U.S. suspends avocado inspections in Michoacan, Mexico due to threats 

The U.S. government suspended activities in Michoacan, Mexico, August 5, including avocado import inspections, due to threats against American interests. 

USDA has withdrawn its avocado inspectors from the state. 

The Mexican avocado association, APEAM, said its leadership plans meetings in Mexico City to address the security issue and work to minimize the impact on exports.  

It said only fruit that was received as of August 4 is authorized for processing, and fruit received August 5 or later may be unloaded, but it is not authorized for processing or export. 

Mexico supplies about 90 percent of the avocados consumed in the U.S., with about 75 to 80 percent coming from the state of Michoacan.  

Avocados from Mexico projected the 2025-26 season to see a record-breaking 2.5 billion pounds of avocados exported from Mexico to the U.S. 

A short suspension is not expected to affect the avocado market in the U.S., as there is sufficient volume in the supply chain, but if it continues, the market could see shortages. 

Inspection disruptions occurred in 2024 and 2022 due to safety issues in the state, which has had problems from gang violence and organized crime. 

The U.S. travel advisory designates Michoacan as a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” area.