Mexican Avocados Temporary Suspension!
Mexico City, Aug 5 (EFE).-
A security alert issued by the United States Embassy in Mexico forced the temporary suspension of avocado certifications in the state of Michoacán, effectively halting exports to the US market, the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico (APEAM) reported on Wednesday.
The US Embassy announced that, effective Aug. 5, it has suspended its agricultural staff’s operations in Michoacán due to a security threat against US interests.
This measure impacts regulatory officials from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for verifying compliance with the Operational Work Plan at authorized avocado packing facilities.
“Due to a threat against American interests, US government activities in Michoacan State have been suspended as of August 5,” the diplomatic mission stated in an alert, without specifying the nature, location, or recipient of the threat.
The US State Department continues to classify Michoacán as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” zone due to terrorism and crime, restricting the movement of US government employees within the state.
APEAM reported that its Board of Directors and CEO have traveled to Mexico City to meet with authorities, seeking measures to address the situation and minimize the impact on the industry.
According to the organization, the USDA has authorized the processing of fruit received only on August 4, which was processed in the presence of a US regulatory official.
While fruit received on Wednesday may be unloaded, it cannot be processed, and no avocado shipments for export are currently authorized.
The association stated that it remains in communication with the USDA and will provide updates on any changes, though it did not specify the duration of the suspension or the specific incident that triggered the alert.
According to APEAM, 127,000 tons of avocados were shipped to the United States between January 5 and 31 of this year, surpassing the 114,000 tons exported during the same period in 2025.
Furthermore, according to figures from the Mexican Ministry of Economy, Mexican producers shipped 501,824 tons of avocado between January and April 2026, an increase of 370,551 tons compared to the same period the previous year.
This incident is not the first time security concerns have caused disruptions.
In February 2022, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) paused inspections after a US official working in Uruapan received a threat on their official phone.
Operations resumed six days later after measures were established to protect inspectors and reinstate the certifications required to market Michoacán avocados in the United States.
In June 2024, Washington suspended avocado and mango inspections in Michoacán again after two USDA employees were assaulted and temporarily detained while performing their official duties.
Inspections began to resume gradually days later, and the governments of Michoacán and the United States agreed on a permanent security model for APHIS personnel responsible for certifying both fruits.
To date, there is no information on when packing and shipping operations will return to normal. EFE jsm/dmv/mcd
