The battle for the avocado: The USA will return to oversee the import of the fruit from Mexico

The USA announced that it will partially resume its operations in the main avocado-growing region in Mexico, days after it stopped inspections of avocado shipments destined for the American market due to security concerns.

The American Embassy in Mexico stated that operations will resume in some localities in the state of Michoacán, following commitments by the Mexican government and security measures taken in the area. However, Washington did not provide a date for a full return to operations.

The inspections carried out by American inspectors are a key condition for approving the export of avocados from Mexico to the USA. Their suspension raised concerns about potential damage to the supply of the fruit to the American market, but the Association of Avocado Producers in Mexico estimated that in the short term, no significant shortage is expected, partly thanks to existing stocks and shipments already on their way to the USA.

Tensions in the region increased following the arrest of Alfonso Fernandez Magalon, suspected of being a local cartel leader. A source in the local government said that the violence that developed following the arrest may have been among the factors for the American security alert. At the same time, there were reports of threats against an inspector from the US Department of Agriculture, although the report has not yet been verified.

The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, said that her government is in coordination with the USA to ensure the safety of the inspectors. Consequently, more than 1,500 soldiers and National Guard personnel were deployed in the area.

Michoacán is the main avocado-growing region in Mexico, and the country is a significant supplier of the fruit to the American market. In recent years, the USA has already suspended inspection activities in the region following security incidents, including in 2022 and 2024.