U.S. to Partially Resume Avocado Inspections in Michoacan After Security Halt

The U.S. government will partially resume avocado export inspections in Mexico's key producing state of Michoacan on Saturday, following a temporary suspension triggered by security threats. The move is expected to ease concerns over potential disruptions to the U.S. avocado supply chain.

Resumption Follows Security Pledges

The U.S. embassy in Mexico City announced on Friday that official activities would restart in some towns within Michoacan's "avocado belt." The decision was based on commitments from the Mexican government and the implementation of new security measures, according to the embassy's statement.

U.S. officials will continue to evaluate the security situation on the ground, and a timeline for a full resumption of all activities has not yet been established. The partial restart allows for the crucial inspection process, which is required for avocados to be cleared for export to the United States, to begin again.

Suspension Linked to Regional Violence

The U.S. halted government activities in the region on Wednesday, citing an unspecified threat to U.S. interests. A Michoacan government official told Reuters that authorities believe the security alert may have been prompted by violence following the arrest of an alleged cartel leader, Alfonso Fernandez Magallon.

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The official also noted unconfirmed reports that a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspector may have been threatened. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government was coordinating with the U.S. Embassy to guarantee inspectors’ safety, and more than 1,500 soldiers and National Guard personnel were deployed to Michoacan.

Market Implications and Context

Despite the pause, the Mexican Hass Avocado Association stated on Thursday that it did not anticipate a significant impact on near-term cross-border sales. The association noted that existing inventories and product already in the supply chain should be sufficient to meet U.S. demand for now.

This is not the first time security concerns have disrupted the avocado trade in the state. Similar suspensions of U.S. inspections occurred in Michoacan in both 2022 and 2024, highlighting the persistent operational risks in the region. Michoacan is Mexico’s leading avocado-producing state and a critical supplier to the U.S. market.