"U.S., Which Bought 90%, Shuts Down… Avocado Industry Hit by Sudden Blow"

U.S. Suspends Imports of Avocados from Michoacán, Mexico
Industry on Alert as Shipments to Largest Avocado Market Halted

The U.S. government has suspended the import process of avocados produced in Michoacán, Mexico's largest avocado-producing region, citing security concerns. This suspension is expected to disrupt the supply of avocados heading to the United States, raising concerns over potential price increases.

The U.S. government has suspended the import process of avocados produced in Michoacán, Mexico's largest avocado-producing region, citing security concerns. Getty Images

According to Bloomberg and CNN on August 5 (local time), the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico announced that they would suspend the work of the U.S. government in Michoacán starting that day.

The U.S. side explained the reason for the suspension only as a "threat to U.S. interests," without revealing any specific details.

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The Association of Producers and Export Packers of Avocado of Mexico (APEAM) stated, "Shipments of export avocados are not being approved," adding, "Each packing company must determine for itself whether to continue harvesting and operations." Currently, only shipments up to August 4, which were processed under the supervision of U.S. inspectors, can be exported, while new shipments scheduled for export from August 5 have been temporarily halted.

Michoacán is a region plagued by severe conflicts between criminal organizations that have diversified their businesses by exploiting agricultural interests. The Michoacán state government explained that the U.S. import suspension measure was taken after an operation targeting the leaders of crime organizations who had been extorting the local avocado industry.

Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez stated, "This suspension of inspections is a preventive measure by the U.S. government to protect its personnel," adding, "The U.S. Embassy and the law enforcement authorities of both countries are working together to normalize operations as soon as possible."

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Mexico is the world's largest producer and exporter of avocados. The United States also relies on Mexico for the majority of its avocado imports. With shipments to the U.S.—Mexico's largest market, accounting for about 90% of its avocado exports—partially suspended, the industry is on high alert. APEAM has held emergency meetings with authorities to discuss countermeasures.

Meanwhile, it is a standard procedure for the United States to inspect local Mexican avocado packing companies intended for export. In Michoacán, concerns over public safety have previously caused temporary halts to U.S.-bound avocado shipments in both 2022 and 2024 due to the safety of quarantine inspectors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.