Most avocado exports to the US have resumed after last week’s suspension

Mexico's avocados, a $3.65 billion industry, resumed exports to the United States following a week-long suspension rooted in security concerns, according to an announcement by Mexico's agri-food affairs advisor, Julio Berdegué. Nearly 75% of the avocado packing facilities in Michoacán state, the country's leading avocado producer, were cleared for export, handling around 85% of the state's avocado exports.

The remaining facilities are expected to be reinstated soon. The resumption of avocado exports to the U.S. follows multiple meetings and actions by state and federal officials to address U.S. security concerns and enhance safety in Michoacán's avocado belt. The U.S. Embassy had issued a warning about a "threat to U.S. interests" which led to the suspension of avocado imports from Michoacán.

This was the third time in over four years that the U.S. had halted avocado trade with Mexico due to security reasons. In response to the threat, Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla deployed an additional 300 security personnel to the avocado-growing regions, and the federal Defense Ministry sent over 1,500 soldiers to protect producers and packing plants.

To prevent similar incidents in the future, the Mexican government has established a permanent working group to monitor security and deter extortion attempts against avocado producers.