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