The United States has suspended government operations, including agricultural inspections, for avocado exports from Mexico's Michoacan state due to unspecified threats to U.S. personnel. In response, Mexico announced Thursday it is sending 1,500 additional troops to the western state, a major hub for avocado production.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated the increased security presence aims to facilitate the prompt resumption of avocado exports and to mitigate potential economic impacts on Mexico and the U.S. supply chain. Avocados from Mexico represent over 80% of those consumed in the United States, contributing approximately $3.7 billion to Mexico's sales in 2025.
U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors are responsible for verifying the quality of avocados before export to prevent the entry of pests. Without these inspections, imports are halted, which can lead to increased prices for consumers in the U.S.
The security situation in Michoacan, where numerous cartels are active, has previously led to export suspensions. In early 2022, a similar pause lasted a week. This latest suspension, however, was initiated without a specific reported incident, with Michoacan authorities describing it as a preventive measure following arrests related to extortion cases.
In 2024, two USDA employees were assaulted and temporarily detained in Michoacan, a prior incident that led to export halts. The California Avocado Commission has advocated for enhanced monitoring of imported fruit and called for an end to cartel interference in the industry, noting that cartels should not be able to exploit trade agreements to disadvantage domestic growers.
Mexican analyst David Saucedo suggests that issues surrounding avocado exports are a factor in the U.S. government's designation of four Michoacan-based cartels as terrorist organizations. The economic implications of export disruptions affect both countries and the cartels themselves. The avocado industry in Michoacan employs around 200,000 people, and prolonged pauses can cause shortages and price hikes. Furthermore, halted exports prevent cartels from collecting extortion payments, which are a significant source of income for them.
One Michoacan producer, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, reported paying approximately 1 peso per kilogram in extortion fees, amounting to over $5,000 daily on his export volume. When inspections cease, Mexican authorities typically increase security, as demonstrated by the current troop deployment. Past discussions have included the possibility of Mexican officials conducting inspections, but the USDA has maintained responsibility for verifications, with armed escorts provided by Mexican security forces.
While export pauses are usually resolved quickly, producers indicate that the underlying issue of extortion persists. The suspension specifically impacts avocados from Michoacan, which is one of only two Mexican states authorized by the USDA for export to the U.S. since 2022, with the other state, Jalisco, having a significantly smaller export volume.