Mexico Deploys Over 1,500 Troops to Secure Avocado Exports After US Halts Inspections

Mexico's government has deployed more than 1,500 soldiers and National Guard members to its primary avocado-producing state, Michoacan, in an effort to resume U.S. exports. The move follows a decision by the United States on Wednesday to suspend safety inspections of the fruit, citing security concerns for its personnel.

Security Response to US Suspension

According to Mexico's defense ministry, the deployment consists of 1,557 troops, including 900 army soldiers and 657 National Guard members. Their mission is to secure key avocado-producing municipalities by protecting packing facilities, transportation routes, and inspection points from extortion by organized crime groups.

The U.S. suspension is a critical issue for the industry, as U.S. law requires inspectors from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to certify all Mexican avocados designated for export to the country. Without these inspections, shipments cannot proceed, effectively halting trade.

Diplomatic and Economic Stakes

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Thursday that her government is coordinating a "work plan" with the U.S. Embassy to guarantee the safety of inspectors. "We are looking for this to be a brief suspension so we can recover exports," Sheinbaum said at a press conference.

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The economic implications are significant. The United States is by far the largest foreign market for Mexican avocados, accounting for nearly 90% of the country's exports by volume. To resolve the impasse, Mexico is seeking a meeting with the USDA to discuss the return of U.S. staff or the possibility of using inspectors from Mexico’s own food safety agency.

A Recurring Challenge

This is not the first time security issues have disrupted the avocado trade. Similar suspensions of U.S. inspections occurred in both 2022 and 2024, highlighting the persistent challenges in the region.

Michoacan, Mexico’s top avocado-exporting state, has long struggled with violence as criminal organizations battle for control of drug trafficking routes, illegal logging operations, and the lucrative extortion of avocado producers. The latest deployment represents another attempt by the Mexican government to assert control and stabilize a key sector of its agricultural economy.