# Mexico-US avocado trade disruption and recovery > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-us-avocado-trade-dynamics > Updated: 2026-08-18T13:52:38.000Z. Sources: 187. Developments: 9. In early August 2026, the United States suspended USDA-APHIS on-site avocado inspections in Michoacán following a security alert citing threats to U.S. interests. The suspension halted the on-site certification required for exports, affecting over 30,000 producers and roughly 80 packing plants. With Michoacán supplying 75–80% of U.S. avocado imports, the halt was estimated to cost the sector between $10 million and $15 million per day. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum deployed security forces to protect orchards, packing facilities, and transport routes. While initial deployments included over 1,500 personnel, subsequent security reinforcements expanded the presence to approximately 9,500 members of the Army, Air Force, and National Guard across the state. Following bilateral security coordination, the U.S. announced a partial restart of inspections on 7 August, which eventually led to the full resumption of activities throughout Michoacán by August 13. By August 18, the 2025-26 avocado season concluded with Michoacán production totaling 1.46 million tonnes, a 27 percent decrease from the previous season’s 2 million tonnes. Despite this local decline, Mexican avocado imports into the United States saw a record-breaking increase of 32 percent compared to the last campaign. While trade has resumed, providing relief to approximately 200,000 workers, industry leaders remain cautious. Security challenges persist, including theft, extortionate fees from criminal groups, and threats against inspectors. USDA inspectors have shifted their focus primarily to packing plants to ensure quality and safety standards are met amidst ongoing risks from organized crime. ## Claims - The U.S. government will partially restart official activities in Michoacán on Saturday. (disputed by 18 sources) - The United States has fully resumed avocado inspection operations in Michoacán, Mexico. (disputed by 13 sources) - Exports of Mexican avocados to the United States increased 35% in the first four months of 2026. (disputed by 2 sources) - Mexican avocado exports fell by nearly 25% in the first half of 2026. (disputed by 2 sources) - Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla is coordinating with the U.S. embassy and Mexican security authorities to restore inspections. (corroborated by 22 sources) - Only avocados received on 4 August in the presence of a USDA official may be processed; those received on 5 August may be unloaded but not processed or shipped. (corroborated by 21 sources) - The avocado industry in Michoacán employs about 200 000 people and generates $3‑3.5 billion annually. (corroborated by 21 sources) - Recent security operations led to the arrest of criminal leader Alfonso “La Quiringua”. (corroborated by 21 sources) - The United States suspended avocado export inspections in Michoacán due to a security alert. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Michoacán provides about 85 % of Mexico’s avocado volume exported to the United States, representing nearly 90 % of total Mexican avocado exports. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The suspension affects more than 30 000 certified avocado producers and roughly 80 packing plants in Michoacán. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The United States maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Michoacán. (corroborated by 20 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Michoacán avocado production falls 27 percent amid resumed US exports Michoacán's 2025-26 avocado season ended with production down 27 percent, though exports to the US resumed following an eight-day security-related suspension and increased military presence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michoacn-avocado-production-falls-27-percent-amid-resumed-us-exports ### 2026-08-16: Michoacán avocado exports to U.S. resume after security alert U.S. avocado inspection operations in Michoacán, Mexico, have fully resumed after an eight-day suspension. Increased Mexican military presence aims to address security concerns and extortion risks. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-resumes-avocado-inspections-in-michoacn-mexico ### 2026-08-13: Michoacán avocado sector reinforces security and environmental standards Michoacán authorities and Apeam are coordinating security and environmental measures for the avocado sector, supported by a federal deployment of 9,500 personnel to protect the export chain. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vivienda-para-el-bienestar-program-expands-in-michoacn ### 2026-08-10: Michoacán resumes avocado exports to U.S. after security suspension Michoacán is gradually resuming avocado exports to the U.S. after a security-related inspection suspension. Mexico has deployed over 1,500 security personnel to protect the production and export chain. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ptzcuaro-receives-major-infrastructure-and-lake-rescue-investment ### 2026-08-07: Michoacán avocado exports to U.S. partially resume after security pact The U.S. is partially resuming avocado inspections in Michoacán, Mexico, after security-related suspensions. Bilateral agreements and increased Mexican security deployments have enabled the release of thousands 53 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-partially-restarts-avocado-export-inspections-in-michoacn-mexico ### 2026-08-05: US suspends avocado inspections in Michoacán; Mexico deploys troops The U.S. halted avocado inspections in Michoacán over a security alert, stopping exports. Mexico deployed 1,500 troops, while leaders seek to restore inspections; the region supplies 75‑80 % of U.S. avocados, a 94 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-halts-avocado-inspections-in-mexicos-michoacn-amid-security-threat ### 2026-08-03: US suspends avocado export inspections in Michoacán over security threat The US suspended USDA avocado inspections in Michoacán on Aug 5 over a security threat, halting shipments and affecting 30 000 producers, 80 packers, 200 000 jobs and $3‑3.5 bn in output; officials are working 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-suspends-mexican-avocado-imports-as-supply-surge-reshapes-market ### 2026-07-29: Mexico's avocado exports to the US rise 35% in early 2026 Mexico's avocado shipments to the US grew 35% in early 2026, but export earnings fell 22% as prices dropped and market share slipped to 70% amid rising competition. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexicos-avocado-exports-to-the-us-rise-35-in-early-2026 ### 2026-07-27: Mexico and California Avocado Production Surge Stabilizes Prices Record Mexican and Californian avocado supplies have stabilised U.S. prices, boosted organic premiums, and eased avocado‑oil feedstock pressure, prompting market consolidation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-and-california-avocado-production-surge-stabilizes-prices --- Cite as: Mexico-US avocado trade disruption and recovery. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-us-avocado-trade-dynamics