The avocado trade between Mexico and the United States is trying to regain its rhythm after a suspension that once again put security in Michoacán at the center of the commercial relationship. Faced with the challenge, President Claudia Sheinbaum assured that her government will guarantee the protection of US inspectors, avocado producers and packers to keep exports open.

The measure came after the United States temporarily withdrew personnel from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in charge of supervising avocado shipments in Michoacán, after receiving threats against its workers. Washington did not publicly report which group was behind those threats.

According to the Associated Press agency, the suspension occurred in the midst of an operation against criminal groups and a situation of violence that has affected avocado producers, a sector that for years has faced extortion problems in different areas of the state.

Sheinbaum explained that Mexico did not receive prior notification about the inspectors' withdrawal. After learning of the situation, officials from the Secretariats of Foreign Affairs and Security met on Friday with the United States Ambassador, Ronald Johnson, to establish new protection measures.

“They will be given all the security so that there is no problem,” said the president during her morning conference.

The president added that coordination between both governments will remain active to protect Mexican and American inspectors, producers and packing plant workers.

As part of the response, the Government of Mexico deployed 1,557 elements, between 657 members of the National Guard and 900 of the Army, to reinforce surveillance in production areas, packaging centers and highways.

For its part, the Association of Avocado Producers and Packers Exporters of Mexico (APEAM) had reported that around 75% of the packing plants were already enabled to export. These facilities usually concentrate about 85% of the state's external avocado sales.

It should be noted that Mexico is the main supplier of avocado to the US market and the USDA points out that the export program depends on coordination between the health authorities of both countries.

The sector also represents an important source of employment in Michoacán. The Ministry of Agriculture reported in July that the state's agribusiness generates more than 150,000 jobs, while the federal government maintains a specific strategy to protect avocado producers and other sectors affected by extortion.

The current tension is not entirely new either. In 2024, the United States temporarily suspended inspections after two American inspectors were detained in Michoacán. After a security agreement between authorities from both countries, activities resumed.

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