The U.S. embassy said on Aug. 7 that U.S. operations will partially resume in select towns of Michoacán's "avocado belt" after a temporary suspension halted export inspections amid security concerns. The restart follows Mexican security commitments and coordination, but no timetable for a full resumption was provided. Officials linked the U.S. alert to violence after the arrest of alleged cartel leader Alfonso Fernández Magallón, and Mexico has deployed more than 1,500 troops and National Guard personnel. Industry groups say current inventories should limit immediate disruption to U.S. supplies.
U.S. Partially Resumes Operations in Michoacán Amid Avocado Export Security Concerns
Avocados lie on a machine at a packing warehouse after the United States suspended avocado export inspections in the state following a security alert, a move that could delay shipments from Mexico's top producing region to its largest market, in Tacambaro de Codallos, Michoacan state, Mexico August 6, 2026. REUTERS/Ivan Arias
The U.S. embassy announced on Aug. 7 that the U.S. government will partially resume official activities in Michoacán, Mexico's primary avocado-producing state, lifting a suspension that had interrupted export inspections due to security concerns.
The embassy said operations would restart on Saturday in select towns across Michoacán's so-called "avocado belt" after Mexican authorities made security commitments, implemented local measures and coordinated with U.S. officials on conditions on the ground. It emphasized that U.S. authorities will continue to assess the situation and adjust operations as necessary, and provided no timeline for a full reopening.
Empty cardboard boxes at an avocado packing warehouse after the United States suspended avocado export inspections in the state following a security alert, a move that could delay shipments from Mexico's top producing region to its largest market, in Tacambaro de Codallos, Michoacan state, Mexico August 6, 2026. REUTERS/Ivan Arias
The suspension, issued on Wednesday, was prompted by what U.S. officials described as a threat to U.S. interests that halted the inspections required to clear avocados for export to the United States from Mexico's main producing region. The Mexican Hass Avocado Association said existing inventories and fruit already in transit should limit near-term disruption to U.S. supplies.
A Michoacán government official told Reuters the alert may have been triggered by violence following the arrest of alleged cartel leader Alfonso Fernández Magallón. Authorities also received unconfirmed reports that a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector may have been threatened.
Workers rest at an avocado packing warehouse after the United States suspended avocado export inspections in the state following a security alert, a move that could delay shipments from Mexico's top producing region to its largest market, in Tacambaro de Codallos, Michoacan state, Mexico, August 6, 2026. REUTERS/Ivan Arias
Mexico Responds: President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico is coordinating with the U.S. embassy to guarantee inspector safety. More than 1,500 soldiers and National Guard personnel have been deployed across Michoacán to bolster security.
U.S. avocado inspections in Michoacán were also temporarily suspended after security incidents in 2022 and 2024, underscoring recurring safety challenges for exporters and inspectors. Michoacán remains Mexico's leading avocado-producing state and a critical supplier to the U.S. market.
What To Watch: Whether the partial restart holds and when a full resumption of inspections will be announced — developments that could influence short-term U.S. avocado supply and cross-border trade flows.
Help us improve.
