Avocado inspections in Michoacan, Mexico has restarted and avocado exports to the U.S. have resumed, the USDA announced February 18.
The USDA, working closely with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico’s Regional Security Officer, Mexico’s national plant protection organization (SENASICA) and the Association of Avocado Producers and Packers Exporters of Mexico, or APHIS, has enacted additional measures that enhance safety for APHIS inspectors working in the field, following a threat made to an employee on February 11, according to the release.
“The safety of USDA employees simply doing their jobs is of paramount importance,” the USDA said. “USDA is appreciative of the positive, collaborative relationship between the United States and Mexico that made resolution of this issue possible in a timely manner.”
In 2021, the U.S. imported $3.0 billion avocados globally, with $2.8 billion coming from Mexico (92%). In terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.2 million metric tons of avocados, with 1.1 million coming from Mexico (89%). For the last full calendar year (2020) of available data, Mexico reported exports of avocados of $3.2 billion, of which 79% went to the U.S.
In 2020 and 2021, approximately 80% of the avocados exported from Michoacán went to U.S. markets. The peak growing season for Mexican avocados is January through March, while the U.S production season for avocado fruit runs from April to September.
Mexico and the U.S. will continue working together to fortify the strong bilateral supply chains that promote economic growth and prosperity in both countries.
“We are grateful that both countries have come to a resolution so that the U.S. and Mexico can continue our positive trading relationship,” the IFPA said in the statement. “IFPA looks forward to continuing to work with businesses on both sides of the border and their respective governments to continue to monitor and address these issues, so consumers can continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to fresh produce.”