Mexico deploys troops to secure avocado region after US halts imports
Mexico deployed more than 1,500 troops to its main avocado-producing state after the US suspended export inspections.
The U.S. government has once again suspended avocado inspections in Michoacán, Mexico, citing a "threat against U.S. interests." The U.S. Embassy announced this decision on Wednesday, temporarily halting activities of USDA staff in the western state. Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla of Michoacán stated that the suspension is a preventive security measure and expects it to be temporary.
The embassy did not disclose the nature, location, or target of the threat, but a Level 4 travel advisory remains in effect for Michoacán due to terrorism and crime. The U.S. has also restricted the movement of its government employees in the state. This suspension, the third in four years, affects Michoacán's $3.65 billion avocado export industry, which employs over 200,000 people.
Governor Ramírez Bedolla stated that the halt aims to protect workers following recent arrests connected to extortion. The Association of Avocado Producers and Exporters (APEAM) met with authorities in Mexico City to seek measures to mitigate the impact on the industry, which saw a 7% increase in avocado shipments to the U.S. in January compared to January 2025.
Written by urgent.news from Mexico News Daily's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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