Mexican Avocado Shipments to the US Halted Again

WHO:

AP News - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the increase of security in avocado production areas.

AP News - Ken Melban, president of the California Avocado Commission, stated, “The Trump administration is right to protect American personnel and confront the cartels.”

AP News - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the increase of security in avocado production areas.

AP News - The California Avocado Commission, represented by president Ken Melban, called for stronger monitoring of fruit exports.

WHAT:

AP News - Mexico began sending 1,500 more troops to Michoacan to enhance security in avocado production areas.

AP News - The U.S. announced the suspension of government operations in Michoacan, halting avocado inspections due to a non-specific threat to U.S. interests.

AP News - The avocado industry in Michoacan employs about 200,000 people.

AP News - A producer from Michoacan reported paying 1 peso per kilo exported in extortion fees and exports about 90 metric tons a day, totaling more than $5,000 in daily payments.

AP News - The California Avocado Commission called for stronger monitoring of fruit exports after a pest was reported at a Mexico packinghouse.

AP News - Mexico began sending 1,500 more troops to Michoacan to enhance security.

AP News - The U.S. announced the suspension of government operations in Michoacan, halting avocado inspections due to a non-specific threat.

AP News - More than 80% of avocados consumed in the U.S. come from Mexico, amounting to $3.7 billion in sales for Mexico in 2025.

AP News - The suspension of inspections affects avocado exports, potentially leading to price increases in the U.S.

WHERE:

AP News - The main avocado-producing state affected is Michoacan, Mexico.

AP News - Jalisco is the only other Mexican state authorized by the USDA to export avocados to the U.S.

WHEN:

AP News - The U.S. Department of Agriculture inspections were suspended on a Wednesday.

AP News - Previous export halts occurred in early 2022 and in 2024 when two USDA employees were assaulted.

WHY:

AP News - Michoacan authorities stated that the suspension was “preventive” due to recent arrests linked to extortion cases.

AP News - Mexican authorities stated that the suspension was “preventive” due to recent arrests linked to extortion cases.

AP News - Mexican authorities stated that the suspension of inspections was “preventive” due to recent arrests linked to extortion cases.

AP News - The suspension was described as “preventive” due to recent arrests linked to extortion cases in Michoacan.

AP News - Numerous cartels operate in Michoacan, impacting the avocado industry through violence and extortion.

HOW:

AP News - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested that Mexican officials could conduct the inspections, a method considered in the past but not implemented.

AP News - U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors verify avocado quality on-site to prevent pests from entering the country.

AP News - Mexican authorities typically respond to inspection halts with offers of increased security, as announced by Sheinbaum.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 12:39 UTC)

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced an increase in security for avocado production areas, with Mexico deploying an additional 1,500 troops to Michoacan to bolster these efforts. In response to a non-specific threat to U.S. interests, the U.S. has suspended government operations in Michoacan, halting avocado inspections. Local authorities in Michoacan described this suspension as a preventive measure following recent arrests related to extortion cases.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 05:34 UTC)

Ken Melban, president of the California Avocado Commission, expressed support for President Trump's approach to safeguarding American personnel and addressing cartel issues. The avocado industry in Michoacan, which employs around 200,000 people, is facing challenges as Mexican authorities announced a preventive suspension due to recent arrests related to extortion cases. Additionally, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed that officials could carry out inspections, a strategy that has been considered before but never put into action.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 03:54 UTC)

A producer from Michoacan has reported paying extortion fees of 1 peso per kilo for exporting about 90 metric tons of avocados daily, which adds up to more than $5,000 in payments each day. In response to a pest found at a packinghouse in Mexico, the California Avocado Commission is urging for stronger monitoring of fruit exports, while Mexican authorities have suspended inspections as a preventive measure following recent arrests related to extortion. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has proposed that officials could carry out these inspections, a strategy that has been considered before but never put into action.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 00:57 UTC)

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced an increase in security for avocado production areas, sending 1,500 additional troops to Michoacan to enhance safety amid rising concerns. In response to a non-specific threat, the U.S. has suspended government inspections in Michoacan, which could lead to price increases for avocados in the U.S., where over 80% of the fruit is imported from Mexico. The California Avocado Commission is calling for stronger monitoring of fruit exports as the suspension comes after recent arrests linked to extortion cases in the region, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by cartels in Michoacan.