The United States has partially resumed government operations, including avocado inspections, in the Mexican state of Michoacán after a temporary suspension. The halt was initiated on August 5 due to an unspecified "threat to U.S. interests," which effectively stopped the crucial inspections required for avocado exports to the U.S. Michoacán is a vital source, providing approximately 80% of U.S. avocado imports, a trade valued at $3.65 billion in 2025 and showing a 35% increase in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.
In response to the U.S. suspension, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum initiated urgent talks with the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to quickly resolve the issue and prevent economic damage. She also proposed that Mexican SENASICA personnel could temporarily replace U.S. inspectors to ensure certification continuity. To bolster security, Mexico's Defense Secretariat (SEDENA) deployed 1,557 troops, including 657 National Guard and 900 Army soldiers, to Michoacán's avocado-producing region. These troops are focusing on nine strategic municipalities to curb extortion against avocado growers and secure packing facilities, transport routes, and inspection checkpoints.
The suspension primarily affected newly harvested and processed avocados from August 5 onwards, though previously inspected fruit could still be exported. While the U.S. Embassy did not detail the nature of the threat, Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla indicated the temporary halt was to safeguard workers following arrests linked to alleged extortion. The U.S. travel advisory designates Michoacán as a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" area.
