[REVISION HISTORY]

Mexico-US avocado trade disruption and recovery

Updated 34 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-17 19:57 UTC → 2026-08-18 19:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~16, while~~ 18, the ~~resumption~~ 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 ~~provided~~ resumed, providing relief to approximately 200,000 workers, industry leaders remain cautious. ~~Persistent~~ Security challenges ~~include~~ persist, including theft, extortionate fees ~~imposed by~~ from criminal groups, and threats against inspectors. ~~Intelligence suggests that some orchards in Michoacán are linked to organized crime, with reports indicating that certain exports~~ USDA inspectors have shifted their focus primarily to ~~China carry the influence of former cartel leaders. Although the immediate suspension has ended, producers continue~~ packing plants to ~~face~~ ensure quality and safety standards are met amidst ongoing risks from ~~ongoing violence and the potential for future security threats in the region.~~ organized crime.

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