Mexican Hass avocado trade supports more than 37,000 American jobs and contributes US$4.4bn to US GDP
Mexican Hass avocado imports generated an estimated US$7.1bn in US economic output and supported more than 37,000 American jobs in fiscal year 2025/26, according to a new economic analysis from Texas A&M University that highlights the value of the US-Mexico avocado supply chain.
The U.S. Economic Contributions of Hass Avocado Imports found that US$3.2bn in Mexican Hass avocado imports contributed US$4.4bn to US GDP, generated US$2.4bn in labour income and US$1bn in federal, state and local taxes. “For every US$1 of Mexican Hass avocado imports, US$2.21 in economic output was generated across the US economy,” the report states.
Avocados from Mexico said the findings demonstrate how decades of cross-border trade have created economic value well beyond the avocado category, supporting American transportation and warehousing, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, foodservice and other industries.
“That economic impact has developed alongside a significant expansion in American demand. US avocado consumption increased 666 per cent from the late 1990s through 2024/25, rising from 424.4mn lbs to 3.25bn lbs.”
The report points to increased availability of Mexican Hass avocados, changing consumer food preferences and avocado promotion programmes led by Avocados From Mexico among the forces supporting the category’s long-term growth.
Mexican Hass avocado imports to the US reached a record 2.76bn lbs during the 2026 season.
“This report demonstrates the value of a deeply integrated North American supply chain built over decades between Mexico and the US,” said Ron Campbell, executive director of the Mexican Hass Avocado Import Association. “Mexican avocados don’t simply cross the border, they generate economic activity throughout the US economy, supporting transportation and distribution networks, retailers, restaurants and communities across the country.”
The benefits of that integration extend directly to US consumers, Avocados From Mexico said. Mexico’s proximity and year-round availability help ensure consistent access to fresh, high-quality avocados throughout the year.
“Consumers may not see the complex supply chain behind the avocado on their table, but every avocado represents the work of growers, packers, importers and businesses across two countries,” said Alvaro Luque, AFM’s president & CEO.
“With the updated US dietary guidelines placing greater emphasis on whole foods and healthy fats like those found in avocados, Mexico’s proximity, scale and year-round availability make it the only origin that can meet America’s growing appetite for fresh, high-quality avocados year-round. The growth of the avocado category over the past three decades is a powerful example of how integrated North American trade can create value for workers, businesses and consumers on both sides of the border.”
Since FY2012/13, the value of Mexican Hass avocado imports has increased 220 per cent, from US$991.9mn to US$3.2bn, while the economic output generated by those imports has increased more than 320 per cent, from US$1.7bn to US$7.1bn. Over the same period, the contribution to US GDP increased nearly 270 per cent, while labour income, tax contributions and employment increased by 243 per cent, 400 per cent and 230 per cent, respectively.
That economic value is shared across both sides of the border. A separate economic analysis by economist Manuel Molano estimates that the Mexican avocado industry generates approximately US$6bn in economic output and supports more than 78,000 jobs in Mexico.
