The U.S. has suspended new avocado exports from Mexico’s Michoacan region following an incident involving American agricultural inspectors. Learn more about the impact and ongoing efforts to resume shipments.
United States, Bollywood Fever: The United States has suspended new avocado shipments from Mexico after an incident reportedly endangered American agricultural inspectors.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) informed the Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico (APEAM) about the decision to halt new exports from Michoacan late on June 14, according to a notice from the trade group seen by Bloomberg News. While the notice did not detail the incident, local media reports suggest that two inspectors were detained and attacked during a protest over police pay. The USDA’s notice stated that no activities related to fruit shipments would take place until further notice.
A USDA spokesperson, in an email statement, confirmed that inspections of avocados and mangoes in the region have been paused due to security concerns for personnel in Michoacan. The inspection programs will remain suspended until the security situation is reassessed and proper safeguards are established for the inspectors.
The USDA spokesperson clarified that Mexican exports are not entirely blocked, but the suspension will prevent the import of any non-inspected shipments. Avocados and mangoes already en route to the U.S. will not be affected by the suspension.
APEAM President Julio Sahagun Calderon stated on Monday that the organization is working closely with national and international government authorities to resume avocado exports from Michoacan to the U.S. He emphasized that the incident leading to the pause was beyond the sector’s control.
Avocado exports from Jalisco are not impacted and continue to operate normally, Sahagun added.
This suspension marks the second time in the past 2 1/2 years that the U.S. has halted Mexican avocado imports, temporarily cutting off Americans’ primary supply of the popular fruit. Mexico exports the majority of its avocados to the U.S.
Mexican officials have faced challenges in maintaining secure conditions in Michoacan, the country’s largest avocado-producing state, which is plagued by gang violence and extortion. A previous ban in February 2022, initiated by a threat against an inspector, lasted a week while the Michoacan government implemented a security plan.
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