Mexican avocado exports to the United States have once again been disrupted after the US suspended agricultural inspections in the state of Michoacan because of security concerns.
_x000D_The move has prompted Mexico to deploy additional security forces in an effort to restore exports and protect one of the country’s most valuable agricultural industries.
_x000D_ _x000D_Mexico Sends More Troops to Michoacan
_x000D_President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Thursday that Mexico is sending 1,500 additional troops to Michoacan.
_x000D_The deployment aims to improve security in avocado-producing areas and allow US inspection activities to resume as soon as possible.
_x000D_Furthermore, the government hopes to prevent disruptions that could affect both Mexico’s economy and US consumers.
_x000D_ _x000D_Why the US Suspended Inspections
_x000D_The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) halted inspection operations on Wednesday after identifying a security threat to American personnel in Michoacan.
_x000D_Although officials did not disclose the exact nature of the threat, inspections stopped immediately.
_x000D_As a result, avocado exports from the region cannot continue because USDA inspectors must approve shipments before they enter the United States.
_x000D_ _x000D_Michoacan Faces Cartel Violence
_x000D_Michoacan is Mexico’s largest avocado-producing state.
_x000D_However, it is also one of the country’s regions most affected by organized crime.
_x000D_Several criminal groups operate there and are involved in drug trafficking, violence, and extortion.
_x000D_According to industry sources, avocado producers often pay extortion fees to criminal organizations to continue operating.
_x000D_Therefore, security concerns have repeatedly affected export operations.
_x000D_ _x000D_Not the First Export Suspension
_x000D_This is not the first time Mexican avocado exports have been interrupted.
_x000D_In 2022, the US temporarily suspended inspections after a USDA inspector received threats.
_x000D_Similarly, two USDA employees were assaulted and briefly detained in Michoacan in 2024.
_x000D_This latest suspension is described as a preventive measure following recent arrests connected to extortion investigations.
_x000D_ _x000D_US Could Face Higher Avocado Prices
_x000D_More than 80% of the avocados consumed in the United States come from Mexico.
_x000D_In 2025, Mexican avocado exports generated approximately $3.7 billion in sales.
_x000D_Consequently, any prolonged suspension could reduce supplies and increase prices for American consumers.
_x000D_However, experts believe the disruption is unlikely to last long because both countries depend heavily on the avocado trade.
_x000D_ _x000D_Industry Calls for Stronger Security
_x000D_The California Avocado Commission has urged stronger monitoring of avocado shipments entering the United States.
_x000D_The organization also called for tougher action against criminal groups involved in the industry.
_x000D_Meanwhile, analysts believe cartel activity has become an increasingly important issue in trade relations between the two countries.
_x000D_ _x000D_Jalisco Continues Exporting
_x000D_Despite the suspension in Michoacan, avocado exports from Jalisco continue.
_x000D_Jalisco is the only other Mexican state authorized by the USDA to export avocados to the United States.
_x000D_However, its production volume remains much smaller than Michoacan’s.
_x000D_As a result, Michoacan continues to play a vital role in supplying avocados to the US market.