The Mexican government agrees to bolster security for inspectors, packers, and producers
Avocado exports to the US resumed in the Mexican state of Michoacán on Monday following a three-day stoppage due to security fears.
The US Department of Agriculture suspended avocado export inspections in Michoacán las week, citing security threats. An article subsequently published in El Universal claimed that the country’s avocado export chain to the US has been infiltrated by organised crime.
On Monday, Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her government would guarantee the safety of avocado inspectors, producers, and packers in Michoacán. She highlighted that 45 export packing facilities are now operational following the temporary suspension of US activities, with the rest expected to resume operations this week.
Sheinbaum explained that US authorities did not inform Mexico beforehand about the withdrawal of inspectors; they later communicated that some workers had received threats, without publicly specifying which group might be behind them.
On Friday, representatives from Mexico’s Foreign Affairs and Security ministries met with US Ambassador Ronald Johnson and agreed to strengthen protection for personnel linked to the export supply chain.
“Full security will be provided to ensure there are no issues,” Sheinbaum stated, specifying that the bilateral working group would remain permanently in place to guarantee the continuity of exports and the safety of Mexican and US producers, packers, and inspectors.
She said she had already held a meeting with avocado producers and packers – alongside officials from Defence, Security, and the Attorney General’s Office – because extortion had risen in some areas of Michoacán over the past month, even though it had decreased in others due to increased surveillance.
As part of the reinforcement measures, the Secretariat of National Defence has deployed 1,557 personnel – comprising 657 National Guard members and 900 Army troops – to monitor production zones, packing centres, and transportation routes.
This is the third time the US has suspended avocado exports due to issues involving threats or incidents against personnel linked to US inspections. It follows previous stoppages in February 2022 and June 2024.
