US resumes avocado inspections in Michoacán after security alert

The United States will partially resume avocado inspections in Mexico's Michoacán state on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after suspending them on Wednesday due to a security alert. The US Embassy announced the resumption in Tancítaro, Tacámbaro, Uruapan, and the Morelia–Pátzcuaro corridor, citing commitments by Mexico and security measures on the ground Source: La República. Mexico deployed 1,557 military and National Guard personnel to protect avocado-producing areas Source: AP via Clarín.

Background

Michoacán is Mexico's top avocado-producing state, supplying about 90% of Mexico's avocado exports to the US Source: La República. The suspension halted USDA inspections, which are required for avocado shipments to enter the US. This is the third such suspension; a similar halt occurred in February 2022 after an inspector was threatened Source: El País.

Reactions

US Ambassador Ronald Johnson praised Mexico's response, saying the avocado business is "mutually beneficial" and that cooperation under Presidents Trump and Sheinbaum "continues to deliver results" Source: Excélsior. However, some industry groups urge caution. The GCMA warns that insecurity could "harden US demands" in T-MEC reviews Source: Infobae. Meanwhile, APEAM director Luis Javier de la Rocha said an agreement was reached to release over 1,000 tons of avocados Source: AP via Clarín.

What's next

The resumption is gradual, and the US will continue evaluating conditions Source: CNN. Analysts note that if the suspension had persisted, competitors like Peru, Colombia, and Brazil could gain US market share Source: Infobae. Domestic avocado prices in Mexico might initially drop if more fruit stays local, but prolonged disruptions could raise costs Source: El Heraldo.