Avocado – Mexico Moves to Restore US Imports With Stronger Security Measures
Avocado – Mexico is stepping up security efforts in the western state of Michoacan as the government works to restore avocado exports to the United States following a fresh suspension linked to security concerns.
Mexico is preparing a comprehensive security strategy aimed at improving safety in parts of Michoacan after the United States temporarily halted avocado inspections and imports. President Claudia Sheinbaum said her administration is strengthening security operations while continuing discussions with US authorities in an effort to resume exports as quickly as possible. The move comes after Washington issued a security alert that interrupted inspection activities in one of the world’s most important avocado-producing regions.
Government Expands Security Presence in Michoacan
Speaking during her daily press briefing at the National Palace on Thursday, Sheinbaum said additional security measures are being introduced in areas where the National Guard previously had a limited presence. According to the president, the government believes that improving public safety will help restore confidence and allow export inspections to restart.
She explained that officials remain in regular contact with US counterparts and expressed hope that avocado shipments to the American market would resume in the near future. The government is balancing security operations with diplomatic engagement to resolve the issue without causing lasting disruption to agricultural trade.
Meetings Held With Avocado Producers
Sheinbaum also confirmed that she recently met with avocado growers and exporters from Michoacan after the United States issued its latest security warning for the region. Michoacan is Mexico’s leading avocado-producing state and supplies a significant share of avocados consumed in the United States.
The discussions focused on addressing industry concerns and identifying practical steps to safeguard production, transportation, and export activities. Officials are seeking to ensure that growers and exporters can continue operating while meeting international inspection requirements.
Agriculture Ministry Requests Early Talks
Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has also taken steps to move negotiations forward. The ministry has requested an early meeting with the US Embassy to propose restarting inspection operations with the participation of supervisors from Mexico’s national food safety authority.
The proposal is intended to reassure US officials that inspection procedures can continue safely while maintaining the standards required for agricultural exports. Mexican authorities believe that close coordination between both countries will be essential to restoring normal trade.
US Security Alert Interrupts Inspection Activities
The latest disruption followed a security alert issued by the United States on Wednesday, citing a threat against US interests in Michoacan. As a result, US government personnel suspended official activities in the state, leading to a pause in avocado inspections and imports.
Because US inspections are required before shipments can enter the American market, the suspension immediately affected export operations. The interruption highlights how security conditions can directly influence cross-border agricultural trade between the two neighboring countries.
Trade Issues Extend Beyond Security Concerns
The avocado export challenge comes as Mexico is also dealing with broader trade discussions with the United States. Earlier this year, Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said Mexico would continue seeking the removal of existing US tariffs during the ongoing review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
According to Ebrard, the first formal round of negotiations produced several proposals from the US delegation. Mexican officials have argued that the differentiated tariff policy introduced by the United States under former President Donald Trump differs significantly from the regional trade framework that has guided commerce between Mexico, the United States, and Canada for many years.
Mexican authorities are now working on both fronts—strengthening security in Michoacan and advancing trade negotiations—in hopes of minimizing economic disruption and restoring the steady flow of avocado exports to one of their largest international markets.