State authorities and USDA in talks to review measures to bolster the protection of US personnel
The Mexican avocado industry issued an urgent call to the government to guarantee security in Michoacán after the US suspended avocado export inspections in Michoacán on Wednesday following a security alert.
The measure temporarily halts the shipment of new loads of Michoacán avocados to the US, prompting fears of possible shortages and price increases.
In a statement, industry representatives condemned any acts of violence affecting the state’s economic and social stability, noting that insecurity threatens the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on this sector.
Michoacán is Mexico’s largest avocado exporter, accounting for around 75 per cent of national production.
Producers pointed out that avocados are a primary source of employment and rural development in Michoacán, warning that a lack of security could impact producers, pickers, packers, transporters, and other workers involved in the export supply chain.
Mexican grower-packer association Apeam said in a statement that the US government had temporarily halted activities in Michoacan, disrupting the work of USDA regulatory personnel who verify compliance with export requirements at authorised packinghouses.
Apeam said: “Shipments of export avocados are not being approved,” and that each packhouse must decide on its own whether to harvest and operate.
According to the USDA, which reported only avocados received on or before 4 August are being authorised, provided that their receipt took place in the presence of a regulatory officer from the US agency.
The US Embassy in Mexico confirmed the suspension, but did not give further details of what prompted this decision or specify the nature of the threat.
The move follows a crackdown by Michoacán law enforcement on extortion crimes. Local criminal groups regularly demand protection money from avocado producers.
According to Reforma, the Michoacán Secretariat of Public Security and representatives from the USDA are reviewing measures to bolster the protection of US personnel responsible for overseeing avocado exports. The report said state authorities announced that the Civil Guard would step up preventive and operational actions in the region to help ensure security.
“The Civil Guard will strengthen preventive and operational actions in the region to provide security conditions that contribute to the population’s well-being and the development of this productive activity,” the state agency said.
Producers in Jalisco sprang into action following Wednesday’s decision. Luis González, president of the Agro-industrial Commission of the Council of Industrial Chambers of Jalisco (CCIJ), said the events in Michoacán should raise alarm bells in the state.
Speaking to El Economista, he claimed Jalisco could face a similar suspension unless the authorities take the necessary efforts to strengthen security conditions for the agro-industry.
At the same time, González did not rule out the possibility that the measure could create a commercial opportunity for Jalisco exporters due to a potential rise in the price of imported avocados.
The longer the suspension goes on, the more opening it creates for other suppliers – such as Peru, Colombia and Brazil – to fill the gap created in the US market.
Mexico exported nearly 1.28mn tonnes of avocados in 2025, valued at approximately US$3.696bn . The US market accounted for 87 per cent of the export volume, equivalent to around 1.1mn tonnes.
