons. In March alone, exports reached 148,511 metric tons, representing a 57% increase compared with the same month a year earlier.

Against this backdrop, the California group proposed using the review of the USMCA to establish a seasonal quota. Under the proposed mechanism, a predetermined volume of avocados would enter the US market at the regular tariff between March and September, while shipments exceeding that threshold would be subject to a higher tariff.

The California organization had already promoted a similar measure last year. Its argument is that limiting imports during the months of highest local production would help balance supply and provide greater protection for growers in the state.

In addition to commercial concerns, the CAC raised issues related to security and phytosanitary controls in Mexico. According to the organization, threats reported in Michoacan have disrupted the activities of US personnel and made it more difficult to monitor orchards supplying the US market.

Ken Melban, President, CAC, supported actions by the Donald Trump administration to protect US officials and take a tougher stance toward criminal groups. The executive said current conditions require additional measures to prevent disruptions to the US avocado industry.

The organization also referred to the recent discovery of a larva during an inspection at a Mexican packing facility. Although the specimen could not be collected or conclusively identified, the CAC used the incident to reiterate the need to strengthen sanitary screening before shipments cross the border.

In response to these allegations by the US organization, as well as other claims concerning potential sanitary risks involving Mexican lettuce, jalapeño peppers, cilantro and parsley, the National Agricultural Council (CNA) called for any allegations to be supported by scientific evidence, traceability and technical assessments.

The organization warned that extending suspicions to entire product categories or to a whole country before investigations have been completed could create consumer alarm, harm producers and workers, and cause trade distortions.

It noted that Mexican producers and exporters comply with sanitary regulations established by both the United States and Mexico, in addition to international private certifications. The CNA therefore called on the US government to strengthen coordination, transparently share technical information and avoid broad restrictions unless specific risks have been fully identified.

Security Concerns Have Previously Disrupted Avocado Trade

This is not the first time security concerns have affected avocado trade. In June 2024, the United States temporarily suspended avocado and mango inspections in Michoacan after two US Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors were detained and assaulted during a road blockade in the state. The officials were carrying out inspection activities when they became trapped in the protest. Although they were subsequently released, the incident prompted the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to halt its operations in the state until adequate security conditions for its personnel could be guaranteed. The measure, which took effect June 15, disrupted the certification process required for shipments and temporarily affected avocado and mango exports to the United States.

The suspension lasted several weeks while Mexican authorities, representatives of the US Embassy and APEAM negotiated conditions for resuming inspections. Operations were eventually restored gradually, and by July 3, 2024, all 84 authorized packing facilities in Michoacan had been cleared to resume operations.

Michoacan is Mexico's leading avocado-producing state. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the state remained the country's largest avocado-producing entity in 2025, with 2.04 million metric tons, representing 75% of national production. It also remains Mexico's main exporter of avocados to the United States.

Jalisco ranked second, with 276,851 metric tons, accounting for approximately 10% of national production. Notably, Michoacan, and Jalisco are the only two Mexican states currently authorized to export avocados to the United States.

The State of Mexico, Nayarit, and Morelos ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, focusing primarily on supplying the domestic market and, to a lesser extent, other international destinations such as Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Malaysia, Singapore, Morocco, and Japan.