US Halts Avocado Inspections in Mexico's Michoacan Over Security Concerns

The United States has suspended avocado export inspections in Mexico’s top-producing state of Michoacan due to a security alert, a development that threatens to disrupt the flow of the fruit to its largest international market.

Inspection Activities Halted

Mexico’s avocado producers and packers association, APEAM, confirmed in a statement that the U.S. government temporarily halted its inspection activities in Michoacan on Wednesday. The suspension affects U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) personnel who verify that avocados at packinghouses comply with export requirements for the American market.

These inspections are mandatory for all shipments destined for the United States. APEAM noted that under the suspension, no new export shipments were authorized on Wednesday. Any prolonged halt could slow or temporarily stop the movement of avocados from Michoacan, a critical supplier to U.S. consumers.

Significance for US Supply

The U.S. is by far the largest importer of Mexican avocados, creating a deeply integrated supply chain that is sensitive to disruptions. The potential market impact is significant, given the volume of trade:

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• The United States accounts for nearly 90% of Mexico’s avocado exports by volume.
• Mexico is on track to ship an estimated 1.2 million metric tons of avocados to the U.S. in 2026, according to USDA data.

Context and Official Response

This is not the first time security issues in Michoacan, a state that has long struggled with organized crime, have impacted the avocado trade. Similar inspection suspensions occurred in 2022 and 2024 due to safety concerns for U.S. personnel.

Michoacan Governor Alfredo Ramirez said state officials are in communication with the U.S. embassy and security authorities to restore operations. He characterized the suspension as a preventive measure taken by the U.S. government to protect its employees.