USDA temporarily suspends operations in Michoacán and halts avocado exports

In a statement posted on its LinkedIn page, the Association of Avocado Producers and Exporting Packers of Mexico (APEAM, for its acronym in Spanish) informed that the US government issued a security alert and has temporarily suspended all official activities in the state of Michoacán. 

The notice affects all operations by agents of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), directly impacting the country's main avocado export production zone.

The decision was reported by the US Embassy and Consulate in Mexico, which explained that the order was triggered by “a threat against US interests.” The US officials also issued a Level 4 “Do not travel” advisory for the area, the highest given by the country. Other countries on the list include Afghanistan, Iran, and Lebanon.

In its social media post, APEAM explained that the measure directly affects USDA Regulatory Office operations, which are responsible for verifying compliance with the Operational Work Plan in avocado packing houses authorized for export.

Members of APEAM’s Board of Directors and its General Director will travel to Mexico City to meet with US authorities, address the security crisis, and reduce the impact on the industry.

Avocado supply is secure, for now

Meanwhile, the USDA informed the Michoacán avocado sector that, for the time being, only the processing of fruit received on August 4 in the presence of the agency’s Regulatory Officer is authorized.

In its notice, the authorities explained that fruit received today (August 5) may be unloaded, but, according to APEAM’s instructions, it will not be processed, and packing houses will operate under a scheme similar to that on Sundays.

Likewise, the industry body stated that “the shipment of fruit for export is not authorized, so each packing house must assess the situation and make pertinent operational decisions during this day.”

In a market alert, the American retail distribution platform Produce Alliance said that, in the short term, there is enough product in transit to maintain normal US supply. According to the service, the situation should remain stable as long as operations resume quickly.

“If the suspension is extended for a prolonged period, delays in shipments and potential problems with avocado supply could occur,” it said.

Michoacán supplies approximately 75 percent to 80 percent of Mexican avocados imported by the United States.

This is a developing story… 

*All images courtesy of APEAM and Avocados from Mexico. 

The second edition of the Global Avocado Summit will be held on November 11, 2026, at the Monticello Casino Events Center in Santiago, Chile. Organized by Paltas de Chile and Yentzen Group, the meeting seeks to bring together the main players in a growing industry

The event has established itself as a key space for addressing commercial and sustainability issues in the industry, bringing together producers, exporters, buyers, certifiers, and innovators to analyze the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

For more info, contact events@yentzengroup.com

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