Since Saturday, June 15, the United States Embassy has activated a security protocol that includes the temporary suspension of avocado imports.
The United States government announced this temporary suspension of avocado imports from Michoacán due to an incident involving inspectors from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) during a blockade.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) manages Cooperative Service Agreements with the Mexican government and the Association of Producers and Export Packers of Avocado from Mexico (APEAM) for the pre-clearance and supervision of avocado exports to the United States.
According to APEAM, APHIS-USDA decided to indefinitely pause avocado inspection activities in Michoacán.
In February 2022, the United States had also temporarily suspended imports of Mexican avocado due to threats received by a U.S. inspector.
Through the Avocado Preclearance program, APHIS ensures that all import requirements are met and that avocado exports are free from pests through the cooperative efforts of the USDA and the Mexican government.
Avocado production in Mexico grew by 4.3% year-on-year in 2023, reaching 2.8 million tons, and the USDA predicts a 5% increase for 2024.
This growth is part of a successful decade for avocado production in Mexico, which has experienced a cumulative increase of 80.7% since 2013, remaining the world’s leading producer and exporter of this fruit.
The sector has grown consistently over the past five years due to strong demand from international markets and increasing domestic consumption.
In 2023, avocado exports from Mexico totaled 1.4 million tons, representing a 17% increase compared to the previous year.
